点评:It has been quite a few years since Mridul (Mridulkanti Kar), founder of Warbler's Hut and a Naturalist, requested that I visit. In December 2022, I could not make it to the BWS Birding Camp, which was held at Warbler's Hut, due to family commitments.
Nevertheless, after much evaluation and planning, I drove to Warbler's Hut at Majua (Darjeeling District, bordering Nepal) on 23rd March 2024 for a 5-night – 6-day trip. The resident naturalist, Sourav Mandal, met us on the road to Warbler's Hut. He had meticulously planned everything needed to handle us 'all senior citizens'. Sourav did all the hard work as we took solace in his care. He had arranged a safe parking spot for our vehicle at Majua. Upon reaching, I realised the necessity of a 4-W drive for the terrain that we were in. All our trips after that were on local vehicles arranged by Warbler's Hut.
Nestled amidst the serene landscapes adjoining Singalila National Park, the Warbler's Hut offers a delightful escape for birding enthusiasts and nature lovers. During our five-night stay at this charming homestay, we were enveloped in warmth and hospitality that exceeded all expectations. Life in the hills is so pristine and delightful that it is difficult to explain in words.
From the moment we arrived, the team at Warbler's Hut, led by Sourav Mandal, extended a warm welcome, making us feel right at home. Unfortunately, weather Gods decided to play it the other way. Despite the challenging rain and cold weather conditions, the Warbler's Hut team went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and safety throughout our stay. Their genuine care and attention to all our requests made our experience exceptional.
The main highlight of our trip was the opportunity to embark on a guided expedition to spot the elusive Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens). In spite of the elevation (11000 ft), the steep inclines & declines, and adverse weather, the team at Warbler's Hut expertly managed the excursion, allowing us to witness the magnificent mammal so unique to this habitat in their natural habitat. We were lucky to have a clear, sunlit weather window of about 3 hours for this grand lifetime event.
Their (Warbler's Hut team) dedication and knowledge of the area were instrumental in making this adventure memorable.
Even though the weather hindered our birdwatching endeavours, the tranquillity of the surroundings and abundant natural beauty more than made up for it. Regardless of the bad weather, we managed a few lifers! Hats Off to Sourav for his perseverance in rainy and windy conditions.
Beyond the adventures in nature, the hospitality and culinary delights offered at Warbler's Hut were exemplary. From delicious home-cooked meals and luscious snacks to warm water on demand, we felt truly pampered; every aspect of our stay was perfectly tailored.
Special Thanks to Priyanka for the lip-smacking meals she cooked. Our heartful thanks to Ashwin for being there at every beck and call. Thanks to their parents and to the little ones, Frjja and Shreyanshu … I hope I got the names correct! Our best wishes to Ashwin upon his selection to join the Gorkha Regimental Training School at Shimla. May he succeed in all his endeavours.
In conclusion, Warbler's Hut is more than just a place to stay—it's a sanctuary for those seeking solace in nature's embrace. Whether you're a passionate birder or simply looking to reconnect with the natural world, this tranquil retreat promises an unforgettable experience filled with warmth, adventure, and unparalleled hospitality.
A huge thanks to Mridul and Sourav for making this trip ever so memorable.
Location: Warblers Hut, Singbhumdera, near Singalila NP; March 2024
With Sanghita Dutta & Arunava Dutta
翻译:自从 Warbler's Hut 的创始人兼博物学家 Mridul (Mridulkanti Kar) 邀请我去拜访以来,已经过去好几年了。2022 年 12 月,由于家庭事务,我无法参加在 Warbler's Hut 举行的 BWS 观鸟营。
尽管如此,经过多次评估和规划,我于 2024 年 3 月 23 日驱车前往 Majua(大吉岭区,与尼泊尔接壤)的 Warbler's Hut,进行了为期 5 晚 6 天的旅行。常驻博物学家 Sourav Mandal 在前往 Warbler's Hut 的路上与我们会面。他精心计划了照顾我们这些“老年人”所需的一切。Sourav 做了所有辛苦的工作,我们在他的照顾下感到安心。他在 Majua 为我们的车安排了一个安全的停车位。到达后,我意识到,对于我们所在的地形来说,四轮驱动车是必不可少的。此后,我们所有的行程都是乘坐 Warbler's Hut 安排的当地车辆。
Warbler's Hut 坐落在毗邻辛加利拉国家公园的宁静景观之中,为观鸟爱好者和自然爱好者提供了一个令人愉快的度假胜地。在我们在这个迷人的寄宿家庭住的五个晚上,我们被超出所有预期的温暖和热情所包围。山中的生活如此原始和愉快,难以用语言描述。
从我们到达的那一刻起,Warbler's Hut 的团队(由 Sourav Mandal 领导)就热情欢迎我们,让我们有宾至如归的感觉。不幸的是,天气之神决定以另一种方式来对待我们。尽管天气寒冷,但 Warbler's Hut 团队还是竭尽全力确保我们在整个住宿期间的舒适和安全。他们真诚的关心和对我们所有要求的关注让我们的体验非同寻常。
我们这次旅行的主要亮点是有机会参加一次有导游陪同的探险活动,寻找难以捉摸的小熊猫 (Ailurus fulgens)。尽管海拔 (11000 英尺)、陡峭的上坡和下坡以及恶劣的天气,Warbler's Hut 的团队还是熟练地安排了这次旅行,让我们目睹了这种在自然栖息地中如此独特的壮丽哺乳动物。我们很幸运,有大约 3 小时的晴朗阳光天气窗口来观看这一一生难忘的盛事。
他们 (Warbler's Hut 团队) 的奉献精神和对该地区的了解使这次冒险令人难忘。
尽管天气阻碍了我们的观鸟活动,但周围环境的宁静和丰富的自然美景弥补了这一点。尽管天气恶劣,我们还是设法捕获了一些生命中难得一见的鸟类!向 Sourav 致敬,感谢他在雨天和刮风天的坚持不懈。
除了大自然中的探险,Warbler's Hut 提供的款待和美食也堪称典范。从美味的家常菜和美味小吃到随叫随到的温水,我们感到真正受到了宠爱;我们住宿的每个方面都经过了完美的量身定制。
特别感谢 Priyanka 烹制的美味佳肴。我们衷心感谢 Ashwin 随时待命。感谢他们的父母和孩子们,Frjja 和 Shreyanshu……我希望我的名字是对的!我们祝愿 Ashwin 被选中加入西姆拉的 Gorkha 军团训练学校。祝他一切顺利。
总之,Warbler's Hut 不仅仅是一个住宿的地方——它是那些在大自然怀抱中寻求慰藉的人的避难所。无论您是一位热情的观鸟者,还是只是想重新与自然世界建立联系,这个宁静的度假胜地都将为您带来难忘的体验,这里温暖、充满冒险,而且热情好客。
非常感谢 Mridul 和 Sourav 让这次旅行如此难忘。
地点:Warblers Hut,Singbhumdera,靠近 Singalila NP;2024 年 3 月
与 Sanghita Dutta 和 Arunava Dutta 一起