Sisamara River View Forest Villa

Sisamara River View Forest Villa stands at Munshipara in the Salkumar forest, on the bank of the Sisamara river about sixteen kilometres from the Jaldapara National Park gates. Forest runs up to the property on three sides, and peacocks turn up on the lawn.

There are two kinds of room, four in all. The Tong Houses are the reason to come — 270 sq ft wooden rooms raised on stilts in the traditional Dooars style, each with a private balcony looking straight out over the river and the trees. The Royal Cottages are slightly larger at 280 sq ft, at ground level with a shared balcony. Both sleep up to five with an extra mattress, both are air-conditioned, and both have attached bathrooms.

Meals here are ordered rather than bundled, as set Bengali menus by the day: the Pandit Moshai Bhoj, the Jamindari Bhoj, or the Maharaja Bhoj with local mutton or country chicken. Forest and elephant safaris at Jaldapara are arranged on request, and the balconies are good enough for birdwatching without going anywhere at all. Falakata and New Alipurduar stations are about 23 km away and Bagdogra airport 134 km. Pets are welcome for a small charge.