Stuck in the middle of some work, constantly looking at the laptop with a blank mind, I successfully failed to keep my eyes open. Suddenly my phone buzz and it’s Neel, “hey, wassup! Acha listen, apply for a leave on Friday and pack your bags, be ready!” the one and only reaction that moment was, oooops Neel, I can’t, just came from a trip yesterday and again I can’t ask for a leave this week, can we make plans after………. “it’s a haunted camp dude!” and without wasting a minute I applied for a leave. Deep inside I am really excited and jumping like a kid!
Finally, it’s Friday, I just wanted to go and experience this haunted camp, no matter what! I asked Neel, bro, at least now tell me the name of the place, “Mangalgunj, now keep quiet”! So, we planned to reach there by 12 pm. As per the plan we took a local train from Sealdah railway station till Bongaon. (80 KM) – 20/- per head. From Bongoan railway station, a toto to Bongaon town hall toto stand. (3km) – 15/- per head. From there, a toto/auto to Nataberia (21 km) – 25/- per head. Lastly, from Nataberia to Mangalgunj Backpackers’ villa (3 km) – 15/- per head. There’s an alternative route as well.
Sealdah railway station to Chakdah railway station (65 km) – 15/- per head. By train. Chakdah Railway station to Nataberia (28 km) – by bus 30/- per head. Nataberiato Mangalgunj backpackers’ villa (3 km) – by toto 15/- per head.
Finally, we reached Mangalgunj backpackers’ camp by 12:30 pm and after all the saniterisation process they welcomed us with a glass of nimbu pani. The backpackers, camp is run by IZIFISO. The campus is decorated with spooky elements. There are 6 adventure tents (maximum occupants 3) and 3 bamboo cottages (maximum occupants 3). The respective charges for tent and cottages are Rs 1400 and Rs 1300 per person per day, including food (includes welcome drinks, Bengali home cooked lunch, evening tea and dinner) evening snacks are chargeable, i.e., bamboo chicken (trust me, you are going to love it).
So yeah, a village where the British brutally tortured the local farmers and the death of many freedom fighters during the swadeshi movement. Mangalgunj is a small village named after Maharaja Mangalchandra, within a few years, Mangalgunj has made a name for itself among the travel enthusiasts especially because of ‘Nil Kuthi’ or ‘Neel Kuthi’ (Indigo processing house), which is situated on the bank of the Ichamoti river. Of course, you will feel eerie once you land in Mangalgunj. This village is also known as the ‘biggest firefly migratory zone’ in Bengal. If the nights are scary, the mornings are fun at Mangalgunj. Neel kuthi was quite normal in afternoon, there’s a school just beside the kuthi and 2-3 food stalls, there a boy started telling the story of the Kuthi when we asked him for a cup of tea. The enormous bungalow is in ruins now. Neel kuthi is a witness to some horrifying deaths. It is said that many women were exploited, tortured and murdered by land lords and the English officers of the East India Company here. Lastly, a revolutionary farmer chopped off the head of a British Officer’s head. That is why the bungalow is called ‘kata Saheb-er Kuthi.
After having our lunch at Izifiso Backpackers’ camp (and the meal was super delicious), we went for a boat ride in the Ichamoti river. (a must try) trust me, you are going to love it, a peaceful, scenic yet fun boat ride. And we witness a beautiful sunset from the boat. A slow boat ride on the River Ichamoti is extremely romantic. The river flows through the Parmadan Forest (Bibhutibhusan wildlife Sanctuary). There is a calmness in the ambience. Take a walk through the woods. It is so blissful. Green trees and the chirping of birds heal the urban soul. The total ambience of the camp is so soothing that one can ideally lay down on some hammock inside the campus with a book or even keep starting at the blue sky. You are going to witness a new Mangalgunj just after the sunset. Yes, a camp without a campfire is definitely incomplete. you are going to love it. The speciality food of this camp is Bamboo chicken, the chicken is put inside bamboo and roasted in flame. Bamboo chicken is chargeable….
And, now the most attractive part of the camp, the ghost walk. This walk begins after our dinner. We were guided b Raju Da, from the camp. Our group was of 16 people. We had two lanterns and phone torch light. This area of Mangalgunj doesn’t have electricity supply. The darkness itself have a different vibe here. Since this trip is to completely experience the supernatural, it is better to maintain the silence and be alert. It is a small hike in the dark, So, one must wear a pair of comfortable clothes and shoes fit for walking for long. It started with some basic guidelines of being together and of maintaining silence. We were really excited to listen to the local believes and stories, and ofcourse with loads of questions and uncertainties. As we walked into the pitch dark, we were beginning to doubt our own shadows formed by the lights from the lantern. The sound of our own footsteps on dry leaves made us uncomfortable. Finaly, we reached the haveli which once boasted of its glory. Now in ruins, and each corner looks like a frightening structure of terrific history. We took a tour of the building. One need to be very careful because the ground is totally uneven. We all were having goosebumps. There was an uncanny feeling, may be because of the darkness, history, ruins and our imagination, or may be there is something supernatural.
After returning back to the camp we all were discussing about this, most of us could not sleep. Some were a little scared. There’s a different place for horror stories and movies but experiencing something like this is really a different vibe!
Ultimately the night passed and again the fresh air, sunlight, chirping of birds was enough to make us more comfortable and confident once again. We had our breakfast and started back for Kolkata.
I really loved this place, took back some unique experiences. So if you’re looking for something different within your own state, this place is a definitely must try. Also, keeping in mind the present scenario don’t forget to take extra precautions and help to keep yourself and other safe. Stay happy, stay healthy!
