We are so much in a rush these days that we cannot even stop to admire the nature and the little things of life. Sometimes it becomes necessary to leave aside our daily city life and travel to some distant place where there is no crowd and we can be at peace with ourselves. And with the problem of getting leaves, weekends are to be utilized for these escapades. Taki near Hasnabad is one such place that can be a good weekend destination from Kolkata.
Situated in the Basirhat subdivision, Taki is a municipality town, but peaceful and quiet. The Ichhamati River flows by the town separating it from our neighbouring country Bangladesh. If you like to spend some time in tranquility, then Taki is the place to be in the weekends.
Taki is famous for the immersion of the idol of Goddess Durga during the Vijay Dashami of Durga Puja. The Icchamati banks pull together a lot of crowd. The whole affair is a spectacle to watch. Durga idols from both the countries are immersed in the waters of Icchamati together. The idols are taken in mid river by boats from both the countries and are then immersed. It indeed becomes a memorable affair.
Things to do:
1. Visit the Machranga Island
Machranga Island is an uninhabited island near the confluence of Vasa and Icchamati Rivers. It is also known as mini Sunderbans because of the Sundari and Golpata trees that are found here. The place is an excellent spot for walking, swimming and bird watching. Take a boat ride at Macchranga Island. You can see the ruins of the Roy Chowdhury Zamindar houses that are gradually being swallowed by the river.
2. Visit the Golpatar Jungle
Golpatar Jungle is filled with Golpatar trees. You can take a rickshaw to visit the Golpatar Jungle. There are walking trails under the canopy of Golpata trees. These trails lead to the place from where you can get views of Bangladesh. While you are visiting Golpata jungle, you must carry your photo id proof with you as you may be asked to present it before you enter the place. the canopy walk here is going to be a unique experience.
3. Visit the ruins of the Roy Chowdhury Zamindar houses
The Roy Chowdhury Zamindar Bari is the ancestral property of former Army General Shankar Roy Chowdhury. Now only ruins remain of the erstwhile rich house. There is a Natmandir and a few old temples at the premises.
4. Visit the nearby temples
There are a number of temples in this region. You can visit the 300 years old Jora Shib Mandir dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is also Kuleswari Kali Temple. There is also a Ramkrishna Mission at Taki.
5. Visit the eco-park
The eco-park has been built by the municipality that has boating facilities in its premises. Also you can find birds and fishes there.
How to Reach Taki:
Taki is around 70 km from Kolkata.
By train:
From Sealdah Station you have to take Hasnabad Local train and get down at Taki Road Station. It is a 2 hours journey. After getting down at Taki Road station, take a cycle van to reach your accommodation.
By Road:
You can also reach Taki by car or ride a bus from the Esplanade. It will take about 3 to 4 hours to reach Taki.
Best Time to visit:
You can visit Taki at any time of the year. But winter season are the best time to visit the place. During the winter, original jaggery or Patali Gur is available here.
Another good time to visit Taki is during the Vijaya Dashami of Durga Puja. The Durga idol immersion at Taki is a spectacle to watch.
Places to stay:
There are a few basic guest houses at Taki with modern amenities. There are also a few garden houses near the Icchamati River. At Taki, you will get a variety of fresh water fishes. If you are a fish lover, do have a taste of the fresh fishes from the river.