I finally managed to go home after one and half long years. Digboi. I had a zillion plans for photography during my 12 day stay as this was the first time I was equipped with a camera. Unfortunately the pre monsoon showers played spoilt sport and I did not get much sun and clear weather.
The skies here in this part of the country are different. The clouds finally seem to have reached home after a long journey and seem to be almost stationery. Grey clouds come here to shed their sorrows and become white again. But this thought makes me wonder, that if it is sorrow how come the earth looks happier and brighter after a shower. Endless downpours level out the innumerable potholes that deck the narrow roads of the highway that passes through town. However, just across, on the IOCL Township of the town roads are better maintained and the rains seem to rejuvenate them. The gushing of waters into the drains announces the arrival of the pre monsoon showers which stay here for quite a long time.
I still managed some rides to the Arunachal order near Changlang via Margherita, the road leading to which is decked with numerous tea estates and plantations. The Dehing river which passes through Margherita still looks pretty as the sun sets and it waits for the monsoons to become full again. The Margherita-Changlang road is a connection to one of the remotest corners of the country which is known for its beautiful tropical forests, amazing tribes and the famous Stilwell Road which passes through onward into Myanmar and China.
Digboi in itself is a historic oil town. This was the birth place of the Indian Oil industry with the first oil refinery being established here in 1901 and oil being first found as early as 1889. I couldn’t visit the oil fields (due to various restrictions) which has a massive 998 oil wells and was the primary driver of the British offensive in Burma (Myanmar) against the Japanese in the Second World War. The oil fields are an experience in itself with Jurassic Park like vegetation and tall oil well structures that have stood the test of time. Leopards, elephants, deer and scores of species of birds find it a safe haven without any poachers.
The refinery on the other hand has undergone extensive modernization in the past decade to keep up with technology and rising demand. The centenary park that marks the 100 years of the town is a beautiful, quiet place that basks under the flames and lights of the refinery just across the road. I also couldn’t visit the Oil Museum which documents the history of the town and I must say (I’ve been there before) it takes you back in time and is surely an experience.
The Digboi War cemetery on the east side of the town is home to soldiers who gloriously fought in the Second World War and made their greatest sacrifice. Some of them from as far away as Egypt, many from England, Indians from other states and some of them unknown yet known to God. This quiet and peaceful refuge for their souls maybe far away from their home country but I am sure it’s perfect for them to be next to their Brothers in Arms. I quietly saluted them as they lay next to their brothers and under God’s grace. Right next to the cemetery is the Digboi Reserve Forest which is a delight for birdwatchers but one has to be careful to avoid the leopards and elephants. I managed to spot a Siberian Duck that makes Digboi and its surrounding areas its winter home.
Digboi and its surrounding towns and villages have a lot to offer to the tourist who wants to have a laidback vacation amidst verdant tea gardens and forests. And if you are curious enough the history behind these places will surely mesmerize you.
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