India, Feb. 7 -- Nestled amid the towering sal trees of Sukna, just 10 kilometres from Siliguri, the gateway to the Northeast, lie the wooden staff quarters of West Bengal's forest department. These simple yet charming houses, some over 50 years old, are a testament to a way of life that is slowly fading.

Sukna, a picturesque town in West Bengal's Darjeeling district, is best known for its forests and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous toy train winds its way daily to the hill town, offering passengers a glimpse into the region's serene beauty. Visitors staying at the historic Sukna forest bungalow, once graced by Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, often catch sight of the train.

Yet, beyond thes...