Kalpokhri is a scared lake located at an elevation of 3170 meters. It is found enroute to the famous Sandakphu peak of Singalila Range from Gairibas. The local people believe it to be the home of the formidable Kalnaag or the huge slithering black snake. Pokhri in the local language means lake and Kaal is derived from Kaalnaag and hence Kalpokhri. The Kalpokhri contains black water and is a rare presence at such an elevation. During spring the region surrounding the black lake is full of the magnificent rhododendron and orchids. The lake doesn’t freeze even during winter because the water is muddy.
Category: Himalaya in West Bengal
Himalaya in West Bengal
Lepchajagat sunrise point of 6,956 feet
Lepchajagat literally meaning the world of the Lepchas, the original tribe of Eastern Himalayas is now a beautiful tourist destination famous for its romantic atmosphere and sunrise point. Located at an elevation of 6,956 feet, Lepchajagat offers a fascinating sunrise from the Ghoom Rock which is unparalleled in its appeal. Though the place is located at a short distance of 19 kilometers from Darjeeling main town and is only 45 minutes drive from Ghoom, it seems like a completely different world. Quiet, tranquil, romantic; it is an ideal destination for honeymooners to spend time each other forgetting all about the world. Lepchajagat is now a reserved forest area maintained by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation.
Chatakpur Eco Resort
Chatakpur Eco Resort is located on Siliguri-Darjeeling Road and is only 7 kilometers from Sonada and 18 kilometers from Jorbanglow. Enjoying an elevation of 7887 feet, this lovely little hamlet has only 90 villagers and is being developed by the forest department as an eco resort for tourists. It is an ideal destination for people seeking peace and quiet in the Himalayan Mountains. Amidst the lush greenery, wooden cottages, forest trails and the majestic Kanchenjunga, this is a paradise on earth. The best place for bird watchers, Chatakpur offers that much awaited freedom and freshness from the confined city life.
Tonglu near Maneybhanjan & Sandakphu
A quaint little hamlet between Maneybhanjan and Sandakphu, Tonglu derives its name from Tonglu peak 3036 meters belonging to the Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Tonglu is a small settlement within the Singalila National Park located close to the Indo-Nepal border. It is basically a halt for the trekkers traveling to Sandakphu through Manebhanjan. Tonglu’s ethereal atmosphere mixed with its solitude is a boon to the trekkers and also to individuals who love to spend some time in isolation far from the daily busy lives. It is an ideal retreat to relax and unwind.
Echhey Forest Village or Echhey Gaon, one of the organic village in India
Echhey Gaon is a picturesque village in the lap of Himalayas surrounded by dense forest of Juniper, pine and birch where you will feel detached from human civilization. With loads of greenery and peace and quiet, this old-world village has not been spoilt with materialistic pleasure of the city life. This is an ideal place for the nature lovers at an altitude of 5,800 feet none of the machines can disturb you from relishing the natural abundance of this village. Only 12 kilometers away from Kalimpong and cab fare is around 800 INR, this incredibly pristine hamlet is home to approximately 30 families living in peace and happiness. If you wish to share their happiness then definitely visit Echhey Gaon or the Wishing Village.
Sillery Gaon near Kalimpong
The soothing pine wrapped village of Sillery Gaon is situated at an elevation of 6000 feet. It is only 8 kilometers from Pedong and is termed as New Darjeeling due to its beauty, accessibility and affordability. The name Sillery is derived from a plant which grows aplenty in the region. This hamlet has also has a huge cinchona plantation to boast off. This village is arguably the best upcoming tourist destination in Darjeeling with its wilderness, silver Kanchenjunga peak, diverse flora and fauna. With so much greenery around you and of course the appealing view of the world’s 3rd highest peak Kanchenjunga, Sillery Gaon is a place oozing serenity to calm your raging soul. Even the most hardcore pragmatic person is bound to become a diehard romantic after visiting Sillery Gaon. Continue reading
Latpanchar is only 13 kilometers from Kalijhora a part of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Latpanchar is a small and wonderful hamlet near Kalijhora which is also a part of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Only 13 kilometers from Kalijhora, you should not miss this beautiful and unspoiled forest village with an average elevation of 4,200 feet. The best part of Latpanchar visit is that you will be able to see many wild animals, birds and enjoy dense vegetation as it is a section of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. It is an ideal place for forest lovers. However, in spite of such natural splendor Latpanchar has yet to become a primary tourist destination in the Eastern Himalayas.
Monsong is only 8 kilometers from Pedong and 32 kilometers from Kalimpong
Monsong is a lovely little quaint village located in the charming eastern Himalayan region. It is quite an offbeat destination and a perfect weekend getaway. The beautiful and cool weather, the formidable mountains, the lush green forests of fir, pine, birch shaal, cinchona and cypress, innumerable birds, some endangered animals and hospitable and warm people are some of the characteristics of this charming hamlet, Monsong. It is situated at a short distance of only 8 kilometers from Pedong and 32 kilometers from Kalimpong, the major town. Sparsely populated and far from the din and bustle of city life, this is an ideal place for rejuvenating the senses; tired body, mind and soul.
Rikisum is 15 kilometers north of Kalimpong
Rikisum is a beautiful and almost isolated village in the Kalimpong subdivision of Darjeeling District in West Bengal. 15 kilometers to the north of Kalimpong, this quaint hamlet is only an hour’s drive from the main town. The hilltop settlement welcomes you with open arms to savor the unspoiled beauty of the village in its full glory. Since it falls on the Pedong–Lava Road the village enjoys an elevation from which the mighty Kanchenjunga and other peaks are clearly visible. The towns of Gangtok and Pedong also present a panoramic from this village.
Chibo in Kalimpong is famous for its flower nursery
Chibo is a busty found in the Kalimpong subdivision of Darjeeling district in West Bengal which is famous for its flower nursery. Busty meaning residential area; Chibo Busty is quite a famous community in Kalimpong. Located on 7th Mile Kalimpong Chibo Busty attracts a large number of tourists for the Standard Nursery of flowers. Standard Nursery is popular for growing magnificent and colorful Dahlias, Gerbera and different types of roses. Continue reading