Kalimpong

Kalimpong is a hill station in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located at an average elevation of 1,250 metres (4,101 ft). The town is the headquarters of the Kalimpong district. The Indian Army’s 27 Mountain Division is located on the outskirts of the town.

Kalimpong is known for its educational institutions, many of which were established during the British colonial period. It used to be a gateway in the trade between Tibet and India before China’s annexation of Tibet and the Sino-Indian War. Kalimpong and neighbouring Darjeeling were major centres calling for a separate Gorkhaland state in the 1980s, and more recently in 2010.

The municipality sits on a ridge overlooking the Teesta River and is a tourist destination owing to its temperate climate, magnificent Himalayan beauty and proximity to popular tourist locations in the region. Horticulture is important to Kalimpong: It has a flower market notable for its wide array of orchids; nurseries, which export Himalayan grown flower bulbs, tubers and rhizomes, contribute to the economy of Kalimpong. Home to Nepalis, non-indigenous Lepchas, other ethnic groups and non-native immigrants from other parts of India, the town is a religious centre of Buddhism. The Buddhist monastery Zang Dhok Palri Phodang holds a number of rare Tibetan Buddhist scriptures.

The Kalimpong Science Centre, established under the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) in 2008 is a recent addition to its many tourist attractions. The Science Centre, which provides for scientific awareness among the students of the town and the locals sits atop the Deolo Hill.

For Accommodation Click Here https://bengaltourism.blog/bengal-lodges/private-accommodation/kalimpong/

 

Ecchey Gaon / Icchey Gaon:

Icchey Gaon or “Wishing Village” is a place where all your wishes to stay amidst untouched nature would come true. At Icchey Gaon, you can get a panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjungha, wake up to the call of unknown birds, take jungle walks through pine forests and stay in a village still untouched by tourist rush. Located at an altitude of 5800 feet, Icchey Gaon is close to Pedong. The homestay at Icchey Gaon is well-furnished with Double Bed and Triple Bed rooms with attached western bathrooms. At night, you can relish the twinkling lights of Darjeeling, Namchi and Ravangla from your homestay and the morning sky is ruled by the majestic Mt. Kanchenjungha.

Nearly 93 kilometers from Siliguri and takes about three hours drive. The roads are nice. There are two approach Road one via Kalimpong other via Mongsong. From Rangpo there is a scenic road to Kalimpong via Mongsong. Icchey / Ecchey Gaon is within two kilometers with Ramdhura and the activities and sightseeing places are same. One can also visit the beautiful British – built Jalsa Bungalow of 1930. A trek along the Cinchona plantation and a visit to the Cinchona Godown can be on your itinerary. Mahadev Dham temple and Hanuman Tok (viewpoint) nearby is also in the places of interest along with the visit to Deollo. One can enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains and valleys. One day trek to Sillery and Ramitay Dhara is possible. Day sightseeing trip to Icchey Gaon, Ramitey Dara (which has the longest view of River Teesta), Damsang Fort, Valley of Silence, Tinchuley view point would be very rewarding. Home stays in Ramdhura are well equipped with electricity, warm water and attached western bathrooms. The breakfast table in the open-air terrace overlooking Mt. Kanchenjungha and River Teesta is a great place to spend your early morning. The home stays arrange trek guides for the guests and cars for sightseeing trips too. The food is essentially Indian, home cooked and the ingredients are mostly locally sourced and freshly plucked from local farm, one can help or learn cooking Momo or may learn cooking local dishes here. Adventure based tour like paragliding; Rafting and Rock climbing can be arranged from here. Other resort towards Pedong are The Silk Route Retreat, Reshi Khola Ecotourism Resort, Damsang Guest House, Rikissum, Chavi Village Resort, Dadul Guest House, Prakriti Eco Retreat, Neel Pahari, Pedong Holiday Resort, Jelepla Village Resort, etc. Adventure based tour like Paragliding; Rafting and Rock climbing can be arranged from here. In house dining, rooms with attached bath and toilet, warm water, parking facilities, transport arrangements are the minimum back up guest can avail.

 

an Organic Village Tourism spot, about 15 km. from Kalimpong at a height of 5,800 ft. is emerging as a new destination for nature-lovers who want to spend few days in the lap of Himalaya.  A truly village atmosphere with panaromic view of mountains with the cheerful simple village people. Kanchenjunga range could be seen clearly from dawn to dusk from here. From NJP station it will take 3 hours to reach ECHEY GAON (ICHEY GAON) by a car, in Kalimpong-Ramdura-Rangpo route. Temperature in winter varies from 2 – 8 degree celsius.

Icchey Gaon is a pristine Himalayan hamlet tucked within the pine forests of Kalimpong with a panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjungha. Nestled at an altitude of 5800 feet, it is the perfect place for those nursing the soul of a nature lover. With numerous nature trails and short treks starting off from Icchey Gaon to viewpoints like Ramitey Dara, Tinchuley and Jalsa, it is one of the best-kept secrets of this region. The evenings at Icchey Gaon become very exciting when lights of Darjeeling, Ravangla and Namchi twinkle all along the slopes of the mighty Himalayas. Presently, there is only one modern homestay equipped with electricity and attached western bathrooms to accommodate guests. The homestay also arranges transport for sightseeing to Delo, Pedong, Sillery, Lava, Reshikhola and other destinations.

What to see in Icchey Gaon

There is a beautiful hilltop called Tinchuley near Icchen Gaon, which offers a panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjungha, the towns of Sikkim, Jeep La and Nathula. You can drive to this hilltop or trek to the spot. Another captivating sightseeing destination is Ramitey Dara, a renowned vantage point, which presents a wide view of the meandering River Teesta, featuring 14 turns along with the mighty Kanchenjungha range. A visit to the Damsang Fort is also must for all tourists. The fort resides 6 km away from the Icchey Gaon. Built in 1690, by the Lepchas, this fort was destroyed by the British, after the Anglo-Bhutan War of 1864. So, only the remnants of the fort exist now. The breathtaking beauty of the Silence Valley, small grassy woodland offers the ultimate tranquility. A trip to the famous Jalsa viewpoint, located 4 km away from Icchey Gaon is another celebrated spot within the Cinchona plantation and a British Bungalow. The site offers one of the widest view of the Teesta River and a gorgeous view of the Mt. Kanchenjungha range.

Destinations like Reshi, Pedong, Aritar, Mankhim and Sillery Gaon are all located near Icchey Gaon. One of the most celebrated tourist attractions of Icchey Gaon is the Sangchen Dorjee Monastery, located near Pedong. The ancient section of the monastery is adorned with some beautiful wall paintings, depicting Tantrik Buddhism. The major attraction of the new section is the mummified body of the most revered Bhutanese priest. A visit to the Cross Hill near Pedong, built by Fr. Augustine Desgodins in 1882 is also quite rewarding. It stands beautifully, overlooking Nathula and Jelep-La and is highly revered as a site of Pilgrimage for the local Christian Community. Do not forget the ‘Shahid Park’, located 2 km away from Pedong Bazar. There is a memorial stone in the park, which has been laid to pay honor to the memory of local young soldier of Indian army, Late Palender Raj who sacrificed his life at Thangdhar J & K sector (Kargil War). The park offers wonderful view of Sikkim on the opposite side.

You will fall under the spell of ecstasy of Kashyone village, located 8 km from Pedong Bazaar. The wonderful view of the union of Teesta River and Rongpo Khola, just behind the village is truly awe inspiring. Nature admirers can also visit nearby Ranibon that has been declared as a preserved forest. The place also houses a 300-year old Lepcha house, which is the only specimen, showcasing the delicate Lepcha craft works. Trips to Reshi Bridge and Reshi Khola from Icchey Gaon are also quite rewarding. Rishi and Mudum Khola join to form Rishi Khola. The natural beauty of the place is truly amazing. The Aritar Lake or Lampokhri is a beautiful eco tourism spot, located 16 km from Rishi Bridge in East Sikkim. The highest point of the location, popularly called Mankhim offers a mesmerizing view of Mt. Kanchenjungha on the southwest and Jelep La and Nathu La towards the northeast. Another celebrated viewpoint at Aritar is Love Dara. Regular day trips are also arranged from Icchey Gaon to Dello Hanuman Park, Loleygaon, Lava, Rishap and Sillery gaon.

 Sillery Gaon is just at the other side of Echey Gaon separated by a hill. A thrilling and enjoyable jungle trek of about 2.5 km.  through Echey Forest reaches Sillery Gaon touching Ramitey View Point, from where entire range of peaks and several bends of River Teesta  can be seen. Many beautiful known and unknown flowers and plants attracts one’s attention.

Accommodation in Icchey Gaon

Hotels have not yet come up in Icchey Gaon. Only one home stay accommodation is available at the destination. You will experience the true hospitality of hill people in the home stay of Icchey Gaon. They are so dedicated to the guests’ service. Moreover, the home stay comes equipped with furnished rooms with attached Western bathrooms. Prime necessities like electricity, hot water, transport arrangements and guides for local treks are also provided. Moreover, the home stay facility overlooks the forests, village and Mt. Kanchenjungha. Home cooked food is offered to the guests, which are quite tasty and fresh.

Best time to visit Icchey Gaon

Icchey Gaon attracts tourists round the year. In winter, you can savor an amazing view of the entire Mt. Kanchenjungha range and in monsoons the whole region is covered in lush greenery, wild flowers, gushing steams and waterfalls.

 

Mongarjung / Mangarjung

Mangerjung is a small village, surrounded by forests overlooking Mt. Kanchenjungha and River Teesta. Far from the tourist rush – it’s a refuge for the soul searchers. Here, you wake up to bird calls and fall asleep to starry nights. You can take jungle walks and stay in a village still not marked on the tourist map. Located at an altitude of 3500 feet on a cliff, Mangerjang is very near to Munsong and just 11 kms from Rangpo. The village has around eight resident families, who till a small piece of land and leave the rest to the deep forests. A village monastery, a playing field and a homestay run by an enterprising villager, is what makes most of the village. You also have a small thatched seating space on the cliff’s edge to enjoy your cup of tea and an open Maachan (bamboo watch tower) jutting out and hanging over the hill to overlook River Teesta and Mt. Kanchenjungha.

There is a small monastery in Mangerjang and the village is surrounded by forests. You can take a forest walk with your hosts or spend all the time at The Maachan hanging over the cliff and witnessing the changing colours of Mt. Kanchenjungha and River Teesta. From the Maachan, you can enjoy views of Sikkim on the distance and the winding highways along the river. This little village of Mangerjang is near to Pedong, Munsong and Rangpo.

After a restful night you can make short trips to the nearby attractions. The Cross Hill near Pedong built in 1882 is acknowledged as a site of pilgrimage by the Local Christian Community. Another wonderful location is the Shahid Park, which nestles 2 km away from Pedong Bazar.

The park guards a stone, in honor of a local young soldier of Indian Army, Late Palender Raj who gave up his life at the (Kargil War). A trip to the Damsang fort, located in Pedong is also rewarding. However, only the ruins of the fort exist now. Do not miss to have the fascinating beauty of the Silence Valley, a small forestland. Many tourists also visit the Jalsa viewpoint in upper Munsong, a great place within the Cinchona plantation with a magnificent view of Mt. Kanchenjungha, River Teesta and lush forests surrounding it. There is an old British Bungalow at Jalsa, which gives the place a mystic feel and reminds of the Sahibs and their trips to the Himalayas.

You can either idle away your whole stay or enjoy some activities. You can trek through the forests or hire a car to go around the places. The place is also great for bird watching. However, the best thing to do is to climb up the Machan and gaze towards the mountains, rivers and forests. In the evenings you can arrange a small campfire.

The closest railway station from the destination is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport. You would get shared cars to Rangpo in Sikkim from NJP or Bagdogra. From Rangpo or Kalimpong you can take the pick-up service to Mangerjang.

Mangerjang welcomes tourist round the year. Winter is the best time for viewing Mt. Kanchenjungha. The monsoons fill up the rivers to the brim and gushing water, lush forests and wild flowers all around make Mangerjang a small paradise tucked along the slope of Himalayas.

Mangerjang offers only one home stay facility, which provides furnished rooms with attached western bathrooms. Necessities like hot water, electricity, transport facilities and guides for local trek are also provided. There are Double Bedrooms, Triple Bedrooms and even family rooms in the home stay. All rooms come with attached western bathrooms and clean beds. The food is essentially Indian and home cooked and served hot with homely care.

Chhibo

Chhibo is a new tourist destination just 4 kms from Kalimpong. Mountains have always been a wonder for tourists. Chibo claims an average altitude of 4100 feet and is a pristine hill village in the Himalayas located on a ridge, offering spectacular views of the Mt. Kanchenjungha and the surrounding forests and foothills.

Forests and wild flowers all around make Chibo a small paradise tucked along the slopes of Himalayas. A cactus garden in front of a local village house is just lovely to look at. Chibo has wonderful greenery surrounded by the tall pine trees (locally known as Dhupi) and colourful flowers. The chirping birds and the fresh air of Chhibo makes it an ideal weekend destination to rest and bask in the morning sun.

From Chibo, you can just take a sightseeing trip to Kalimpong, just 4 kms away. Your first stop could be Durpin Dara – an observatory point offering a stunning view of the Himalayas, the meandering Teesta and Relli rivers and the plains far below. You are sure to be charmed by the wonderful nurseries of Kalimpong.

History hunters and soul searchers can visit the Pedong monastery, built around 1837 to revive their spirituality. There is also another monastery called Thongsa monastery, considered one of the oldest monasteries of the region. The Zong Dhog Palri Fo Brang monastery is situated near the Durpin Dara. You can also visit the Tharpa Choeling monastery, which belong to the Yellow Hat sect of lamas. Travelling through the monasteries, do not miss the remains of a historic Bhutanese fort in Pedong.

The Kalimpong Arts & Craft Center established by Mrs. Graham is famous for teaching carpet weaving, dyeing, painting, leather craft, tailoring and carpentry to the locals. The center also promotes the creations of local craftsmen and artisans. The Mangal Dham Mandir spanning an area of two acres, built in 1993, contains the holy Samadhi of their Guruji. In Kalimpong, you can also spot a hidden sanctuary of Rabindranath Tagore – the Gauripur House. Some other noteworthy sightseeing places of Kalimpong are Swiss Dairy, Dharmodaya Vihar and Pranami Mandir.

A picnic is always a welcome among groups of tourists. The Deolo Hill is an ideal picnic spot with a newly built park and Science Center. A visit to Central Sericulture is truly rewarding, where you can see the breeding of silkworm and the production of silk.

Nature always brings peace of mind. Relax, Drink coffee or tea enjoying the cool and sweet breeze. Let your children run about with full energy. Sink into the panoramic beauty of changing colours on Mt. Kanchenjungha during sunrise and enjoy a fascinating sunset too. Chhibo is among the very few places from where you can enjoy sunrise and sunset. You can enjoy a short trek of about 20 mins from Chhibo to Eagle’s Eye Viewpoint through alpine forest from where you can get a fascinating view of Teesta River, and the National Highway winding beside the river. The forests surrounding Chhibo is also great for bird watching. You can also take a village walk amidst paddy fields and farmlands in lower Chhibo and nearby Rinkingpong area.

The closest railway station from the destination is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and the Siliguri Railway Station. The nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport. Hired cars are available from both airport and railway stations to Kalimpong via Teesta Bazar. From Kalimpong you can take a pick up to Chhibo.

Chibo welcomes tourist round the year. Winter is the best time for viewing Mt. Kanchenjungha. The monsoons fill up the rivers to the brim and the lush forests play hide and seek with the mist and sun.

Presently, Chibo offers a home stay resort, which provides furnished rooms with attached western bathrooms, a mountain-facing open terrace, a vegetable garden and a cozy outdoor garden for campfires. Necessities like hot water, electricity, transport facilities and guides for local trek are also provided. There are Double Bedrooms, Triple Bedrooms and even eight-bedded family rooms in the home stay. All rooms come with attached western bathrooms and clean beds. The food is essentially Indian and home cooked and the ingredients are mostly locally sourced and fresh. Food is served in the dining hall which enjoys a fascinating view of the Himalayas and the surrounding greenery.

 Chumirchen (Pedong)

New destination in the evergreen and mystical hills of the North East situated close to Sikkim Border near Neora Valley. Guest who is looking for something new home stay, something out of the traditional, and something authentic then this is the place to be for a leisure holiday. This is a place with a very beautiful blend of History, culture and nature wherein a traveler can have a genuine experience. Pedong as a destination requires a minimum of 3 to 4 days of a traveler’s time to showcase what it has to offer. Thick pine forested areas to rivers to terraced fields to cotton clouds, ladybugs, butterflies, orchids, it has the perfect ambiance for a traveler.

Chumirchen in Pedongis situated nearly 17 Kilometers from the town of Kalimpong.  This is situated at an altitude of 5000 feet, the altitudinal variation ranges from the sub tropical at the Rishi khola to Alpine at the Damsang ridge. The terrain is easily negotiable and provides some of the most breath taking views of the landscape including the mount Kanchenjunga in the back drop. Zuluk can be visited from Chumirchen. Places of interest or home stay close to Chumerchen are Ramdhura, Icchey Gaon, Pedong, Sillery Gaon, Lava, Lolaygaon, Aritar, Zuluk, Reshi khola, Relli Khola, etc a 2 to 6 days stay can be arranged in this tourist circuit. Zuluk permit etc can be arranged if booked earlier, one night stay and then back to some places in hills to avoid altitude sickness. Day sightseeing trip to Ramitey Dara (which has the longest view of River Teesta), Damsang Fort, Valley of Silence, Tinchuley view point would be very rewarding. Home stays in Chumirchen is well equipped with electricity, warm water and attached western bathrooms. The breakfast table in the open-air terrace overlooking Mount Kanchenjungha is a great place to spend your early morning. The home stays arrange trek guides for the guests and cars for sightseeing trips too. The food is essentially Indian, home cooked and the ingredients are mostly locally sourced and freshly plucked from local farm, one can help or learn cooking Momo or may learn cooking local dishes here. Adventure based tour like paragliding; Rafting, mountain biking, or mountain cycling is also available with prior booking. Archery and Rock climbing can be arranged from here. There is an monastery, a fort and a short trek route to the top of the hill behind the army installation. The place is serene and a small raised valley makes the place scenic. In house dining, rooms with attached bath and toilet, parking facilities, transport arrangements and campfire facilities are the minimum back up guest can avail.

Pedong is only 21 kilometers on the way to Rhenock is situated at an altitude of 1240 meters / 4071 feet. It is a small picturesque hill hamlet surrounded by Pine forest. Damsang is located on a ridge, offering a panoramic view of the mount Kanchenjunga and the wide range Himalayan Mountains. It lies on the historic Silk route that connects India to Lhasa via the Jelep la Pass. The variations of altitude are drastic i.e. from the sub tropical at the Rishi Valley to Alpine at the Damsang ridge. Terrain is negotiable and offers some of the most breath taking views of the landscape. Step cultivation or Terrace farming here is worth watching. It is also a birders hot spot. Birds includes lower Himalayan species like Grey Bush chat, Grey-hooded Warbler, Rusty-tailed Tree creeper, White-crested Laughing thrush, Blue Fronted Redstart, Rufous Sibia, Green Backed Tit, etc. Places to visit staying at Pedong are the ruins of Damsang Gadi, a historical fort built in 1690 by the Lepchas. The Cross Hill, placed by priest Auguste Desgodins in 1882 on his way to Tibet is also worth visiting.

The villages near Pedong include Sakyong, Kasyong, Dalep, Kagey, Upper Menchu and Lower Menchu. Pedong monastery, established in 1837, is another place for tourists to visit. Several short treks originate from Pedong leading to Damsang Gadi and to Tinchuley, a fabulous viewpoint. Adventure tourism activities can also be organized from here. Adventure like Para Gliding, rock climbing, mountain cycling, mountain biking, angling, birding can be done staying at Pedong. Guided Village Walk and interact with the farming communities, go fishing or just wake up early in the morning and watch the birds – it’s a paradise for bird lovers. If you are seeking to experience local interaction at its best with the crisp Himalayan air and sweet spring waters, then this is exactly the place you’re looking for. Other places of interest are Raniban, Lepcha Heritage, Lava, Rishyap, Loleygaon, Charkhole, Rikissum, Relli Khola, Deollo, Kolakham, etc. Lava is 21 kilometers, Lolaygaon is nearly 40 kilometers, Rishyap is 16 kilometers and Aritar is nearly 25 kilometers from Pedong. The food is essentially Indian, home cooked and the ingredients are mostly locally sourced and freshly plucked from local farm. The forest around is worth enjoying. It is at a distance of nearly 120 kilometers from Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB). It is nearly 75 kilometers from Darjeeling and approximately 80 kilometers from Gangtok.

Lingsey

Lingsey a remote village of Kalimpong Sub – Divison is situated at an altitude of 4800 feet  and is nearly 24 kilometers from Pedong & 52 kilometers from Kalimpong Coordinates: 27°9’46” N 88°40’29” E. It is assessable from Kalimpong & Gangtok also, via Rhenock a small town of East Sikkim near Aritar.Local community with the help of local youth has developed home stay. This is a place recently being developed into a tourist destination. The strange part of the destination is that this stay is to be reached via the state of Sikkim yet this place is located in the state of West Bengal. Ideally located and is accessible only through Sikkim roads.Ideal location to stay and visitthe nice destination calledZuluk. Zuluk can be visited from Ramdhura, Icchey Gaon, Pedong, Sillery Gaon, Lava, Lolaygaon, Aritar, Reshikhola and many other places nearby but the closest is Lingsey. Permit etc can be arranged if booked earlier. One night stay and then back to some places in hills to avoid altitude sickness. Zuluk permit is best for one night stay.Visit to Aritar, Kupup Lake, Memencho Lake, Jelep La Pass, Nathang / Gnathang valley can be visited staying at Lingsey. Village walks and short trek to Mulkharka Lake can be arranged from here. Lingsey Collection Center is all about Nepali Museum located here is one of the best Collections centers to learn about the culture of Nepali community. The museum showcases manuscripts, musical instruments and articles of worship along with other equipment belonging to the community. Lingsey ten places of interest are Hareshwar Shivalaya Mandir at 3600 Feet, Hindu Sanatan Library, Pellembo Lepcha Monastery 3500 feet, Traditional Lepcha House, Tribal Village Walk, Dhoksing Water Falls, Serveng  Water Falls,  Museum & Subba Heritage House at 4000 feet, Sanga Choeling (Bhutia) Monastery, Sherpa Monastery at 5400 feet. To reach Lingsey the easiest way is drive from Gangtok or Siliguri or Kalimpong is road. Nearest Railway Station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and the nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB). Accessible road from Siliguri are either via Rongpo – Rhenock – Lingsey or Siliguri – Kalimpong – Algarah – Pedong – Rhenock – Lingsey.

Food available is traditional and one can guide them to have food similar to the choice but depends on availability of material. A two night package is given in short for an idea of the region is made into an itinerary –  Transfer to Lingsey transfer – Local Sight Seeing subjected to availability of time to Traditional Lepcha House, Tribal Village Walk, Hareshwar Shivalaya Mandir, Hindu Epics Library. In the vening one can have a Cultural program with locals. On day 2 – Sight Seeing by car to Dhoksing Water Falls, Serveng Water Falls, Museum, Sanga Choeling (Bhutia) Monastery, Sherpa Monastery. Camp Fire and Entertainment with Local People next day transfer to next destinations via Aritar Lake.

 Ramdhura

The home stay is situated close to Deollo i.e. 18 kilometers. Nearly 90 kilometers from Siliguri is Ramdhura isolated from the rest of the places of the region, ideally located for adventure as well as leisure tour. Great views of Mount Kanchenjungha and the meandering River Teesta, Ramdhura is the new Home stay developed and has come up with nice reviews from earlier guest. Surrounded by pine forests and nearer to the clouds and the view of flickering lights of Kalimpong in the night make it a great destination to spend time here. Places to visit from here include Pedong, Algarah, Icchey Gaon, Kalimpong, Rellikhola, Lava, Loleygaon, etc. Sightseeing have limitations and all the places in one or two days are not possible, hence one day sightseeing will have some of the sightseeing and not all. 8 Rooms capable of accommodating 30 guests is available if booked early. One can also visit the beautiful British – built Jalsa Bungalow of 1930. A trek along the Cinchona plantation and a visit to the Cinchona Godown can be on your itinerary. Mahadev Dham temple and Hanuman Tok (viewpoint) nearby is also in the places of interest along with the visit to Deollo.

One can enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains and valleys. One day trek to Sillery and Ramitay Dhara is possible. Day sightseeing trip to Icchey Gaon, Ramitey Dara (which has the longest view of River Teesta), Damsang Fort, Valley of Silence, Tinchuley view point would be very rewarding. Home stays in Ramdhura are well equipped with electricity, warm water and attached western bathrooms. The breakfast table in the open-air terrace overlooking Mt. Kanchenjungha and River Teesta is a great place to spend your early morning. The home stays arrange trek guides for the guests and cars for sightseeing trips too. The food is essentially Indian, home cooked and the ingredients are mostly locally sourced and freshly plucked from local farm. Adventure based tour like Paragliding; Rafting and Rock climbing can be arranged from here.

Located just seven kilometers from Delo, with great views of Mt. Kanchenjungha and the meandering River Teesta, Ramdhura is the new found gem of North Bengal. Surrounded by pine forests kissed by clouds and the view of flickering lights of Kalimpong in the night, make Ramdhura a great destination to spend a quiet weekend in the Himalayas. Delo is nearby and so are Pedong, Algarah, Icchey Gaon, Sillery Gaon, Kalimpong, Rellikhola, Lava and Loleygaon. There are two homestays at Ramdhura with rooms facing Mt. Kanchenjungha and amenities like attached western bathrooms, electricity and nice home cooked food.

Places to see in Ramdhura:

The rooms of the homestay offer spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjungha and Kalimpong hills as well as a bird’s eye view of the meandering Teesta River valley below. A pine forest surrounds Ramdhura, where you can take local short treks. You can also visit the beautiful British-built Jalsa Bungalow of 1930. A trek along the Cinchona plantation and a visit to the Cinchona Godown can be on your cards too. There is a beautifully located Mahadev Dham temple and Hanuman Tok (viewpoint) nearby from where you can catch panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.

Nearby attractions of Ramdhura:

While staying at Ramdhura, you can make day trips to the Delo Nature Park, Algarah Bazar, Rikissum, Icchey Gaon, Sillery Gaon, Pedong, Lava, Loleygaon, Rishyap and Kalimpong. A sightseeing trip to Sillery and Icchey Gaon and its surroundings like Ramitey Dara (which has the longest view of River Teesta), Damsang Fort, Valley of Silence, Tinchuley view point would be very rewarding to the guests. Guests can also take a whole day trip of Kalimpong and its surroundings like Durpin Dara Monastery, Rellikhola and the various nurseries of Kalimpong.

Things to do at Ramdhura:

You can take a village walk from Ramdhura and witness the everyday activities of the villagers. You can also take a two-hour jungle trek from Ramdhura to Icchey Gaon and finally to Sillery Gaon. This trek through dense forests and Cinchona plantation is one of the most favourite treks of birdwatchers. The homestays at Ramdhura also arranges paragliding from Delo and rafting at River Teesta. Guests can also take part in activities like rock-climbing and riverbed hiking in Relli.

How to reach Ramdhura:

You can take any bus or hire a car from NJP, Bagdogra or Siliguri to Kalimpong and from Kalimpong you have take the pick-up service of Ramdhura homestay. Ramdhura is around 15 kms from Kalimpong. Ramdhura homestay also arranges pick-up services from NJP, Bagdogra, Siliguri and Rangpo.

 Kaagey, Pedong

A panoramic-view of and the allied peaks of Mt. Kanchenjungha, a winding river down the valley, a jungle in the backyard, a waterfall just 15 mins away, a monastery, a church – all that makes the little unknown village of Kaagey a charming getaway just 21 kms from Kalimpong. Kaagey is near to popular touristic destinations like Kalimpong, Pedong, Reshi and Sillery but far from the tourist rush. Kaagey is also known for its impressive bird population and its indigenous people and culture. Like other nearby destinations, enterprising individuals have developed home stays in Kaagey, which are clean, comfortable and very homely. If you are planning a trip to a destination where very few travellers have been before you, then drop at Kaagey to experience nature in all its glory.

Places to see in Kaagey:

A 15 mins walk from Kaagey would take you to the 50 feet high Jhakri Falls where you can take your shower. There’s a small church and a smaller village monastery around 3 kms away. These structures may not be big or historical but they are simple and fit the place where they belong. It’s just like your childhood storybook villages, where a small church with a garden, a small school and lots of birds keep chirping all day long. There are a whole lot of opportunities at Kaagey for the nature lovers who like to trek and love bird watching. The Ramitey Dara viewpoint, which falls on the way to the village school, has one of the longest views of River Teesta meandering below in the gorges. The little-known Deorali Dara also offers great views of Eastern Sikkim and the snow capped mountains. You can also visit the nearby Lepcha village of Gerok to understand the traditional lifestyle of the Lepchas.

Nearby attractions of Kagay:

Kaagey is 21 kms from Kalimpong and 15 kms from Pedong. You can take day tours to Damsang Fort, Sillery Gaon, Valley of Silence, Tinchuley View Point, Cross Hill, Pedong Monastery and numerous other sightseeing destinations. There is an 8 km long trek route from Kaagey toReshikhola through the forests and villages, which is a heaven for birdwatchers. However, the motorable road to Reshikhola is a bit longer. Day tours to Lava, Loleygaon and Kalimpong can also be done from Kaagey comfortably.

Things to do at Kaagey:

Trekking, bird watching, butterfly watching, village walks and soaking under the waterfall are few activities you can have at Kaagey after enjoying a mesmerizing sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjungha in the morning. You can take short walks around Kaagey to Jhakhri Falls (15 mins walk), Monastery (around 3 kms away), Deorali Dara (around 2 kms away), Kanchenjungha view point near Shivalaya mandir, the local Church and herbal garden (around 4 kms away). You can also trek to nearby Lingzey around 8 kms away to see a local temple and church. Apart from visiting all these destinations, you can enjoy short treks through jungles and villages to visit viewpoints all around Kaagey, which offers glimpses of Mudung Khola or Reshi Khola winding across the valleys and gorges.

How to reach Kaagey:

The closest railway station from the destination is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. The nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport. Hired cars are available from both airport and railway stations to Kalimpong via Teesta Bazar. From Kalimpong you can take a pick-up to Kaagey village. 75 kms from Siliguri.

Best time to visit Kaagey:

Winter is the best time for viewing Mt. Kanchenjungha and the other peaks from Kaagey and its adjacent areas. The monsoons fill up the rivers and waterfalls of Kaagey. The summers are cool in Kaagey and the winters are not that biting cold.

Lodging and dining facilities in Kaagey:

Presently, Kaagey offers only one home stay facility, which provides furnished rooms with attached western bathrooms. Necessities like hot water, transport facilities and guides for local trek are also arranged. There are Double Bedrooms, Triple Bedrooms and even family rooms in the home stay. All rooms come with attached western bathrooms and clean beds. The food is essentially Indian and home cooked and the vegetables are picked from the kitchen garden in the backyard.

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