Karshiang, Darjeeling
Karshiang is a hill town in Darjeeling district called Land Of White Orchid. It is situated at an altitude of 1458 meters. Karshiang is just 30 km from Darjeeling. The climate here is pleasant throughout the year, the winters are not as severe as Darjeeling. Karshiang’s local name is Kharsang, meaning ‘land of white orchids’ in the Lepcha language. Kurseong is 47 km from Siliguri with the nearest airport being Bagdogra and the nearest railway station being New Jalpaiguri which is 53 km from Kurseong. The city’s economy is based on schools and tourism.
The British captured Karshiang in 1835 from the Emperor of Sikkim. Later, from the 1880s, it became a resort for British rulers and became famous as a place for convalescing the sick. Karshiang’s highest point is Dowhill – a great place to rest for a few days.
Sights of Karshiang
- Makaibari Tea Estate
- Deer Park
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum
- Victoria Boys School
- Dow Hill Girls School
- Eagle’s Crag
- Dow Hill (Dow Hill) and Dow Hill Park
- Giddapahar View Point
- Margaret’s Deck
- Toy Train ride between Kurseong and Darjeeling
How to go
The best time to visit Karshiang is March to May and late August to October. You can go from Siliguri by rented or shared jeep. From Kolkata by bus or train to New Jalpaiguri, Bagdogra leaves. Then in a rented or shared jeep. On the way to Darjeeling, you can visit Karshiang. Besides, you can go to Karshiang from Mirik bus stand by bus or shared jeep.
where will you stay
There are many hotels to stay in Karshiang. Mid-range hotels in Karshiang include Amarjit Hotel, Karshiang Tourist Lodge, Pradhan Guest House, etc. Apart from that, there are Makaibari Home Stays and Single Home Stays in a small budget. Besides, Cochrane Place and The White Orchid Resorts & Spa are among the 3 star quality hotels. However, there is no lack of accommodation in Karshiyang, but the fun of staying at Cochrane Place is different, with the added bonus of various types of Blended Tea.
Kolakham, Darjeeling
Kolakham is the name of another wonder world which is located eight kilometers from Lava. Only 60 houses of Nepali ‘Rai’ community have been built here. A few resorts are right next from the Neora Valley Forest. A short walk is fine though. Change Falls and Chel River are nearby. Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Pandim, Sinyolchu etc. are exposed in the vast blue sky. Time stands still here.
Kolakham is beautiful scenery for tourists. A huge number of birds can be seen while walking along this road and side. Dark Sided Flycatcher, Rufous Sibia, Green-backed Tit etc. In the evening you will see the reshop with lights from Kolakham.
You have to go through the dense forest for the purpose of Change Jharna. You will hear the strong sound of the waterfall. The stream jumped from a height of 300 feet. Even if you are sitting on the balcony of the bungalow, you will still be moved by the sight of Kanchenjunga shining against the bright blue sky.
how to go
Take 13149 Kanchankanya Express from Sealdah at 8:30 PM and alight at New Mall Junction at 10 AM the next day. Lava by car from there. Kolakham is eight kilometers from Lava. The distance from New Mal to Lava is 52 km. Or take jeep from Siliguri to Kalimpong to Lava, Lava to Kolakham by jeep. Lava can be taken directly from the Burimari border by jeep.
Pedong, Darjeeling
Pedong is a small town near the head of West Bengal at an altitude of 4080 feet. Just 20 km from Kalimpong. Pedong is an ideal place for a quiet vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Only softness in the dense shade of oak, pine, birch trees. Pedong’s Cross Hill is nestled in the lap of tall mountain trees. See Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Pandim from here. The Teesta flows through the gorges of the mountains. The peaceful spread of tea gardens all around.
Of note in Pedong are the Rimi View Point, Silent Valley, Secret Heart Church built by the French, Damasong Fort (Damasong Fort was destroyed in the Anglo-Bhutanese War in 1864) and Sangchen Dorjee Gompa which was built in 1706. The paintings of Tantric Buddhism on the walls inside the gompha are remarkable. Every year the mask dance ‘Cham’ is held in Gumpha Chatter at Gumpha Chatter.
This Gumfa was the workplace of Dharmaraja Sabdrang Rimpcha of Bhutan. After his death a few years ago, he was buried and a “choten” was built there. Bhutan and Buddhism This gumpha is of immense importance to the Drukpa Khargu community. From Pedong you can go to Karshiang, Dalap, Kagae, Upper Lower Manju and some other spots.
How to go & where to stay
To go to Pedong you have to go to Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri first. Many trains go to NJP from Howrah and Sealdah. From New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri you have to reach Kalimpong by shared jeep or car. 22 kilometers away from there is a place like the picture in Pedong.
- Jalep La Village Resort
- Damsang Guest House
- blue hills
- Yose Kitchen and Homestay
- Rye residence
- Dadul Guest House
Charkhol, Darjeeling
Not just going for a walk Spend a few days in the lap of nature in a unique peace Recognizing the constellations shining in the black sky after winter on a quiet night 5,000 thousand feet above the surface is this haven of peace – Charkhol village Charkhol Village The biggest attraction of Charkhol Resort is the eight exquisitely beautiful wooden cottages Not just a place to stay Keeping some immortal memories in the heart of the heart with the love of the locals From the balcony of the cottage,
the morning welcomes the vast Kanchenjunga Green carpet leaves with two eyes in front Nature’s wonderland Chuikhim is just a short walk away You can find rare orchids while walking along the row of pines At night, you can discover the seven star constellations once more in the middle of the forest fire
Latpanchar, Darjeeling
Latpanchar is a village at an altitude of 4500 feet almost at the top of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Its position is such that birds of lower altitude ascend and take refuge here in summer and birds of higher altitude descend in winter. A paradise for bird lovers. There are about 36 species of animals and 240 species of birds around Latpanchar forest. But due to lack of promotion, the tourist traffic is less. Rufous nacked Hornbill is the prominent bird here.
Sunrise view point reached by thrilling trek route through pine, dhupi jungle path in the morning. A bird’s eye view of the Teesta river and the Kanchanjunga sprawling horizon will make you forget the urban life left behind. And there is cinchona cultivation land, there are tea gardens. A little further away is the cultivation of oranges and lemons at Sitong. A short trek to the view of the entire Latpanchar village from Sarsridada – a unique experience.
In addition to birds, one can meet another very special animal if you are lucky. Almost the rarest extinct animal of the dinosaur era – the salamander. Names are still alive in numbers at Namthing Pond, 1.5 km away. Don’t forget to watch. Namthing Pokhari’s own appearance is also remarkable. Saying goodbye to the unknown mountain flowers blooming on the side of the road, groups of green crops cultivated step by step and many rare species of birds, when you return after spending two days off, I am sure you will keep asking yourself to come again. A guide is essential for bird watching, jungle trails. Binoculars are great.
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