Naturewings

Naturewings designs customized and exclusive Zuluk, Silk Route, Bhutan and Sikkim Packages.

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Spend your holiday with our Lolegaon packages

Lolegaon is a small tiny village, located in the Kalimpong Sub Division of Darjeeling District and one of the most beautiful place in the Darjeeling village tourism. One can cover this place on foot in barely couple of minutes!!! Tourist will be blessed by a giant statue of Lord Buddha in the Eco Tourism Park when you enter Lolegaon. Naturewings designs customized and exclusive Lolegaon packages at an affordable cost with best discount price.

Itinerary of Lolegaon Packages – 4N/5D Lava - 1N, Rishyap -1N, Lolegaon -1N, Charkhole - 1N Day 1 – Reach NJP and Transfer to Lava . Have lunch at Hotel and Enjoy the Sunset from your Lava . Night Stay in Lava Day 2 – Start for Rishyap, the virgin Himalayan village in the Neora Vally forest. Whole day is free to enjoy the full range of Himalayan peaks like Mr.Kanchanjhungha, Mt.Pandim, Mt Simbhu etc and the serenity and tranquility of Rishyap village Night Stay in Rishyap. Day 3 – Early morning, enjoy the soft trek to Tiffindara for sunrise. Start for Lolegaon and visit JhaniDara, Canopy Walk. Night Stay in Lolegaon. Day 4 – Start for  Charkhole, the heaven on earth. Enjoy the Mt. Kanchenjunga from this picturesque village. Night Stay in Charkhole. Day 5 – Morning is free personal enjoyment and enjoy the flora and fauna of some rare species in Charkhole After Lunch start for NJP with a sweet vacation memory. For more details call Mr.Sandip Raha @ 98300-13505

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Enjoy Silk Route journey with snowfall and scenic beauty

Zuluk is a small village with limited number of houses on a valley on the way to the Old Silk Route. Once upon a time Chinese traders used to come to India crossing the border to sell silk products and that's why the route has been named Silk Route.

Naturewings designs customized Silk Route packages at an affordable cost. One of the Silk Route Package is mentioned below:-

Silk Route Package - 4N/5D SilleryGaon - 1N, Zuluk - 1N, Nathang - 1N, Mankhim - 1N Day 1 - Meet & greet on arrival at NJP and drive for 3½HRS to SilleryGaon (also know as New Darjeeling) 6,000ft & stay at Eco Tourism Cottage. Enjoy a soft trek to Ramitey view point in post lunch session where you can have a breathtaking view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Tista river in a single frame. Don’t forget to enjoy the beauty of Gangtok at night from your cottage. Night Stay in Upper SilleryGaon Cottage. Day 2 - Enjoy the beauty of Mt. Kanchenjungha & Himalayan Range during sunrise from your cottage. After breakfast, start journey from SilleryGaon towards Zuluk via Lingtum, Padamchen, Kheukhela falls, Rongli Dam. Enjoy the Sunset from Zuluk. Night Stay in Upper Zuluk. Day 3 - Start for Sunrise at 04:00am from Lungthung Sunrise point and after sunrise come back to hotel for the breakfast. After Breakfast, enjoy the beauty of Laxmi Chowk, GNathang valley, Tukla Valley, Kalapokhari, Old Baba Mandir, Jelep-la Pass View and reach Kupup 13,900ft. Don’t miss the Elephant lake At Kupup, see the World’s highest Golf course, the Yak Golf Course at 13,025 ft (Guinness Book Of World Records acclaimed), and the Ice Hockey ground. Here also see the highest cool water polo ground at kupup and finally stay to Nathang Valley. Night Stay in Nathang Valley. Day 4 - After Breakfast, start journey from Nathang towards Mankhim Top via Reshikhola, Lampokhri Lake, the highest boating lake in Sikkim and Enjoy the boating in this high altitude beautiful lake and finally reach at Mankhim. Enjoy the Mt.Kanchanjhungha from the Hotel. Night Stay in Mankhim Top. Day 5 - Morning is free for personal enjoyment and leisure. After Breakfast start for NJP with a sweet memory of Silk Route.

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Book Comfy Accommodations at Rinchenpong Hotels and Enjoy Your Tour

This hilly town located at a height of 5576 ft is a treasure and boasts of its virgin charm. The beautiful trails, quiet nature, snow-capped peaks and dense forests have inspired many artists and famous creative personalities such as great poet and playwright Lt.Rabindranath Tagore. The village is also renowned for its colonial history and the unobstructed view of Mt. Kanchenjunga is more than you would bargain for. Nature lovers would find this place ideal for vacationing during the hot summers.

If you are visiting this little town of Rinchenpong you will have a lot of interesting places to explore here like stone paved steep trails, old monasteries and traditional Lepcha houses. The most notable is the famous Poison Pokhri a local pond which was poisoned with some poisonous herbs killing half of the British army when they tried to annex the town. The pond still stands poisoned today and is named the Poison Pokhri. Right opposite to this place, few stone staircases will take you through the forest to Rinchenpong Monastery that has the rare statue of Ati Buddhain Yub-Yum position built in 1717. Continuing up further on the steep path you can visit the Reesum Monastery that sits on top of a ridge with panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and rich vegetation. An old Lepcha village house stands at the end of a trail which is now a museum displaying local artifacts. Other major places of attraction include the holy pond Nighdoh, The Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Toto Pani - a hot spring about 20 kms from Rinchenpong, the Shrijanga Temple of the Limbu Tribe which is also a famous picnic spot. A British Heritage Forest Bungalow maintained by Sikkim PWD furnished in wood and stones and located amidst dense green forest is worth visiting. Also, do visit the monastery at Maggi Dara, next to which lies the Rabindra Smriti Van where a marble plaque containing a verse from the poet’s famous composition Gitanjali stands proud.

At Rinchenpong one can engage into various exciting activities such as bird watching, camping, village tourism, spiritual sessions at monasteries, river rafting and short hiking trips. But all these things can be enjoyed only if you plan for a 3-4 days trip and stay here. There are several hotels and resorts here that cater to tourists and are well-equipped with all modern facilities. From exclusive room services to ethnic cultural shows, local guides and trekking trips are arranged by these Rinchenpong hotels. The atmosphere is very calm, comfortable with soft ethnic local music playing and the chanting of hymns at the nearby monasteries will rejuvenate you. You will get a variety of accommodations to choose from, these Rinchenpong hotels offer luxurious grand suites and deluxe cottages with private balconies that have amazing mountain-view to reasonably priced budget hotels and tourist lodges that offer standard quality services with utmost respect and dedication. Rinchenpong hotels are usually in high demand during the high season; therefore it is always wise to book in advance to avoid last minute rush. You can always do a little homework on the hotels by visiting their websites on the web which will surely give you a rough idea about what you are going to experience.

Rinchenpong can be visited from Siliguri and other nearby hill stations of Gangtok and Pelling. The nearest railway station is NJP and Bagdogra is the nearest airport from where you can hire a cab that will take you to this heavenly town.

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Jaldapara, a Wildlife Treasure Trove of North Bengal

Jaldapara located at an altitude of 61 meters at the foothills of Himalayas in the north-east is a paradise for nature lovers. The forest expanse covers 216 sq.km of area with its rich variety of rare animals and lush green vegetation in the form of grasslands and other trees and perennial streams was responsible for being declared as the National Park in the year 1941. It is drained by the rivers Torsa, Malangi, Hollong, Chirakhawa, Kalijhora, Sissamara, Bhaluka and Buri Torsa.

The forest comprises of mainly savannah type of vegetation with tall elephant grasses. The main attraction of Jaldapara is ofcourse the Asiatic One-Horned Rhino. The Park has the largest rhino population after Kaziranga National Park which can be spotted easily here along with other animals such as the Royal Bengal Tigers, White Indian elephants, Sāmbhar, barking deer, spotted deer, hog deer, bisons and wild boar. Other rare species of animals like the hispid hare and the hog-badger are common here. Python, monitor lizards, kraits, cobras, geckos and about 8 species of fresh water turtles have also found shelter here. The forest is also a paradise for bird watchers as about 240 varieties of birds flock this region and bird watching is a very common activity here. If one is attentive enough one will be able to spot birds like the Crested Eagle, Pallas’s Fishing Eagle and shikra, besides Jungle fowl, peafowl, partridges, Bengal Florican and lesser Pied Hornbill. Night-hunters like bats, owls and nightjars are also found here.

Adventurous elephant rides takes tourists deeper into the dense forest which is the best possible way to spot wild animals. Several lodges and resorts organize for such trips in the morning and in the afternoon. These rides are to be booked on the spot and cannot be reserved in advance. Elephant rides allow you to watch animals in their natural habitat such as the rhinos soaking themselves in muddy ponds, herd of elephants making their way across the forest or deers playing hide and seek in between the woods could be a thrilling experience. Jeep safaris are also available to explore the wild and are arranged by the tourist lodges.

There are several options for sightseeing apart from forest safaris. Places like Chilapata on the eastern side of river Torsa are a favourite tourist spot nearby, about 15 kms away from Jaldapara. Hidden amidst the forest here lies the ruins of an old fort which belonged to Nal King built during the reign of Gupta Dynasty in the 5th century carries great historical significance and is worth mentioning. Khairbari, another small stretch of forest on the west side of Jaldapara is a leopard rescue center which was renamed as "Khairbari Royal Bengal Tiger Rehabilitation and Research Centre" is known to have rescued 19 circus tigers in 2005 and continues to do so. Totopara lying adjacent to Jaldapara is a great attraction for ethnic tourism. It’s the only area where the endangered tribal community of Totos resides. Government agencies are taking initiatives to protect them and elevate their living condition. Spending a day here and observing their culture and tradition could be an awesome learning experience. The scenic town of Phuentsholing is just 25 kms from Jaldapara, which forms the border between Bhutan and India is also worth a visit.

If you are planning to visit this forest then make sure you book in advance as there are only two accommodation available near the forest, the Hollong Bungalow is located inside the forest and has limited rooms and the Madarihat Tourist Lodge located at the fringe of the forest. However, there has been a rise of several resorts and hotels around Jaldapara. To reach the forest you must come to Madarihat which is the entry point and is located 140 km east of Siliguri on NH 31. Since the region experiences heavy rainfall and is warm and humid, the best time to visit it would be October-February.

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Visit the Heavenly Kingdom through Attractive Bhutan Packages

Bhutan is an ancient land perched high in the North-eastern Himalayas between Tibet and India. This is a small and unique country with stunning natural scenery. It is a country that has a strong sense of culture and tradition which binds this ancient kingdom and distinguishes it from its neighboring countries. It is known as the only nation in the world to follow the Vajrayana Buddhism sect and its teachings have remained as a strong influence in the life of the people here since the 7th century.

The Bhutanese have treasured their natural environment to a great extent and have been living in harmony with nature, preserving its sanctity and pristine form, as they believe it to be the abode of God and spirits. Thus, it has earned the name of the ‘Last Shangrila’.  Its rich biodiversity has made it hugely popular and known to be the home of 770 species of birds and over 50 species of plants and orchids. Bhutan is also immensely rich in wildlife and you can explore dense forests which are teeming with animals like takin, snow leopard, golden langur, blue sheep, tiger, water buffalo and elephant. This rich flora and fauna along with ethereal beauty had made Bhutan a popular international tourist destination. Tourism and development goes hand in hand in this region but great efforts have been taken to conserve the rich resources and the virgin charm of the environment with controlled policies and planned tourism. There is a lot to see and do in Bhutan from bird watching, attending colorful cultural festivals, visiting old forts, monasteries to going on adventurous treks into the wild, kayaking down rivers, mountain biking, or taking a flight to the panoramic snow-capped mountains on Druk Air.

To enjoy, explore and discover you need to make sure you have booked the right accommodation and have done your research on the places of sightseeing. However, several travel agencies these days offer attractive Bhutan packages which give you an exclusive experience often at amazing discounts. These tour operators arrange for route permits and visas, vehicles required for local transport and a tourist guide to take you around. The Bhutan packages offered for touring Bhutan covers almost all the well-known places of interest which includes Paro, Thimpu, Punakha, Haa Valley, Trongsa and many more. Adventure tours like bird watching tour, Snowman trek, Bhutan Textiles Tour, Mountain and Motorbike Tour are also part of it.  The duration of Bhutan packages vary from one week to two weeks and tourists are booked into hotels of varying budget from Standard, Deluxe to Luxury Hotels-all are available in this region. Hotels are all well-equipped with modern amenities like fitness center, heated indoor swimming pool, laundry service, spa, geysers, television and regular room service. All you have to do is call up the Bhutan package operators and request for a quote, compare between other packages and finally zero in on one that suits both your interest and pocket.

To reach Bhutan, you can book a flight to Paro International Airport, the only entry point to Bhutan, or take a bus from Siliguri or Phuentsholing. There is no direct railway connection to Bhutan. Avoid visiting Bhutan during the rainy and summer season when rock falls and landslides are common.

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Visit Ravangla and rejuvenate your SoulAmidst Nature’s Beauty

Ravangla is a short town located on a ridge between the Meanam and Tendong hills at an altitude of 7000ft in the south district of Sikkim. This picturesque town located on the Gangtok-Gyalshing highway offers unobstructed views of the snow peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the sister peaks of Mt. Sinialchu, Mt. Pandim and Mt. Kabru. The rich natural resources of this region which includes the exotic flora and fauna of the virgin forests, the lofty snow peaks, waterfalls, tea gardens along with old monasteries, rustic villages and pollution free environment has made it a highly popular tourist destination.

Ravangla is a great spot where one can enjoy a variety of activities such as trekking, hiking and bird watching. The more adventurous kind can begin with some thrilling short treks through the forests of oak, pine, fir, magnolia and rhododendron to the Mainam Peak (10,600ft). Another uphill trek will take you to Valedunga, a beautiful hilltop surrounded by mountains. Trek to Tendong peak (8500 ft) from Damthang is also an exciting option and at the top you get a splendid view of Sikkim and the distant plains of North Bengal. You can also go for short trek tours to the surrounding Lepcha and Bhutia villages like Yangang, Tinkitam, Kewzing and Barfung & Bakhim.

Sightseeing options in Ravangla are plenty and the major ones are as follows: Rayong Sunrise Point, located 8 kms from Ravangla lies on the way to Damthang, is the place that offers stunning view of the sun rising over the horizon and its first rays lighting up the peaks of Mt. Narsingh, Jopuno, Kabur, Rathong and Pandim. The Temi Tea Garden is a tea garden with excellent surroundings and can be reached on a 9 km trek from Damthang via Tendon Sanctuary to a dormant volcano. From here you get a clear view of the Kanchenjunga and Singalila range in the west and vast plains of the south. The Kheunpheling Carpet center is a refugee settlement for poor Tibetans who weave carpets and shawls in traditional designs and sells them to the tourists at the Ravangla Market. Another tourist attraction, the Ralang Monasteries that follow the Kagyupa sect of Buddhism is located 13 kms from Ravangla and was built in 1768 AD.'Pang Lhabsol' a 3-day festival that worships Mt. Khangchendzonga & 'Kagyed' Chaam (traditional masked dances) is held here every year. The Tashiding Monastery located 39kms from Ravangla is the most sacred monastery complex in Sikkim built in 1716 AD and stages the annual 'Bumchu' festival during which the barrel containing holy water is opened and the level of water foretells what lies in the coming year.

Besides the above, you can also have a look at the Ralang hot spring about 26 kms from the town. A monastery on the way hosts the famous kagiang festival in December. Two other popular spots of hot sulphur springs which are believed to be natural winter spas having medicinal properties named Ralang Cha-Chu and Borong Cha-Chu is frequented by tourists who soak themselves in the springs. The place is also significant for two sacred caves Khandosangphu and Sharchog Begphu, where the great Buddhist Saint Padmashambhava is believed to have meditated during His journey to Tibet in 7th century.Sikip, on the banks of river Rangit is an excellent fishing spot and river campsite, ideal for hikers. Mangbrue Gompa is a marvellous viewpoint of the mountains and hills and is located 8 km above Kewzing. Samdupche, another massive attraction is the place where the statue of GuruRinpoche (Padmashambhava), the patron saint of Sikkim stands tall, is worth visiting.

Ravangla is well connected by the state highway with all major hill stations of Sikkim. You can reach the town by hiring a cab/taxi from the nearest Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station and use that for local sightseeing as well as availing local vehicles in Ravangla would be expensive and difficult. The best time to visit this picturesque town is between April and Mid-June when springtime flora spread colour all over the place.

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Rinchenpong, an Untouched Hilly Beauty in the North-East

Sitting at a height of 5576ft, Rinchenpong had once been amuse for the famous romantic poet and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The enchanting beauty of this hilly village inspired him to write beautiful verses which standas priceless literary treasures of India today. This village is also famous for offering beautiful view of the famous Mt. Kanchenjunga and has had a Colonial Past in the pages of its history. If you wish to soak yourself in the spectacular beauty of this village, listen to the song of birds and revel in the music of the locals, this is the ideal holiday destination for you.

Coming to its historical past, Rinchenpong has a lot to offer to tourists in the form of well-known sites, temples and monasteries. A step road from the local bazaar takes one to a site nearby where a huge battle took place between the invading British forces and the then King of Sikkim. The British made repeated attempts to annex and sent expeditionary forces in 1860. The local tribal group of Lepchas felt threatened and grew determined to save their land. They poisoned the water of a pond which was the only source of water in the region with some poisonous herbs and that killed half the army forcing the British to retreat. Since then, the pond is known as the famous Poison Pokhri. Just bang opposite to this pond, one will find a flight of stone staircases leading into a beautiful forest to Rinchenpong Monastery (3rd oldest in Sikkim) which houses a rare statue of Ati Buddha in Yub-Yum position built in 1717. The stone path grows steeper; continuing up further brings you to the Reesum Monastery located on a ridge top overlooking the magnificent mountains, velvety treetops and the little hamlet of Rinchenpong. It is run by two young lamas and is in a dilapidated condition. This stone trail finally ends to an old Lepcha village house which is now an artifact shop showcasing local handcrafts.

Other places of interest include the holy pond Nighdoh which is of great religious significance to the Sikkimese, The Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary where the colorful rhododendron trees come into full bloom during the spring season, Toto Pani, a hot spring about 20 kms from Rinchenpong, the Shrijanga Temple about 8 kms from Rinchenpong is a place where the Limbu Tribe worships, it is also a famous picnic spot and a waterfall nearby is an added attraction. The British Heritage Forest Bungalow maintained by Sikkim PWD furnished in wood and stones and located amidst dense green forest is worth visiting. Last but not the least do visit the monastery at Maggi Dara, next to which lies the Rabindra Smriti Van where a marble plaque containing a verse from the poet’s famous composition Gitanjali greets you.

Rinchenpong can be reached from NJP railway station or Bagdogra Airport if you hire a taxi which will take you to your destination through Siliguri, Melli, Jorethang and Reshi on a 130kms route of 5 hours. You also visit the place from nearby hill stations of Gangtok and Pelling. The best season to visit Rinchenpong is April-Mid June and Mid-September to November.

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Lataguri Hotels Now Offering Excellent Facilities to Holidayers

Lataguri is a small village located in the densely forested region known as Doars in North Bengal. This area has a great diversity and abundance in terms of greenery as it lies just above the fertile Gangetic Plains. Therefore, it is home to many wild animals and rare variety of trees and shrubs making it an ideal destination for tourists who love to enjoy the serenity of a forest. The rich natural beauty of this place has intrigued many eminent personalities of the art world such as filmmakers, photographers, writers, painters and musicians. Now it’s your turn perhaps to get inspired and educated by nature.

Beautiful motorable roads carved through the forest take you on a ride through the dense and dark expanse with the blue hills standing at the edge of the forest, until you reach Lataguri. Lataguri offers a lot to the visitors such as forest safaris to the Gorumara National Park which is located on the eastern side of this village. The thick forest is always buzzing with numerous insects as the cracks up with chirping of birds of huge variety. The Park is known to be the home of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhino and the White Indian Elephant which are often spotted. You might also spot bisons, deers and if lucky even leopards in their natural habitat. Other places of attraction around Lataguri include Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary- a haven for migratory European birds, the renowned Buxa Fort that houses Tibetan refugees, Rovers Point and Jayanti Mahakal- a place of tourist attraction to explore and trek along the border of Bhutan. A Nature Interpretation Centre located in Lataguri offers abundant information about the flora and fauna of the region.

However, to visit all the above places you need to book your stay in Lataguri hotels. The huge popularity of Lataguri has led to the rapid development of many beautiful resorts, forest bungalows, cottages and noteworthy hotels that cater to tourists from all over the world. Some of them even have tied up with travel agencies and offer sightseeing packages at a discount. Most of the Lataguri hotels are located amidst thick greenery or inside the National Park which is an exclusive experience as you begin to unwind. All the resorts and Lataguri hotels are well equipped and furnished and offer a range of services such as regular supply of warm and chilled water, both AC and Non- AC rooms available, doctors on call, television, internet facilities, guided jungle safaris to forest watch towers with vehicles arranged by the hotel or resort owner on rent, elephant rides, tea garden visit, exclusive children’s corner for amusement and some resorts also offer separate vehicle parking spaces and private balcony with each room. Tribal dances and barbecue or camp fires are also arranged by Lataguri hotels on request. You get so much of the above on a reasonable price which is wonderful indeed.

If Lataguri is on your cards, book yourself an accommodation in advance as the place is a lot in demand now. The best time to visit would be winter when the animals in the forest laze in the sun. Lataguri can be reached by road from Siliguri on a 2 hours journey through Malbazar and Chalsa.

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Amazing Kaluk Hotels are Now Attracting Hordes of Tourists

If you wish to get a piece of the blue sky and mountains on the same trip but on a budget, then Kaluk could be the ideal option for you. This hilly village located at an altitude of 5300 ft near Gyalshing, the capital of west Sikkim is one of the windiest places in Sikkim. The primary attraction of this place is ofcourse the famous Mt. Kanchenjunga range shining gorgeously under the sun.

Tourists visit Kaluk as it is less crowded like other hilly destinations in the north-east and also its pollution-free environment is a great relief for the soul. Due to its spectacular natural beauty, several low budget hotels and resorts have been constructed in this region to cater to the tourists who wish to stay for a week or more. If you are lodging yourself in one of these Kaluk hotels then you can visit the following surrounding places of attraction such as the Gurung Monastery: a monastery built on the top of a hill from where you can have a great view of the forested southern hills. The Rinchenpong Monastery in Rinchenpong is located further south on the same ridge at a lower altitude and from here you can have a clear view of the snow-capped Mt. Kanchenjunga range on a sunny day. A Lepcha Heritage House constructed here in the year 1860 showcases rich paintings done by the local artists hundreds of years back. Apart from the above you can also visit several nearby hilly locations from Kaluk such as Hee Bermoik, Legship, Pelling, Hilley, Soreng, Jorethang, Ravangla and Varsey all within an hour’s distance from each other.

Due to its spectacular natural beauty, tourism has taken a hold over this region, and several low budget accommodations have come up here which are worth taking a look. These cater to the tourists who wish to stay for more than a day. The Kaluk hotels and resorts here are usually located amidst lush green slopes facing the snow-capped peaks. This allows tourists to take a peek into the hillside villages and learn about the local traditions and humble lifestyle of the villagers and the Lepcha tribals. The food offered is authentic local cuisine which will leave you craving for more. The warm hospitable nature of the staffs, soft local music and the sound of the monks chanting prayer at the monasteries around both morning and evening creates a beautiful ambience that will touch your heart. Several 2-star, 3-Star and 4-Star Kaluk hotels too have come up and the rooms are well equipped with all basic and modern fixtures such as provision of regular hot and cold water, room heaters, laundry, TV (Suite cottage and Supper Deluxe), Wi-Fi (wirelessly connecting electronic devices), Shoo shiner, water boiler complementary hot bags in winter and bed tea with cookies and other complementary drinks in summer- in short they 24 hours room service. Some luxury Kaluk hotels boast of beautifully decorated lawns in front of every cottage and restaurant and Children Park as well. Cultural and seasonal programmes are also arranged and organized on request for elite guests.

Kaluk is thus a home away from home for travellers and the fresh air here will leave you refreshed like anything. However, avoid visiting during the rainy season (July-August) when the area witnesses heavy showers and landslides are common. Book a cab from Bagdogra Airport or NJP railway station and a 5 ½  hours journey through the winding roads will take you to Kaluk.

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Rishyap, a Green Haven of Tranquility

If the mundane routine of city life has drained you enough, nothing can be more therapeutic than travelling. Unlike the situation two decades back, now North Bengal is thriving with a plethora of touristdestinations to choose from, like ‘Rishyap’. Rishyap also known as Rishop was unheard before, it’s a small hamlet sitting pretty in the lap of the hills of Neora Valley. Situated at a height of 8500 ft it is a peaceful haven of abundant greenery and breathtaking mountain ranges- a perfect weekend getaway.

This small Lepcha village located in the hills of North Bengal will take you far from the madding crowd and invigorate your senses like anything. The ‘Ri’ from Rishyap refers to mountain peak and ‘shyap’ or ‘shop’ means ancient trees in Tibetan dialect. Rishyap is famous for offering a stunning 180˚ view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and a 360˚ view of other mountain ranges around such as Talung,Khang-Chen-D-Zongha, Kokthang,Pandim,Mt.Kharg, Siniolchu, Rathung,Simvo,Kabroo and Narsingh. Two other peaks which lie just after these are Panhundri and Khanchangyao and below them rests the glacier named "Khangse" which is known as the source of the river Teesta. Few famous mountain passes visible from Rishyap are Nathula, Jelepla, Batungla and Clola. The Clola forms the border between Sikkim and Tibet.

Rishyap is endowed with a wealth of flora and fauna like other hilly locations in north-eastern India. The dense dark forests are filled with tall growths of Pine, Birch, Orchids and Fir. Theair comes alive with chirpings of thousands of birds- forming a soul stirring music to the tired ears. Bird watching is a well-known activity here for naturalists and nature lovers with thousands of species thronging the forest such as the Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus, Rufous-winged Fulvetta Alcippe castaneceps andRed-billed Leiothrix lutea Flocks. The snow laden peak of Khang-Chen-D-Zongha is also a special gift of Rishyap.

The place ‘Teffindara’ (old name: Sherpa Dara) in this village provides the best panoramic view of Mt. Kangchenjunga as it turns from fiery red to molten gold and then pink, before dusk sets over the silent valley. At night, it turns magical when the sky appears to hang low with millions of stars shining bright and below the quaint lights of the surrounding towns and humble villages twinkle away.Stay at the hillside resorts or small cottages scattered around the valley and visit the places of interestlikethe Lava Jamgyong Kongtrul Monastery, Neora Valley Nature Interpretation Centre,and Kagyu Thekchen monastery, Changay Falls, Lolegaon and Pedong (Lepcha villages).

Adventure junkies can opt for trekking to reach this village through a picturesque path from Lava (3 km approx.). The path cuts through dense forests and lush tea gardens, a memorable journey. Trekking through the Neora Valley National park could also be a thrilling experience. Playing with the clouds or walking down the hills through the cold mist, stepping over scented wild flowers and shrubs is like living in a dream indeed. Rishyap can be reached through a bumpy motorable road- the distance from Lava is (11 km), from Kalimpong (27 km), from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (117 km) and from Bagdogra Airport (133 km).

Southeast of Rishyap/Risop is the Lava monastery. The entire village is not covered by motorable road. To see the whole village, you have to walk down the mountains with majestic Kanchenjungha standing in front.

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Zuluk, an Abode of Divine Beauty and Peace

Zuluk or Dzuluk is a small village located on a hilltop in east Sikkim at an altitude of 3000 meters (10000ft). It is known for its rugged terrain and extreme climate conditions. But it is a kingdom of peace and one ideal destination worth visiting when you are tired with your hectic city life. This little village with a population of only 700 people is primarily known for being the transit point of the Old Silk Route that connected Lhasa in Tibet to Kalimpong in India. The route was generally used by traders travelling to Tibet as their overnight base but has been closed down since the Chinese invasion.

Zuluk is now emerging as an attractive tourist destination due to its spectacular rugged landscape and almost deserted look with little settlements. The winters are severe and snowfall makes it a snow paradise, while summers and springtime, is a celebration of colors with wild flowers blooming and Rhododendron trees of different variety and hue. Sightseeing around Zuluk is an exciting activity and a 14 kms drive will take you to Thambi View Point through sharp winding roads to an altitude of 11,200 ft form where you can watch the sun rise over the famous Mt. Kanchenjunga and its other peaks. The glittering sun rays hitting the peak is a remarkable sight indeed.

Driving up further through the steep roads you can cover other places on the Silk Route like Lungthung at an altitude of 13,000 ft, Padamchen and Nathang. Continue to Kalpokhri Lake where you can visit the Adi Baba mandir, a holy shrine. Further you can drive to Kupup Lake, which is a base of the Indian army and is well-known for the highest golf course in the world at an altitude of 13,500 ft. Crossing Kupup you arrive at the Memenchu Lake, the source of the river Rangpo, is also known as Hati or Elephant Lake. It derives its name so as the contours of the lake looks like an elephant when viewed from the hills above.  This road further continues to the famous Tsongo Lake near Gangtok and other tourist spots in this area include the Tukla Valley. There is a war memorial constructed in memory of the battle of Tukla. The famous Jelep La pass can be visited from here, though special permits are required from the military, which are often arranged by the travel agencies. Zuluk has abundance of mountain forests which are still unexplored where one can find a variety of wild animals residing in their natural habitat peacefully. One can get a rare glimpse of variety of rare birds such as Monal Pheasant, Snow Pheasant, and Blood Pheasant along with other animals such as the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, and Himalayan Bears.

Due to the poor livelihood of the locals, there are no prominent hotels available for accommodation. But, homestay or small cottages arranged by the locals are comfortable and clean with basic amenities like delicious home-cooked food and plenty of blankets and also a heater to keep you warm. In every season Zuluk takes on a beautiful look, however the best time to visit this village would be just after the rainy season from September to November when it turns colorful with wild flowers. You can reach Zuluk from Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station on an approx. 6 hours’ drive by road. You can also visit the village on 3-4 hours’ drive from the nearby tourist spots of Kalimpong and Gangtok.

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Rishyap, an Excellent Offbeat Tourist Hotspot in the North East

Rishyap could be that much awaited weekend getaway into the green hills of Neora Valley, a place known to have the richest biological zones in the entire north-eastern India. The name ‘Rishyap’ stands for ancient trees. Once unheard but now a haven for trekkers, mountaineers and hikers, Rishyap is a small village located at a height of 8500 ft with breathtaking mountain ranges around standing majestically as if to guard the place. At present filmmakers, nature lovers, travel bloggers, writers and poets are flocking here in great numbers to admire the splendor of this place.

Rishyap is well-known for offering eager visitors a stunning 180˚ view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and an equally splendid 360˚ view of other famous mountain ranges such as the Talung, Khang-Chen-D-Zongha, Kokthang, Pandim, Mt.Kharg, Siniolchu, Rathung, Simvo, Kabroo and Narsingh. Two other prominent peaks behind them are Panhundri and Khanchangyao and below them rests the glacier named "Khangse" which is known as the source of the river Teesta. The famous mountain passes which are visible from this village are Nathula, Jelepla, Batungla and Clola. The Clola pass is actually the border between Sikkim and Tibet. Another location of massive attraction is "Tiffin Dara" (old name: Sherpa Dara) provides an amazingly beautiful panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. You can sit here in silence and watch the snow-capped mountain before you change into varying shades of colour as the Sun changes its positions across the sky. At night Rishyap is magical with the sky clear as crystal studded with millions of stars. You can even spot some well-known constellations from here and also admire the flickering lights of the nearby towns and villages twinkling away in the distant.

Rishyap has much to offer to its visitors as the forest here is a rich abode of a variety of trees and rare shrubs. You can spot here tall towering trees like Pine, fir, Oak, Birch, bamboo and Cypress when you trek through the deep and dark enchanting forest. The forest is alive with thousands of variety of rare birds and insect life that throng here in huge numbers, buzzing away beneath the bushes. Few areas being inaccessible due to precariously sharp edges and slops gives trekkers a great challenge to trek their way to Neora Valley national Park through lush green tea gardens and virgin forests. There are plenty of other places of interest around Rishyap such as the Lava Jamgyong Kongtrul Monastery, Neora Valley Nature Interpretation Centre, and Kagyu Thekchen monastery, Changay Falls, Lolegaon and Pedong (Lepcha villages).

The motorable road to Rishyap is a bumpy one and can be visited from Lava (11 km), from Kalimpong (27 km), from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (117 km) and from Bagdogra Airport (133 km).

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Lolegaon, the Best Destination for Avid Trekkers

Lolegaon, a small hamlet shrouded in mist and clouds, overlooking the town of Kalimpong is a place where nature has showered lot of blessing. Tucked away behind the thick greenery of the hills, this small village has a spectacular landscape that will blow your mind away. Unlike other hill stations of North Bengal, Lolegaon is relatively quieter and less crowded and is therefore a must visit destination for nature lovers, poets, writers and photographers.

Lolegaon rests on the extreme edge of a Himalayan ridge at an altitude of 1675 meters and have a small population of 5000 people. It offers the best view of the famous Mt. Kanchenjunga range, something which will remain etched in one’s memory forever. The place is primarily famous for its ancient forest of pine, cypress, and fir and oak with dense bushy undergrowth where sunlight never reaches the ground. To give the tourist a closer view of the huge and tall trees with mossy trunks, a ‘Canopy walk’ is organized. This walk takes visitors through the dark mysterious forest where one will be able to spot thousands of species of birds chirping away and insect-life buzzing around under the thickets. A hanging footbridge here allows visitors to stand and admire the view of the entire forest expanse as far as the eyes allow.

Lolegaon boasts of a huge variety of rare flowers and plants such as orchids of certain kind and few almost extinct Himalayan animals such as the elusive black bear, mountain goat and the mountain deer. The serenity of this place makes it an ideal destination where you can also bring your family and friends and spend quality time. Plenty of options for sightseeing are available in Lolegaon, of which Jhandi Dara is a massive attraction. A wooded hilltop few kms from this village, it offers splendid sunset and sunrise view over the snow-capped peaks. On days when the weather is pleasant with no clouds to obstruct your view, you might even get lucky to spot Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world and also all the major peaks of the Mt. Kanchenjunga range which is a dream for many travel bugs. Thrilling trekking trips are organized by the local clubs which take trekkers and hikers on a path through the dense forests and sloping tea gardens to the remote hills of Kalimpong and to other hillside villages like Samthar and Relly. These trekking trips offer a great opportunity to mingle with the humble locals and learn about their culture. Other places of attraction nearby include the old Lolegaon Monastery, Lava, Kalimpong, Rishop, Charkhol and Kolekham.

Lolegaon has many beautiful hotels and cottages built to cater to tourists from all over the world. They are fixed with all modern amenities and range from luxurious to reasonably priced accommodations as well. Lolegaon can be visited from Siliguri on a 4 hours journey through tree lined beautiful motorable roads via Kalimpong and Lava.

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Lataguri, an Enthralling Tourist Destination in North-eastern India

If you wish to refresh your lungs and breathe in the clean air and also stay far away from anything that reminds you of the hectic pace of city life, Lataguri could be the ideal destination for you. The dense and dark forested area surrounding this small village makes for a beautiful view. Located at the base of north-eastern Himalayas, the Doars is a narrow stretch of green lying just above the Gangetic Plains. Thus, there are extensive forests in this region which boast of rich flora and fauna. Several creative personalities such as renowned filmmakers, painters, writers and photographers have frequented this region for decades and still visits to get inspiration for their masterpieces.

Lataguri, this small forest village still retains its virgin charm and hence it has become a home to a variety of wild animals and rare trees and plants. Blue hills stands at the edge of the lush green forest which is crisscrossed by the silver strands of river Teesta and her many tributaries gushing through in its own wild pace. Beautiful motorable roads carved out for vehicles, take you deeper into the mysterious forests through Chalsa and Malbazar until you reach Lataguri. Due to the abundance and diversity of plant and animal life, a national park has been constructed for visitors touring the region. Lataguri thus is known as the gateway to the famous Gorumara National Park which stands on the eastern border of this village. The forest always seemed to be alive with tweeting of thousands of birds and buzzing insect life.

The visits to the National Park nearby can be arranged by hiring cabs from Siliguri (nearest city). Some resorts and hotels in the region offer forest safaris as well to the watch towers inside the park. These watch towers allow visitors to have a 360˚ view of the entire forest area where you can spot the wild animals moving about in their natural habitat. The park situated at the confluence of the rivers Murti and Jaldhaka, is famous for the Great Prehistoric Indian One Horned Rhinoceros. Bisons, Indian White Elephants and deers are also a common sighting here. Different varieties of trees such as Sal, Khair, Bamboo and Teak can be found growing tall and forming a thick canopy where even sunlight struggles to break through. There are several places of attraction around Lataguri which can be visited on a four to five days trip. Spots such as the Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary- a haven for migratory European birds, the renowned Buxa Fort that houses Tibetan refugees, Buxa Tiger Sanctuary, Rovers Point, Jayanti Mahakal- a place of tourist attraction to explore and trek along the border of Bhutan, Jaldapara- another famous National Park and a Nature Interpretation Centre at Lataguri can be included in your travel itinerary.

Lataguri can be reached from Siliguri by road on a 2 hours journey through the National Highway 31. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri and the nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport from where you can avail a cab. The best time to visit this village between November and April.

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Lolegaon, a Perfect Summer Holiday Destination in North Bengal

Summers are the times when you should look for destinations that have cold climes and which otherwise would be difficult to visit during rainy or winter seasons. Yes, the hill side tourist destinations are the perfect option for a cool summer vacation away from the noise and rushes of city life. Lolegaon for that matter qualifies as a great travel destination which you can visit on a limited budget. Be it a short weekend getaway or a week-long trip, this place will leave you in awe of nature’s exquisite beauty.

Lolegaon located at a height of 1675 meters is an excellent offbeat destination if you wish to avoid the tourist crowd of other well-known destinations. The simple natural beauty and profound serenity engulfing the entire place will heal your soul like no other. This small village with a population of 5000 is nestled comfortably behind the thick curtain of lush green forests in the hills of Kalimpong, a hilly town. It is primarily famous for its ancient Heritage Forest which attracts varied wildlife here. The age-old trees of Pine, Fir, Oak and Cypress will amaze you, just as the chirping of thousands of birds residing here will. The forest is also home to several endangered Himalayan species such as the mountain deer, rare black bear and the elusive mountain goat. The forest is abuzz with teeming insect life and hundreds colorful butterflies fluttering about that will leave you spell-bound. The famous ‘Canopy Walk’ had been organized for tourists that take one on a walk through this enchanting forest. A hanging footbridge had also been constructed across the forest from where one can have a sweeping view of the huge expanse of this woodland.

But, there is more to be seen in this hilly village. The jaw-dropping view of the snow-capped Mt. Kanchenjunga is one that is cherished by every traveller that has visited this region in the past. The uninterrupted view of this beautiful mountain rising from the deep valleys in the distant is what will leave shutterbugs clicking away. The most notable thing about this mountain is how it changes its hues as the Sun changes its positions across the skies. It turns red in the morning to white during mid-noon and then golden and finally pink before dusk. Tourists visiting Lolegaon thus always look for resorts, cottages and hotels that provide a stunning 180˚ view of this mountain. On days when the skies are clear and the Sun shines down hard, one might be lucky to spot Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world and also the other peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Other attractions of this place include Jhandi Dara, a wooded hilltop located 4-5 kms away from Lolegaon from where one can have a heavenly view of the sun rising and setting over the snow laden mountains. Ramitey-Dara, known as the Sunset Point is another spot famous for its excellent sunset view. The holy Lolegaon Monastery is another attraction of this place and is known to be the oldest in this region. There are short thrilling trekking trips through tea gardens and forests for the adventure junkies to the remote hills and villages like Samthar and Relly. Other interesting places of attraction nearby are Lava, Kalimpong, Kolekham, Rishop and Charkhol. To reach Lolegaon, hire a cab from Siliguri (nearest city) or Kalimpong (nearest town) or trek you way from Lava (nearest village) to this beautiful misty village.

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Rishyap, a Mesmerizing Hilly Beauty in North Bengal

Rishyap or Rishop is that ideal spot for a vacation in the summer months when you are dying to experience a quick short weekend getaway and escape from the boring routine of your life. It is considered to be a haven for trekkers, mountaineers and naturalists who love to spend their time walking down the misty hills and meander through the lush green tea gardens and forests that leave you enchanted with its beauty. Situated at a height of 8000 ft Rishyap is a small hamlet in the famous Neora Valley. The name Rishyap stands for an interesting meaning- "Ri" means mountain peak and "shyap" or ‘shop’ means ancient trees in Tibetan. Rishyap is one of those most visited hill spots in North Bengal today and is popular for offering visitors a grand 180˚ view of the snow-capped Mt. Kanchenjunga and a beautiful panoramic 360˚ view of other mountain ranges such as Rathung, Simvo, Kabroo, Narsingh, Talung, Khang-Chen-D-Zongha, Kokthang, Pandim, Mt.Kharg and Siniolchu.Behind these ranges lie two other peaks named Panhundri and Khanchangyao and below them rests the glacier named "Khangse" which is known to be the source of the river Teesta. The famous mountain passes like Nathula, Jelepla, Batungla and Clola are also visible from this quaint little village. The Clola pass forms the border between Sikkim and Tibet.

Rishyap is a place that is gifted with rich variety of flora and fauna. Being located in Neora Valley, which is famous for its undisturbed, virgin forests,it has several inaccessible hilly terrains which are a delight for trekkers who love to take up tough challenges in adventure. The dense and dark forests here supports a unique ecosystem and one will find a mixed variety of flora such as oak, pine, fir, birch, bamboo, sal and rhododendron. This virgin wilderness is the home of many rare and endangered species Himalayan animals such as Leopard cat, sloth bear, Red Panda, Himalayan Flying Squirrel, Golden cat and Sambar. Rishyap is also known as a birder’s paradise and boasts of rare and colorful varieties of birds which flock the forest here making bird-watching an exciting activity for nature lovers.   The most exciting place in Rishyap is "Tiffin Dara" (old name: Sherpa Dara) which provides a splendid view of snow laden Mt. Kanchenjunga and its varied hues as the Sun changes its position across the skies. Places of attraction around Rishyap which you can visit during your tour are Jamgyong Kongtrul Monastery, Neora Valley Nature Interpretation Centre, and Kagyu Thekchen monastery and Changay Falls. Trekkers can trek your way through sloping tea gardens and forests to the other charming hillside villages like Lolegaon and Pedong nearby. To reach Rishyap you can hire a cab from Siliguri (nearest city), or from Lava (nearest village: 11 km) and from Kalimpong (nearest town: 27 km). The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.

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Rishyap, an Enthralling Tourist Spot in North-Easter India

Few decades back and one can bet one never heard the name Rishyap, but now the place is teeming with tourists, filmmakers, travel bloggers, writers and other nature enthusiasts who just can’t seem to get enough. Blessed with a huge expanse of virgin forest with abundance of wildlife, it could be a photographer’s delight. Rishyap or Rishop is a small hamlet residing in the hills of Neora valley, a valley that is considered to be the richest biological zones in the entire northeastern India. Located at a height of 8000ft it is surrounded by spectacular mountain ranges. This small Lepcha village has all the characteristics of a perfect tourist destination. It's peaceful, beautiful and takes one far from the humdrum of city life, healing your soul in the process. Rishyap is famous for offering a stunning 180˚ view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and also a complete 360˚ view of other mountain ranges such as Rathung, Simvo, Kabroo, Narsingh, Talung, Khang-Chen-D-Zongha, Kokthang, Pandim, Mt.Kharg and Siniolchu. Mountain passes like Nathula, Jelepla, Batungla and Clola can also be viewed from here. "Khangse" the glacier which is known as the source of the famous river Teesta lies below the mountain peaks of Panhundri and Khanchangyao.

Rishyap unlike other hilly locations of the northeast is richly endowed with rare flora and fauna. The forests here have a unique ecosystem which combines tropical, sub-tropical, temperate and sub-temperate systems together. The luxurious forests are dark and dense and the sunlight breaks in with great difficulty herewith tall growths of oaks, ferns, bamboo, rhododendron and evergreen trees such as Pine, Fir, Birch and rare orchids abounding the place. The inaccessible hilly terrain in few areas has left this place undisturbed making it the home of rare animals like the endangered Red Panda, Clouded Leopard and Musk Deer. If you are trekking your way to the Neora valley National Park you will have a thrilling experience and you may spot the Himalayan flying squirrel, leopard cat, sloth bear and other animals specific to the region. Bird watching is also a famous activity here as varied species of rare birds such as Gold-naped Finch, White-browed Bush Robin and Fire-Breasted Flowerpecker visit the region. Other places of interest in Rishyap which will keep you hooked and your camera clicking away are Lava Jamgyong Kongtrul Monastery, Neora Valley Nature Interpretation Centre, and Kagyu Thekchen monastery and Changay Falls. You can also go for trekking down the hills to the picturesque hillside villages of Pedong and Lolegaon nearby. However, the place of major attraction in Rishyap is ‘Tiffin Dara’. This village provides an excellent panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, a grand view which one would surely not want to miss as the Sun rises and sets over its snow laden peaks. If you wish to lose yourself in time and get hypnotized by the natural beauty of Rishyap, visit this misty paradise between March and May. The road to Rishyap is extremely bumpy and stony but it takes only half an hour from Lava (Lepcha village) to reach (11 km) through Siliguri. You can also reach Rishyap via Kalimpong, the nearest town. Nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Station.