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.