Samthar or Samtahar - The village tourism destination,near Kalimpong

Samthar or Samtahar- The village tourism destination,near Kalimpong

Far from the modern civilization, far from city pollutions is a small village Samthar tucked away deep inside the remote part of Kalimpong hills. At a distance of 80kms from the Kalimpong town via Lava and Loleygaon the Samthar village is a unique natural resort where nature opens wide with a majestic landscape. The undulating hill slopes, interlocking valleys covered with lush green forests, numerous small and medium streams cutting across the valley to reach the distant plains, terraced agricultural lands, thatched cottages, hospitable Lepcha community all combine together to mark the landscape of Samtahar.

The plateau of Samthar stands amidst an arc of hills at an elevation of 1600 Meters. The forested hills in Samthar have some rare collections of flora and fauna. The journey to Samthar from Lava runs through a 24kms metal forest road up to Loleygaon. Thereafter it is a rough wilderness trail, fit for 4 wheel drive vehicles or jeeps. Through dense forested hills comprising oaks, pines, juniper in a perennial mossy and moist atmosphere you reach the Samthar Village. The road ends at Samthar Farm House, which is the starting point for some more fabulous treks.

Samthar, an offbeat destination in the Kalimp

ong hills, is growing in popularity mostly to the foreigners for its tranquility, pristine environment, friendly people and of course for the brilliant view of majestic Kunchenjunga, the third highest peak of the world. Mt. Sinialcu, Mount, Pundim Mt. Simvo, Nathula Pass, Chola, Pass, Jelepla Pass and the famous tiger Hill are also visible from Samthar.

We can give pick up and drop service from NJP railway station/ IXB airport/ Kalimpong/ Gangtok on extra cost. We have 2 family rooms for 2 + 2 pax at each on ground floor and 3 double bed rooms on 1st floor. Fpr more photographs see the attachments.

Room Tariff-Rs.3000/-+10% Service Charge.

Kaleez Valley,Rongbull-15km from Darjeeling

Just before Ghoom, on the way to Darjeeling you would come across a non-descriptive village market place called Rongbull Bazar. If you leave the highway and take to the dirt tracks, then a drive of another five kilometres would take you to the famous tea gardens, valleys, waterfalls and endless stretches of blue mountains in the Himalayan foothills.

Nearby attractions of Rongbull: Day trips to Balasun River Valley or the nearby tea factory or Rainbow falls would be a very refreshing experience.

Tariff-Rs.1800/Rs.2000/Rs.2500+10% S Charge with EP Plan

Food Rs.500 -600 per head per day.

Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary with Chatakpur,Bagora & Chimney Homestay

Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 11 km south-east of the town of Darjeeling. It was established in 1915, covers an area of 38 sq.km,. It is one of the oldest sanctuaries of India. The sanctuary is famous for its wildlife existence. The area is protected with all required things by State Government for Eco-tourism. Senchal is at an elevation of about 8,160ft (i.e. 2,490 meters). However the sanctuary spreads across elevations of 1500 to 2600 meters.

Specification: The sanctuary is the prime place for the water supply of the city of Darjeeling.

Flora and Fauna 

Flora: Forest vegetation holds Fir Oak Mixed forests, 380-400 flowering plants. Different types of Rhododendron and Michelia, Oak, Pine and Birch, Hydrangea, Orchids, Daphne and Mahonia etc.

Fauna: Leopards, Himalayan Black Bears, deers, felines, wild pigs, monkeys, Himalayan flying squirrels around others occupy this Sanctuary in the fauna of this area.

Best time to visit: November to march.

Accommodation: there are no such accommodation place inside the sanctuary, in Chatakpur,Chimney & Bagora have few homestays.

Arrival info Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary:

By Air: Closest Airport to arrive at Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is at Bagdogra Airport.

By Rail: Closest Railway station to Senchal Sanctuary is at New Jalpaiguri Railway Junction.

By Road: West Bengal State Road Transport Corporation Buses provides buses services in one hour interval to Ghoom and from Ghoom you can take a jeep to the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary.