Lava Lolegaon: A Perfect Choice of Hamlet For The Summers in the Himalayas
Lava and Lolegaon are twin tourist spots in the cozy lap of Himalayan Mountains in the hilly terrains of West Bengal. A small journey of four to five hours from the New Jalpaiguri Junction will take you to the twists and turns of the hilly roads of Hiamalaya which you can undoubtedly acknowledge as a tourists' paradise.
We have collected some information, like the distance, how long it may take. From some places, we heard that these two places are also covered in Sikkim travel packages, though actually, it falls under West Bengal Tourism Department in Darjeeling district.
For some of us, the only thing that works in travel is gorgeous views coupled with absolute peace, and what better place to experience that than in Lolegaon; a small hamlet located in the Kalimpong subdivision of Darjeeling, West Bengal. It’s a most beautiful Lepcha village lying at an altitude of 1,675 meters above sea level.
Few Fact & Information About LAVA-LOLEGAON
Lolegaon is a natural paradise, courtesy of its beautiful landscapes that mostly comprise lush green forests and serene valleys. However, the reason why one must visit here is the majestic view of the peaks of Kanchenjunga; especially in the early mornings. Lolegaon is about an hour’s journey from Kalimpong (55km) and Lava (24km); the serpentine forest roads affording the most surreal experience.
Tucked away in the far end of the Himalayas, Lolegaon offers small treks and trails, ideal for unwinding and relaxation. You can go on nature walks here or take up moderate level treks.
Locally known as Kaffer, the first thing to do in Lolegaon is visit the Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point, for the most scenic views of the snow-capped of the Singalila Range. Especially those of Mount Kanchenjunga.
Then head to Canopy Walk, located around a kilometre from the bus stand at Lolegaon. It’s a 180-meter long hanging wooden bridge that goes through the dense jungle, full of fir, oak, birch and cypress trees. The hanging bridge interconnects one tree to another, helping the traveller to get a proper view of the beauty of the forest from a height. Those who feel dizzy at a height should avoid it completely.
Another great attraction is the Eco Park, right at the centre of the village, great for a picnic with family and friends. On the land opposite the Eco Park, is the only existing bazaar of Lolegaon; this is where you buy most of your stuff from. For short treks and excursions, head to places like Lava, Rishop, Pedong, Rishi, Rikisom, all very close to Lolegaon.
Attractions & Activities
In this twin trip of Lava Lolegaon, you get a number of things to do, enjoying the intimate touch of nature in every moment you pass through. These are the prime spots that are never to miss when you are there:
Neora Valley National Park
Neora Valley National Park is a national park in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. It is located about 123 km from Lolegaon. The park is known for its diverse wildlife, including the red panda, snow leopard, and Himalayan black bear. It is also a popular destination for trekking and birdwatching.
Gumbadara Monastery
Gumbadara Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Neora Valley National Park. It is only 6 km from Lava by road, and it requires a short trek of 1 km to reach the monastery. The monastery is home to a graceful statue of Lord Buddha, and it is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
Changey Waterfall
Changey Waterfall is a magnificent waterfall located about 14 km from Lava. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests, and it is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
Canopy Walk
The Canopy Walk is an amazing hanging wooden footbridge that is located in the midst of the close-knit forest of huge pines and oaks. The bridge is about 180 meters long, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding forest.
Jhandi Dara
Jhandi Dara is a sunrise point located about 3.5 km from Lolaygaon. It is a popular spot to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas.
Other places of interest in Neora Valley National Park include Neora Lake, Ratnarishi Gumpha, Silviculture Research Centre, and Rametay Dara Viewpoint.
Tips for visiting Neora Valley National Park:
- The best time to visit Neora Valley National Park is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
- The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
- Visitors are required to obtain a permit from the Forest Department before entering the park.
- It is important to be aware of the wild animals in the park, and to take precautions to avoid encounters with them.
- Visitors should carry adequate food and water, as there are no facilities available inside the park.
- It is also important to wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved in exploring the park.
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