Bored and tired of visiting the same old places to usher in some fresh air, every summer? Here are a couple of places you could pack your bags for the nearing vacation.
ICCHE GAON
Situated 5800 ft above sea level, Icche Gaon is a small village in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal. This picturesque little settlement has caught the eyes of travelers very recently because of the kind of view that you can find of Mt. Kanchejunga. Enveloped by an alpine forest, the night view from Icche Gaon is absolutely to die for.
The village is a settlement of about 30 families, amidst the woodlands of Pine, Juniper and Birch trees. There are home stays offering a taste of local cuisines and warm hospitality.
THINGS TO DO
Icche Gaon serves as the base of some amazing trekking routes. These trekking routes lead to places such as Chalsa, Tinchuley and Ramitey Dara, tucked in quaint corners. Ramitey Dara offers a panoramic view of river Teesta making fourteen (14) turns through the Himalayan Valley. On your way, one might be lucky enough to spot some rare Himalayan birds . Built in the year 1690 by the then-Lepcha ruler and turned into ruins during the Anglo Bhutan War, the GyaboAchuk Damsang Fort is just 6kms away from Icche Gaon. Check out the nearby Sangchen Dorjee Monastery built about 300 years ago. Do consider visiting the Aritar Lake or Lampokhri Lake, 1120 feet long and 240 feet wide and peculiarly boot-shaped. The lake is one of the oldest natural lakes in Darjeeling hills. One can always consider a visit to this place wrapped in historical glory.
How to reach Icche Gaon
Icche Gaon is located 91kms away from Bagdogra and 88kms from New Jalpaiguri Station. Tourists can hire a cab to Icche Gaon.
JALDHAKA
Jaldhaka is a picturesque river valley 99kms away from Siliguri on the foothills of Eastern Himalayas. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city this is the ideal place for a summer retreat. Along with the beautiful view of the river side, there are quite a few places nearby worth visiting.
THINGS TO DO
Apart from everything else, Jaldhaka is certainly going to provide one with absolute solace. This place is surrounded by verdant alpine forests and there are several nurseries that are well worth a visit if you are nature lover. Lose yourself amidst nature in the Neora Valley National Park and visit small villages to enjoy local hospitality. Surrounded by hills and greenery, Jaldhaka is the perfect place to see the stunning mountain ranges of Bhutan.
How to reach Jaldhaka
Jaldhaka can be reached from two places- the first one is Siliguri and the other is Kalimpong. The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is around 100kms away from the valley and the nearest railway station is the New Jalpaiguri Station.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time that you started to pack your bags up for the trip! #experiencebengal…the splendours of these hidden gems are waiting for you.
Bengal Beckons 