Lava: Where Serenity Meets Adventure in West Bengal

Kagyu Thekchen Ling Monastery, also known as Ratnarishi Bihar Buddhist Gumpa or simply Lava Monastery, is a Buddhist monastery situated in Lava, West Bengal, India.

In the 1980s, the local Buddhist community of Lava offered Karma Lodrö Chökyi Senge (1954–1992), the 3rd Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, four acres of land to establish a
Buddhist monastery in the hamlet, with the aim of preserving local religious and cultural tradition. The offer was accepted in 1987 and construction work commenced in April,1988. The monastery was opened on June 6, 1990, on the occasion of ChökhorDüchen.

In 2001, the Dalai Lama opened Mane Lhakhang, a community temple next to themonastery. Today, over a hundred monks practise Buddhist philosophy at the monastery.
The monastery is located in Lava, Kalimpong district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It sits just beside the Neora Reservoir, and serves as a gateway to the Neora Valley
National Park. It is at a distance of about 32 km (19.9 mi) from Kalimpong. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Junction railway station and the nearest airportis Bagdogra Airport in Bagdogra, Siliguri.

The monastery resembles elements and styles of Tibetan architecture, and is built of brick and concrete. It has several prayer halls, lawns, sitting areas, and houses a large Buddha statue. It is properly maintained.

At a distance of 2 km from Rishop and 4 km from Lava, Tiffin Dara is a viewpoint situated at Rishop near Lava in Kalimpong district of West Bengal. It is one of the vantage points in Lava and among the most visited tourist spots in Lava.

At an altitude of around 2,360 meters, Tiffin Dara viewpoint is famous for stunning sunrise & sunset. The view point offers 360 degree views of Kanchenjunga range, the blue mountains of Sikkim, Nathu-La and Jelep-La pass on a clear day.

The place can be approached by a 4 km walk uphill from Lava through the deep silent forest of Pines, Rhododendrons and Orchids. The trek takes about 45 minutes each waythrough a steep jungle trail. One can also reach Tiffin Dara by a 2 km uphill walk fromRishyap. It's a narrow jungle trail and should be avoided during rainy days.

Timings: 6 AM - 5 PM

Kolakham - a small picturesque village, inside of Neora Valley is 62 Nepali families belonging to the “Rai” community is one of the most beautiful and sought after places by adventure loving people and bird watchers. The village is also a paradise for nature loving people. Located at an height of 6200 ft and on the fringe of Neora Valley National Park. The village comes under Kalimpong Subdivision of Darjeeling District.

Kolakham offers a majestic view of mighty Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak along with its adjoining peaks, ie. Kabru, Kabru Dome, Pandim, Siniolchu etc. stand high on the north western sky. Lava with its monastery along with Rishyap are distinctly visible and Nathula is a distant view from the village. Number of mountain ranges creates numerous valleys which are mesmerizing. And never ending lush green of Neora Valley forest makes Kolakham is one of the most coveted places to visit in Darjeeling district.

Kolakham is just 8 kms from Lava and the entire route passes through Neora Valley National Park.The park is enriched by its amazing bi-diversity of endangered species of plants, animals and birds.Neora Valley forest is a home of the Red Panda, the Musk Deer and the Clouded Leopard apart from Leopard, Bison etc. which are regularly seen wild lives.

Neora Valley National Park extends from a lower altitude of around 100 ft. upto 10500 ft with an area coverage of 88 sq. km. The highest point of the park touches Rachela Pass,which is located at the tri-junction of the Indian states West Bengal and Sikkim along with Bhutan.

Adventurous enthusiastic can go for hiking in the forest of course with all cautions as the chances of meeting wild animals are very high. For following more adventurous trails, itis always advisable to go along with an experienced guide.

Changey Falls - Located 14 km from the Lava with a breathtaking panoramic view of Mt.Khangchendzongha close to Neora Valley National Park is the finest example of natural beauty Changey Fall. Changey falls is the famous 3 step waterfall between Tiffin Dharaand Ghanti Dhara. Changey Falls is considered the highest altitude fall in North Bengal whilst adding more charm to the nearby quaint villages.

The beauty of Changey Falls and all its nearby destinations can be explored with ease if you opt for a tour package that comes with facilities like pick-up, drop, sightseeing,accommodation, and more. Contact now for a free tour quote.

Himmering and falling from a height of 300mt the first glimpse of Changey Fall has left many travelers amazed and bewitched their minds. The view of the waterfall gushing fromthe hilltop of Tiffin Dhara and Ghanti Dhara while descending down and disappearing into the abundant greenery of the surrounding area while creating a wonderful tint of green and white. The journey to this serene and enchanting Changey Fall is a mini-adventure in itself.Traveling on the road which is full of ups and downs since the road is not well maintained but the astounding view of the lofty mountains and green valley will compensate for the rough road and there is a quote saying 'It's a rough road that leads you to the heights of greatness and your journey towards Changey Falls will live up to the quote.

Travelers need to walk for 900ft after the ride comes to a halt to the last motorable point before reaching Changey Fall. Descending down the spiraling trail through the lush green forest while basking in the astounding sight of the green lofty mountains, is a sight that has lured many travelers towards the Changey Fall. Acute calmness with the captivating sound of the waterfall makes a wonderful contrast with the amazing backdrop view of Mt Khangchendzongha. Innumerous chirps of amazing Himalayan birds like White Capped Water Redstart, Verditer Flycatcher, Niltava, Blue Fronted Redstart, Grey Trepid, IndianRobin, and Blue Whistling Thrush make the atmosphere heaven-like. There ravishing beautyof Changey Fall can be relished throughout the year.

Gumbadara view point - Gumbadara meaning "GUMBA" means Monastery "DARA" means Hilltop. Gumbadara and Royak khasmal is a small village which has about 40
- 50 houses. It is situated 1.5km away from famous tourist destination Tinchulay. Gumbadara viewpoint is one of the favourite tourist place in Tinchulay. you can have a view of Mt Kanchangunga, Sikkim (Namchi) Chardham, Samdupchey on north and Kalimpong (Delo and Durpin) on east. Also a clear view of river Teesta & Rangeet.

Gumbadara viewpoint has altitude of 6000ft. Their is a natural cavepoint and rock climbing point and sunrise point in Gumbadara. Gumbadara is about 70-80km away from New Jalpaiguri Station(NJP) and Baghdogra International Airport Siliguri (WestBengal).It takes around 3hrs to reach Gumbadara (Tinchulay) from Siliguri in taxi.

Darjeeling town and Kalimpong is 30km away from gumbadara and takes an hour tor each this places in taxi.Their are many more tourist destination near Gumbadaralike Rangli Tea garden which is 7km away Teesta Lover's viewpoint 10 km away Orange garden Mangmawa 5 km away Lamahatta park 6km away old heritage BritishBunglow in Takdah 4km away.

Nokhdhara lake - Nestled amidst the hills roughly 28 kilometers from Kalimpong's maintown, Nokdara Lake is a picturesque escape. This offbeat destination, also known as Nok Dara, offers a tranquil atmosphere far from the usual tourist crowds.

The name Nokdara itself is a blend of Lepcha and Nepali influences. "Nok"in Lepcha translates to "dark," "gloomy," or "cold," while "hlo" signifies "hills."exclamation In Nepali, "dara" means "hills," giving the location its current name.

Nokdara Lake, also referred to as Nokdara Jheel, is the centerpiece of this recently developed tourist spot. Spanning 10,000 square meters, the lake offers boating, a perfect activity for a relaxing afternoon. Encircling the lake are landscaped gardens and lawns, ideal for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The lake, Nokdara boasts stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. The climb up Nokdara Hill rewards visitors with breathtakingviews, including a glimpse of the majestic Kanchenjunga peak on a clear day. The entire Nokdara complex is roughly 2.5 acres, offering a haven fornature lovers seeking serenity in the hills.

Rishop - The virgin spot with rows of pines and rhododendrons triggers the beauty of Rishop. It is a small village in the districts of Kalimpong in West Bengal is one of the major attractions. There are myths associated with this name. “Ri” stands for mountainpeak and “shop” means decade old trees.

The majestic view of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga is viewed from this evergreen village. It is 2591 meters around high from the sea level.

The only serene location away from the hustle attracts people the most. A long walkaround the village is quite relaxing. The rough roads through the region don’t really entertain transportation. Trekking and chirping of birds are way more adventurous here.

The newly found hamlet has a story behind it. Initially, there was a cluster of households with limited farming weather dependent lands. Later this hidden diamond place is found.

Jhandi Dara - At a distance of 31 km from Kalimpong, 52 km from Lava and 70 km from Darjeeling, Jhandi Dara is a beautiful viewpoint located at Lolegaon near Kalimpong.Known for its spectacular view of Sunrise, it is one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling.

Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point offers beautiful vistas of the sun rising behind the snow capped mountain peaks. Watching the sky lighting up, changing colors from dark blue to fiery orange is memorable from here. Tourists can also enjoy the views of dense green Sal and Pine Trees spread all over the hilltop with the Kanchenjunga as a majestic backdrop.
Boasting of lush and mountainous environs, the Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point offers ample opportunities for capturing really amazing photographs, especially at the time of sunrise.Besides, the viewpoint is a perfect retreat for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

The location of Jhandi Dara Viewpoint is very unique as one can see the Plains of Dooars,Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kanchenjunga and Nathula from a single viewpoint. Tourists can also visit other destinations like Samabeong organic tea Garden, Sunrise point and Sunset Point, Lava Buddhist Monastery, Beautiful Green Pine trees, Changey Falls, Indira Gandhi National Park and Lolegaon while on a trip to Jhandi Dara.

The best time to visit the place is during the months of September to November. Visiting the place during winters as well as rainy season is not recommended, as the weather conditions would be quite harsh.

Lolegaon - At a distance of 30 km from Kalimpong and 50 km from Lava, Lolegaon is a small Lepcha village in Kalimpong district of West Bengal. Surrounded by dhupi and cypress forests, it is considered to be the tourism mascot of West Bengal and also one of the best places to visit near Kalimpong.

Nestled atop a flat hill on a forested ridge at an altitude of 5500 feet, Lolegaon or Loleygaon is a place of ethereal wilderness and tranquility. Basically a small Lepcha village also known as Kaffer, Lolegaon is a recent inclusion in tourism map of West Bengal for its magnificent view of Greater Himalayan snow ranges that spreads over the entire horizon.

Viewing sunrise over the snow peaks from Jhandi Dara Viewpoint is perhaps the most treasured memory of being at Lolegaon. On a clear day all major peaks of Kanchenjunga massif can be seen from here. Even the glorious Mt Everest can be seen from Jhandi Dara.

Lolegaon is a fabulous destination for the lovers of wildlife. The age-old forest of towering pine, cypress and oaks with their mossy trunk is an ideal place for watching endangered Himalayan species such as black bear, mountain goats, numerous birds and different varieties of species. The Heritage Forest at Lolegaon is the place to feel the exquisite wealth that nature has showered here. The hanging foot bridge over the canopy of huge trees is a special attraction. Popularly known as 'The Canopy Walk' it offers an unforgettable experience, which allows you to get close to the trees.

Lolegaon also offers some exciting short treks in the remote Kalimpong hills of West Bengal. A day trek to Samthar or Relly in the unseen lower Himalayas can be a real opportunity to know the different aspects of lives in Indian countryside.

Kalimpong - At a distance of 51 km from Darjeeling, 58 km from Namchi, 66 km fromSiliguri, 72 km from New Jalpaiguri, 74 km from Gangtok, 89 km from Pelling, 358 km from Darbhanga, 445 km from Muzzafarpur, 490 km from Guwahati and 620 km from Kolkata, Kalimpong is a charming hill station in the Indian state of West Bengal. Placed at the foothills of Shivalik ranges, Kalimpong is the headquarters of Kalimpong district and among the most popular tourist destinations in West Bengal.

Perched at an altitude of 1250 m, Kalimpong is located in the northern part of the state of West Bengal close to the Bhutan - Tibet - Sikkim border. Kalimpong was an important trading center in earlier days, when the trade routes between Tibet, Bhutan and Sikkim were very much active. It was known as the silk route connecting Lhasa in Tibet with the rest of the subcontinent.

According to history, the area around Kalimpong was ruled by the Sikkimese Kings and was known as Dalingkot. In 1706, the Bhutan Empire took over the town and renamed itas Kalimpong. After the Anglo-Bhutan War in 1864, the Treaty of Sinchula was signed in which Bhutanese held territory east of the Teesta River was ceded to the British East India Company and merged into the present Indian state of West Bengal. After India's independence, Kalimpong became a subdivision of Darjeeling district and formed as a separate district in 2017.

Sits on a ridge overlooking the Teesta River, the town gets its name from two Tibetanwords - Kalon means King's Minister and Pong means Stronghold. So the name Kalimpong actually means Stronghold of King's Minister. In Lepcha language the name Kalimpong means 'ridge where we play', as it was known to be the place for traditional tribal gatherings for summer sporting events.

Kalimpong is known for its temperate climate, panoramic valley views, ancient Buddhists monasteries, churches and Tibetan handicrafts. Deolo Hill, Zong Dhog Palri FO Brang Monastery or Durpin Monastery, Mangal Dham, Kalimpong Science Center, TongsaGumpha, Tharpa Choling Monastery, and Dr. Graham's Home are the top places to visit in Kalimpong. Kalimpong is also notable for its wide array of orchids and nurseries, which export Himalayan grown flower bulbs, tubers and rhizomes.

Bagdogra International Airport is the nearest airport, which is about 78 km from Kalimpong. It has well connected flights from Kolkata, Guwahati and New Delhi. About 72 km from Kalimpong, New Jalpaiguri is the nearest rail head and is well connected by trains with Patna, New Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati, Howrah, Bangalore, Dibrugarh, Puri,Gaya, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Amritsar, Chennai, Chandigarh, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Cochin and Agartala. Pre-paid taxis are available outside the station to reach Kalimpong from Bagdogra and New Jalpaiguri. Kalimpong is well connected by road with Siliguri,Gangtok, Kolkata and Darjeeling.

Losar is the major festival celebrated in Kalimpong with great enthusiasm which attracts huge number of tourists from all over the country. Dashain, Maghe Sankranti, Holi and Diwali are the other festivals celebrated in Kalimpong.

Kalimpong has pleasant climate throughout the year. However, the best time to visit this hill town is from March to May and September to December

Deolo - At a distance of 10 km from Kalimpong Bus Station, Deolo Hill is a hilltop located to the north-east of Kalimpong in West Bengal. Situated at an altitude of around 2000 m, Deolo Hill is the highest point in the town and among the famous Kalimpong Tourist Places.

Deolo Hill is one of the two hills in between the town of Kalimpong stands, the other oneis Durpin Hill. Out of the three water reservoirs in Kalimpong, two of which are primary source of drinking water, are located atop this hill. From the top of this hill, tourists can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding villages of Relli valley and Teesta River alongwith the town of Kalimpong. On a clear day, the snow-clad mountains of West Sikkim are also visible from this hill.

At the summit of the hill, there is a park built for recreation purposes which featur eexotic flowers. The park is a popular picnic spot for tourists as well as locals. There are also some viewpoints for the mesmerizing view of the sunset and sunrise. The hill also offers various adventure-sports like paragliding, horse riding and trekking.

There is a restaurant with accommodation at the highest point of Deolo Hill managed bythe government. One can also visit a Buddha Statue perched on a large stone, a small Shiva temple and a large Hanuman temple with large sculpture of the monkey god nearby.