Nomad Saikat
While talking about offbeat and one of the fast growing tourist destinations we must talk about Lava Lolegaon Rishop. The beauties of North Bengal are the hub of natural beauty with their unhindered gorgeousness. Furthermore these villages surrounded by the Himalayas are like a natural tavern waiting to be explored. With pine forests and coniferous trees, rustic charm, majestic views and serene atmosphere makes them the ideal spots for the much needed relaxation in life. So if you are in search of any such places where the beauty of nature is unspoiled and untouched then you must consider visiting Lava Lolegaon and also add Rishop in your itinerary. You will be refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated after a trip to these alluring locations. So keep on reading this article as I will mention everything that you need to know about Lava Lolegaon and Rishop.
Lava Lolegaon
Where is Lava Lolegaon
Lava is a small village in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal which is located at an elevation of 2350 metres. Lolegaon is yet another quaint hill station a few km away from Lava located at an elevation of 1675 metres. While visiting Lava Lolegaon the tourists also tag along another destination that is Rishop. It is another small village in the Kalimpong subdivision which is a comparatively newer tourist destination.
How to reach Lava Lolegaon
Lava to Lolegaon distance is only 25 kms if you are travelling by road. The nearest airports to reach Lava Lolegaon are the Bagdogra Airport at a distance of 110 km and Pakyong Airport at a distance of 80 km. And then the nearest railway stations are New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and NJP to Lava Lolegaon distance is around 106 km and it would take around 3 hours to reach there. Another nearest railway station is Mal Junction which is 58 km away from Lava.
Furthermore NJP to Rishop is 106 km and would take around 3 hours to reach. You can even travel from Siliguri to Lava Lolegaon and Rishop as well. From NJP Station Lolegaon is around 125 km away and it would take around 4 hours to reach there.
Distance between nearby places
- Siliguri to Lolegaon is 97 km
- Rishop to Lolegaon is 51 km
- Kolakham to Lolegaon is 59 km
- Kalimpong to Lava is 32 km
- Pedong to Lava is 22 km
- Kolakham to Lava is 9 km
- Sillery Gaon to Lava is 23 km
Best time to visit Lava Lolegaon
Both Lava and Lolegaon experience pleasant temperatures. Both the villages are located at a higher elevation and that makes them an all year round destination where weather remains mostly pleasant. Furthermore, summers, monsoon and winter seasons are noticed here distinctively. From March to June it is the summer time in Lava Lolegaon with temperatures ranging between 25 to 12 degrees. Most of the tourists visit here during this time to enjoy the clear view of the sky. Also it is like an escape from the scorching heat of the summer. Furthermore you can even witness the beautiful views of the snow-clad mountain ranges during this time.
The monsoon months from July to August are the off season for tourists. This area receives heavy rainfall during monsoon which in turn also affects the road conditions and increases the chances of landslides. The Lava Lolegaon Temperature remains around 22 to 30 degrees around this time. Furthermore one of the major turn off during monsoon is the cloudy sky that blocks the viewpoints. It would not be an ideal time to visit here.
The autumn and winter season is by far the best time to visit here. From September to February the temperature here ranges from 7 degrees to 15 degrees. However at times it even goes down to sub zero degrees. Therefore winters here are too chilly and cold. But also this is the ideal time to visit here as you can enjoy the nature as well as the views really well. You can even enjoy a clear view of the mighty Kanchenjunga if you are visiting here during this period of the year. The period from September to June is the best time to visit Lava Lolegaon to enjoy nature at its best.
Hotels in Lava Lolegaon
You can get some options of Lava Lolegaon hotels and resorts. Also there are some good Lava Lolegaon homestay that you can check out. Some of them are
Lava Bunglow
Email: booking@heritagebungalows.com
Contact number: 03325299689
Website: heritagebungalows.com
This is a beautiful bungalow located 0.8 km away from Lava at an altitude of 6700 feet. The bungalow is almost a century old and holds a lot of vintage charm in it. With wooden floors, floor to ceiling glass windows, fireplace and lush greenery it would be a treat to stay at this bungalow. They have a total of 5 double bedded rooms here along with one dining space and a fireplace. Furthermore some of the rooms here also have attached balconies and each of the rooms has their private washrooms with geysers. The guest can enjoy short nature treks, mountain biking and trips to nearby tourist spots or villages. Here the tariff is Rs. 7500 per night for 2 people that include meals like breakfast, lunch and dinner along with the stay.
Lolegaon Valley Retreat
This is another option for a decent stay in Lolegaon. They provide facilities like Hot Water Service, Room Heater, Parking and housekeeping. Furthermore they also arrange on demand pick up and drop services, Bonfire and Barbeque. The tariff is Rs. 1750 per person including meals. Kids below 5 years are complementary and for children up to 9 years they will be charged half the price. Above 10 years of age the children will be counted as an adult. From NJP to Lolegaon the cost of a car would be around Rs. 3500 for one way.
Neora Valley Retreat
Address: Neora Valley, Rishop
Contact number: 9749244306, 9733506621
Email: neoravalleyresort1999@gmail.com
Website: neoravalleyretreat.com
Other than Lava Lolegaon resort you can check out this resort in Rishop for a decent stay option as well. It is a 4 acre property that has 7 pinewood cottages along with all basic amenities. They can accommodate around 21 people at the same time here. With home style food including Bengali, Chinese, Indian and local cuisine they also provide a homely atmosphere.
Furthermore they have Duplex Cottages and the tariff is Rs. 2800 and Rs. 2500 per night. For Single Cottages the tariff is Rs. 4000 per night. You can definitely check them out for a comfortable stay.
Lava Lolegaon Rishop Tour Plan
Lava Lolegaon Rishop tour plans can be made for 4 days and 3 nights or 5 days and 4 nights. The Lava Lolegaon Rishop tour packages would depend on how many people you are travelling with and also on the basis of number of sightseeing points as well as number of days.
A 4 days and 3 nights Kalimpong Lava Lolegaon Rishop tour would cost around Rs. 7000 per person if you are travelling in a group of 6 in a car approximately. You can check out various sites and travel agencies that offer such packages or talk to your resort or homestay owner and you will get a fair idea about the cost of the trip including travel, stay, meals and sightseeing.
Lava Lolegaon Sightseeing:
Lava Places to visit
Neora Valley National Park
It is one of the most important sightseeing spots in Lava as Lava is known as the Gateway to Neora Valley National Park. From the main location of Lava the Neora Valley National Park is only 10 km away. Furthermore other than the huge variety of species of flora and fauna the Neora Valley National Park is also specifically famous for the presence of rare Red Pandas.
Lava Monastery
One of the oldest monasteries, the Lava Monastery is originally known as the Lava Jamgyong Kongtrul Monastery. Adorned with beautiful Tibetan architecture it is one of the important sightseeing points in Lava.
Samthar Plateau
You can reach the Samthar plateau via a small trek and it can be one of the interesting activities while visiting Lava. Furthermore this trek starts from Gompa Dara and takes you to the location through dense coniferous forest trails.
Changey Waterfalls
This breathtaking waterfall located only 12 km away from Lava is another popular spot to visit here. You will be left mesmerized after seeing the cascading stream of water gushing down here.
Nature Interpretation Centre of Neora Valley National Park
This is like a centre that explains and exhibits things that you would actually get to see inside the Neora Valley National Park. Surrounded by beautiful mountains it is one of the popular spots to visit in Lava. Furthermore this centre remains open on all days except Thursdays.
Lolegaon Places to Visit
Lolegaon Eco Park
The Eco Park in Lolegaon is one of the attractive sightseeing spots located amidst the hills. There are also some shops that you can find just outside the park and they are the perfect shops to buy some souvenirs. Furthermore you can also try some local food here.
Heritage Forest
A canopy walk along the forest is one of the majestic experiences to enjoy in Lolegaon. You can spot towering pine trees, oak, cypress, rare orchids and more here. Also a great faunal variety can be observed here as well like mountain goats, different species of butterflies, and colorful exotic birds.
Jhandi Dara Viewpoint
This is the viewpoint where you can see the snow covered Mouth Everest and the Kanchenjunga. The panoramic view of the mountains looks breathtaking and is obviously one of the things that you certainly should not miss when you are visiting Lolegaon.
Rishop Places to visit
Tiffin Dara
This is a viewpoint that offers majestic views of Mount Kanchenjunga, Mouth Rathung, Mount Kharg, Mount Kokthang, Mount Narsingh, Mount Pandim and more.
Shiva Buddha Temple
This is a temple where you will find deities of both Lord Buddha and Lord Shiva together.
Wrapping up!
While looking for the blissful and relaxing holiday options away from the bustling city, tucked away in the foothills of the Himalayas you must consider visiting Lava Lolegaon Rishop. These beauties of North Bengal can be your respite from the monotony of regular life. As beautiful as they may look they are also enchanting in their own ways. On a short trip to Lava Lolegaon you can find yourself very close to nature. So plan a visit to these locations the next time you are planning a holiday. Furthermore you will return feeling rejuvenated and who knows you might even plan to visit these places again. Do let me know if this particular article on Lava Lolegaon and Rishop is helpful for you in planning a successful trip to these locations.
