KAFFERGAON
Kaffergaon is a serene village near Lolegaon or Loleygaon in Kalimpong sub – division on Kalimpong district in the Indian state of west Bengal. Kaffergaon emerged as a newly found tourist destination for last few years with the rising demand in tourist accommodations within the remote Himalayan villages of West Bengal as offbeat places. Kaffergaon is mainly known for its breath-taking views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other peaks. Kaffergaon is an ideal destination for those seeking absolute solitude and tranquillity on the lap of mountains. Apart from that Kaffergaon is also known for its dense wilderness all over along with wide species of flora and fauna which are often spotted here. Kaffergoan is set at an elevation of about 5500 feet above sea level. The word Kaffergaon is derived from the presence of a flower named ‘Kaffer’ which is found in this hamlet of Kaffergaon. The local inhabitants of Kaffergaon are mostly Lepchas which belong to Nepali origin. These local villagers are fluent in speaking Hindi and English which are common mediums of communication with tourists. The main source of livelihood of these local villagers of Kaffergaon is agriculture, but with the rising demand in tourism, these local villagers of Kaffergaon started renting their homes or establishing separate properties in order to cater tourists with staying options in homestays. The mystic charm of Kaffergaon is a profound escape from the chaotic city life. The serene escape to Kaffergaon offers nature enthusiasts to stay amidst rustic village life, wood scented forests, smiling locals and wide species of birds and butterflies all over.
Activities and attractions in and around Kaffergaon:
Kaffergaon being a small Himalayan village of Kalimpong, offers tourists with numerous activities to try and nearby places to visit.
- View of Mountain Ranges: The main attraction of Kaffergaon is the breath-taking view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with other peaks. All over the village of Kaffergoan there are few viewpoints which offer stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
- Sunrise and Sunset View: Kaffergaon offers stunning view of the morning sunrise at the backdrop of Bhutan’s eastern skyline.
- Birding: Kaffergaon is also an ideal destination for bird watchers and photographers. As Kaffergaon is home to numerous species of birds those are native to this region. Apart from that during winter Kaffergaon also receives wide species of migratory birds. Among these to name but a few are Rufus Sibia, Green Backed Tit, Scarlet Minivet, Malkoha and others.
- Forest and Nature Trails: The village of Kaffergaon is blessed with thick natural vegetation all over. Tourists can opt for a nature trail through the lush greenery of Kaffergaon and explore the hidden gems of this tiny hamlet. The verdant forests of Kaffergaon are ideal for jungle trekking and adventure aficionados will find Kaffergaon very suitable for such activities.
- Village Walk: While at Kaffergaon tourists can opt for a leisure walk by the village trails and meet the local people to get a deep insight of their daily lifestyle. Apart from that one can also get to know their local customs, culture and heritage.
- Local Activities: At Kaffergaon tourists can indulge in local activities with the villagers like farming activity. Apart from that there is a small monastery at Kaffergaon maintained by the local villagers of Kaffergaon which is worth visiting.
- Treks and Hikes: Few trekking or hiking trails has emerged from Kaffergaon those leads to different parts of the village. Tourists can opt for a small trekking or hiking through these trails along with a local villager. Apart from that tourists can also opt to trek upto Lolegaon or Loleygaon which 05 km uphill from Kaffergaon.
- Visit nearby Places: From Kaffergaon tourists can opt for a visit to the nearby places like Lolegaon (05 km), Lava (23 km), Rishyap or Rishop (28 km), Panbu Dara – Viewpoint (29 km), Charkhole (16 km), Kolakham (32 km), Pabong (20 km) Changay Waterfall (35 km) and Neora Valley National Park (22 km).
- Canopy Walk at Lolegaon: As Kaffergaon is located within close proximity to Lolegaon or Loleygaon, hence tourists can easily visit the hanging bridge or ‘canopy walk’ at Lolegaon which lies deep in the woods.
- Kalimpong tour: From Kaffergaon tourists can easily plan for a local tour to Kalimpong town. Kaffergaon is located at 55 km away from the main town of Kalimpong and one can easily visit the local watchable in and around Kalimpong.
- Landscape Photography: For landscape photographers Kaffergaon is an ideal option. The village of Kaffergaon is abundant in mountain ranges, lush greenery, forest trails, simple village life and cascading waterfall which offers photographers ample options.
- Star gazing: The night sky of Kaffergaon becomes ideal for star gazing. In the evening tourists can opt to stare at the night sky and witness the galaxy of countless stars from Kaffergaon.
- Enjoy local cuisines: While at Kaffergaon tourists can opt to taste the lip smacking traditional Nepali and Lepcha delicacies which are prepared from fresh sourced organic ingredients those reflects the cultural heritage of the local communities.
- Enjoy cultural events: In the evening at Kaffergaon tourists can indulge with the local communities in local songs and dance which are specially arranged for tourist entertainment. Or one can also get engaged with the local villagers to know about their traditions and thrilling folklore.
- Bon fire and Bar-B-Cue: In the evening tourists can get indulge in bon fire or Bar-B-Cue which the local villagers of Kaffergaon which is also worth enjoying.
How to reach:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Kaffergaon located at 92.7 km away via NH 10. Bagdogra Airport is well connected with Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi by regular flight services. From Bagdogra Airport tourists will get hired cabs to reach Kaffergaon.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest rail head to Kaffergaon located at 84 km away via Siliguri – Sevoke – Panbu Dara – Loleygaon. Apart from that there is another route to reach Kaffergaon from NJP railway station which is 125 km away via Odlabari – Gorubathan – Lava and Loleygaon. NJP is well connected by good railway networks with Kolkata and other cities of India. From NJP railway station tourists will get hired cabs to reach Kaffergaon. Another alternative is New Mal Junction located at 80 km away, but train service is very limited compare to NJP.
By Road: Kaffergaon has good road connectivity with Siliguri (81 km) and Kalimpong (55 km). From Siliguri it takes about 3.5 hours to reach Kaffergaon. Lava is another centre point which is also well connected by road service with Kaffergaon. To reach Kaffergaon tourists can either opt to hire a reserved vehicle from NJP/ Bagdogra or Siliguri Jnc. Or one can also have shared vehicles upto Kalimpong or Lava and from there by another reserve vehicle Kaffergaon can be reached. Kaffergaon can also be reached from New Mal Junction located at 80 km which takes about 03 hours to reach.
Best time to visit: Though Kaffergaon can be visited throughout the year, but it is advisable to avoid the monsoon as torrential rain makes the road condition messy. Summers are best to escape the scorching heat of the plains and also to witness various flowers in full bloom. Winter is the best time to witness the clear view of the Himalayan ranges and also to witness maximum birds and butterflies activity. For outdoor activities both summer and winter are ideal.
PEMAZEN PAKHRIN VILLA HOMESTAY
Pemazen Pakhrin Villa Homestay at Kaffergaon offers beautiful and comfortable accommodation at Kaffergaon. Pemazen Pakhrin Villa Homestay has well-appointed rooms with view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges from the rooms. The warmth and hospitality of the host along with the staffs of Pemazen Pakhrin Villa Homestay are worth mentioning. At Pemazen Pakhrin Villa Homestay tourists are served with traditional home cooked meals. At Pemazen Pakhrin Villa Homestay tourists are offered with the best services possible at such a remote location. Pemazen Pakhrin Villa Homestay offers with varieties of activities for tourists which are quiet enjoying.
Amenities available:
Well-appointed rooms
All rooms are wooden furnished
Attached washroom with geyser facility
24 hours running hot and cold water
Pick up and drop facility available
Arrangement of local sightseeing
Offers authentic local meals
Bonfire, bar-b-cue and campfire facility (chargeable)
Tariff:
INR @ 1400/- per day per person (both food and lodging included)
Meals include: Morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, snacks and dinner.
HOW TO BOOK: Call us at 9831311606 , 9830381306, to get the current availability status or use the query form furnished below with all you travel queries and submit, we will call/ contact you directly.
Or, you may also directly book from our Kolkata office at: 8C Shanti Ghosh Street, Kolkata – 700003. Nearest Landmark: Manindra Chandra College and Shyambazar Metro Railway Station (Gate No: 3).
