KOLBONG
Kolbong is a small offbeat village in Pulbazaar subdivision of Darjeeling district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Kolbong is situated near Bijanbari block area and offers serene escape for tourists seeking tranquil ambience amidst nature. Kolbong is famous for the picturesque views of the mountain valleys, snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga, fresh air, rural village life, terraced farming, numerous Himalayan birds, Himalayan streams and regional local culture. The small village of Kolbong is perched at an altitude of about 1,218 meters (3,996 feet) and is mostly inhabited by Lepcha people of Rai, Gurung, Bhutia, Tamang and like communities. Agriculture and cattle farming is the main source of livelihood of the villagers at Kolbong. Apart from that tourism in Kolbong has also added as a source of livelihood in their mainstream economy. Many villagers have set up homestay facilities in Kolbong to cater accommodation facilities for tourists. The village of Kolbong is abundant in thick natural vegetation all over. At Kolbong the villagers use to grow organic vegetables through step cultivation process. The solitude and tranquillity along with the warm hospitality of the local villagers of Kolbong is sure to cherish the memory of every tourist for a lifetime.
Activities and attractions in and around Kolbong:
Kolbong being a remote and small village offers tourists with handful of local attractions to witness and activities to enjoy.
- The prime attraction of Kolbong is the serene nature at its best. As Kolbong offers stunning view of Mt. Kanchenjunga range, hence tourists can sit quietly and enjoy this natural splendour throughout the day.
- Bird watching and bird photography at Kolbong is another prime activity. As the village of Kolbong is inhabited by wide species of numerous Himalayan birds. Tourists can take a local guide and get deep into the woods to spot these local birds at Kolbong.
- Kolbong offers tourists with the opportunity of trekking and hiking through the narrow and steep trails of the village, as few trekking and hiking trails emerged from Kolbong those leads to different directions of the village.
- For landscape photographers Kolbong is also an ideal location with its abundance in natural treasures and guarded by rolling mountains valleys and Himalayan ranges. At Kolbong landscape photographers can spot their lenses in order to get some of the best clicks.
- From Kolbong tourists can opt for a day trip to the nearby tourists’ locations like Darjeeling (39.3 km), Bijanbari (14 km), Kalimpong (63.8 km), Samalbong (20.6 km), Jhepi (12.6 km), Chongtong Tea Estate (29.6 km), Pulbazar (21.2 km), and few others.
- On leisure day one can opt for a walk along the village trails of Kolbong and meet the local people to get a deep insight of their daily lifestyle. Or one can deeply interact with the local villagers of Kolbong to know more about social customs, rituals, heritage or traditions.
- While at Kolbong tourists can indulge with the local villagers and lay hands along with them in agricultural and farming activities. Or one can also get involved with the locals of Kolbong in their kitchen to know the process of preparing lip smacking authentic local dishes of the region like Thukpa, Momos and others.
- Kolbong also offers stunning view of the Sunrise on the eastern sky at the backdrop of the Himalayan ranges to the far horizon. At the time of sunrise the eastern sky from Kolbong gets painted with hues of changing colours gradually with the rising sun.
- Star gazing is also a prime activity to try at Kolbong during night as the night sky visible from Kolbong glitters with countless stars. Along with that the view of the sparkling lights of the distant towns and villages from Kolbong is also worth watching.
- In the night time tourists can also indulge in bon fire at Kolbong. Or one can also get involved with the local villagers of Kolbong in regional songs and dances which are worth enjoying.
- At Kolbong tourists can opt to taste some of the regional local delicacies prepared by the villagers from organic produce. Apart from that the local villagers of Kolbong also prepares a local country wine from millets which is also worth tasting.
- Staying in a local homestay at Kolbong with the native villagers is an experience worth remembering, as one will get to experience deep insights of their daily lifestyle.
How to reach:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Kolbong located at 113 km away via NH10 and Matigara – Kurseong Road. From Bagdogra Airport tourists will get reserved vehicles to reach Kolbong. Or tourists can also opt to hire shared cab service from Bagdogra Airport upto Kurseong and from there by another hired vehicle one can reach Kolbong.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest rail head to Kolbong located at 105 km away via NH10. From NJP railway station tourists can either hire reserved vehicles to reach Kolbong. Or one can also avail shared vehicles upto Kurseong or Bijanbari and from there by another vehicle one can reach Kolbong.
By Road: Kolbong is well connected by good motor-able roads with Siliguri (103 km) and other popular tourist destinations. From both Bagdogra and NJP it takes about 3.5 to 04 hours to reach Kolbong. Bijanbari is the nearest town to Kolbong located at 14 km away. Kolbong can also be reached from Kalimpong (63.8 km), Kurseong (73 km) and Darjeeling (39.3 km). The route to Kolbong by road passes scenic landscapes of Darjeeling hills and the journey is worth enjoying.
Best time to visit Kolbong:
Kolbong can be visited throughout the year, but it is advisable to avoid the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall and messy road conditions at some places. Summers are good to enjoy outdoor activities in and around Kolbong. During summer season tourists can also witness blooming Rhododendrons all over Darjeeling hills. Summers are also ideal to spot some of the migratory birds of the greater Himalayas. Winters at Kolbong are ideal for the clear view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with other peaks. Apart from that winters are also ideal for maximum bird activity. During winter season tourists can also opt for outdoor camping and picnic activity in and around Kolbong.
DIDI BAHINI FARMSTAY
