ALGARAH
Algarah is a small town in Lava CD Block in Kalimpong sub – division of Kalimpong district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Algarah is settled at one of the highest point of Kalimpong district and is one of the finest gateways for bird lovers and Himalayan forest admirers. Algarah is nestled at an altitude of 1,780 meter (5,840 feet) and the place is covered with dense Conifers from all sides. Algarah lies on the historical Indo – Tibetan route via the Jelep La Pass. Topographically Algarah forms a part of Kalimpong range. Algarah is characterized by rising hills along with small streams and thick natural vegetation. Algarah is predominantly a semi-rural area and the main municipality is at Kalimpong. The local inhabitants of Algarah are mainly Gorkhas and Nepali communities. The main source of economy of the locals of Algarah is Agro – based. The locals of Algarah also depend on floriculture and milk production from their own cattle breeding farms. Potato is a major crop produced at Algarah. But with development of tourism in this sector many local inhabitants of Algarah have also started renting hotels and homestays in order to cater tourists with staying options. Along with that vehicle services at Algarah has also became an additional source of livelihood as being an important part of tourism activities. The local people of Algarah mainly use Nepali as medium of communication among themselves along with that Hindi and English are the common medium of communication among the locals and tourists. Algarah being a semi-rural or a town area hence tourists will find banks, ATMs and markets nearby to Algarah. The Algarah Bazaar or Algarah Market is a popular spot among the locals. Algarah is also often called as ‘New Darjeeling’. Algarah has a fine backdrop of paddy fields, Pine and Dhupi trees with stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Algarah also forms an important gateway to popular Silk Route trip of East Sikkim along with other adjoining circuits like the famous Pedong, Rishyap, Kolakham and Lava.
Activities and attractions around Algarah:
Algarah being an important gateway to tourist destinations of Kalimpong Sub division, Algarah also offers tourists with numerous activities and attractions to experience during their stay.
Bird Watching: As Algarah is very rich in bio-diversity and natural vegetation, hence numerous birds of higher altitude migrate to Algarah during the winter season. The coniferous wilderness of Pine, Fir and Dhupi trees around Algarah is a safe haven for wide species of Himalayan birds to build their nests. Algarah is an ideal gateway for bird watchers.
Trekking: Algarah offers tourists with few short trekking and hiking options. From Algarah few trekking or hiking routes emerge those leads to different directions of Algarah.
Silk Route Trip: Algarah is an important halt or mountain pass before proceeding to the higher altitudes of Old Silk Route of East Sikkim.
Jhandidara: Jhandidara is located at a distance of 45 km away from Algarah. Jhandidara is an important viewpoint offering stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the meandering flow of Rangpo Khola river belt through the deep valleys.
Tenderbong Village: Tenderbong is a sleepy village located around 7.6 km away from Algarah. In fact Tenderbong is one of the nearby villages of Algarah. Tenderbong is mainly known for the photogenic view of the majestic Himalayas along with numerous birds, blooming flowers, butterflies and natural vegetation.
Sample Dara or Sampli Dara (viewpoint): Sample Dara also pronounced as Sampli Dara is a popular viewpoint near Algarah. Sample Dara or Sampli Dara is located at a distance of 10 minutes by walking from Algarah on a hill top and it offers the outline view of the Nathula Range along with the view of the Seven Valleys at a same time.
Algarah Sunset Point: This sunset point of Algarah is located around 07 minutes away by walking and is set on a hill top. From this point tourists will get to witness stunning view of the sunset at the backdrop of the Himalayas.
Water Reservoir: The massive sized Water Reservoir is another point of tourist interest located at a distance of 10 minutes walking from Algarah. This water reservoir is set on the lap of Mother Nature and is one of the biggest water reservoirs in Kalimpong Sub division.
Damsang Fort: Damsang Fort or Damsang Gadi was built by Lepcha King Gyabo Achuk in 1690 and is located at a distance of 05 km away from Algarah. Damsang Fort was built with the help of spirits who brought the big round smooth stones from the Reshi River. The Damsang Fort was destroyed during the Anglo – Bhutan war in 1864, only the remnants of the fort still exist. Damsang Fort near Algarah has a rich historical importance.
Rikisum: Rikisum is another popular tourist destination on the lap of the Himalayas located at a distance of 4.2 km away from Algarah. On a clear day Rikisum offers stunning view of the majestic Himalayas along with stunning view of morning sunrise.
Ramdhura: Ramdhura is another tourist spot located around 5.8 km away from Algarah via Rishi Road and Bhalu Marg. Ramdhura lies very close to Icchey Forest and is a Lepcha inhabited village. On a clear day Ramdhura also offers stunning view of the majestic Himalayas along with the meandering flow of River Teesta.
How to reach:
By Air: Algarah is well connected with two different airports namely Pakyong Airport located around 55 km away and Bagdogra Airport located around 92 km away. Though Paykong Airport is the nearest to Algarah, but it has limited airline services with major cities of India. But Bagdogra is well connected by regular flight services with Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi. From both Pakyong Airport and Bagdogra Airport tourists will get hired vehicles both on shared and reserved basis to reach Algarah.
By Train: Algarah is well connected with two different railway stations namely New Mal Junction located around 74.3 km away via NH717A and New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station located around 85.4 km away via NH10 and Rishi Road. Though New Mal Junction is the nearest rail head to Algarah, but it is connected with limited train services with rest of India. NJP railway station is well connected with good railway networks with other major cities of India. From both New Mal Junction and NJP railway station tourists will get hired vehicles both on reserved and shared basis to reach Algarah.
By Road: Algarah lies on National Highway 717A (NH717A) connecting Bagrakot to Gangtok. There are three important road networks meet at Algarah namely Rhenock- Reshi- Kalimpong Road, Algarah– Lava– Gorubathan Road and Rangpo- Munsoong- Pedong Road. Algarah is well connected by vehicles services with Kalimpong (15 km), Pedong (6.9 km), Lava (16 km), Rhenock (61.9 km), Rongli (41.8 km), Gorubathan (56.3 km) and Siliguri (81 km).
Best time to visit Algarah:
Though can be visited throughout the year, but it is advisable to avoid the monsoon season. Algarah is mostly visited in summers to avoid the scorching heat of the plains. Winters are the best time to experience the view of the surrounding landscapes along with maximum bird activity.
GOLAY HOMESTAY
Golay Homestay at Algarah is situated by the side of a ridge overlooking the vast stretches of the mountain valleys. Golay Homestay offers tourists with comfortable staying option and makes feel home away from home. Golay Homestay is equipped with all sorts of basic amenities available so far at such a location. Each room at Golay Homestay can accommodate 04 people at a time. All rooms of Golay Homestay are very neat and clean. The staffs at Golay Homestay are very courteous and well behaved. Golay Homestay is a perfect gateway for nature enthusiasts to enjoy the beauty of nature. Golay Homestay has a spacious dining hall where large groups can easily sit together to enjoy their meals.
Amenities available:
All rooms are quiet spacious.
Rooms are equipped with attached western type toilets.
Geyser facility available for running hot water.
Meals are served within the homestay.
Pick up and drop facility available.
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).
