CHARKHOLE
Charkhole (also known as Charkole) is a small hamlet or an offbeat tourist spot in Kalimpong sub division of Kalimpong district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Charkhole is nestled at approximately 1676 meter (5500 feet) in altitude. This small village of Charkhole is tucked within thick natural vegetation of Pine, Cypress, Oak, Fern and Rhododendrons all around. Charkhole is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty of lush greenery, numerous Himalayan birds and stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga and others. Charkhole is mainly a Lepcha inhabited village of Rai, Tamang, Bhutia and like communities those who are mainly into farming. Apart from that with the growth in demand of tourism in the offbeat villages of West Bengal, the local villagers of Charkhole have shown their interest in tourism activities. The warm hospitality and enigmatic charm of the local villagers of Charkhole will cherish the memory of every tourist visiting this hamlet. In the year 2007 Charkhole has won the prestigious award for the ‘Best Promising New destination’. The village of Charkhole is a blend of nature with culture and a bit of modernization, not yet crowded at all but very calm, peaceful and tranquil. Due to its close proximity to Neora Valley National Park, tourists can very often spot numerous species of Himalayan birds and rare sight of wild animals at Charkhole. At every nooks and corner of Charkhole one will find a touch of rustic charm and rural village life. The local houses of Charkhole are very colourful with numerous known and unknown flowers blooming everywhere. The local villagers of Charkhole lives very close to nature and use sustainable methods to live. The gentle breeze, the clear sky and the picturesque surroundings of Charkhole gives a different vibes that will forever be etched in the memory of each tourist.
Activities and attractions in and around Charkhole:
Charkhole being a small hamlet yet offers tourists with handful of activities to try and local attractions to explore.
- One of the most popular activities in Charkhole is to enjoy the serene natural landscapes and the stunning 180 degree view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with other peaks. The natural beauty of Charkhole is enveloped by dense forests of Pine, Oak, Fern and Rhododendrons making it a haven for nature lovers.
- Nature walk along the narrow forest trails of Charkhole is another activity to try at Charkhole. Tourists can also opt for a stroll around the village of Charkhole and meet the local people to get deep insight of their daily lifestyle and activities. Apart from that one can also indulge in different types of household activities along with the villagers of Charkhole like farming or lay hands in preparing some of the lip smacking traditional cuisines of the region.
- For bird watchers Charkhole is an ideal destination. As being situated close to Neora Valley National Park hence tourists can very often spot numerous species of Himalayan birds those inhabit the village of Charkhole like Indian Robin, Blue Fronted Redstart, Green Backed Tit, Ashy Prinia, Verditer Flycatcher, Scarlet Minivet, Bazard and many others. Bird watchers can take a local guide from Charkhole and get into the woods in search for these birds.
- There is an Old Gompa (Monastery) in Charkhole which is tucked away on the uphill road and tourists need to walk by foot to reach this Gompa. The periphery of this Old Gompa is a viewpoint which is worth mentioning.
- From Charkhole village by a hiking trail tourist can reach at Gomphu Dara which is approximately 1.5 to 02 km. Gomphu Dara Viewpoint is also regarded as Charkhole Top. This viewpoint in Charkhole also offers splendid view of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with the valleys and dense greenery all around. Apart from that the stunning view of the morning sunrise from this viewpoint of Charkhole is also worth remembering.
- From Charkhole in a day trip tourists can opt for a visit to the nearby tourist places namely Lava (35.1 km), Lolegaon (14.5 km), Rishyap (40.6 km), Iccheygaon (37.2 km), Kalimpong (28.9 km), Kaffergaon (16.4 km), Kolakham (45.7 km), Jhandidara Sunrise Viewpoint (9.3 km), Rikisum (38.3 km), Sillerygaon (41.9 km), Algarah (34.1 km), Chuikhim (19.9 km), Panbu (05 km), Nimbong (12.8 km) and many others.
- For landscape photographers Charkhole is also an ideal place due to its surrounding natural treasures including lush greenery and stunning mountains. Photographers will find Charkhole an awesome place to get some of the best clicks.
- For adventure enthusiasts Charkhole is also an ideal place as numerous trekking and hiking trails emerge from Charkhole those leads to different directions of the village. Tourists are advised to take a local guide along with them during their trek.
- While at Charkhole tourists are advised to taste some of the authentic local delicacies of the region. These local delicacies of Charkhole are centre around homely, organic food prepared with local ingredients in homestays with dishes like regional Nepali and North Bengal cuisines. These traditional dishes include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
- Charkhole also offers tourists with after dusk activities like star gazing, bon fire or to get indulge with local villagers in traditional folk songs and dance activities. One can also spot their lenses from Charkhole to the far distant to capture the glittering lights of Kalimpong town.
How to Reach:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest to Charkhole locate at 80 km away via NH 10. Bagdogra Airport is well connected by regular flights with Kolkata, Guwahati and few other major cities of India. From Bagdogra Airport one can hire a direct cab service to Charkhole which takes around 03 hours to reach. Or one can also opt for shared cab service from Bagdogra Airport upto Kalimpong and from there by another vehicle reach upto Charkhole.
By Train: There are two major nearest railway stations to Charkhole. One is New Mal Junction located at some 50 km away and the other is New Jalpaiguri Railway (NJP) Station located at some 75 km away via NH 10. Though New Mal Junction is the nearest rail head, but it is connected by very limited train services with Kolkata. But NJP railway station being a major rail head is well connected by regular train services with Kolkata and other cities of India. From both New Mal Junction and NJP tourists can hire a direct cab service to Charkhole or one can also opt for shared cab service from Bagdogra Airport upto Kalimpong and from there by another vehicle reach upto Charkhole.
By Road: Charkhole being a small hamlet is well connected by good motor-able roads with Siliguri (73 km) and other popular tourist destinations like Kalimpong (28.9 km), Darjeeling (74.2 km), Kurseong (100 km), Mirik (113 km), Gangtok (95 km) and others. From all these places tourists will get hired vehicle services to reach Charkhole.
Best time to visit:
Though Charkhole can be visited throughout the year but it is recommended to avoid the monsoon season due to the messy road condition. Though during monsoon season Charkhole turns into a lush green paradise, but the tour can be challenging. Summers at Charkhole are best to escape the scorching heat of the plains and are also ideal for outdoor activities. Winters at Charkhole are best to get the best possible view of the mountain ranges along with maximum bird activities. Spring is ideal to witness the blooming flowers in and around the village of Charkhole.
CROWN IMPERIAL HOLIDAY INN
Crown Imperial Holiday Inn at Charkhole – Loleygaon is a budget category accommodation offering tourists with picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. Crown Imperial Holiday Inn has limited number of rooms but each room can accommodate 04 pax at a time. Crown Imperial Holiday Inn is well equipped with all sorts of modern facilities available so far at such a remote location. Rooms at Crown Imperial Holiday Inn are all cozy and comfortable with very co-operative staffs along with the host those are always ready to help tourists in every possible way. At Crown Imperial Holiday Inn tourists are served with home cooked meals which are prepared from organic produce grown in their home backyard.
Amenities available:
Spacious rooms
Attached washrooms
Western toilet with geyser facility
24/7 running hot and cold water
Pick up and drop facility available (chargeable)
Arrangement of car for local sightseeing (chargeable)
Bon Fire and Bar-B-Cue facility available (chargeable)
Tariff:
INR @ 1500/- 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 Send your query in detail through whatsapp @ 9831311606 and we will reply you as early as possible.
