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CHATAKPUR

Chatakpur is a small village situated in the northern part of West Bengal, India. Chatakpur is mainly considered as an Eco-village nestled at an altitude of 7887 feet in the Kurseong sub division of Darjeeling district. For last few years Chatakpur Eco Village has gained much popularity among travel enthusiasts and tourists as an off-beat tourist destination settled at the highest point of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary (perhaps one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries of India). Chatakpur Eco Village mainly attracts tourists for its breath-taking view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other peaks of the eastern Himalayas along with thick and tall Alpine forests those surrounds the village of Chatakpur. The overwhelming lush green Eco-village of Chatakpur has a population of only around 100 people and 18 to 20 village houses those mainly belong to the Sherpa, Rai, Gurung and like communities. Chatakpur Eco-village promotes organic farming through the process of terraced cultivation or step cultivation. The local villagers of Chatakpur Eco-Village are mainly into Agro-farming which is the main source of their livelihoods. These local villagers of Chatakpur Eco-village produces organic seasonal vegetable and medicinal herbs on the valleys along with that cattle farming is also another source of livelihood of these villagers. But for the last few years by the initiative of West Bengal Forest Department Chatakpur Eco-village has been developed into an Eco-tourism place where the villagers actively participate in order to make tourism an alternative source of livelihood other than just farming. Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 38.6 sq. km and its elevation ranges from 1500 to 2600 meter (4900 to 8500 feet). Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is surrounded by high mountain ranges and receives heavy amount of precipitation along with that the sanctuary is crisscrossed by number of streams and waterfalls making a source of water supply for the whole Darjeeling town. Chatakpur Eco-village is an ideal tourist location for those seeking absolute peace and tranquility. The pristine Eco-village of Chatakpur is bounded by the imposing Mt. Kanchenjunga range to the North and the Reili Khole (River) gorge to the south.

Activities around Chatakpur:
Chatakpur Eco-village being settled within the heart of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary offers tourists with numbers of activities to experience.

  1. One of the main activities to try out while at Chatakpur is trekking. There are several short trek routes those emerge from the main village of Chatakpur and goes to different directions. But tourists are also advised to take a guide from the local villagers as they have clear idea of these jungle routes.
  2. There is a watch tower at Chatakpur Eco-village which is worth visiting in the early hours of the day. This watch tower at Chatakpur Eco-village is situated just few minutes trek distance from the cottages or homestays and offers stunning view of the morning sunrise at the backdrop of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with the route which trekkers avail during their journey towards Sandakphu. Some perhaps argue that this watch tower give better view of sunrise than that of Tiger Hill (which requires 40 minutes journey in the early hours from Darjeeling).
  3. Bird watching is another prime attraction at Chatakpur Eco-village. Being set at the heart of Senchal wildlife division, Chatakpur Eco-village is home to wide species of birds to name but a few are Blue Magpie, Himalayan Bulbul, Verditer Flycatcher, Pipit, Long tail Shrike, Warbler and many others. Apart from that numerous species of colourful butterflies are also spotted at Chatakpur Eco-village.
  4. There is a small pond (pokhri in local dialect) located within few steps down from the main village of Chatakpur amidst thick natural vegetation. This pond is home to the rare species of an amphibian the ‘Himalayan Salamander’ or ‘Himalayan Newt’. It is also believed that wild animals those inhabit the nearby forests comes near the pond to drink water.
  5. On a leisure day tourists can opt for a village trail around Chatakpur Eco-village and meet the local people to get a deep insight of their daily lifestyle. The villagers at Chatakpur mainly depend of nature. One can also spot villagers carrying products from deep inside the forest for their daily requirements. Apart from that tourists can also lay hand with the local villagers in organic farming and cattle farming.
  6. At Chatakpur Eco-village tourists can explore the raw nature surrounding the village. At Chatakpur tourists can find numerous species of flowers blooming all around including Rhododendrons, Magnolia and Orchids in abundance. Tourists can also hire a local villager as guide and visit the forest area which is worth enjoying. There are generations still exists at Chatakpur who will accompany tourists by storytelling about their myths, cultures, customs and experiences.

Places to visit around Chatakpur:
From Chatakpur in a day trip tourists can visit the nearby places as detailed below.

  1. Darjeeling is located at a distance of 26 km away from Chatakpur Eco-village. In the early morning tourists can opt for a visit to Darjeeling and visit the local watchable and can easily get back to Chatakpur before sunset.
  2. Ghoom, popularly known for its Asia’s highest altitude railway station and Ghoom Monastery is located at a distance of 17 km away.
  3. Bagora is another tourist destination nestled within Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 14 km away from Chatakpur.
  4. Kalej Valley Tea Estate is a popular tourist destination located at a distance of 15.4 km away from Chatakpur Eco-village. Kalej Valley lies within Rongbull sub division.
  5. Jorebungalow is also a popular tourist spot located at a distance of 14 km away from Chatakpur Eco-village.
  6. From Chatakpur at a distance of 08 km away is Rimbi forest village. There is a tourist rest house located at Rimbi forest village which is worth visiting.
  7. From Chatakpur Eco-village in a day tour tourists can visit or opt to trek Tiger Hill located at a distance of 8.9 km away. The trekking trail to Tiger Hill from Chatakpur Eco-village is through the wilderness of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary.

Flora and Fauna at Chatakpur:
Being nestled within the periphery of Senchal Wildlife division, hence Chatakpur Eco-village is home to wide species of wild flora and fauna those inhabit the surrounding areas of the village. Among the species of flora Long Alpine Trees, Deodar, Rhododendrons, Orchids and Magnolias are very commonly spotted at Chatakpur Eco-village. Apart from these, wide species of medicinal herbs, numerous species of unknown Himalayan flowers are also spotted around Chatakpur Eco-village. The surrounding forest area of Chatakpur Eco-village is also home to wide species of wild animals like Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Barking Deer, Wild Hog, Hedge Hog, Sloth Bear and others. Along with these one can very rarely spot Red Panda deep inside the wilderness, but this sight is very rare. Hence tourists are strictly advised not go in the forest area without a proper guide.

How to Reach:

By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Chatakpur Eco-village located at a distance of 80 km away. Bagdogra Airport is well connected by regular flight services with Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai. From Bagdogra Airport tourists will get direct vehicle service on hire to reach Chatakpur Eco-village.

By Rail: New Jalpaiguri railway station (NJP) is the nearest rail head to Chatakpur Eco-village located at a distance of 87 km away. From NJP railway station by direct hired vehicles tourists can reach Chatakpur. NJP railway station is well connected by regular train services with Kolkata and other major cities of India.

By Road: Chatakpur Eco-village is well connected by multiple roadway networks with Bagdogra Airport, NJP railway station and Siliguri (74 km). There are multiple options to reach Chatakpur. From Bagdogra/ NJP via Kurseong, Dilaram and Bagora one can reach Chatakpur. Tourists can also reach Chatakpur via Jorebungalow located at a distance of 14 km. Chatakpur is located at a distance of 07 km away from Sonada railway station, 17 km away from Ghoom railway station, 26 km away from Darjeeling (via Hill Cart Road).

Things to know:

  • Chatakpur is an Eco-village and the villager lives very close to nature. Tourists are advised not to disturb their lifestyle.
  • As Chatakpur is nestled within wildlife division hence tourists are advised not to tear leaves from the trees or flowers as it is an offense under forest department.
  • Tourists are advised not to litter in and around the village as it may enhance pollution in the village.
  • The surrounding periphery of Chatakpur is home to wildlife species and hence tourists should not roam and get in the forest area alone, one is advised to get accompanied by a village guide.
  • Playing loud music or shouting in the open area for late night is not allowed at Chatakpur Eco-village.
  • Tourists should not bring any natural product from the forest area near Chatakpur along with them.
  • Tourists are required to pay a nominal jungle entry fees to the forest department for entering Chatakpur Eco-village.
  • Guides charges are as applicable, payable to the local village guides.
  • Chatakpur do not have any luxury accommodation for tourists. All accommodations are provided either in the Eco Resorts of Forest Department or in the local homestays.
  • Forest Department has taken initiative to electrify Chatakpur, brought drinking water facility and brought sanitation in each household in order to make Chatakpur a habitable place.

Best time to visit Chatakpur:
Chatakpur Eco-village can be visited from September 16th to June 14th. From June 15th to September 15th the forest area remains closed for tourist’s entry. Winters are quiet cold and sometimes snowfall also happens during the month of January. Summers are quite comfortable and is an ideal escape from the scorching heat of the plains.

NORBU HOMESTAY

Norbu Homestay is another homestay available at Chatakpur, at the top of the village serving the tourists with a concept of Eco tourism that has grown up here. Norbu Homestay has very well wooden furnished rooms with attached bathrooms (all western type toilets), geyser facility is also available. There is a big lawn at the front of Norbu Homestay where you can sit for the whole day and experience some of the most beautiful creations of nature, from birds, flowers and the most outstanding of all the majestic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. From this point of Chatakpur, you will here nothing except the roaring sounds of dense pine forest.

Amenities available:
Wooden furnished rooms with attached bathrooms.
Wall to wall carpet and western toilet in each bathroom.
Offers 180 degrees magnificent view of Mt. Kanchenjunga on a clear day.
Arranges for jungle trails and hikes.
Pick up and drop facility on request (paid service)
Offers both traditional Nepali dishes and Indian dishes as well.

Tariff:
Per pax per day @ 1500/- (includes both food and lodging)
GST @ 5% on the above tariff.
Food includes – Bed tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, snacks and dinner.
Note: Miscellaneous Charges – Car entry fees @ INR 100/- per day + Jungle entry fees @ INR 100/- per person.

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 at8C Shanti Ghosh Street, Kolkata – 700003. Nearest Landmark: Manindra Chandra College and Shyambazar Metro Railway Station (Gate No: 3)