CHISANG
Chisang is a tiny hamlet of Todey Tangta village panchayat in Kalimpong sub division of Kalimpong district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Chisang is settled within 04 km away from Bhutan border and the altitude of Chisang varies from 1300 to 1400 meter (4200 to 4500 feet). Chisang is a picturesque village and offers breath-taking views of the distant mountains of Bhutan. From Chisang village on a clear day tourists will get see a wide part of Nathula range along with Tendu village of Bhutan. Chisang village is characterized by rising mountain valleys, cardamom farmlands, Himalayan streams, wide species of flora and fauna along with simple rural lifestyle and adventure. The local inhabitants of Chisang mainly belong to Rai, Subba, Bhutia and like communities. Farming is the main source of livelihood of the local villagers of Chisang. Throughout the year Chisang produces massive amount of Big Cardamom which are exported to different parts of the world. Apart from Big Cardamom, these local villagers of Chisang also produces other organic crops like Radish, Cabbage, Carrot, Chow Chow, Green Mustard, Spinach, along with Japanese Mushroom and others. Apart from that some of these local people of Chisang are also associated with tourism activity and some are either teacher or in the national defense force. Almost every house at Chisang village has their own organic farmlands and each house is beautifully decorated with wide species of Orchids. Chisang is mainly divided into two parts namely Upper Chisang and Lower Chisang. Around the village tourists will get to see secondary school, football ground, church, burial ground and others at Chisang. Being situated within close proximity to Bhutan, the locals of both Chisang and Bhutan use to visit their neighbouring countries without any hassle and also use to exchange products of daily use among themselves. Two important rivers flow nearby Chisang village, one of which is a bordering river between Bhutan from India. Chisang is a safe haven for wide species of Himalayan birds those inhabit the region. The true core of Chisang is found in its rich history, unique culture, customs and natural beauty.
Activities and attractions around Chisang:
Being located close to other tourist spots, Chisang offers tourists with numerous local attractions and adventurous activities to experience.
Nature Walk: Chisang village is mainly known for its rich natural beauty. On a leisure day tourists can opt for a nature walk all around the village of Chisang and meet the local people to get deep insight of their culture, traditions and customs. Apart from that one can also observe nature and its changing colours with time.
Forest Visit: Although Chisang is covered with thick natural vegetation all around. The place at Upper Chisang where the metaled road end is known as ‘Zero Point’ and from here the forest area of Chisang starts. In a day trip tourists can opt to visit this forest area but it is recommended to take a local guide.
Bird Watching: Bird watching is one of the main activities to try out while at Chisang. The surrounding wilderness of Chisang are home to wide species of birds to name but a few are Hornbill, Green Backed Tit, Grey Treepie, Long Tailed Shrike, Olive Backed Pipit, Hogsons Redstart, Blue Fronted Redstart, Oriental Honey Bazard, White Crested Laughing Thrush, Rufus Sibia and many more. For bird watchers and bird photographers Chisang is a paradise.
Dawai Khola Visit: As two important rivers flow nearby Chisang. One among these two is Dawai Khola (Khola Means River in local dialect). It is believed that the waters of river Dawai Khola has medicinal qualities which can cure many aliments and hence the name Dawai (means medicine). On the banks of river Dawai Khola tents are available where tourists can opt for river camping. The true essence of Dawai Khola is experienced during full moon night. As the glowing moon light falls on the water of Dawai Khola it gives back a sparking effect along that the surrounding beauty becomes more attractive.
Simana Khola: Simana Khola is another river flowing within a little distance from Chisang village. The word Simana means border and Khola means river. Thus Simana Khola is a bordering river between two countries namely India and Bhutan. From Chisang in a day trip tourists can either visit Simana Khola for day camping or one can also opt to make night halt on the river bank in tents which are available there.
Tangta Monastery: Tangta Monastery is also named as Druk Choling Monastery. From Chisang in a day trip tourists can easily visit Tangta Monastery. The periphery of Tangta Monastery is beautifully decorated with Buddhist prayer flags along with that it also offers stunning view of the distant hills, stream, forest and the lush greenery all around.
Todey Bazaar (Market): Todey market is the nearest market area to Chisang. From Todey Bazaar the local villagers of Chisang use to buy their daily required products. Tourists can also opt to buy anything from Todey Bazaar. The local inhabitants from Bhutan also used to visit this bazaar in order to exchange goods and services among themselves.
Dalgaon: Dalgaon is mainly known as a view point and is located around 04 km away from Chisang. Dalgaon is mainly known for its production of Cinchona. On a clear day Dalgaon offers breath-taking view of the surrounding landscape along with Jaldhaka River. Just to the opposite of Dalgaon view point is Gola village of Bhutan. From Dalgaon a straight route goes towards Bindu.
Jhalong: Jhalong is another beautiful and worth visiting tourist spot located around 45 minutes away from Chisang by car. Jhalong is also located at the Indo – Bhutan border area on the banks of River Jaldhaka. The core beauty of Jhalong mainly lies in the Hydro Electricity Project on Jaldhaka River along with the astounding hills of Bhutan at its backdrop.
Bindu: Bindu is another village on Indo – Bhutan border area and is at a distance of 18.8 km away from Chisang. Bindu is regarded as the last village on the Indian side bordering Bhutan. The second oldest dam on River Jaldhaka is also situated at Bindu.
Paren: Paren is located at a distance of 4.2 km away from Chisang and is mainly known for its abundance of natural beauty and the lush greenery of Oak, Pine and Fir trees. During winter season Paren gets bloom with mandarin or Himalayan Oranges.
How to reach:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Chisang located around 119 km away via NH 17. Bagdogra Airport is well connected by regular flight services with Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati and Delhi. From Bagdogra Airport tourists will get reserved vehicles to reach Chisang.
By Train: Chisang is well connected with two different railway stations namely New Mal Junction and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. Among these two New Mal Junction is the nearest located around 55 km away and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is around 113 km away. Though New Mal Junction is the nearest but it is connected by limited train services with other cities of India, whereas New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is well connected by good railway networks with major cities of India. Both from New Mal Jnc and NJP railway station tourists will get vehicles on rent to reach Chisang.
By Road: Chisang is well connected by motor-able roads with the nearest towns like Siliguri (108.4 km), Kalimpong (127.8 km) and Chalsa (46 km). From Jhalong there are two different roads reaching Chisang. One is through Paren while the other goes towards Bindu. The route through Paren is a bit bumpy and uphill. For small cars it is advisable to take the route towards Bindu. But while returning from Chisang tourists can easily avail the route through Paren.
Best time to visit Chisang:
Chisang can be visited throughout the year. Winter is the best time to witness the surrounding landscape. For bird watchers winters are the best time as it is best for maximum bird activity. Summers are also well enough to visit Chisang. During summers tourists can escape the scorching heat of the plains. Chisang also offers a different view during the monsoon season, but tourist should also know the roads condition during monsoon may get disturbing.
THE WILDWOODS HOMESTAY
Wildwoods Homestay at Chisang village is a luxurious stay running as homestay concept and is maintained by one of the local residents of Chisang village. Wildwoods Homestay is spread over a vast land area and offers tourists with all sorts of amenities available so far in such a remote location. The host along with the staffs of Wildwoods Homestay are very caring and are also very keen on providing guests with utmost service possible. Wildwoods Homestay has a beautiful decorated interior that adds a special mention. Meals served to guests at Wildwoods Homestay are all organic and home cooked. The hospitality of Wildwoods Homestay makes the place more adorned. Wildwoods Homestay has own Bar-B-Cue set up for tourists. Wildwoods Homestay is surrounded by spectacular natural views and undisturbed tranquillity all around. Wildwoods Homestay also offers clear view of Bhutan Hills on a clear day. Guests at Wildwoods Homestay are taken special car and are also looked after the guest’s comfort. Wildwoods Homestay is an ideal gateway to escape the cacophony of the city life. On a clear day Wildwoods Homestay offers stunning view of the morning sunrise at the backdrop of the mountain ranges. The family who runs Wildwoods Homestay at Chisang are settled here for generations and hence are quite well informed about the region and the place. In the early morning tourists can spot numerous birds near Wildwoods Homestay premises. Wildwoods Homestay is one of its kind.
Amenities available:
All rooms offer clear view of the surrounding nature.
All rooms are neat clean and very tidy.
All rooms are equipped with attached western toilets.
Being an off-beat homestay, room service is also available.
24 hours running hot and cold water.
Hospitality is excellent.
Pick up and drop facility available on request.
Arrangement of vehicle for local sightseeing.
Arrangement of camp fire (bon fire) and Bar-B-Cue on request (chargeable).
Meals served are all organic and grown in their own farmlands.
Guide for birding and trekking are also available on request.
Tariff:
INR @ 2000/- per day per person (both food and lodging included).
Tariff includes: Stay and meals (morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, snacks and dinner).
Pick up, drop, Bar-B-Cue, bon fire, guide charges are as applicable, payable at spot.
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).
