DUKA VALLEY
Duka Valley is a picturesque small hamlet of Kalimpong sub division in Kalimpong district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Duka Valley is mainly nestled between Lava and Pedong near Mairung Gaon and 11 km from Algarah The name of this village is derived from a waterfall Duka Falls which is located nearby. Duka Valley is nestled at an altitude of (1372 meter) 4500 feet. This hidden paradise of Duka Valley mainly comprises of beautiful winding valleys, diversity of flora and fauna, lush greenery, breath-taking landscapes and peaceful retreats. Duka Valley is mainly inhabited by people of Lepcha community those belong to Rai, Tamang, Lepcha, Subba and like communities. Agriculture and cattle rising is still the main source of livelihood of the local villagers of Duka Valley. But with that with the demand of tourism in the offbeat and remote villages of the hills, these local inhabitants of Duka Valley started to engage in tourism related activities. The village of Duka Valley is nestled within Paktam Forest area. On a clear day Duka Valley offers stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other peaks. The village of Duka Valley is home to wide species of Himalayan birds and butterflies. During the early morning the silence of Duka Valley gets broke by the symphony of the chirping of these birds. The hilly terrains of Duka Valley are ideal for step cultivation or terraced farming. Duka Valley is ideal for nature lovers seeking tranquil retreat far away from the tourist crowd.
Activities and attractions in and around Duka Valley:
Duka Valley being a small offbeat village of Kalimpong district offers tourists with handful of activities to enjoy and local attractions to explore.
- The serene and tranquil ambience is the prime attraction of Duka Valley. Tourists can sit back and relax while enjoying the breath-taking view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges.
- From Duka Valley tourists can opt to explore Paktam Forest which is a part of Neora Valley National Park range.
- From Duka Valley in a day tour tourists can opt for a visit to the nearby places like Changey Waterfall (35 km), Lava (23 km), Kolakham (31.5 km), Deolo Park (29 km), Rishyap (17.2 km), Mairung Gaon (04 km), Algarah (11 km) and Kalimpong (25 km).
- Duka Valley is an ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts as several trekking and hiking trails have emerged from Duka Valley those leads to different directions of the village.
- In and around Duka Valley there are numerous waterfalls and Himalayan streams those are worth visiting. One such popular waterfall is Duka Falls located at 02 km before entering the village of Duka Valley.
- The rich culture, heritage and customs of the local communities of Duka Valley are also worth exploring.
- The rich biodiversity of Duka Valley is a haven for bird watchers as the village is home to several species of Himalayan birds like Verditer Flycatcher, Scarlet Minivet, Babblers, Woodpeckers, Tits and many others.
- Duka Valley is abundant in rich floral species among which Orchids and Rhododendrons needs a special mention. Along with that few species of medicinal herbs also grow in Duka Valley.
- The hospitality and warm welcome greeted by the local villagers of Duka Valley towards tourists is a greeting worth remembering.
- While at Duka Valley tourists can opt to taste the local cuisines those reflect the regional culture and culinary heritage of the region.
- Nature trail and village are also among the notable activities one can try in a leisure day while at Duka Valley. Tourists can meet the local people to get deep insight of their daily lifestyle.
- For landscape photographers Duka Valley is also an ideal option, as the surrounding landscapes, lush greenery and winding valleys offers with some of the best clicks.
- Sat gazing is also another activity to try while at Duka Valley. The night sky of Duka Valley glitters which countless stars of the galaxy which is also a sight worth watching.
- In the evening at Duka Valley tourists can indulge in bonfire under the open sky. Along with that one can also participate in local folk songs and dance along with the local people of Duka Valley which is also worth enjoying.
- While at Duka Valley tourists can opt to lay hands with the local villagers in farming activities which is also worth enjoying. Or one can indulge in their local kitchen and get to know the recipe to prepare some of the mouthwatering delicacies of the region.
- In and around Duka Valley there are few monasteries and churches which are also worth visiting.
Things to know:
- Duka Valley is a rural tourist destination and the local people lives here very close to nature. Hence tourists are advised not to litter or through any plastic materials in and around Duka Valley.
- Tourists are advised not to disturb the natural habitat of the flora or fauna of Duka Valley.
- While visiting the nearby church or monastery in Duka Valley, one should maintain the calmness and serenity of the place.
- As Duka Valley is an offbeat tourist place hence services and amenities are also limited. The local authorities try their utmost to offer tourists with most of the facilities.
- Most of the inhabitants of Duka Valley are of Christian community and hence tourists should respect their religious sentiment and beliefs.
- Tourists are advised not to pick up any flower or leaves from any plants or trees at Duka Valley.
How to reach:
- By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Duka Valley located at 103 km away. From Bagdogra Airport one can hire a private vehicle and reach upto Duka Valley. Or tourists can also hire a shared cab service upto Algarah or Kalimpong and from there by another vehicle one can reach at Duka Valley.
- By Train: There are two nearby rail heads to reach Duka Valley. The major rail head is at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) located at 93 km away and the other nearest rail head is at New Mal Junc. located at 79 km away. Though New Mal Junc. Is the closest rail head to Duka Valley, but it is connected by very limited number of trains. But NJP railway station is well connected by regular railway networks with Kolkata and other major cities of India. Both from New Mal Junction and NJP railway station tourists will get vehicles services to reach Duka Valley.
- By Road: Duka Valley is well connected by good motor-able roads with Siliguri (89.4 km) and other major and popular tourist destinations like Kalimpong (25 km), Darjeeling (73.2 km), Kurseong (90 km), Gangtok (75 km) and other places. From all these places tourists will get mostly reserved vehicles to reach Duka Valley. Shared cab services are very limited.
Best time to visit:
Though Duka Valley can be visited throughout the year, but it is advisable to avoid the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall and messed up road condition. Summers are ideal to escape the scorching heat of the plains. Winters are ideal to witness maximum bird activity. Apart from that winters are also ideal for trekking and hiking activities in and around Duka Valley. River side camping can also be done during winter season. During summers the temperature remains soothing. During winters the temperature falls down with chilly wind. During March – April Duka Valley blooms with Rhododendrons.
AMULLYA COTTAGE
Amullya Cottage at Duka Valley is a rustic homestay typed accommodation known for its secluded location, surrounded by Pine forests and wide meadows. Amullya Cottage offers basic experience ideal for nature lovers seeking a tranquil experience. On a clear day Amullya Cottage offers stunning view of the surrounding hills and valleys. Amullya Cottage is built with bamboo wood finish rooms with cosy interiors and large windows those open to the lush greenery. Amullya Cottage offers tourists with rustic and peaceful experience in rural village life. The host along with the staffs of Amullya Cottage are very courteous and of very warm welcoming nature. Amullya Cottage offers tourists with simple and unpretentious stay in natural surroundings. Each room at Amullya Cottage can accommodate 04 to 05 adults at a time.
Amenities available:
Spacious wooden furnished rooms
In house dining facility
Attached washroom
24 hours running water
Geyser facility
Western type toilets
Pick up and drop facility (chargeable)
Arrangement of car for local tour (chargeable)
Bon fire and Bar-B-Cue available (chargeable)
Warm blankets available
Parking area available
Tariff:
INR @ 1300/- per day per 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 through whatsapp @ 9831311606 with all your tour details. We will reply you as early as possible.
