JHALONG
Jhalong is a small village in Gorubathan CD block of Kalimpong sub division in Kalimpong district, West Bengal. Jhalong mainly lies on Indo – Bhutan border area on the banks of River Jaldhaka. Jhalong mainly attracts tourists for its serene nature, green landscapes and the hydroelectric project on River Jaldhaka. Jhalong has an average altitude of 762 meter (2500 feet). The major population of Jhalong belongs to Nepalese, Bhutanese, Tibetan, Lepcha communities. The major religions followed at Jhalong are Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity. Apart from Indians many immigrants from neighbouring country of Bhutan also resides at Jhalong. As Jhalong has diversified inhabitants, hence the ethnic culture and practices of Jhalong has wide diversities. Earlier Jhalong was only a small village inhabited by the Bhutanese, but after the construction of the Hydro Electric Project at Jhalong, people of other communities started to inhabit the village. The local villagers of Jhalong practice step farming and grows rice, ginger, cardamom along with seasonal vegetables. The village of Jhalong has everything from schools, market, monastery and others. Jhalong is the place where river Jhalong has merged with river Jaldhaka. The tranquility and the surreal beauty of Jhalong attract numerous tourists throughout the year for a peaceful gateway on the lap of nature. Jhalong is undoubtedly a paradise for nature lovers. The local inhabitants of both Jhalong (India) and Bhutan freely exchange their traditions, customs and beliefs freely.
Activities and attractions in and around Jhalong:
Jhalong being a small village offers tourists with numbers of activities to try and attractions of witness.
- The first and foremost attraction of Jhalong is the Hydro Electric Project on River Jaldhaka. There is a bridge or dam built over it which acts as a bridge between India and Bhutan. The dam over River Jaldhaka offers stunning view of the surrounding landscapes.
- At Jhalong there is a popular market place which is worth visiting. This market place at Jhalong is a melting pot of cultural diversity with Nepali, Bhutanese, Adivasis (aboriginal people), Rajbanshis, Bengalis and others. In this market inhabitants from both Jhalong (India) and Bhutan are dependent for their daily requirements.
- For bird waters and bird lovers Jhalong is also an ideal destination. The dam over Jaldhaka creates an ideal ambiance for collection of numerous species of both native and migratory birds to gather. The reservoir along with the surrounding wilderness is ideal habitat for these birds.
- From Jhalong in a day trip tourists can opt to visit the nearby places like Bindu (07 km via Jhalong – Bindu Rd), Paren (10 km), Todey – Tangta (18 km via Paren – Todey Rd), Kumai (13 km via Khunia – Jhalong Rd), Samsing (21 km), Suntalekhola (23 km via Khunia – Jhalong Rd), Rocky Island (17 km via Khunia – Jhalong Rd), Dalgaon View Point (07 km), Rongo (8.7 km), Chisang (15 km via Paren – Todey Rd), Gairibas (03 km via Khunia – Jhalong Rd), Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary (25 km via Khunia – Jhalong Rd and Chapramari railway station – Kumani Rd) and other nearby places.
- Jhalong offers adventure enthusiasts to take part in activities like angling, rock climbing, camping and trekking. Among these camping and trekking at the river front are the two notable activities at Jhalong.
- From Jhalong trekkers can opt for a trekking through the deciduous forest towards the gateway of Rachella Park and Todey – Tangta. These two trekking trails have attracted the interest of numerous trekking enthusiasts travelling to Jhalong.
- In the evening at Jhalong tourists can enjoy camp fire under a starry night while listening to the gushing sound of the flowing river along with the hooting and shrieking of wild animals in the nearby wilderness.
- For landscape photographers Jhalong is also an ideal spot for its thick natural vegetation, wilderness, flowing Jaldhaka River, mountain valleys and above all the dam. All these make Jhalong a perfect photographic site.
- In leisure day at Jhalong tourists can opt for a nature walk through the village and meet the local people which is an activity worth remembering. At Jhalong tourists can witness people with diversified cultures, customs, traditions and histories.
- At Jhalong tourists will also get the opportunity to taste varied lip smacking cuisines as Jhalong is inhabited by people of varied cultures. These authentic and ethnic cuisines are prepared organically and are worth tasting.
How to reach:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Jhalong located at a distance of 103 km (03 hours) away. Bagdogra Airport is well connected by regular flight services with Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi and Bangalore. From Baogdogra Airport tourists will get vehicles on hire to reach Jhalong.
By Train: New Mal Junction is the nearest rail head to Jhalong located at a distance of 39 km away via Mateli – Samsing Rd. The second nearest rail head to Jhalong is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station located at a distance of 100 km via NH 17. However NJP railway station is more connected with varied railway routes with Kolkata and other cities of India than New Mal Junction. From both the stations tourists will get vehicles on hire to reach Jhalong.
By Road: Jhalong is well accessible by good motor-able roads with Bagdogra Airport, New Mal Junction and New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri.
From Bagdogra Airport the route to Jhalong is via Siliguri, Sevoke, Odlabari, Mal Bazaar and Matelli.
From New Mal Junction the route to Jhalong is via Mal Bazaar, Chalsa, Matelli, Kumai Forest and Gairibas View Point.
From NJP railway station the route to Jhalong is via Binnaguri, Odlabari, Mal Bazaar, Chalsa, Matelli and Samsing.
From Siliguri to Jhalong is of 92 km (via NH 10 and NH 17) and the route is via Mallaguri, Sevoke, Bagrakot, Odlabari, Damdim, Mal Bazaar, Chalsa and Matelli.
Apart from these Jhalong can also be reached from other nearby tourist spots by pre booked cars.
Best time to visit Jhalong:
Though Jhalong can be visited throughout the year, but it is advised to avoid the monsoon season. Winter is the best season to witness maximum bird activity in and around Jhalong. Apart from that tourists will also get it very comfortable for trekking to different locations from Jhalong. During winter the water currents also remains slow. Summers are also good to visit Jhalong and enjoy the surrounding ambience and visit the nearby places.
GREEN ISLAND RESORT
Green Island Resort at Jhalong is set a prime location (in terms of the importance of the spot) amidst lush greenery with flowing River Jaldhaka nearby. Green Island Resort offers tourists with cozy and comfortable stay at Jhalong. From Green Island Resort tourists can easily opt to move in and around the spot and enjoy the serene natural landscapes of the region. The surrounding ambience of Green Island Resort is very beautiful with numerous species of birds spotted often. Meals served to tourists at Green Island Resort are all organic and home-cooked. All the rooms of Green Island Resort offers clear view of River Jaldhaka which is an USP. Apart from that Green Island Resort is situated just near the Bhutan border and tourists can often communicate with the people across the border. Please note this point, though the name of this accommodation is Green Island Resort, but the property is only a homestay typed accommodation and not any sort of resort that we usually look for.
Amenities available:
Attached washrooms.
Western type toilets.
Running hot water.
Pick up and drop facility (chargeable).
Arrangement of local sightseeing (chargeable).
Camp fire and Bar-B-Cue available (chargeable).
Meals are served with the homestay.
Tariff:
INR @ 1750/- 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).
