JHEPI
Jhepi is a silent and less populated village near of Bijanbari in Darjeeling pulbazaar block of Darjeeling district in the Indian state of West Bengal. The serene and tranquil ambience of Jhepi is a treat for those who like to spend their holidays in absolute calmness in the lap of nature. Jhepi is nestled at 4500 feet in altitude and offers stunning view of the surrounding landscape. The village of Jhepi is mostly inhabited by Nepali people of Pradhan, Rai, Tamang and the like communities. The local villagers are mostly into agriculture as their basic source of livelihood, but apart from that some of the villagers are also into tourism activity which is an alternate source of livelihood. Agriculture at Jhepi is mainly practiced in step farming process and all are done organically. Jhepi is mainly situated in the border area between West Bengal and Sikkim, which are separated by a Himalayan stream named as river Rammam Khola. Jhepi is situated in the border of Darjeeling district and to the east by Sikkim’s south district Jorethang. The local villagers of Jhepi communicate in Hindi, Nepali and English fluently. Jhepi is surrounded by lush greenery all over and the village is also home to wide species of Himalayan birds. Tourists with an adventurous bend of mind or anyone seeking absolute tranquility and peaceful ambience in the lap of nature for them Jhepi is an ideal destination, but the view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges from Jhepi is very far away and very often remains covered behind the clouds. Jhepi is characterized by rising mountain valleys, flowing mountain stream (rivulet), farmlands, children’s playground and thick natural vegetation along with authentic village lifestyle. Here at Jhepi the sound of the flowing river nearby will take anyone to a world of sanity and calmness. Jhepi serves as a perfect gateway in the hills for anyone seeking to rejuvenate from the daily humdrums of city life. At Jhepi tourists are served with authentic organic Nepali delicacies along with Indian cuisines which prepared in the farmstays only.
Activities and attractions around Jhepi:
Though Jhepi is a small village, but it offers tourists with multiple activities and attractions all around to experience.
- The most important activity to experience at Jhepi is to sit back and relax for the whole and enjoy the pristine nature. The surrounding landscapes and the rising mountains are a treat to the tired souls.
- From Jhepi around 08 km away lays Megetar, another serene and calm village of Bijanbari block. From Jhepi in a day tour tourists can visit Megetar and enjoy its surrounding nature. Megetar also offers stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga on a clear day.
- Through Jhepi flows a rivulet named as Jhepi Khola which is worth visiting. Tourists can spend some leisure time near the mountain stream or one can also opt to take a dip in the waters of Jhepi Khola.
- From Jhepi around 36 km away is Darjeeling town. Tourists can easily reach Darjeeling from Jhepi by hired vehicle and visit the local watchable around Darjeeling town.
- Rammam Hydro Electric Project built on river Rammam Khola is also located at a distance of 29 km away from Jhepi via Rimbick road. From Jhepi it takes around 1.5 hours to reach near Rammam Hydroelectric project. Here tourists need to cross a wooden bridge built over Rammam Khola.
- Sandakphu – a trekker’s paradise can also be visited from Jhepi located at a distance of 14.5 km away through Singalila National Park. From Jhepi a forested route take a turn and leads towards Singalila National Park area.
- Tourists with an adventurous bend of mind can opt for small treks and hiking from Jhepi. As few small trek routes are emerged from Jhepi those passes through the forest areas. While trekking at both the sides of the forest trail one can witness the abundance of Fern and mosses.
- Bijanbari is located at a distance of 18 km away from Jhepi. In a day trip from Jhepi tourists can easily visit Bijanbari situated near river Chota Rangeet. On a clear day Bijanbari also offers stunning of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other peaks.
- Birding enthusiasts will find Jhepi as an ideal gateway as the village of Jhepi is inhabited by wide species of numerous Himalayan birds to name but a few are Scarlet Minivet, Himalayan Bulbul, Grey Bush Chat and others. One can take a guide and spot these colourful birds.
- In a leisure day tourists can opt for a village trail around Jhepi and meet the local people to get a deep insight of their day to day activities.
- Jhepi is abundant in organic farmlands those are spread over acres of area. Tourists can opt for a visit to these farmlands at Jhepi and get the know how to grow these organic vegetables. One can also opt to lay their hands with the local authorities in organic cultivation which is an experience worth remembering.
- Jhepi also offers the stunning view of the morning sunrise and evening sunset clearly. There is a viewpoint at Jhepi that offers the stunning sunrise and sunset view along with the panoramic view of Jhepi and Rammam Khola.
- At Jhepi village there is a local church named as Jhepi Independent Church which is also worth visiting.
- For landscape photographers Jhepi is also an ideal location. The surrounding landscapes and natural around Jhepi offers some of the stunning clicks.
How to reach:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Jhepi located at a distance of 145 km away. Bagdogra Airport is well connected by regular flight services with Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi and Bangalore. From Bagdogra Airport tourists will get hired vehicles to reach Jhepi.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri railway station (NJP) is the nearest rail head to Jhepi located at a distance of 137 km away. NJP railway station is well connected by regular train services with Kolkata and rest of India. From NJP railway station tourists will get hired vehicles to reach Jhepi via Ghoom – Bijanbari and Pulbazaar. From NJP railway station by vehicle it takes about 04 hours to reach Jhepi.
By Road: Jhepi is well connected by good roadway networks with Siliguri (108 km), Darjeeling (36 km), Bijanbari (18 km), Pulbazaar (14 km) and Kalimpong (69 km). From all these places tourists will get hired vehicles to reach Jhepi. The route from NJP railway station tourists can either reserve a full car to reach Jhepi directly. Or on shared basis tourists need to hire a vehicle either from NJP or Siliguri upto Ghoom. From Ghoom by another hired car upto Bijanbari. And from Bijanbari by another vehicle via Pulbazaar one can reach Jhepi.
Best time to visit Jhepi:
Jhepi can be visited throughout the year as the climate remains soothing most of the time. But tourists are advised to avoid the monsoon season due to messy road condition. Winter is the best time to witness the surrounding natural landscape, but the temperature also drop sharply especially in the night. Summers are quite comfortable and ideal to escape the scorching heat of the plains.
CHETNA FARMS
Chetna Farms (also known as Chetna Farmstay) is located at Jhepi is a paradise for those seeking absolute tranquility and serne ambience in the lap of nature. The hopitality of Chetna Farms are unmathchable and the staffs of Chetna Farms are very keen on taking utmost care of all the tourists. The ambience of Chetna Farms is completly homelike and the nearby flowing stream is an added beauty. On a clear day Chetna Farms offers clear view of the distant mountains and the lush greenery all around. There is an ancient temple of Goddess Durga nearby Chetna Farms is worth visiting. Meals served at Chetna Farms are fully organic and are grown in their own farmlands. From Chetna Farms one can clearly hear the sounds of the flowing river nearby.
Amenities available:
All rooms are wooden furnished with attached washrooms.
Western toilets with geyser facility for running hot water.
Pick up and drop facility available on request (chargeable).
Arrangement of local sightseeing on request (chargeable).
Bon fire and Bar-B-Cue facility available (chargeable).
Meals are served with the farmstay premises.
Local guides are also available on request.
Tariff:
INR @ 1800/- 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).
