Kitam Green Magpie Homestay

KITAM

Kitam in south Sikkim is a serene destination located in the Eastern Himalayas dotted by village settlements, forests, rivers and rural life. Located at the entryway of Sikkim along with the Siliguri- Gangtok highway, Kitam Eco-Tourism zone covers the Kitam Bird Sanctuary which is considered to be an inimitable forest for the intermixed presence of Sal and Chir-Pine forests and rich Bird life. Kitam comprises of quaint village hamlets nestled along the Himalayan slopes of South Sikkim. It lies adjacent to the beautiful Kitam Bird Sanctuary with Sal and Chir Pine forests and the river Rangeet flowing below in its emerald green splendor. This natural area makes this belt an ideal habitat for a variety of bird species and a paradise for birder lovers and watchers. Kitam serves as an ideal gateway to Sikkim, located about halfway between Gangtok and Siliguri on the Namchi Highway. It is just over 90 km from the nearest airport (Bagdogra) and railway station (New Jalpaiguri). Shared and reserved taxis are available from Gangtok to Namchi and from there on to Kitam which is 12 km away.  Kitam is an epitome of unity in diversity and the village is inhabited by communities such as Newars, Limboos, Mangars, Tamangs, Rais, Gurungs, Bahuns, Chettris, Bhujels, Biswakarmas, Mukhias etc, who all commonly speak Nepali. They believe that the name Kitam is derived either from the Bhutia word Khi-Tam or Kyi-Khyang, meaning Abode of wild dogs or Kiyasa-Im which in the Mangar language means lovely home. The Greater – Rangeet Ecotourism festival which held every year at Kitam, South Sikkim is an event filled with festivities and at the same time an effort to understand Ecotourism as a concept and create awareness. The emerald green Rangit River or Rangeet flows through southern side of Kitam bird sanctuary. Nearby beautiful and majestic villages can be seen from Kitam sanctuary.

Staying Arrangements:

Kitam Homestays: For night halts at Kitam, visitors can choose from a wide array of homestays that the village folk offer. One can experience true traditional Sikkimese hospitality in these homestays, as well as gain insights into their local culture. Foodies can take delight in traditional Nepali fare such as sel roti (sweet rice bread) and sekuwa (grilled meats) and other mouth watering dishes. An assortment of pickles, made from soyabean, raddish, dried fish or tamarind; and local banana, apple or millet wines, complement the fare. Evenings can be spent savouring these delicacies and learning about the region from your friendly hosts.

Things to Do:

Birding In Kitam: Kitam Bird sanctuary which ranges between 320 meter and 875 meter, is home to more than 150 species of sought after endemic and migratory species of birds. A 6 square km area was declared as bird sanctuary in 2006, which attracts birding enthusiasts from all over. The Yellow vented Warbler, Blue throated Barbet, Great Barbet, are some popular birds of the area. One can also spot the visiting Ibis Bill, The Great Cormorant, and the Great Indian Hornbill. Other common sightings the Plumbeous Water Redstart, The Yellow Bellied Fantail, The Common Mergenser, and the Whiskered Yuhina to just a few. Skillful birding guides are available to take you around.

Jungle Walks: Set off at the crack of dawn, along an old horse- track traversing the Kitam sanctuary. As you trek through the jungle, you may spot wild animals like the barking deer, birds like the Great Indian Hornbill, Red Jungle Fowl, Maroon Oriole, and butterflies who add diverse colours to the landscape. A picnic lunch by the river, some angling, a walk across a hundred year old suspension bridge, coming to the confluence of the Manpur and Rangeet River make for a memorable day. As the forest goes to sleep, head to your homestay to end the day with some drinks and a sumptuous meal. Alternatively, a jungle walk in the evening as silhouettes descends on it, will provide a different experience, with the chance of spotting nocturnal creatures of the forest like palm civets , owls, nightjars and rabbits who come to life when the other turn in for night. One can visit Tamley Lake (Tamley Pokhri) from sanctuary by crossing Sherpa and Lepcha villages on your foot.  

Angling at Kitam: Try your hand at fishing in the Rangeet River the traditional way. Armed with a bamboo pole or using bamboo baskets your hosts will show you how to catch a Katley Machha (Catla), Asala (Snow Trout) or even a Golden Mahseer. In the serenity of this pristine water, ensconced between two hills, the angler shares space with the Kingfisher and other riverine birds, showing off their fishing skills.

Heritage Walk at Kitam: Take a few hours to walk around the village around Kitam, learning about its environmental and cultural history. A foray into the surrounding forests will reveal to you the various Hindu and Buddhist myths and rituals associated with the environment. For your guide, it is a walk down the collective memory lanes of the village, trading through the remnants of its feudal past, its pre-colonial and colonial history dwindling traditional practices like shamanism. The walk ends with descendants of the village Jhankri (shaman) regaling you with tales of their forefather’s feats in Kitam and in the erstwhile kingdom.

Souvenirs: Take back with you bottles of the heavenly pickles, and wines you have sampled here. The Newari art of pickle making is becoming a vibrant cottage industry. Also contribute to the local economy with purchase of various knitted and crocheted items made by the village women’s self help group.

How to Reach: Nearest airport is Bagdogra in the state of West Bengal, daily flights are available from and to all major India cities. New Jalpaiguri of NJP is nearest railway station, well connection with rest of India by regular train service. Direct cars are available from Siliguri town, NJP railway station and airport to Kitam bird sanctuary through Sevoke and Melli. The road divided at Melli, the straight one goes to Gangtok and left turned road goes to Kitam via Melli-Nayabazar road. Shared transportation is also available from Siliguri Junction jeep stand.

Best time to visit Kitam: Kitam bird sanctuary can be visited around the year due to low altitude and moderate climate. The autumn and winter season (October to late November) is best time to visit Kitam, the entire sanctuary covered with migratory birds in this season.

Major attraction at Kitam: River side camping, Canopy walk, Trekking, Bird watching, Homestay experience, Local cuisines, Cultural programs, Local games, Lingee- Ping (Local swing)

Things to follow at Kitam: Be prepared for outdoor activities: remember you will be in the woods; therefore your attire should be something that will make you feel comfortable and will not drag you down. Experience the traditional hospitality; you will be welcomed to the village in a typical Nepali style with traditional customs. Enter the natural zone: Here you get to feel the nature in its pristine best. Village life experience: One can walk around the village and see various activities like farming, traditional games etc. Ethnic food, different ethnic food items will be available. Visitors can buy and enjoy various food items. Traditional Dance, visitors can enjoy the dance performance of members belonging to local community.