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KOLAKHAM

Kolakham is a small picturesque hamlet of Kalimpong subdivision of Kalimpong district and lies in the buffer zone of Neora Valley National Park. Kolakham has an average altitude of 1981 meters (6500 feet) and is characterized by abruptly rising hills and numerous small streams. Kolakham is a predominantly rural area with a population of only about 60 to 70 families those who are mostly Nepali belonging to the Rai community. Kolakham is an ideal tourist destination for nature lovers and bird watchers as Kolakham is blessed with rich bio-diversity of floras and faunas. The native inhabitants of Kolakham are mainly dependent on agriculture as their main source of livelihood. Cardamom is a major crop which is cultivated here at Kolakham along with that the locals also grows seasonal vegetables through the process of step cultivation or terrace farming. Here at Kolakham tourists can observe the processing of the fresh fruit into the roasted spice. Some villagers of Kolakham still know the technique of weaving maize and paddy straw into sitting mats. But as the concept of Eco Tourism started to flourish in this region of Kolakham, many villagers found a substitute way to earn a different source of livelihood. On a clear day Kolakham offers stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of the world’s third highest peak of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with its adjoining peaks of Mt. Kabru, Mt. Kabru Dome, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Siniolchu and others along with parts of Nathula Pass and Jelepla Pass of Sikkim. Kolakham offers tourists with handful of activities and attractions around the village.

Activities and attractions around Kolakham:

  1. The main attractions of Kolakham are the stunning view of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day, nature trails and bird watching. Tourists can spend their leisure day by relaxing and enjoy the surrounding natural landscapes. In the night the shining stars along with the glittering lights of the distant hills from Kolakham creates a magical view.
  2. Many trekking routes has emerged from Kolakham those reaches to different directions of the village through narrow trails of Neora Valley National Park.
  3. Changey Falls is an important sight to visit from Kolakham located at a distance of 04 km away by four wheel drive. Tourists need to trek down 900 meters from the last motor-able road in order to reach at the base of the waterfall.
  4. As Kolakham resides within the buffer zone of Neora Valley National Park, hence tourists will find ample options to explore a major part of the sanctuary with the help of a local guide.
  5. Tourists can opt for village walk around Kolakham and explore the hidden natural treasures of the village, or one can get involved with local villages and indulge in their day to day activities.
  6. From Kolakham tourists can trek to Lava located at a distance of 08 km away and visit Lava Monastery. The route to Lava from Kolakham passes through hilly terrains covered with thick natural vegetation.
  7. Rishyap is another point of tourist interest located at a distance of 18 km away from Kolakham via Lava. Rishyap is famously known for its 180 degree view of the Himalayan ranges.
  8. Lolegaon or Loleygaon located at a distance of 32 km away can also be approached from Kolakham by a four wheel drive car. The forest hanging bridge or the canopy walk along with stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges at Lolegaon are worth admiring.
  9. Charkhole is also another tourist spot located nearby to Lolegaon can also be approached from Kolakham at a distance of 59.1 km away.
  10. Kolakham is an ideal destination for landscape photographers as this hamlet offers ample options due to its thick natural vegetation and the surrounding mountains ranges.
  11. Bird watching is one of the major activities of Kolakham as the hamlet is home to wide species of Himalayan birds like Sunbirds, Tit, Warbler, Redstart, Thrush, Yuhina, Accentors Common Nighthawk, Tragopan, Woodpecker, Barbet, Verditer Fly Catcher, Wagtail, Scarlet Minivet, Fantail, Finch, Barwing and others are to name but a few.
  12. Kolakham being a part of Neora Valley National Park has a unique eco-system consisting of tropical, sub-tropical, sub-temperate, and temperate vegetation. The surrounding areas of Kolakham are abundant in floras like Rhododendron, Sal, Oak, Bamboo, Ferns etc. Apart from that in the months of March and April Kolakham blooms with wide species of Orchids all over.
  13. Tourists visiting Kolakham can get rare encounters with wildlife species like Leopard, Wild Dogs, Wild Hogs, Himalayan Black Bear, Clouded Leopard, Himalayan Sero and above all if one is lucky enough could get a rare sight of Himalayan Red Panda also known as Red Fox, but these are very rarely seen.
  14. Kolakham also offers tourists with the options of adventurous sports like hiking, rock climbing, rope traversing and others.

How to reach:

By Air: Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is the nearest airport to Kolakham located at a distance of 121 km away. Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is well connected by regular flight services with Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati. From Bagdogra Airport (IXB) tourists can book shared or hired vehicles upto Lava and from there four wheel drives are available upto Kolakham.

By Train: New Mal Junction is the nearest rail head to Kolakham located at a distance of 65.3 km away (2.5 hours by car). But New Mal Junction is connected with limited train options with other major cities. The major rail head to Kolakham is New Jalpaiguri located at a distance of 115 km away, while Siliguri is located at distance of 108 km away.

By Road: Kolakham is well connected by motor-able road with Bagdogra Airport, New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri and other major tourist’s destinations located nearby. Kalimpong is the nearest town to Kolakham located at a distance of 42 km away and tourists will get hired vehicles from Kalimpong to reach Kolakham. Apart from that Kolakham can also be approached from Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar by hired vehicles via Lava. From Lava enthusiasts can either opt to avail the motor able route which is around 11 km away or the trekking route which is just 08 km away to reach Kolakham.

Best time to visit Kolakham:
Kolakham can be visited throughout the year except the monsoon season (mid – June to mid – September). Summer season (May and June) are the best to escape the scorching heat of the plains. Winter (November to February) are quiet cold, but this time of the year the climate remains very clear and offers some of the majestic views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges. Sometime during the month of January Kolakham receives snow fall. October is a very comfortable season and most of the bird’s activities begin from October onwards.

NEORA VALLEY ECO HUT

Neora Valley Eco Hut is one of the prime accommodations available at Kolakham that offers stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of the World’s 03rd highest peak from the rooms itself. Neora Valley Eco Hut is perched at prime location overlooking a vast area “Neora Valley National Park” and the lush greenery at the foot of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Tourists can easily reach at the gate of Neora Valley Eco Huts by car.  The rooms of Neora Valley Eco Hut are quiet spacious with wooden floors and the cottages are fully wooden furnished. Neora Valley Eco Hut has different types of rooms for different different set of guests. Meals offered at Neora Valley Eco Hut are all garden fresh and homecooked.

Amenities available:
Cozy rooms with common balcony.
Attached western toilets with geyser facility.
24 hours running water.
I there is a shortage of electricity, guests are supplied with hot water in bucket.
Amazing hospitality with homemade meals.
All rooms offer stunning view of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Hanging terrace and balcony with stunning views.

Room Tariff:
Standard Double Rooms (Wagtail) : Rs.1600/-
Deluxe Rooms @ Rs.2000/-
Cottage Rooms @ Rs.2600/-
Service Charge @ 10% on the room tariff.
Food cost @ 600/- per day per person
Meals includes: 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).