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LATPANCHAR

Latpanchar or Latpanchor is a small hamlet in the Kurseong sub division of Darjeeling district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Latpanchar is nestled at the highest point of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary at an elevation of 4200 feet. The word Latpanchar is a Lepcha word which translates into ‘Lat – Bamboo’ and ‘Panchar – Forest’ or ‘Land of Canes’. Latpanchar is referred to as one of the hidden destination of North Bengal Hills region, popular for its abundance of Cinchona or Quinine plantations, thick bamboo forests and wide availability of Himalayan birds. The beauty of Latpanchar mostly lies on the undulating hills covered with lush greenery and serene natural surroundings. Two important rivers of northern West Bengal namely River Mahananda and River Teesta flow through Latpanchar and are clearly visible from this hamlet. Being a part of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary that rises from Sukna upto Latpanchar village, good chances of wild life sightings and bird sightings are common at Latpanchar. The local inhabitants of Latpanchar mainly belongs to Rai, Subba, Gurung and Lepcha communities those are mainly based on agriculture and cinchona plantation for their livelihood. But with the inception of sustainable eco-tourism around Darjeeling and Kalimpong region, the local communities of Latpanchar has grown an interest and started developing homestay in order to cater tourists with accommodation facility. Some of the local enthusiasts of Latpanchar village has formed Latpanchar Eco Tourism Society in order to promote tourism and birding within the village.

Activities and attractions around Latpanchar:
Being a semi isolated village of Sittong III, Mahakuma in Kurseong sub division of Darjeeling district, Latpanchar offers tourists with calm and peaceful stay far away from the madding crowd amidst lush greenery in the lap of nature. Apart from that Latpanchar offers tourists with handful of activities and attractions all around the village.

  1. Bird PhotographyLatpanchar attracts wide number of naturalists, bird photographers and bird lovers throughout the year due to its abundance of bird species within the village. Being nestled with Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Latpanchar forms the natural habitat of wide species of Himalayan birds. Here at Latpanchar bird photography has added another dimension in the tourism sector.
  1. Wildlife Photography: Apart from bird photography, the village of Latpanchar forms an ideal destination for wild life photographers as being close to Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, many wild life species are usually spotted within the periphery of Latpanchar like Giant Squirrel, Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard and Himalayan Newt or Salamander.
  1. Nature and Trekking Trails: Tourists visiting Latpanchar can opt for a leisure walk through the Cinchona plantation area. Nearly 1400 acres of Cinchona plantations are here within Latpanchar and tourists can have a visit in order to witness the process the extracting quinine from the Cinchona. Few short treks originate from Latpanchar those pass through deep forests and leads to some treacherous terrains of the hills. One such important trekking trail origination from Latpanchar upto Gulma Peak, an unexplored hill within the sanctuary. Some of the treks from Latpanchar leads to the downward side and meet at the river side.
  1. Ahaldara TopAhaldara is one of the top most tourist visiting spot located at a distance of 05 km from Latpanchar by the steep uphill route. The scenic beauty of Ahaldara is no less comparable to other destinations of North Bengal, as Ahaldara is considered as the best 360 degree open viewpoint on the top of Selphu Hills that offers the stunning view of Sunrise at the backdrop of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with the rolling mountain valleys, Tagore’s Nose (natural formation of valleys). Apart from that the meandering flow of River Teesta through the mountain valleys is also visible from Ahaldara Top. Tourist accommodations are available on Ahaldara Top.
  1. Namthing Pokhri: Namthing Pokhri (Lake) is another noteworthy tourist spot located at a distance of 4.5 km away from Latpanchar. Namthing Pokhri is a natural lake within Selpu Khasmahal mainly known as the natural habitat of rarest Himalayan Salamander or Himalayan Newt. The lake of Namthing Pokhri is mainly fed by the rain waters and guarded by Cinchona and Pine trees all around. During winter season tourists can also spot numerous species of Himalayan birds near Namthing Pokhri. Tourists can also opt for a night halt near Namthing Pokhri.
  1. Sarsari Dara: From Latpanchar around 1.5 km by walking tourists can reach at Sarsari Dara, a viewpoint that offers sweeping views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with the surrounding valleys.
  1. Latpanchar Monastery: Latpanchar Mahni Choikhorling Gompa (Monastery) is another point of tourist visit within Latpanchar. This striking three storey structure also known as Latpanchar Monastery is painted in vibrant colours and is built in Tibetan and Nepali architectural style. The interior of Latpanchar Monastery is beautifully decorated with Murals and paintings. The prayer hall of Latpanchar Monastery is an ideal place for tourists seeking absolute peace.
  1. Latkothi: From Latpanchar at a distance of 04 km away is Latkothi, a tourist spot on Siliguri – Gangtok Highway. Latkothi was once known as a British residence, as there is a bungalow set amidst vast stretches of Cinchona Plantations and guarded by long Teak and Pine Trees. The British Bungalow at Latkothi was reconstructed as a bungalow of Latpanchar Forest Department. The snow covered peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga range can also be viewed from Latkothi.
  1. Sittong: Located around 25 km away from Latpanchar, the area of Sittong is a culmination of village consists of Sittong ISittong II and Sittong III along with few other surrounding villages. Sittong is mainly known for its massive production of Himalayan Oranges in the winter season, apart from that the village is surrounded by numerous tea estates of Darjeeling region.
  1. MahaldiramMahaldiram is another point of tourist attraction located around 16 km away from LatpancharMahaldiram is known for its stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges along with its tea estate that produces Chinese Bush tea.
  1. Riyang River – Jogighat Bridge: From Latpanchar at a distance of 17 km lays Jogighat Bridge which is constructed above River Riyang at Lower Sittong region. Though a new iron bridge is constructed, but the remnant of the old bridge is still there that joins Sittong and Mungpoo. This is an ideal spot for river camping from Latpanchar.
  1. Mungpoo: From Latpanchar around 30 km away is Mungpoo, which is mainly known for the Rabindra Museum and it abundant production of Cinchona. Apart from that Mungpoo is also known for its Orchids production and vast stretches of tea estates.

Birding at Latpanchar:
Throughout the year Latpanchar is visited by wide number of bird photographers, naturalists and wild photographers in order to get some of the best shots of the native Himalayan birds of the region. Latpanchar is the natural habitat of the rare species of Rufous Necked Hornbill. Apart from that Latpanchar is also inhabited by other species of birds to name but a few are Common Green Magpie, Long Tailed Broadbill, Sultan Tit, Black Baza, Crested Serpent Eagle, Green Backed Tit, Streaked Spider Hunter, Rufous Sibia, Silver Eared Mesia, Scarlet Finch, Grey Chinned Minivet, Rusty Cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Emerald Cuckoo, Emerald Dove, Red Headed Trogan, Rufous Necked Laughing Thrush, Red Billed Leothrix, Green Billed Malkhoa, Greater Yellownape, Crimson Sunbird, Scarlet Minivet, Small Niltava, Verditer Flycatcher, White Capped Redstart, Slaty Backed Forktail and many others.
Though most of these birds are spotted with Latpanchar village, but there are two different birding hot spots around Latpanchar where these birds are seen abundantly. One is the way to the Nursery and the other one is the core area of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. On the way to the Nursery route tourists need to travel 03 km by trekking only. While the way route to the core area of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary tourists can opt to travel 05 km either by walking or by vehicles.

How to reach:

By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Latpanchar located at a distance of 51 km away. Bagdogra Airport is well connected with Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati by regular flight services. From Bagdogra Airport by reserved vehicles tourists can reach upto Latpanchar. Or tourist can also opt to avail shared vehicles either upto Birik Dara or Kalijhora and from there by pick up vehicles one can reach Latpanchar.

By Train: New Jalpaiguri railway station is the nearest rail head to Latpanchar located around 46 km away. Several trains connect New Jalpaiguri with rest of India by strong railway networks. From New Jalpaiguri railway station by reserved vehicles tourists can reach upto Latpanchar. Or tourist can also opt to avail shared vehicles either upto Birik Dara or Kalijhora and from there by pick up vehicles one can reach Latpanchar. The route from Siliguri upto Latpanchar is via Sevoke and Kalijhora.

By RoadLatpanchar is well connected by motor-able road with Siliguri (40 km away), the nearest gateway town. From Siliguri by road tourists need to reach upto Sevoke (22 km), from there upto Kalijhora (05 km). From Kalijhora take a left turn around 13 km away is Latpanchar. From Siliguri the route is through National Highway 31. On pre booking basis the local homestays also arranges for direct vehicles upto LatpancharLatpanchar is also well connected by motor-able road with Darjeeling at a distance of 42 km via Latpanchar – Mahaldiram Road. Latpanchar is located around 18 km away from Birik Dara.

Best time to visit:
Latpanchar can be visited throughout the year except the monsoon season. Winter is the best time to witness the maximum bird’s activity, while summers are best to escape the scorching heat of the plains.

BROADBILL NEST HOMESTAY

Broadbill Nest Homestay at Latpanchar is set to accommodate small group of tourists. The rooms of Broadbill Nest Homestay are very comfortable, nicely maintained with attached western toilet in each room. Broad Nest Homestay also offers majestic view of the surrounding landscape along with the mountain valleys. Broadbill Nest Homestay is maintained by a local family of Latpanchar and are very kind towards their guests. Due to the location of Broadbill Nest Homestay, tourists can very often encounter with numerous species of Himalayan birds those inhabit Latpanchar village.

Amenities available:
Wall to wall carpet.
Attached western toilet.
Geyser facility available in each room.
Pick up and drop facility available on request.
Local guide available.

Tariff:
INR @ 1400/- 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)