RAMDHURA
Ramdhura is an emerging offbit tourist destination of North Bengal in the Indian state of West Bengal. Perched at an altitude of about 5000 feet, Ramdhura is a beautiful village guarded by emerald Pine forests along with Himalayan flowers and orchids which are grown locally by the residents of this village in every household. Ramdhura village is a part of Kalimpong district sub division. The name of Ramdhura is derived from two different words ‘Ram – Lord Rama of Ramayana and Dhura – Village’. The village of Ramdhura is characterized by abruptly rising hills, small streams, valleys and the stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Ramdhura village is a predominantly rural area and the main source of economy (livelihood) is Agro-based. The village of Ramdhura is situated at a moderate height and the Pine forests along with other natural vegetation surrounding this village offers absolute tranquility. On a clear day Ramdhura offers fabulous panoramic view of the landscape and the mesmerizing view of the sunrise with its changing colours over Mt. Kanchenjunga which is the main attraction. Ramdhura village is also home to several species of Himalayan birds those inhabit the region. Apart from these the view of meandering flow of River Teesta deep through the valleys of thick natural vegetation is a sight worth admiring from Ramdhura. Being a remote village of the Kalimpong Hills, Ramdhura does not provide any sort of luxurious stay for tourists, but one can opt to spend their night in the cozy rooms of the local homestays run by the ethnic Lepcha community of that region and can also taste the staple food which are organically produced and fully home cooked. Ramdhura is mostly inhabited by Lepcha and Bhutia families and the common medium of communication are Bhutia, Nepali, Lepcha, Hindi and English.
Things to do and see around Ramdhura:
Being an ecologically thriving destination, Ramdhura still offers ampule options of local sightseeing and varied activities which one should always experience.
- Ramdhura offers tourists with numerous trekking options the routes of which passes through dense Pine forests and Cinchona plantation areas.
- Ramdhura also forms one of the gateway or a night halt option to the Old Silk Route tour of East Sikkim.
- From Ramdhura tourists can opt to visit the nearby places of Kalimpong (15 km), Algarah (6.2 km), Pedong (12.8 km), Deolo (08 km), Durpin Dara, Sillerygaon (13.9 km), Upper Sangsey Village, Iccheygaon (2.5 km), Ramitey Dara, Damsang Fort, Lava (22 km), Munsong Cinchona Plantation Ground (03 km) and many others.
- From Ramdhura tourists can trek upto Jalsa Bungalow which was constructed way back in 1930 in British architectural style by the British. This Jalsa Bungalow was constructed amidst thick natural vegetation and Cinchona plantation area. This lavish bungalow was handed over to West Bengal Government soon after Indian independence and they renamed it as Jalsa Bungalow. The periphery of this Jalsa Bungalow offers long distant view of the entire region.
- From Ramdhura a walk of about 02 km by the right side to the upward direction one will reach at Echey Forest which is situated atop a hill of Iccheygaon.
- From Ramdhura on the way to Kalimpong around 01 km away there is a Bhutia Monastery which is worth visiting. One can also opt to reach this monastery by short trek from Ramdhura.
- On a day tour from Ramdhura tourists can opt to visit Hanuman Tok and Mahadeb Dham Temple. Hanuman Tok is a viewpoint in Ramdhura which offers majestic view of the deep valleys along with the snow-capped Himalayan ranges.
- The flickering light of Kalimpong town during the night time from Ramdhura is a sight worth admiring.
- For bird watchers Ramdhura is also an ideal destination as this is home several species of Himalayan birds.
- On a lazy day tourists can also opt to lie back on an easy chair and enjoy the scenic landscape of Ramdhura.
How to reach:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Ramdhura located at a distance of 89 km away. Bagdogra is well connected by domestic flights with Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi. From Bagdogra Airport periphery tourists will get reserved cars upto Ramdhura.
By Rail: New Jalpaiguri is the nearest rail head to Ramdhura located at a distance of 86 km away. From NJP railway station tourists can reserve cars directly upto Ramdhura.
By Road: Ramdhura is well connected by road with Bagdogra Airport, NJP Railway station and Siliguri. From all these locations tourists need to hire reserve cars to reach Ramdhura. For tourists opt to avail shared car service need to reach Kalimpong which is a driving distance of 2.5 km away. And from Kalimpong one need to avail reserve/ shared car service upto Ramdhura which is a distance of 15 km away. From NJP railway station via Sevoke, Rongpo, Mungsong around 03 hours is Ramdhura
Best time to visit: Ramdhura offers a moderate climate and can be visited throughout the year, but it is better to avoid the monsoon season. Winter is the best time to view the snow clad mountain ranges and also to spot the maximum numbers of bird’s activity. Apart from during the winter and spring season Ramdhura blooms with different species of flowers and orchids which makes this hamlet very colourful. Summer is the best time to escape the scorching heat of the plains.
JOJOLAPHA HOMESTAY
Jojolapha Homestay is one of the best homestay located at Ramdhura village maintained a native Nepali family of the village. On a clear Jojolapha Homestay offers magnificent view of the Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga from the room itself. The host of Jojolapha Homestay are very friendlier in nature and are very keen towards providing the best possible service to the guests. Jojolapha Homestay is nestled within calm and cool surrounding of Ramdhura village on the edge of the hill amidst dense greenery all over. Meals served at Jojolapha Homestay are fully organic and home cooked. Tourists visiting at Jojolapha Homestay are offered with short trekking and hiking around the village of Ramdhura. Jojolapha Homestay has long stretch balconies in each floor where tourists can sit back and enjoy the nature in its pristine form. Jojolapha Homestay is a budget category homestay and is ideal for both family and group tours with big spacious rooms which can accommodate upto 04 to 05 people in each room.
Amenities available:
Rooms are quite spacious and well furnished.
All rooms are equipped with attached bathrooms.
Western toilet and 24 hours running hot and cold water.
Pick up and drop facility available on demand.
Arrangement of short treks and hiking.
Ethnic local foods are available on demand.
Tariff:
Per day per person @ 1200/- (both food and lodging included).
Meals includes: Morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, snacks and dinner.
Special meals are available on demand (chargeable).
Children below 05 years are complimentary, from 05 years to 08 years are charged half the tariff. And above 08 years are charged full.
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).
