Rikkisum Swarnashikhar Lodge

RIKKISUM

Rikkisum is a hill top surrounded by lush green hills on one side along with dense thickness of Dhupi and Pine trees on the valleys. And to the other side Rikkisum is guarded by the blue sky beneath which stands the snow covered peak of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The hilly terrains of Rikkisum are spread with few small log houses of the locals made of wood along small lawns where numerous orchids blossom up. All these comprises of this small Himalayan village Rikkisum. Few also call Resom. Situated at an elevation of about 6300 feet. Rikkisum is an ideal place from where one can get to see the hide and seek of clouds and fog throughout the day. On clear sunny day, from Rikkisum one will get a clear view of many unknown peaks of Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim hills in a single frame to the far horizon. At Rikkisum, there is an old British Bungalow probably constructed in the year 1902 (that counts for more than 100 years old), one can step through the dense greenery of Dhupi and Pine by foot and reach the bungalow, which is about 2 kilometres. Though at present the remains of this bungalow are only left for the tourists. Just near the bungalow is a sunrise point, some calls it Kanchen view point. An open gallery for the view of Sunrise at the backdrop of Mt. Kanchenjunga. At the periphery of the bungalow there is small grass land and at the forefront stands Mt. Kanchenjunga tall along with its other peaks. From Rikkisum, one can go for trekking to the nearest destinations like Rishop, Rishikhola and Tinchuley view point. On the way if anyone is lucky enough, they could get to see few wild animals those wondering on these routes. But one needs a local guide to avail these routes. On the steep slopes of this village road numerous colourful flowers blossom up every day and add an extra beauty to this village. Few of these flowers are grown by the local villagers and others are grown naturally. Rikkisum is home numerous Himalayan birds and butterflies. The locals at this village are mainly Rai and Sherpa, all together there are only about 20 to 22 families those inhabit the village. The absolute peace of the village is sometimes get debarred by the sweet symphony of the birds and other insects those inhabit Rikkisum. Very recently Rikkisum has been included in the list of Incredible India as a first village of Kalimpong sub-division. The next on travel checklist, while one is travelling at this sector do not forget to include Rikkim as it is an ideal place for spending one or two days with a close attachment with nature.

Things to do: At Rikkisum one can spend your spend your leisure time by sitting on the hill top and wondering towards the majestic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga or one can go for a village walk and meet the local peoples and get to know about the way they lead their usual life, about their daily needs. Or you can go shooting photographs of different birds and butterflies to the nearest jungle of Pine. Or one can also go for trekking to the nearest trekking routes.

How to reach: The route is from Kalimpong town towards Lava via Algarah. To the left hand side is Rikkisum. From Lava at a distance of about 13 kilometres. From New Jalpaiguri railway station share jeeps are available upto Kalimpong. From there either by share jeep towards Algarah or Lava one can reach Rikkisum, or you can also book full car, that will pick you up from NJP station.

Best time to Visit: Though Rikkisum can visit through the year, except the monsoon.