RISHIKHOLA
Rishikhola (also spent as Reshi Khola) is a Himalayan stream or river that separates two states namely West Bengal and Sikkim forming as a natural border. Topographically Rishikhola marks a division between these two states, but formally Rishikhola is a part of Kalimpong sub division. On the banks of Rishikhola there is a small settlement or village known as Rishi Village which has gained much popularity as a tourist hot spot. The word Rishikhola is combination two different words like ‘Rishi – name of the river and Khola – river in local Lepcha language’ and hence the name of this village became Rishikhola village. The altitude of Rishikhola is around 2000 feet and is an ideal gateway for tourists those who love the absolute tranquillity and serene of Mother Nature. The local inhabitants of Rishikhola village reside on both the sides of the river and are joined by a wooden bridge made of bamboo. These local inhabitants of Rishikhola are mainly belongs to Rai, Pradhan, Bhutia and other communities and they are mainly involved in agriculture as their main source of livelihood. Though in the recent time with the emergence of tourism in this sector, many locals have also moved towards developing Eco – tourism at Rishikhola as an alternate source of livelihood. Most of the locals also rent their houses as homestays those catering tourists with staying options at Rishikhola. Being a river side based tourist spot, Rishikhola do not offers the majestic view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges, but the valleys on both the sides of River Rishikhola are covered with thick natural vegetation and lush greenery. Local delicacies served to tourists are grown in their own farmlands. Like all other rivulets crisscrossing the sub – Himalayan range, the Rishi River also known as Rishi Khola coasts is strewn with rocks and boulders with stream water gushing through them. The lush green valleys on both the sides of River Rishikhola are home to several Himalayan birds those inhabit the region, to name but a few are Himalayan Bulbul, Verditer Flycatcher, Puff – Throated Babbler, Sultan Tit, Grey Tree-pie, Black Bulbul, Green Magpie, Great Himalayan Barbet, Satyr Tragopan, Warblers, Plumbeous Water Redstart and many more. Not only confined to several species of birds, Rishikhola is also home to numerous species of butterflies also.
Activities and attractions around Rishikhola:
- Rishikhola is mainly referred among tourists as a place to relax on the river banks and enjoy the surrounding natural landscape with the rumbling sounds of River Rishikhola as it passes through the boulders in a crisscrossed way.
- Rishikhola can be an ideal night halt option for tourists visiting Silk Route. As one need to acclimatize before moving further to higher altitude of Silk Route.
- Few trekking trails have emerged from Rishikhola, which are worth enjoying. Tourists can opt to avail these trails and visit different parts of the village.
- Activities like rock climbing, bathing in the crystal clear water of Rishikhola, mountain biking, angling and trekking can be among the list to indulge while at Rishikhola.
- Tourists can opt for bon fire or Bar B Cue on the river banks under the starry night sky which is an experience worth remembering.
- From Rishikhola tourists can opt for a visit to the nearby tourist destinations like Pedong (21.6 km), Sillerygaon (30 km), Aritar (14 km), Mankhim (18 km), Ramdhura, Kalimpong (44 km), Algarah (28.6 km) and others.
- Rishikhola is an ideal location for bird photography and landscape photography.
- Picnic and River side camping can also be done at Rishikhola during the winter season.
Things to know:
- Rishikhola being a plastic free zone and hence tourists are advised not to litter around the village of Rishikhola. Tourists are not allowed to throw any sort of garbage or any plastic products both in the river and in the surrounding village of Rishikhola.
- Tourists are also advised to carry adequate medicine while visiting Rishikhola as there are no medicine shops in and around the village.
- Tourists are also advised to carry adequate cash during their Rishikhola tour as there are no ATMs located nearby and one need to depend either on Kalimpong, Algarah or Pedong.
- Carry extra batteries for your cameras and also carry power banks while visiting Rishikhola.
- Tourists are advised not to waste water or not to wash anything in the river of Rishikhola.
How to reach:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Rishikhola located at a distance of 108 km away. From Bagdogra Airport tourists can avail reserved vehicles upto Rishikhola via Kalimpong or Algarah. Or by shared vehicles one need to reach at Kalimpong or Algarah and from there by reserved vehicles Rishikhola can be reached.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri is the nearest rail head to Rishikhola located at a distance of 112 km away. From NJP railway station tourists can avail reserved vehicles upto Rishikhola via Kalimpong or Algarah. Or by shared vehicles one need to reach at Kalimpong or Algarah and from there by reserved vehicles Rishikhola can be reached.
By Road: Rishikhola is well connected by road networks with the nearest gateway Siliguri located at a distance of 101 km away. Other major towns connecting Rishikhola are Kalimpong (44 km), Algarah (28.6 km), Pakyong Airport (36 km) and Gangtok (65 km). Several reserved vehicles ply from these towns upto Rishikhola. From Siliguri/ NJP railway station/ Bagdogra Airport tourists can also opt to avail bus service upto Kalimpong and from there by reserved vehicles one can reach Rishikhola.
Best time to visit:
Rishikhola can be visited throughout the year, but however one should avoid the monsoon season as the water level of the river rises during this time and make it difficult to reach the location. During monsoon most of the routes to Rishikhola also gets disconnected. During winter the water level descends and hence makes it ideal to enjoy the location. During summer Rishikhola forms an ideal escape from the scorching heat of the plains.
MOZAULAY HOMESTAY
Mozaulay Homestay lies on the banks of Rishikhola, offers close proximity to the Rishi River bed. Mozaulay Homestay has well furnished wooden rooms with attached bathrooms in each rooms. The location of Mozaulay Homestay lies in the dense greenery of several floras at Rishikhola. Mozaulay Homestay offers the basic possible modern amenities available in such a remote location. Mozaulay Homestay organize barbecue in the evening and also arranges car for local sightseeing. Foods served here are completely organic and homemade.
Tariff @ 1300/- per day per person (includes both food and lodging)
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)
