RONGO
Rongo is a small quaint village in Gorubathan CD Block of Kalimpong sub division of Kalimpong district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Rongo is situated towards the south-eastern part of Kalimpong, but geographically Rongo lies closer to Bhutan border. Two eminent streams namely Jalong Khola and Naxal Khola flows through this quaint village of Rongo. Among these two rivers Jhalong Khola flows from Rongo Maidan and all the way down to Jhalong and then further down which is thereafter known as Jaldhaka River. Naxal Khola is a much more isolated river among the woods at Rongo. Set at an elevation of 4500 feet, this picturesque village of Rongo also serves as an important place for Cinchona plantation in the Kalimpong district. Apart from that Rongo is also popular for its abundance of medicinal plants which are grown here. Most of the local residents of Rongo are Buddists and speak Nepali among themselves, but these local inhabitants are also efficient in speaking Hindi and English. For many years the local villagers of Rongo mainly use to practice agriculture, farming and animal husbandry as a means of livelihood. But thanks to the natural scenic beauty of Rongo with the advent and rise of tourism at Rongo in the recent years for which economy has gradually increased. Being close to Bhutan border Rongo offers clear view of Bhutan hills on the other side of River Jaldhaka. Apart from that tourists can also witness wide varieties of blooming flowers at Rongo. The villagers of Rongo with their beautiful smile always welcome tourists with great enthusiasm.
Activities and attraction in and around Rongo:
The small hamlet of Rongo offers tourists with lots of activities to try and local attractions to witness.
- With hospitable locals Rongo is a perfect place to recline and relax. At Rongo tourists can spend their whole day witnessing the beauty of Mother Nature.
- At Rongo tourists can relish the view of surrounding mountains covered with lush greenery, along with nearby dense forest. The panoramic view of the valley of Jaldhaka is also visible from Rongo village.
- Tourists can opt to walk through the village of Rongo and meet the local people and witness their daily lifestyle.
- Being surrounded by dense wilderness Rongo is an ideal spot for bird watchers and bird photographers. Numerous species of birds inhabit the village of Rongo.
- Rongo offers tourists with multiple options of mild treks and hiking. There is also a monastery at Rongo which is 1.5 km trek from the main market of Rongo.
- With the help of a local villager as a guide tourists can opt to explore the nearby wilderness of Rongo. One can also get the glimpse of wild animals rarely in the wilderness of Rongo.
- One can opt to trek about 20 minutes through the trails covered with dense wilderness at Rongo in order to reach a magnificent waterfall surrounded by lush greenery all around.
- From Rongo in a day trip tourists can opt to visit to the adjacent spots namely Jhalong (08 km via Gairibas – Rongo Road), Bindu, Paren (18.9 km via Paren – Todey Road), Jaldhaka Hydel Project, Todey – Tangata (26 km via Paren – Todey road), Kumai (16 km via Khunia – Jhalong road), Chisang (23 km via Paren – Todey road), Keram Tar village (near Todey Tangta), Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary (28 km), Samsing Suntaleykhola (22 km via Metali Tea Garden), Gairibas (7 km) and others.
- As Rongo is abundant in Cinchona Plantations, hence tourists can opt to visit these areas and get to know how the process of growing Cinchona.
- For landscape photographers Rongo is also an ideal location due to its vast stretched bordering valleys, lush green forests, vibrant Himalayan flowers, spectacular landscapes and serene nature.
- Rongo main market is another point of tourist interest as here the locals of Rongo and surrounding villages sells numerous locals products which are worth buying.
- In the evening at Rongo tourists can opt to witness and enjoy the traditional dance arranged and performed by the local Nepali, Sherpa, Tamang, Lepcha and Bhutia people.
How to reach:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Rongo located at a distance of 107 km away. Bagdogra Airport is well connected by regular flight services with Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi and few other cities of India. From Bagdogra Airport tourists with hired or reserved vehicles can reach Rongo.
By Train: New Mal Junction is the nearest rail head to Rongo located at a distance of 40 km. Apart from that Rongo can also be reached from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) the second nearest rail head to Rongo located at a distance of 96 km away. NJP is well connected by regular train services with Kolkata and other major cities of India. From NJP railway station by hired or reserved vehicles tourists can easily reach Rongo.
By Road: Rongo is well connected by motor-able roads with New Mal Junction, NJP railway station and Bagdogra Airport. The route to Rongo is via Chalsa, from there to the left side at Khunia crossing. From there via Chapramari, Sechu and Gairibas and uphill route of 07 km will reach at Rongo. Rongo can also be reached from Jhalong and Bindu. Direct hired vehicles are available from New Mal Junction upto Rongo.
Best time to visit Rongo:
Rongo can be visited throughout the year for its charming climate. But tourists are advised to avoid the monsoon season due to bad road condition, though during monsoon Rongo offers a different view. Winters are best for bird sightings and clear climate. Summers are also quite comfortable.
RONGO RIVER VALLEY HOMESTAY
River Valley Homestay at Rongo is so far the best homestay due to its location close to the riverside. From River Valley Homestay tourists will get the clear view of the flowing river and can clearly hear the sound of the flowing river from the room. Though all rooms of Rongo River Valley Homestay are basic, but tourists will get all sorts basic amenities. Rongo River Valley Homestay is set amidst thick natural vegetation all around. At Rongo River Valley Homestay tourists can opt to dine just the river front. Apart from that there is a small pond just below Rongo River Valley Homestay where tourists can also opt to take natural bath. At Rongo River Valley Homestay tourists are served with home-cooked meals which are produced organically. Rongo River Valley Homestay has very humble and kind host and staffs those are always keen on service tourists with the best.
Amenities available:
All rooms are wooden furnished.
Attached western toilets.
24 hours running hot water.
Pick up and drop facility available (chargeable).
Arrangement of local sightseeing.
Camp fire and barbecue available (chargeable).
Tariff:
INR @ 1500/- 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).
