SAMALBONG
Samalbong is an offbeat tourist destination of Kalimpong sub – division in Kalimpong district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Samalbong is nestled at 1981 meter (6500 feet approx.) in altitude. The small village of Samalbong is known for its pristine nature, lush green landscapes, scenic beauty and above all stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga and others. Samalbong is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiast those likes serenity and tranquility. Samalbong is mostly inhabited by people of Lepcha tribes those belong to Rai, Tamang, Subba and the like communities. Agriculture and cattle rearing are the main source of livelihood for these local inhabitants of Samalbong. But with the rise of demand in tourism in these offbeat locations of the hills, these local people of Samalbong started to get involved in tourism related activities and renting their houses as homestays to offer tourists with staying accommodations. The village of Samalbong is inhabited by around 200 people. Samalbong as a tourist destination combines natural beauty with cultural richness and historical significance. Weather it is exploring the scenic landscapes, immersing in local culture or embarks on thrilling adventures, Samalbong has something to offer for everyone. The homestays at Samalbong offers a rustic charm with a blend of modern comfort.
Activities and attractions in and around Samalbong:
The small Himalayan village of Samalbong offers tourists with ampule of local attractions to explore and activities to enjoy.
- The serene natural ambience of Samalbong is the main attraction of this village. The panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other peaks are worth watching from Samalbong.
- In and around Samalbong there are few Buddhist Monasteries which are also worth visiting. Here tourists can experience the religious aspect of the region.
- From Samalbong few trekking or hiking trails has emerged those leads to different directions of the village. Tourists can opt to take a local experience guide from Samalbong and explore these hidden trails.
- Village and nature trails in and around Samalbong are quiet enjoying. Tourists can opt for a leisure walk through the village trails and meet the local people and get deep insight of their daily lifestyle.
- For bird watchers and bird photographers Samalbong is also an ideal destination as the periphery of the village is inhabited by wide species of Himalayan birds.
- Samalbong is also ideal for landscape photographers. The surrounding natural vegetation, rising mountain ranges, Himalayan stream all makes a perfect canvas for landscape photography.
- Samalbong offers stunning view of the morning Sunrise and evening Sunset. Both during Sunrise and Sunset the sky gets painted with different hues of red colour which is worth admiring.
- In the evening Samalbong offers necklace view of the glittering lights of Kalimpong town to the far distant.
- Star gazing is also a notable activity during the night at Samalbong. Tourists can sit quietly under the open sky and view the countless stars of the galaxy.
- At Samalbong tourists can indulge with the local villagers and lay hands in their daily activities of farming and cattle rearing which is quiet enjoying.
- From Samalbong in a day trip tourists can opt for a visit to the nearby places like Kalimpong (21 km), Lava, Lolegaon, Rishyap, Charkhole, Samathar, Pabong, Kaffergaon, Sinji, Panbu Dara View Point and few others.
- While at Samalbong tourists can opt to indulge with the local people in their kitchen and get to know the process of making some of the regional delicacies prepared by organic produce.
- The village of Samalbong is also ideal to explore the rural lives of the local community and also get deep insight of the social customs, heritage and culture.
- While at Samalbong tourists can also opt to taste some of the lip smacking local delicacies prepared by these local villagers.
- The local homestays of Samalbong offers tourists with cultural experience by staying with a local family of the village.
- Nearby Samalbong there are few viewpoints those offers majestic view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges along with the lush green deep valleys. Tourists can opt to sit quietly on a viewpoint and enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes of Samalbong.
- Samalbong is an excellent location for all kinds of tourists. Weather a solo traveler, or couple or groups, Samalbong has something to offer for everyone. Samalbong in one word is a nature’s paradise.
How to Reach:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Samalbong located at 104 km away via NH10. From Bagdogra Airport tourists will get hired vehicles on reserved basis upto Samalbong. Or one can also opt to avail shared vehicles from Bagdogra Airport to Kalimpong and from there by another vehicle one can reach Samalbong.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station is the nearest rail head to Samalbong located at 111.5 km away via NH 10. NJP railway station is well connected by regular train services with Kolkata and other major cities of India. From NJP railway station tourists will get hired vehicles on reserved basis upto Samalbong. Or one can also opt to avail shared vehicles from NJP railway station to Kalimpong and from there by another vehicle one can reach Samalbong.
By Road: Samalbong is well connected by regular motor-able road with Siliguri (108.7 km) and other nearby tourist destinations. Samalbong is also well connected by good motor-able roads with Darjeeling, Gangtok and Kurseong. By road it takes about 3.5 to 04 hours to reach Samalbong both from Bagdogra and NJP.
Best time to visit:
Though Samalbong can be visited throughout the year, but it is advisable to avoid the monsoon season. Summers are ideal to escape the scorching heat of the plains. Winters are ideal for clear view of the mountains and also maximum bird activity. During the months of April – May numerous flowers bloom in full at Samalbong.
GIRI HOMESTAY
Giri Homestay at Samalbong is absolutely an aesthetic homestay located just near the popular viewpoint of Samalbong. Giri Homestay has clean, tidy and comfortable rooms that suit all kinds of tourists. The rooms of Giri Homestay offer stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks on a clear day. The host along with the staffs of Giri Homestay is very cordial and helpful towards tourists. At Giri Homestay tourists are served with home cooked meals those are prepared from organic produce and taste delicious. As per location, Giri Homestay is situated just on the main road and hence tourists need to walk or trek steep stairs to reach the homestay. Cars will drop tourists at the doorstep of Giri Homestay. Giri Homestay has long stretched balcony where tourists can sit and relax in both during the day and night. Apart from that the balcony also offers clear view of the city lights of Kalimpong town in the evening to the far distant. Rooms of Giri Homestay are quiet spacious. Rooms at Giri Homestay are divided in two different floors. Giri Homestay is ideal for solo travelers, couples and groups alike.
Amenities available:
Well furnished rooms
In house dinning facility
Attached washrooms
Western type toilet
Geyser facility available
24 hours running water
Pick up and drop facility (chargeable)
Arrangement of car for local tour (chargeable)
Bonfire and Bar-B-Cue facility (chargeable)
All rooms are mountain facing
Long balcony
Home cooked meals
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