SAMSING
Samsing is a small scenic hamlet and a fast growing tourist destination in Malbazaar Sub-division of Jalpaiguri district. Samsing is perched at an altitude of 3000 feet in the foothills between Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling town. The surrounding landscape of Samsing mainly comprises of lush green tea gardens, hills, forests and orange orchards. The village area of Samsing is a blend of hills, plains, rivers, forest, tea-garden and villages. Samsing is mainly divided into two parts namely Samsing basti, which includes Khasmahal and Fari while the other is Samsing tea garden. These two parts are administered by two different divisions. The tea estates of Samsing are under Jalpaiguri administration while the local settlements of Samsing which consists of Sundar Basti, Khash Mahal and Fari are under Darjeeling District Administration. Samsing is a very progressive place as the local residents have always valued education and their cultures. The early settlers of Samsing Village were mainly tea planters and labourers. The sources of livelihood of the people of Samsing are mainly agriculture and also works as tea planters along with that tourism has added an extra benefit which has boosted their economy. The little hamlet of Samsing is blessed with nature’s bounty and small streams, natural forests and tea gardens come together to form a picture perfect landscape. The route to Samsing passes through some of the best tea gardens of Dooars which are set amongst undulating countryside. Samsing is the place where the plains suddenly rise to transform into the mighty Himalayas, the forests of Neoravalley reach the plain and River Murti opens up from the mountainous confinement to become one of the most adored rivers of Dooars. Samsing is a gateway to the remote parts of Neora Valley National Park. Tourists can opt for a drive through the steep serpentine way to Tree Fern Point and Mouchaki with only nature as the only companion which is worth remembering. On a clear day Samsing offers a clear view of the snow-clad mountains of Bhutan. For bird watchers and bird photographers, Samsing is a treasure trove as it is home to numerous Himalayan birds like Redstart, Fork Tail, Grey Nightjar, Orange-bellied LeafBird, Maroon Oriole, Short-billed Minivet, Greater Racket-Tailed Drongo, Slaty – Backed Forktail, Sultan Tit, Ashy Bulbul, Chestnut Crowned Warblers, Greater Necklaced Laughing Thrush, Long- Tailed Sibia, Black- Chinned Yuhinas, Asian Bird Owlet and many others.
Places to visit around Samsing:
Suntaleykhola: Suntaleykhola is a bowl shaped tourist spot, located at the foothills of Neora Valley National Park covered with thick natural vegetation all over. There are beautiful orange orchards, giving the place its name ‘Suntala in the local dialect means orange and Khola is river’. Suntaleykhola is mainly known for River Murti flowing in through this hamlet and a hanging bridge is constructed above it across which small cottages of West Bengal Forest Department are set up. Suntaleykhola lies at an altitude varying from 650 meter to 950 meter and located around 05 km away from Samsing. Suntaleykhola is mainly known for its thick natural vegetation, lush green tea gardens, rising hills, forest and above all for bird lovers and bird watchers, Suntaleykhola is an ideal destination. During the months of winter Suntaleykhola produces a huge quantity of oranges.
Rocky Island: Rocky Island is another tourist hot spot located at a distance of 02 km away from Samsing by the crisscrossed routes paved with stones and pebbles to the downward side on the banks of River Murti. Here at Rocky Island tent facilities have been set up for tourists in order to opt for a night halt. Rocky Island is an ideal destination for adventure loving tourists as this location offers ample scope for trekking, rock climbing, rappelling and many others. In a day tour from Rocky Island tourists can travel to the nearby destinations of Sherpagaon, Bhalukope, Jhandidara, Mouchaki Camp (this spot is a getaway to the interior parts of Neora Valley National Park).
Laliguras Point: Laliguras is a fast growing tourist hot spot located nearby to Samsing which has gathered much popularity. Laliguras is a picnic spot that offers a panoramic view of the serene landscape along with River Murti that flows down through the valley with its flanking river banks on both the sides and lush green tea gardens and rising mountain valleys. Laliguras is an ideal location for those who seek tranquility amidst nature.
Samsing ViewPoint: Samsing Viewpoint is another popular view point located at Samsing village which offers a bird’s eye view of the whole region from the hilltop. Here at Samsing View Point one can witness the range of mountain valleys covered with thick natural vegetation along with meandering River Murti gushing through the deep valleys and the lush green tea gardens. The greens of the tea gardens and the forests contrasting with the ashen hues of the river rocks create a vivid picture.
Murti Village: Murti is one of the villages that lies within the periphery of Dooars region on the banks of the sprightly mountain river Murti and hence the name of the village. Though River Murti flows through the mountain valleys of Samsing and Suntaleykhola, the village is located at a distance of 24 km away from Samsing. Mountains, forests and rivers – the confluence of these natural features in a single place makes Murti an ideal location for spending some leisure time. In the night one can hear the river gushing past and the frightening cries of wild animals from the forests deep inside. A popular picnic spot has come up near the Murti Bridge across the river where dense wilderness encompasses the area.
How to reach:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Samsing which is at a distance of 91 km away and the driving distance is around 02 hours. Bagdogra is well connected by regular domestic flight service with Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi and other major cities of India.
By Rail: New Mal Junction is the nearest rail head to Samsing located at a distance of about 30 km and the driving distance is around 45 minutes. The second nearest rail head to Samsing is New Jalpaiguri situated at a distance of 85 km away and the driving distance is around 02 hours. New Mal Junction is well connected by a good rail network with Kolkata. Trains like Kanchankanya Express reach New Mal Junction which leaves from Sealdah railway station. New Jalpaiguri railway station is also well connected with a good railway network with Kolkata and other major cities of India as well.
By Road: Samsing is well connected by a good road network with NJP railway station (85 km), New Mal Junction (30 km) and Bagdogra Airport (91 km) away. From all these places tourists will get both shared and reserved vehicles to reach Samsing. The route to Samsing passes via Chalsa and Matiali. From Chalsa the road has taken a diversion towards Matiali and from there the route goes a little uphill through the winding valleys, tea gardens and wilderness and reaches at Samsing.
Best time to visit: Samsing village can be visited throughout the year, but the winter is chilly and the weather (November to March) usually remains clear offering majestic views of the surrounding landscapes and the distant hills. Summers (April to mid-June) are usually cool and pleasant. Monsoon is the time of heavy rainfall which lasts from mid-June to September. But the surrounding greenery during the monsoon season becomes more vivid. For bird watching winter is the ideal time as during December and January several birds from the higher altitude come down at both Samsing and Suntaleykhola which opens up more arrays of birding.
MAYJHOR HOMESTAY
Mayjhor Homestay at Samsing is maintained and managed by a local resident or family of that region. Mayjhor Homestay is a beautiful homestay surrounded by lush green gardens and thick natural vegetation and the windows of the homestay offers direct view of the surrounding landscape. Mayjhor Homestay has four well-appointed rooms (each room can accommodate 04 to 06 people at a time) and is also equipped with all essential requisites. From Mayjhor Homestay tourists can travel easily to the nearby tourist’s destinations like Gorumara National Park (33 km), Hanuman Mandir (27 km), Rocky Island (4 km), and Samsing Hanging Bridge (5 km), Chalsa Railway Station (20 km) and other locations as well. Mayjhor Homestay is divided into two floors each with two rooms along with a common balcony. Tourists can also leisurely spend the evening in the garden of Mayjhor Homestay and witness the natural surroundings.
Amenities available:
All rooms are equipped with attached bathrooms.
Comfortable bed for tourists to enjoy their stay.
Wide open windows that offer the outside view.
Sit out arrangements in the garden are there.
Separate dinning area.
Parking facility available.
Pick up and drop facility available.
Arrangement of local sightseeing available.
Tariff:
Per day per person @ 1500/- (both food and lodging included).
Meals includes: Morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, snacks and dinner.
HOW TO BOOK: Call 9831311606 , 9830381306 and get the current rooms availability status or use the query form below. Or visit us at 8C Shanti Ghosh Street, Kolkata – 700003, near Manindra Chandra College. Or drop your query by Whats app in the above numbers.
