SANTOOK
Santook (also known as Santuk) is a small Himalayan village in Kalimpong sub division of Kalimpong district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Santook is affectionately termed as ‘Bali of North Bengal’ due to its unique attraction. Santook is known for its serene atmosphere, tranquil nature and adventurous activities. On a clear day Santook offers stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other peaks. Nearby Santook village flows river Chel. Santook is set at 1280 meter (4200 feet) in altitude and the whole village is surrounded by thick natural vegetation, rolling hills, Himalayan streams overcoming large boulders and waterfalls. This lush greenery of Santook is a part of Neora Valley National Park range. Nestled among towering trees and picturesque settings, the village of Santook is abundant in wildlife species like numerous Himalayan birds, butterflies and very few other wild animals those inhabit the region. Santook is mostly inhabited by Lepcha people like Rai, Tamang, Bhutia and like communities. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood among the locals of Santook. Tourists will get to see wide spread farm lands on the mountain valleys of Santook where these locals use to grow organic vegetable through step cultivation or terraced farming techniques. Apart from that tourism has also added as an alternative source of livelihood among the local villagers of Santook. These local villagers have set up homestays adjacent to their houses at Santook where they cater tourists with staying options. Along with that local transportation has also became an additional source of livelihood at Santook. Tourists are greeted with a warm welcome and heartwarming hospitality by the local villagers of Santook.
Activities and attractions in and around Santook:
Santook being a small village offers tourists with handful of natural attractions to witness, nearby places to explore and handful of adventurous activities to experience.
- The main attraction of Santook is witnessing serene nature at its best. While at Santook tourists can sit back and relax while enjoying the view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga and other peaks.
- For adventure seeking tourists Santook is an ideal destination. From Santook tourists can opt for a trek to Reili Khola, Tharre Waterfalls (1.8 km), Duka Waterfalls (10.4 km) and Kalsin Waterfall (500 meter). Apart from that few hiking trails have also emerged from Santook those leads to different parts of the village. Tourists can opt to hire a local guide and explore these hidden treasures of Santook village.
- Tourists can opt for a village walk through the narrow trails of Santook and meet the local villagers to get deep insights of their daily culture, customs, traditions and heritage.
- For bird watchers and photographers Santook is also an ideal location. Due to its close proximity to Neora Valley National Park the village of Santook is inhabited by numerous species of birds. Tourists can take a local guide along with them a get deep into the wilderness of Santook in search of these birds.
- Santook is also an ideal destination for landscape photographers. The surrounding greenery, undulation mountain valleys, natural streams and stunning mountains at the backdrop offers landscape photographers with immense opportunity of random clicks.
- Santook also offers stunning view of the morning sunrise at the backdrop of the snow-covered Himalayan ranges. At the time of sunrise the view of the changing colours on the mountain top from Santook is a sight worth watching.
- While at Santook tourists are advised to taste the local delicacies prepared from the organic produce. These local delicacies are worth tasting and give back a flavour of their regional culture.
- At Santook in a leisure day tourists can lay hands along with the local villagers in farming and agricultural activities. Or tourists can also opt to indulge with these locals of Santook in their kitchen and learn the process of preparing some of the local lip smacking cuisines from locally grown produce.
- From Santook in a day trip tourists can opt for a visit to the nearby places like Algarah (6.1 km), Mayrong Forest (9.6 km), Chumang Forest (25.5 km), Gumbadara Monastery (21 km), Tendrabong (09 km), Saihur Forest Trek Point (2.1 km) and others.
- From Santook tourists can also opt for a day tour to Kalimpong (21.5 km) and visit the local watchable in and around Kalimpong.
- From Santook in a day trip tourists can visit Neora Valley National Park and explore the natural treasures of the region wild animals and birds.
- Camping and Nature study are also among the popular activities to try out while at Santook. Tourists can opt to set up tents/ camps near the river fronts of Santook during winters which are worth enjoying. Apart from that the abundance of natural treasures of Santook offers tourists with immense opportunities to study nature.
- As the night sky of Santook glitters with countless stars hence tourists can also opt for stargazing during the night time. Apart from that the view of the sparkling lights of the distant towns from Santook is also a sight worth admiring.
- In the night at Santook tourists can also indulge with the local villagers in regional local songs and dance. Apart from that one can also enjoy bonfire under the open sky at Santook.
- At Santook tourists can also opt for a bathing in the nearby river which is very soothing. Or one can sit quietly at the river fronts and practice fishing from the nearby river at Santook.
- Tourists can also opt for rock climbing and mountain biking at Santook which is also worth enjoying. These are also part of adventurous activities in Santook.
- Tourists can opt for a visit to the nearby monastery at Santook and spend some peaceful time amidst calm religious surroundings. Apart from that there are two different churches at Santook namely ID Church Santook and Secret Heart Church which are also worth visiting.
How to reach:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Santook located at about 100 km away. From Bagdogra Airport tourists can either hire a full cab to reach Santook. Or one can also hire shared vehicles to reach upto Kalimpong or Algarah. From there by another hired vehicle one can reach Santook.
By Train: There are two nearest rail heads from where Santook can be reached. One is New Mal Junction located at 76.4 km away. The other major rail head to Santook is at New Jalpaiguri railway station or NJP located at 90 km away. Though New Mal Jnc. is the nearest rail head to Santook, but NJP is connected with more railway networks with Kolkata and other major cities of India. From both these railway stations tourists will get reserved vehicles to reach Santook. Or one can also hire shared vehicles to reach upto Kalimpong or Algarah. From there by another hired vehicle one can reach Santook.
By Road: Santook is well connected by good motor-able road with Siliguri (87 km) and other nearby destinations. From Siliguri tourists will get bus services upto Kalimpong. Again from Kalimpong tourists will get shared or hired vehicles upto Algarah. And from Algarah one can opt for a hired vehicle to reach Santook. From Algarah tourists can also opt for a trek or walk upto Santook provided they have a clear idea about the route map. Santook is located at 05 km from Algarah taxi stand and 18 km from Kalimpong bus stand.
Best time to visit:
Santook can be visited throughout the year. Summers (April to June) are ideal to escape the scorching heat of the plains and are also ideal for outdoor activities. Monsoon (July to September) are less ideal for general tourism. But tourists seeking solitude and lush green misty landscape of Santook, monsoon is ideal. But one should have a clear idea of the road condition during monsoon season. Winters (October to March) at Santook are ideal maximum bird activity and clear view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Apart that winters are also ideal for outdoor activities.
ANUP HOMESTAY
Anup Homestay is a family run homestay typed accommodation in Santook Village. Anup Homestay offers local authentic experience with stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges and lush greenery all around. Anup Homestay has cozy, comfortable rooms with relaxed atmosphere. Anup Homestay is set amidst serene and tranquil atmosphere. Anup Homestay serves tourists with home cooked meals which are prepared from organic produce. The host along with other staffs at Anup Homestay are very courteous and always ready to serve tourists whatever possible in such an isolate location. Anup Homestay is a perfect example of home away from home.
Amenities:
Wooden furnished rooms
Attached washrooms
Western toilet
Geyser for running hot water
24/7 running water
Pick and drop facility (chargeable)
Bon fire and Bar-B-Cue available (chargeable)
In house dinning facility
Arrangement of local tour (chargeable)
All rooms are view facing
Tariff:
INR @ 1500/- per day per person (both food and lodging)
Meals include: Morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, snacks and dinner
Bon Fire and Bar-B-Cue charges are extra and as applicable, payable at spot.
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 send your query through whatsapp @ 9831311606 with all your tour details and we will reply you as early as possible.
