SILLERYGOAN
Sillerygaon is a small quaint village located in the Kalimpong sub- division of West Bengal and nestled at an altitude of about 6000 ft also known as ‘New Darjeeling’. Sillerygaon mainly comprises with simple village life, numerous species of flora and fauna along with wide varieties of flowers and stunning view of Mt. Kanchendzonga. The name “Sillery” is derived from the name of a plant that grows in abundance in this region. This area abounds in Cinchona Plantation which was introduced in this region by the British, as a source of Quinine used for the treatment of Malaria. And the word ‘Gaon’ literally means ‘Village’. Therefore ‘Sillerygaon’ stands for ‘Village of Cinchona Plantations’. Sillerygaon houses around 30 to 40 families those are mainly Rai, Bhujel, Lepcha, Tamang, Gurung, Bhutia and others for whom felling of trees and basic agriculture was a way of life before village Eco-tourism paved the way for an alternative source of livelihood. Altogether the locals of Sillerygaon are very keen to upkeep the natural Eco system of the village. Sillery Gaon is encircled by Pedong, Rishi and Aritar. As per education is concerned Sillerygaon has only one secondary school for the local children, apart from this no other higher secondary school or college is at Sillerygon, the local children has to travel 8 km to Pedong for their higher secondary education. Sillerygaon is located to the north – west side of Darjeeling and is guarded by Bhutan to the right, Mt. Kanchendzonga at the front and dense jungles to the left. Sillerygaon is home to numerous Himalayan birds, to name but a few are Rusty Sparrow, Fire Tailed Sunbird, Olive Backed Pipid, Blue Fronted Redstart and many more. In the evening Sillerygaon offers astonishing view of the far away lights on the valleys of Sikkim and Darjeeling. Each house of the locals at Sillerygoan has their own garden that grows numerous Himalayan flowers to name but a few Orchids, Primula, Magnolia and many more. From Sillerygaon on a day trip tourists can visit Lava, Rikkisum, Pedong and Rishikhola. Namchi of South Sikkim is also visible from Sillerygaon. In the evening at the time of sunset, the light plays a vibrant display of colours at the backdrop of the mountains. On the way from Bish Mile to Sillerygaon tourists get too see the locals practice step cultivation on the green paddy fields. Sillerygaon can be an ideal option while planning for Sikkim Silk Route trip.
What to see/ Local watchable around Sillerygaon:
Ramitey View Point – From Sillerygaon enthusiasts can trek on the bridle path and reach Ramitey View Point. Ramitey View Point offers magnificent view of the 14 bends of River Teesta along with Mt. Kanchendzonga. ‘Ramitey View Point’ is about 3 km from Sillerygaon. At the early morning visiting to the nearest Ramitey view point is another adventure which is worth enjoying during your stay at Sillerygaon.
Silent Valley – Silent Valley, as the name suggests this place is covered with dense greenery of huge Pine trees with absolute silence all over the valley. The ‘Silent Valley’ at Sillerygaon is a ‘Lowland Meadow’. During the monsoon a natural pond gets formed from the accumulated rain water, the locals call it ‘Siyal Pokhri’. Silent Valley can also be an ideal picnic spot under the shades of the Pine, the place is also known for its abundance of pine forest.
Jalsa View Point – ‘Jalsa View Point’ at Sillerygaon is famous for its Cinchona plantation. From Sillerygaon tourists can trek the route to reach Jalsa View Point. The Jalsa Bungalow was built by the British in the early 1920’s. It used to host the high ranking officials working at the Cinconha Plantations. The bungalow is located on a hilltop within age-old pine trees, landscaped gardens and has a mesmeric view of the Teesta River Valley.
Sangchen Dorjee Monastery – This 300 hundred year old Sangchen Dorjee Monastery is located near Pedong. This monastery was built by the old Lepcha tribes inhabited the region.
Siyal Pokhri – At ‘Silent Valley’ near Sillerygaon during the monsoon a natural pond forms and the locals call it ‘Siyal Pokhri’.
Damsang Fort – The Damsang Fort which is about 4 km from Sillerygaon was built by the King of Bhutan in the year 1690 after they defeated the Lepcha Tribes. Though the Bhutanese could not keep it under their rule for long time. In the year 1864 Bhutan government handed over Damsang Fort to British, after they were defeated by the British government in Indo – Bhutan war. But during the earthquake of 2012 the fort was devastated. This fort which had been built in 1690 by the Lepcha Kingdom and it was the nerve center of ethnic violence between Lepchas and Bhutias. Enthusiasts can get involved in mild treks or hiking from Sillerygaon to reach Damsang Fort.
Valedunga Cliff Top – From Damsang Fort tourists can move further and visit Valedunga Cliff top. It offers excellent view.
Tinchuley View Point – Also known as Tinchuley Top is a 30 steep uphill trek. Tinchuley view point offers clear view of the mountain ranges along with the Jelep La Pass and Nathula Pass to the far distant.
How to reach/ Getting there – The nearest rail head is NJP railway station; it is well connected by train and bus route with all other major cities of India. Sillerygaon is about 96 km from NJP railway station, 18 km from Kalimpong, 8 km from Pedong, 21 km from Rishikhola and 85 km from Siliguri. The route is from Kalimpong via Algarah upto Pedong. From there via Bish mile a left turn route about 4.5 km is Sillerygaon. For those who avail the route from New Mal Junction, for them the route is from Gorubathan and Lava. Nearest Airport – Bagdogra distance is about 105 km. By car it takes around 04 to 05 hours. Sillerygaon lies at a distance of about 20 km from Rikkisum and 16 km from Iccheygaon. Shared ply between Kalimpong and Pedong. Tourists can get off shortly after Bish Mile from where the road starts towards Sillerygaon. It takes about 04 hours from NJP railway station to reach Sillerygaon.
Best time to visit – Through Sillerygaon can be visited throughout the year, but it is advisable to avoid the monsoon, as this time of the year the village becomes abundance in leeches.
Weather – During summer it varies from 15 degree to 25 degree Celsius and during winter it varies from 02 degree to 16 degree Celsius.
SUMISHKA HOMESTAY
Sumishka Homestay at Sillerygaon located on the edge of a hilltop overlooking the valleys along with wide view of the whole region. Sumishka Homestay offers excellent view of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with other peaks on a clear day. Sumishka Homestay is maintained by one of the local families of that region and they are very keen to upkeep the social and natural balance of the place. Foods served are mainly organic and are all homemade. Sumishka Homestay also arranges for Bird photography and landscape photography. All rooms can accommodate around 04 to 05 pax at a time. Tourists staying at Sumishka Homestay finds it home away from home.
Amenities Available:
All rooms are designed traditionally and wooden furnished.
All rooms are equipped with attached western toilets.
Arrangement of local sightseeing on request.
Arrangement of pick up and drop facility on request (paid service).
Arranges for short treks, hiking and village walks.
Hot water available.
Tariffs:
Per day per person @ 1200/- (both food and lodging) for 04 pax in a room.
Per day per person @ 1400/- (both food and lodging) for 02 pax in a room.
Food includes bed tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, snacks and dinner.
HOW TO BOOK: Call us at 9831311606 , 9830381306, 9830387072 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)
Distant Booking can also be done either by phone or by mail. You need to drop all your queries to the above mentioned number(s) by whats app. Accordingly we will share the Bank A/C details where you need to deposit an advance in order to confirm your booking. The booking confirmation receipt will be shared with you by mail directly.
