SONADA
Sonada is a small quaint town in Jorebunglow – Sukhiapokhri CD block in the Darjeeling Sadar sub – division of Darjeeling district in the Indian state of West Bengal. The small town of Sonada resides midway between two major hill stations namely Darjeeling and Kurseong. Sonada is set at an elevation of 1915 meters (6282 feet). Sonada is one of the major railway stations of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR). The serene ambiance and untapped natural beauty of Sonada has lured many travel enthusiasts to visit this small hill town. Sonada is covered by thick forests of Pine and Conifer trees all around. The small town of Sonada is filled with rich culture and heritage of the Gorkhas and Lepchas along with other communities those resides at Sonada. Apart from that Sonada is also rich in abundant tea cultivation as numerous tea estates are there surrounding Sonada valley like Oaks, Rungmook, Ceder’s, Miling, Moondakotee, Ringtong, Balasun, Margaret’s Hope and Kalej Valley. Sonada is divided into two parts namely Upper Sonada and Lower Sonada. Upper Sonada offers stunning view of the majestic snow -capped Himalayan ranges, while the lower part of Sonada has few villages and boasts meadows of lush green tea gardens. Sonada was the first place where the Tibetan Refugees settled down after being exiled from Tibet. Sonada houses several monasteries those showcasing the traditional architecture and offers a glimpse into the life of the monks. Though Sonada looks like a small hill town, but there are many places in and around Sonada which has hyped the interest of many travellers.
Activities and attractions in and around Sonada:
Sonada being a small hill station or quaint town offers many local attractions to witness and activities to try.
- Samdrup Dorjay Choeling Monastery: Samdrup Dorjay Choeling Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located at a walking distance of 10 minutes from Sonada Railway Station on the way to Darjeeling. Samdrup Dorjay Choeling Monastery was founded by Dorje Chang Kabje Kalu Rinpoche also known as Kalu Rinpoche in 1966. Once this monastery was the residence of Kalu Rinpoche and the international seat of the Shangpa and Karma Kagyu tradition. This monastery has the remains of Kalu Rinpoche and thus making it a pilgrimage site for the Buddhists. Samdrup Dorjay Choeling Monastery or Sonada Monastery is spread over huge area and there are huge stupas in front of the monastery.
- Gorato Nalichor Intek Cider: Gorato Nalichor Intek Cider is another beautiful place to visit in Sonada. Gorato Nalichor Intek Cider has a huge statue of Jesus Christ and a sanctum dedicated to Mother Mary. Overlooking the vast valleys of Sonada, Gorato Nalichor Intek Cider is a favoured destination of Sonada among tourists. On a clear day Gorato Nalichor Intek Cider offers stunning view of Balason River cascading through the rugged valleys.
- Ghoom: Ghoom is another Railway Station of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) in Darjeeling located at a distance of 12.8 km away from Sonada via NH 110. At Ghoom the most popular tourist attraction is the Old Ghoom Monastery also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery established in the year 1850 by the Mongolian astrologer and monk Sokpo Sherab Gyatso. Old Ghoom Monastery belongs to the Gelukpa or the Yellow Hat sect and is known for its 15 feet (4.6 meters) high statue of the Maitreya Buddha.
- Tea Garden Trails: In and around Sonada there are numerous tea gardens and tourists can opt for tea garden trails while in Sonada. Apart from tea gardens trails tourists can also pay a visit to the tea factories and get to know the making of tea processing and packaging.
- Senchal Lake: From Sonada in a day trip tourists can visit Senchal Lake located at a distance of 11.8 km from Sonada via NH110. Senchal Lake water body is actually a twin lake namely North Senchal Lake, built in 1910 and South Senchal Lake, built in 1932. Senchal Lake is set at an altitude of 2487 meter (8160 feet) and is a popular picnic spot. Senchal Lake is a part of the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary. From Sonada by trekking tourists can also Senchal Lake.
- Trekking and Hiking: Tourists can embark on trekking or hiking trails from Sonada through the verdant hills surrounding Sonada. One can choose from the various trails and navigate through the thick natural vegetation to explore hidden waterfalls or sunrise and sunset viewpoints. One of the popular trekking trails in this route is Sonada – Chatakpur (07 km) through Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Mountain Biking: Darjeeling hills is one of the popular places for mountain biking and Sonada is a no exception. With new trails popping up, mountain biking is an awesome activity one must try while in Sonada. Though mountain biking is a bit challenging but one must take the opportunity to cycle through the rugged terrains, crisscrossed bridle paths and local villages of Sonada.
- Visit Nearby Places: From Sonada in a day trip tourists can opt for a visit to the nearby places like Darjeeling (16.5 km), Kurseong (16 km), Chatakpur (07 km), Mirik (53 km), Kalej Valley (11 Km), Tiger Hill (12.2 km – via Forest Office Road), Chimney (11 km), Bagora (09 km), Lepchajagat (17.8 km) and others.
- Bird Watching: Sonada like other places of Darjeeling hills are rich in vivid bird species those inhabit this small hill station. Bird watchers can indulge in bird watching activity in the nearby wilderness of Sonada with a local guide.
- Landscape Photography: Landscape Photography is one of the best enjoying activity one must try while at Sonada. The simple charm and natural splendour along with lush green tea gardens, vast forests and the panoramic view of Sonada are ideal frames for landscape photographers.
- Cultural Delights: Sonada has a rich cultural tapestry which is worth exploring. Tourists can opt to meet and interact with the Lepcha community and get to know their traditions, age – old customs and heritage. Apart from that one can also enjoy the local folk dance and traditional music performed by the locals of Sonada.
- Culinary Delights: At Sonada tourists can tantalize their taste buds with Sonada’s unique culinary delights. Savour the distinct flavours of authentic local cuisines like Momo, Thukpa, Noodles and others. One can also explore the local eateries and make shift stalls to try these cuisines at Sonada.
Unexplored Sonada:
Though Sonada offers tourists with numerous local attractions, but apart from that there are few off route places nearby Sonada which are also worth visiting.
- Dhirdham Temple: Dhirdham Temple is a Hindu temple located in Darjeeling hills at a distance of 15.7 km away from Sonada. Dhirdham temple was constructed in 1939 by Rai Saheb Purna Bahadur Pradhan from Nepal. This temple is a spiritual retreat dedicated to Lord Buddha.
- Paglajhora Falls: Paglajhora Waterfall is a flourishing tourist attraction situated in Kurseong. Paglajhora Falls is located at a distance of 26.7 km away from Sonada via NH110. Paglajhora Falls is set on Hill Cart road. From Sonada one can embark on a short trek to the cascading Paglajhora Falls for a rejuvenating experience.
- Bhutia Busty Monastery: Delve into the rich Buddhist heritage at Bhutia Busty monastery or Karma Dorjee Chyoling monastery located at a distance of 17.6 km from Sonada via Ghoom and NH110. Bhutia Busty Monastery belongs to the Red Sect of Buddhist Lamas. The intricate artwork and the spiritual aura of this lesser known monastery is a place of must visit from Sonada.
How to Reach:
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Sonada located at a distance of 55 km via Rishi Rd, Matigara – Kurseong Rd/Subash Ghisingh Marg and NH110. Bagdogra Airport is well connected by regular flight services with Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi. From Bagdogra Airport tourists will get vehicles both on reserved and shared basis to reach Sonada.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or NJP is the nearest rail head to Sonada located at a distance of 58.8 km via SH12, Matigara – Kurseong Rd/Subash Ghisingh Marg and NH110. NJP railway station is well connected by regular railway networks with Kolkata and other major cities of India. From NJP railway station tourists will get both reserved and shared vehicles to Sonada. By car it takes about 2.5 hours to reach Sonada from NJP railway station.
By Road: Sonada is easily accessible by road from Siliguri – the gateway to the hills located at distance of 50 km via Matigara – Kurseong Rd and NH110. Sonada is also well connected by good motor-able roads with the nearby places like Darjeeling (16.5 km), Kurseong (16 km) and Kalimpong (66 km via Rishi Road).
Best time to visit:
Sonada can be visited throughout the year. Summers at Sonada are quiet cool and pleasant and can be an ideal option to escape the scorching heat of the plains. Winters are quiet chilly, but the sky remains clear and is ideal for maximum bird’s activity. Monsoon at Sonada has a different aura as the surrounding greenery becomes denser and the weather becomes very romantic. Apart from all these spring (March to May) is ideal for witnessing the blooming flowers and autumn (September to November) is known for the pleasant weather.
RISHIKESH HOMSTAY
Rishikesh Homestay at Sonada is a budget friendly homestay located at 05 minutes walking from Sonada Railway Station. Rishikesh Homestay offers spacious rooms that can accommodate upto 08 adults at a time. Meals served at Rishikesh Homestay are all home cooked from the products grown in the home backyard through organic process. The rooms of Rishikesh Homestay offer clear view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges from the windows. Rishikesh Homestay has wooden furnished rooms and with all sorts of modern amenities.
Amenities available:
Well-furnished room
Attached bathroom
Western type toilet
24 hours running hot and cold water
Geyser facility available
Pick up and drop facility available (chargeable)
Arrangement of local sight seeing
In house dinning facility
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.
