TODEY – TANGTA
Todey – Tangta are two small villages or twin villages of North Bengal. Todey – Tangta are mainly known as the last villages of Kalimpong district in Gorubathan block of Kalimpong Sadar division. Being close to the Indo – Bhutan border, Todey – Tangta has evolved to become unique destinations with peculiar culture which is a mix of Bhutan and India. Todey – Tangta offers beautiful view of Bhutan and on a clear day people can have the fortune to witness the magnificent Doklam Range. Todey – Tangta also forms the entry point to the great forest of Neora Valley National Park where one can find numerous trekking routes to explore the deep forests of Neora Valley National Park. The regions of Todey – Tangta are characterized by abruptly rising hills and numerous small streams. Once Todey – Tangta was characterized as a production hub of Large Black Cardamom, but presently due to a widespread fungal infection the yield has declined, but still Todey – Tangta boasts of many cardamom gardens around the villages. The twin villages of Todey – Tangta is set at an elevation of 1313 meter (4308 feet). The name Todey literally translates into ‘A Place to eat’, as in the past the local farmers of the surrounding villages gathered at Todey village after their daylong work to have their meals. While the name Tangta is derived from a rural tribe named as ‘Tangtap Tribes’ those mainly belong to the Bhutanese culture. The main source of livelihood of the locals of Todey and Tangta are mainly agriculture based, but recently with the flourishing of tourism within this region few of the locals of these two villages are getting involved in tourism. On the valleys of Todey and Tangta the locals use to produce organic vegetables and seasonal vegetables as well. But apart from agriculture, other sources of livelihood include Cattle Breeding and farming. The inhabitants of both Todey and Tangta villages are mainly Rai, Lepcha and Bhutia, those who follow Christianity and Buddhism as their main religion. Todey and Tangta Villages have numerous streams namely Dabai Khola, Chumong Khola, Simana Khola and others that flow through the valleys of Indo – Bhutan border. Though a sleeping valley, the village of Todey comes to life on Sunday, when a local market is set up here. Local people from the nearby villages and also Bhutan (our neighbouring country) visit this market in order to exchange goods and products of daily needs. Here in this Sunday market (also known as Sunday Haat) tourists can witness a culmination of cultures and values among the locals.
Things to do at Todey – Tangta:
Explore Neora Valley National Park:
Todey – Tangta also serves as the door to the virgin forests of Neora Valley. There are many unexplored routes in the National Park which lead to hidden lakes, waterfalls, and heritage forests. For bird watchers Todey – Tangta also offers ample scope as the forest of Neora Valley National Park is inhabited by more than 120 species of birds of both high and low altitudes.
Village Trek:
Tourists wish to explore the interiors of Todey – Tangta can avail village trails and reach unexplored villages through special curated trails. One can opt to stay in any of these villages in their traditional houses and get more intimate experience of village life. Through village treks and hiking travelers will get favourable options to navigate different terrains of Todey and Tangta. These trails cut through small villages, cardamom fields, forests and mountain streams. Tourists will get accompanied by the distant village of Tendu in Bhutan along with the snow-capped Himalayan ranges at the backdrop which is an added attraction. Neulay – Gabi – Chumong are a cluster of villages bordering Neora Valley National Park and are known as the last villages of Todey – Tangta region. Here in these villages tourists can witness a bucolic life followed by the local villagers and are very self- reliant for most of their needs.
River Treks:
Todey – Tangta has two very beautiful and significant rivers flowing through it, Dabai Khola and Simana Khola. Both the rivers originate from the deep forests of India and Bhutan carrying pure water. Dabai Khola as the name suggests is known to have medicinal value, as the river water is highly rich in minerals and is very effective in curing many diseases. Simana Khola is the bordering river that separates India and Bhutan. There are numerous treks by the river which give different experiences to see the flow and transition of the river. As Tangta is located further north and is separated by River Dabai Khola which is connected with a wooden bridge. Hence during monsoon season as the water level rises, the village of Tangta gets cut off from the rest of the world.
Camping:
The excellent local guiding team of Todey – Tangta can give the best camping experiences whether be in the riverside, inside the forest or in a remote village. One can experience a good time out in nature with the best camping experience. The flat river beds of Todey – Tangta provides a perfect spot to camp overnight.
Around Todey – Tangta:
Chisang Village:
From Todey and Tangta tourists can visit the nearby village of Chisang which is a sleepy hamlet of Kalimpong district in Gorubathan block located around 04 km away from Indo – Bhutan border. Chisang is a Lepcha dominated village and the uniqueness of Chisang lies in its rich history, cultural heritage and people. Chisang village is also known for its wide production of organic cardamom. On a clear day Chisang village offers a majestic view of Tendu Valley of Bhutan and Nathula range of Sikkim. At Chisang there is a beautiful waterfall named Chisang Jhora. Chisang village is also known for the wide production of medicinal plants, orchids and is also home to numerous species of endangered birds and animals. Tourists at Chisang village can also experience Bonfire, Bar-be-Cue, river side camping, short treks and hiking.
Churches in Todey and Tangta:
There are two different Churches at Todey village where tourists can opt to visit during the evening. One is the St. Nicholas Church which is quite big in size and is located on the high ground above the main town. While the other one is North Indian Church which is like a humble cottage that dates back to 110 years old and is located just below the main ground of Todey Village.
Chamelidevi Ayurvedic Garden:
There is a nursery or a garden of medicinal herbs located at Todey Village which is known as Chamelidevi Ayurvedic Garden and is renowned for harboring medicinal plants. Though this is a private property, tourists can opt to pay a visit in order to know detailed information about medical herbs.
Monasteries at Todey and Tangta:
At the end of Todey village within the dense wilderness there stands a Pagoda or a Monastery. This spot is the place from where the medicinal plants are collected. From the periphery of this monastery a route has gone up towards the entry point of Neora Valley National Park and from there the route further extends towards Pedong.
There is also another monastery located at Tangta Village which is also worth visiting. This monastery at Tangta village lies within a peaceful ambience on the lap of the mountains. Buddhists festivals like Losar, Loosong, Bhumchu, Saga Dawa, Lhabab Duechen and Drupka Teshi are celebrated beautifully and with much enthusiasm.
Jhalong and Bindu:
From Todey and Tangta tourists can opt to visit Jhalong which is at a distance of 21 km away and a driving distance of 25 minutes. Jhalong is a small village lying on the Bhutan border area covered with thick natural vegetation all over. This small mountain village of Jhalong lies on the banks of River Jaldhaka which is renowned for the Jaldhaka Hydroelectric project and on the other side of the Jaldhaka River there is Bhutan Hills. From Jhalong around 9.3 km away is Bindu lies on the Bhutan border area and the route is uphill and quite steep. Bindu is the last village situated on the bordering area between India and Bhutan.
Paren:
Paren is a small picturesque village on the western part of Dooars region overlooking Jaldhaka River and Bindu. Paren is located around 15 km away from Todey Bazaar and is situated around 05 km away from Bindu. Paren is mainly known for its serene natural ambiance and surreal natural beauty.
Local People of Todey and Tangta:
The local residents of Todey and Tangta lived a community based life. These locals are very hard working and creative in nature. They have a strong sense of community and are also keen on helping each other. The foods they consume are based on what is available locally and seasonally, but each community of Todey and Tangta has their distinctive food habits which are mostly produced through organic farming owing to traditional knowledge. The locals of Todey and Tangta practice a traditional game of archery which is colloquially termed as Khur or Katey Kaar.
How to reach:
By Air: Bagdogra is the nearest Airport to Todey which is located around 123 km away. Bagdogra is well connected with regular flight service with Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi. From Bagdogra Airport tourists will use car service to reach Todey village.
By Rail: New Mal Junction is the nearest railhead to Todey which is at a distance of 60 km away. From New Mal Junction the route to Todey is via Chalsa, Metali and Jhalong. Driving distance is about 02 hours. Tourists will get direct car service from Malbazar to Chalsa. Another railway station is NJP railway station located around 112 km away. From NJP railway station via Kalimpong one can reach Todey village.
By Road: Though Todey is well connected by motorable route with the nearest railway stations and airport, but there are no direct bus routes available upto Todey. Tourists will get shared taxi from Pani Tanki More of Siliguri or from Malbazaar. From Malbazaar to Gorubathan one can reach upto Todey. But tourists are advised to avail reserved car service upto Todey in order to have hassle free journey.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Todey – Tangta is from October to May, as during this time of the year the climate is usually good for bird sightings and photography. Monsoon is to be avoided as during this time the water level of the nearby streams rises and as Tangta is located to the further North and is separated by Dawai Khola River the connecting bridge between Todey and Tangta gets washed away and Tangta gets cut off from the rest of the world.
CARDAMOM HOMESTAY
Cardamom Homestay at Todey Tangta is run by an aboriginal Lepcha family of that region. Cardamom Homestay is exactly locagted at Pala Village which is 01 km away from Todey Bazaar. Cardamom Homestay is located in a pristine location far away from the madding crowd within cardamom plantation area. On a clear day Cardamom Homestay offers stunning view of the Nathula Range, Doklam Range and Bhutan on the other side of the mountain. Here at Cardamom Homestay guests can experience an outer world charm. While having leisure walk along the cardamom field one can encounter with the rich flora and fauna of the region. Tourists at Cardamom Homestay can opt to involve themselves in different plantation activities like harvesting, planting, weeding along with wide array of other activities. At Cardamom Homestay one can also experience the traditions and cultures of a Lepcha community based lifestyle.
Amenities available:
Well furnished rooms with attached toilets.
All bathrooms are equipped with western type toilet.
In house dinning facility.
Meals served are fully organic.
Pick up and drop facility available.
Arrangement of river side camping (chargeable).
Running hot and cold water.
Arrangement of local sightseeing.
Tariff:
INR 1500/- per day per person (both food and lodging included).
Meals includes: Morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, snacks and dinner.
River Side Camping @ 1800/- per day (Min 03 Pax required).
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, 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).
