Jhallong .. solitude amid hills

This summer, Jhallong can be a perfect destination for those who want to explore nature up close and seek solitude amid hills, forest and river.

This township near the India-Bhutan border is some 105km from Siliguri.

After reaching New Jalpaiguri station via train from Calcutta, a car can be hired to reach the destination.

Early morning is preferable for the journey. It is a nice journey through beautiful forests, villages and hills. This stretch is home to elephant, leopard, bison, deer, boar and a host of other animals. The narrow asphalt road crosses the elephant corridor at several points.

Jhallong is on the bank of river Jaldhaka that meanders past large boulders towards the plains. The opposite bank climbs up to a green plateau in Bhutan.

India’s first hydel power project was established on the bank of Jaldhaka in 1967, and the township slowly came up around it.

Before entering the little town registration of the names on the visitors’ list is compulsory at the checkpost. After a left turn from the metalled road there us a hilly terrain along a brook, locally known as Jhallong river. The car couldn’t go up to the Jhallong River Camp, the primary destination spot of the tourists. JhallongRiver takes the visitors to the charming wilderness resort owned by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation.

There are around 10 tents set up one after another along the brook. The tents are well-insulated from the chill outside. There is a big bed inside, an attached bathroom and a small place for dressing inside every camp. There is also a “camp cot” just outside our tent.

The cellular network is not available except BSNL.

.The hosts at the camp comprises the local villagers led by an old forest department official. They are really helpful and ever smiling and it’s a pleasure for any tourist to get their company.

The foods available are hot momos, barbecued chicken, Hakka Noodles and Chilly Chicken. One also get to watch a musical performance by the local people in the evening.

The sunrise in the morning was simply magical with its lovely glow. On the whole Jhallong is a land of heaven. Let’s leave the civilization for some days and enjoy this widespread beauty of nature.

How to go?

Jhallong is well connected by road, rail and air. Cars can be hired from Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri station. Nearest rail station is New Mal Junction and the nearest airport is Bagdogra.

Where to stay?

There are very few options. Jhallong River Camp, and Jhallong tourist lodge both owned by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation are the two options.

Contact details:  033-22437260, 22488271,22370060/61