Gahunbari, 98 kms from Siliguri, close to Sikkim/Bhutan border

Gahunbari is nestled in the Dooars in north Bengal, close to Sikkim and the Bhutan border. You can catch a glimpse of the majestic Kanchenjunga while making your way to the quaint resort from Siliguri by car.

The serpentine road is flanked by lush green tea gardens on both sides and the foothills of the Himalayas are visible in the horizon. After reaching a point, the tea bushes will be replaced by the tropical forests.

The ride to Gahunbari will take you through the jungles of Gorumara and Chapramari. You have to stop at the picturesque Murti river and then head towards Jhalong district. The fresh air and virgin natural beauty are really wonderful.

Gahunbari is a 45 min hilly journey. There is a little resort on the highway that rests on the slope of a hill, offering a breathtaking view of the Jaldhaka river, flowing at a drop of around 3,200 feet. A tricking waterfall right next to the resort added to the beauty of place. The resort is cut off from civilisation save for a couple of huts belonging to the local people.

Dusk descended slowly on Gahunbari, painting a memorable picture. Soon after the darkness envelopes the surroundings and a cool breeze started blowing. Local residents say the breeze is a round-the-year phenomenon, not seasonal, and comes from the direction of the frozen TsanguLake in Sikkim.

There is no electricity in this remote corner of the Dooars and the hotels and resorts depend on power from a generator. The nearest tourist spot is Bindu, a border town between India and Bhutan.

Bindu is famous for its dam across the Jaldhaka river. Tourists are allowed to take a tour on foot of the dam and the bridge across the river. The Jaldhaka looked inviting, but tourists are restricted from taking a dip because of the swift current.

Uphill from Gahunbari is a spot called View Point, which offered a spectacular view of the Dooars. Acres of green hills and dense forests stretch in front, as far as the eyes can see. From here China border and the Bhutan border is visible.

The peace and tranquillity and natural beauty of Gahunbari make it an ideal destination to recharge your senses, though you will be disappointed if you go looking for the usual tourist activities like eating out and shopping.

Places to see at Gahunbari: Your sightseeing of Gahunbari will start before reaching the destination. The trip to the location will take you through the forests of Chapramari and Gorumara. The amazing natural surrounding of the place will offer you the zeal of exploring the destination. You can stop at the picturesque Murti River and then drive towards the Jhalong district.

After reaching the destination, set for a tour to the nearby tourist destination of Bindu, a border town located between Bhutan and India. Bindu is popular for a dam across the Jaldhaka River. The amazing view of Jaldhaka is truly rewarding. Another major tourist attraction of the place is View Point, offering a panoramic view of the Dooars. Savor the view of the extensive stretch of dense forest and forested hills, available from the View Point. The forest is shrouded with fine mist and the river meanders through the natural greenery, offering a spectacular view. The sheer tranquility and the splendid natural beauty of the place serve truly as a serene retreat for the city dwellers.

Nearby attractions around Gahunbari: If you want to explore further afield, enter the Dooars region. From there you can get an easy access to Malbazar, which is an hours drive. Travel for another 7 km. to reach Khoonia More. The forest of Chapramari starts from this region, the journey through which is truly exciting. On the way you will also cross Gainbas. Another stop in the journey is at Paren, from where Bindu lies at a distance of 6 km.

Things to do at Gahunbari: You can take a tour on foot along the dam built across the Jaldhaka River. You can also explore the forest of Chapramari in-group. Take the fresh unpolluted air of the pristine location. You can also experience a chill breeze blowing directly from the direction of the ice-covered Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim. However, this is not a very common phenomenon.

Best time to visit Gahunbari: Gahunbari attracts tourists round the year. Since the road leading to the destination is spotted with forest and hills, it is better to avoid the rainy season.

How to go ?

In order to reach Gahunbari, you need to avail a train to New Jalpaiguri, take a flight to Bagdogra or am overnight bus to Siliguri. Then hire a car to reach your destination. Gahunbari is located 101 km. from the New Jalpaiguri station, by road.

Where to stay ?

Decent accommodations are provided by the resort and hotels of Gahunbari. The place also has some cottages and proper dining facilities are offered at these staying places. However, there is no electricity at Gahunbari and the powers are supplied to the hotels and resorts from generators.

You may stay at Gahunbari Country Resort-cum-Shivaji Dhaba. There are six double bed cottages and require prior booking. Contact: 9474586749

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.