Rikissum, North Bengal – A village like a bit of paradise on earth at an altitude of 6,000 ft

Perching atop a hill Rikissum provides the longest views of Mt.Kanchenjungha. It is located on the Pedong-Lava Road. This village is like a bit of paradise on earth. The attractions of Rikisum are the Kanchenjungha, a deserted (some even say haunted) half – burnt British Bungalow, Elaichi farms and the nondescript villages. Near to it are Pedong and the Ramitey View point which is famous for views of Teesta River. It is located at an altitude of 6,000 feet and offers some of the best sunset and sunrise experiences on the Eastern Himalayas. The distant mountains covered with thick virgin forest, the low-lying valleys and deep slopes will give you a heavenly experience.

Places to see at Rikkisum: Rikkisum is package providing impressive attractions. A trek to the Rikisum View Point and abandoned Forest bungalow along the thick pine forest is truly rewarding. A spectacular view of the sunrise with a distant sight of a part of Sikkim, Nepal and the snow covered Mt.Kanchenjungha offer a visual delight. Atop the View Point, you will find the remains of an old lofty bungalow, which was built by the British in 1902. It is popularly known as the Rikkisum Forest Bungalow offering an extensive panoramic view. The dwellers of this village are simple natured and happy smiling lot. Round the day, they are engaged in farming of ginger and elaichi. Animal husbandry is another occupation of the villagers. The villagers also share a trading relation with nearby Algarah market.

Nearby attractions of Rikisum: Rikisum is very near to Pedong, the place is admired for amazing sunrise and sunset points. One very popular nearby sunrise point is Tinchuley. However, you need to hike for around 45 minutes to reach Tinchuley to savor the sunrise along with a splendid early morning view. As for sunset, nearby Crosshill is another ideal place for the tourists.

Rikisum is a nice base for exploring the neighboring destinations. The nearby tiny hamlet of Chuikhim is gradually gaining popularity for home stay tourism. Many tourists also set out to relish the visual splendor of the nearby Lava, Rishop and Lolegaon from Rikisum. The Buddhist monastery atop a hill at Lava is ideal for offering prayers. Pedong itself as a destination is incredible. The place admired for dense pine forests and meandering rivers and terrace fields offer a perfect ambiance for tourists. Ramitey view point offering the longest view of River Teesta is another popular nearby destination.

You can also make trip to the picturesque Silence Valley, admired for thick pine trees. The place is also perfect as a picnic and a camping spot. A visit to the ruins of Damsang Fort, the sole fort in the Darjeeling district, which was the abode of the last Lepcha King-Gyabo Achuk and the nearby Sangchen Dorjee Monastery in Pedong will definitely arrest your attention. The inner walls of the monastery are admired for some stunning fresco paintings depicting Tantric Budhism. The Franco-SwissMissionaryMuseum set up at Pedong on 20th January, 2005 is also a must visit for all travelers.

Make a trip to Crosshill, to savor the sight of the Chinese border and magnificent sunsets. Visit the Reshi River to unwind yourself. You can also enjoy bathing in the river or simply sit on a rock by the riverside. A trip to the Sillery Gaon, a village in the heart of the forest, consisting of 30 families is an enduring experience. Nestled at an altitude of 6000 ft, the place offers ultimate serenity to tourists.

Things to do at Rikissum: Rikissum boasts immense travel potential. The place is ideal for nature lovers, who could explore the thick forest, savoring the chirping of some most exotic birds. You can also enjoy rafting in River Teesta or chill out by the riverside. The Reshi River nestled on the border of East Sikkim and West Bengal is ideal for swimming, fishing or picnicking. A village walk is must for all tourists while in Rikissum.

Best time to visit Rikisum: Rikisum welcomes tourists round the year. However, visit the place in March and April, to view the Rhododendrons in full bloom. The peak tourist season starts from October to February, when the Mt.Kanchenjungha is visible best.

How to go ?

The closest railway head of Rikissum is the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station. Try to avail the evening trains, which arrives at New Jalpaiguri in the next morning and you can reach Rikisum in daytime. You can avail hired cars from New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri and Bagdodra Airport. Buses services also run to Pedong (nearest town to Rikisum) from Siliguri to Kalimpong in regular interval. Rikissum is just 1 hour journey from Kalimpong.

Where to stay ?

Rikissum offers only one decent accommodation, named Swarnashikhar Tourist Lodge. The Cottages are with double beds and attached baths. The lodge offers nice dining facility. For booking you may contact: +91-8017008919, 9836904947

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.