Padamchen

Padamchen is a small village on the Silk Route circuit at a distance of 14 km from Rongli and 10 km from Zuluk. The hamlet lies at an altitude of 7000 ft and is surrounded by dense forests. The place experiences pleasant weather throughout the year which is one of the main reasons behind its increasing popularity among tourists. Padamchen is also a bird watcher's paradise. The dense forests covering the entire valley is home to various species of birds including laughing thrush, honey buzzards, steppe eagles and babblers. The interior region of the jungle is inhabited by Himalayan black bear, red panda and leopards. Thambi Viewpoint is 24 km from Padamchen which offers visitors a magnificent view of sunrise and the snow capped peaks of the Kanchenjunga range. The beautiful Kuikhola falls is just a few minutes drive from Padamchen.

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. Hired cars are available from both New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri to reach Padamchen. It will take around 6-7 hours to reach Padamchen.

Hotels

Silent Wood Retreat. Tel: 7872895493.
Sonam Inn. Tel: 9932487358.

Batote

Batote is an offbeat destination situated at a distance of 120 km from Jammu in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The place lies at an altitude of 1560 m above sea level. The main attraction of Batote is the temple of Lord Shiva. Gourikund and a waterfalls are located near the temple. Another attraction of Batote is Mantalai. Mantalai is a beautiful scenic place with some religious significance too since it is believed that the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati took place at this very spot. Some archaeological remains have also been found in this place.

How to Reach

Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway station. Patnitop is 112 km from there. Buses and shared cars are available from Jammu to reach Patnitop. Batote is 11 km from Patnitop. Hired cars are available from Patnitop to reach Batote.

Hotels

JKTDC Hotel Alpine. Tariff - Rs. 800-1500. Tel: (01998) 244243.

Borong

Borong is a nature lover's paradise, 17 km from Ravangla in the Indian state of Sikkim. Located at an altitude of 5800 ft above sea level, the place serves as an ideal destination for spending time with nature. Borong is situated in a calm and peaceful environment with chirping birds, dense forests and mind blowing views of the snow capped mountain peaks. View of sunrise and sunset from Borong is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. The prime attraction of Borong is the Dungdung Waterfalls. Apart from that there are two more waterfalls namely Rainbow Falls and Silver Falls which are also worth visiting. Other nearby attractions include Old and New Ralang Monastery, Barmili Bridge and Maenam Hill.

Borong

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri which is well connected with various parts of the country. Auto rickshaws are plying from New Jalpaiguri to Siliguri. Hired cars and shared jeeps are available from Siliguri to reach Namchi. The journey takes about three hours. It takes another one and a half hour to reach Borong from Namchi by shared car.

Hotels

Borong Retreat. Tariff - Rs. 4500. Tel: 9051166563.
The Wild Flower Retreat. Tariff - Rs. 1500-2300. Tel: 9830705512.

Dentam

Dentam is a peaceful scenic hamlet located in West Sikkim. Situated at a height of 4800 ft above sea level, Dentam is one of the most beautiful valleys in the state. Dentam offers a mesmerizing view of the tiny colourful houses, terrace farming and the Kalej Khola river set against the backdrop of lush green hills. The place is ideal for trekkers and nature lovers. Apart from the scenic beauty, Dentam is also famous for the Alpine Gouda Cheese Factory which was the result of an Indo-Swiss collaboration. Some other tourist places near Dentam include Pelling, Kaluk and Uttarey.

Dentam Valley

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri which is well connected to major cities of the country by rail. Cars are available from New Jalpaiguri to reach Borong. Dentam is 69 km from Borong. Cars are available from Borong to Dentam via Rinchenpong.

Hotels

There are no proper accommodation options at Dentam. The best place to stay near Dentam is Pelling.
Hotel View Point. Tel: 9830514093. Tariff - Rs. 800-1500.
Hotel Holiday Inn. Tel: 9734943804. Tariff - Rs. 3500-4800.
Hotel Norling. Tel: 9830027584. Tariff - Rs. 1000-1800.
Namsaling Residency. Tel: 9733077358. Tariff - Rs. 1200-1500.

Tandrabung

Tandrabung is a small village situated at a distance of 22 km from Lava in West Bengal. The village is mostly inhabited by the Lepchas. The lush greenery, blue sky and colourful flowers make Tandrabung an ideal destination for nature lovers. Around 15 types of orchids are seen at Tandrabung. The best time for seeing orchids is from February to May. The main attraction of Tandrabung is the Lepchahut. Lepcha Museum is also worth a visit. Another important tourist spot of Tandrabung is the Dunga Falls which is 1 km from Lepchahut.

How to Reach

The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri which is well connected to various parts of the country. Cars are available from New Jalpaiguri to reach Kalimpong. Tandrabung is 27 km from Kalimpong.

Hotels

Lepcha Eco Hut. Tel: 9002108611. Tariff - Rs. 950. Food charges: Rs. 350 per head.

Biharinath

Biharinath is a beautiful hill spot in Bankura District of West Bengal. It is also known as Araku Valley of West Bengal. The beauty of the place increases during winter and spring time. Biharinath Dham is located at the foot of this hill. There are temples of Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga and Kali temple. You can also walk through the Sal forests to the nearby tribal villages.

Biharinath Hill

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Raniganj which is well connected to Kolkata by train. Biharinath is 25 km from Raniganj. You can reach Biharinath Hill from Raniganj via Damodar Bridge, Mejia and Saltora.

Hotels

Zilla Parishad Atithi Bhavan. Tariff - Double Bed Rs. 400, Dormitory Bed Rs. 1000. Tel: 9647902125.
Biharinath Tourist Point. Tel: 8017202499.

Bunkulung

Bunkulung is a picturesque Himalayan village situated at a distance of 15 km from Mirik in the state of West Bengal. Bunkulung is surrounded by majestic hills and cascading rivers. Nestled in the lap of nature, the village is mostly inhabited by the Limbus of Gorkha community. The lush green meadows, outstretching paddy fields, scores of ponds and mesmerizing greenery make the place immensely beautiful. The Balasun and Murmah Khola rivers flow by the side of this hamlet. There are 19 ponds of pisciculture project which add to the beauty of the location. The nearby tea gardens and factories are worth a visit. You may also visit the town of Mirik which hosts the famous Sumendu Lake. Adventure lovers can go for a short trek to the nearby villages.

Bunkulung

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. Siliguri is close to New Jalpaiguri. Bunkulung is 48 km from Siliguri. Hired cars are available from Siliguri to reach Bunkulung.

Hotels

Khim Khesang Homestay. Tariff - Rs. 300. Tel: 9932224074.