Jhalong
Location : Kalimpong district, West Bengal
Nearest City : Siliguri and Jalpaiguri
Distance: 99 km from Siliguri
Best Season : Anytime except the monsoon
Jhalong is a small village situated on the banks of river Jaldhaka, near India-Bhutan border in the Kalimpong district in West Bengal, India. It is just 99 kilometers from Siliguri, towards Bindu. A Hydro Electricity Project is constructed on the Jaldhaka River and it acts as a bridge for crossing over to Bhutan.
It is the first hydroelectric project in India and the population developed based on this project. It is a major attraction in this area. Bird lovers can enjoy a varied collection of hill birds includes Kingfisher, Brown Dipper, Redstart, Laughing Thrush as well as migratory waterfowl here.
Attractions in Jhalong
Now a day, Jhalong is very populous among adventure enthusiasts and those who are interested in nature vacations. Jhalong is situated on the foothills of the Himalayas and there are numerous activities that you can engage in. Near by Dam at Bindu attracts various hill birds as well as migratory birds. Trekking is a popular activity in the region and the main routes lead to Tangta and Todey.
Bindu - Bindu Dam built on the Jaldhaka River to operate water supply of Jaldhaka Hydel Project. However, one can cross the dam only by foot. From there you can take a rare view of the snow Peak Mountains in winters. Bindu also famous for various hill birds as wel as some migratory waterfowl. It is situated just 8 kilometer from Jhalong.
Jaldhaka Hydel Project - The first hydroelectric project of India can be visited with the prior permission of the WBSEB authorities. Cardamom Curing Centre - On the way to Godak village, about 14 km from Bindu Government has set up a Cardamom Curing Centre. Cardamom is dyed and processed here before delivery. Godak is about 15 km from Bindu famous for a tribal Goddess.
Transport
By Road : North Bengal State Transport Corporation Buses, Bhutan Govt. Buses, Mini Buses, Assam Transport Corporation Buses, Private Buses and Taxi are available from Siliguri to Jhalong. Journey time from Siliguri to Jhalong is about 2 hours 30 minutes. The best option to visit Jhalong and Bindu from Siliguri is Taxi. Taxi fare is calculated with multiply of Rs. 7/- per kilometer.
By Rail : Jhalong is 99 kilometers away from Siliguri, on the way to Bhutan. New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri Railway Station are main railway station in this area. After you arrive at New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri, you can follow the road journey to reach Jhalong.
By Air : Nearest airport is Bagdogra. It is a domestic airport under Indian Army. All major air services are available from all over India. Distance between Bagdogra and Siliguri is 13 km. You can find out various vehicles to come in Siliguri, and then follow the above road or railway route.
Accommodation
In Jhalong, there has a forest department bungalow, which are very good and comfortable for accommodation. Some other private accommodations are also available with tourists demand.
To check the room availability and online booking in the resorts of West Bengal Forest Development Corporation click hereclick here.
Reservation Authorities :
(General & Special Division)
W.B.F.D.C. Ltd., Kalimpong
Phone : (03552) 255783, 255780
M-4 Building, Pradhan Nagar
Hill Cart Road, Siliguri - 734403
Phone : (0353) 2511979 / 4, 2432561
Fax : (0353) 2511979, 2432561