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Lava, West Bengal

In the world, there have so many incredible and memorable tourist places; no one can forget it after there visit. Again and again they plane to come here and enjoy the beauty and atmosphere. Lava is one of them. In the lap of the great Himalayas, Lava presents a landscape with an ultimate majesty of nature that can never be captured by word. It is situated more than 2,100 meter above on the sea level and cover by the hill and hilly virgin forests.

Lava is the gateway of Neora Valley National Park, a virgin, unexplored terrain in the Himalayas. Where the sun plays a hide and sees game with light and shadow, when sun-light comes into the deep jungle. Charming colorful birds sang song through out the days and fly on the sky. A huge verity of flowers and many types of wildlife are waiting for you inside the forest and surrounding scenic beauty are the potential of Lava, to boost it up as a very popular tourist destination.

lava village

(Lava Village Path, West Bengal)

The entire region of Lava is surrounded by dense forests of Berch, Pine, fir and Juniper trees. Here one can see a wide variety of rare species orchids, blooming at the hillsides and valleys. Often in winter snow is a common attraction in the village, Lava. Lava is situated in the foot-hill of the Himalayas. In winter, some time temperature comes below 0°C where in summer maximum temperature cross 20°C. Snowfall is common between November and February. Monsoon starts from May to middle of October. The average annual rainfall is 635cm.

Attractions in Lava

Note
Altitude 2,138 m (7,016 ft)
Location Kalimpong District of West Bengal, India
Nearest Town Kalimpong (55 km distance)
Nearest City Darjeeling, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri
Distance 99 km (via Kalimpong) or 115 km (via Gorubathan) from Shiliguri
Best Season October to April but you can visit any time
Currency Indian Rupee(indian rupee)

Lava is popular to visitors not for its scenic beauty, but it is also enjoyable to spend time in walking around the forest along with the village road. Lava is the entry point to the Neora Valley National Park, a virgin, unexplored terrain in the Himalayas. You should visit the Buddhist Monastery and Neora valley Interpretation center of the forest depertment, which offers the glimpse of the nature’s wealth. Sunrise spot at Tiffin Dara and Ghanti Dara are simply unforgettable. From there you can enjoy the view of the silvery peaks of Greater Himalayan snow ranges.

Lava is a ideal place for trekking and hiking. They can trek 12 kilometers from Lava to Jelepa and Rachela Pass, situated at the junction of Sikkim, Bengal and Bhutan. Rishap, an upcoming popular tourist destination is only 8kms from Lava. Chhangey Falls situated at a distance of 12 kilometers from Lava. Lolay Gaon, another beautiful tourist spot is located just 25 kilometers away. Kalimpong , situated just 32 kilometers away from Lava.

Transport

By Road : You can reach Lava via Kalimpong or Gorubathan. Siliguri to Lava distance is 102 km and New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Lava distance is 92 km via Gorubathan. It is about 3 hour’s journey by car. From Siliguri, follow NH 10 and take a right turn onto NH 17 at Coronation Bridge, Sevoke. Drive for another 24 km before taking a left turn to Rishi Road at Damdim, which will lead to Lava via Gorubathan. From New Jalpaiguri, follow Gajol Doba Road to reach NH17 at Odlabari. Take a right turn and drive for 5.5 km to reach Damdim. Take a left turn to Rishi Road at Damdim, which will lead to Lava. On the other hand, Siliguri to Lava distance via Kalimpong is 100 km and from New Jalpaiguri to Lava distance via Kalimpong is 104 km. It is about 3 hours and 30 minutes’ journey by car. Just follow NH 10 to reach Kalimpong and then drive on Lava-Rishi Road, which will lead you to Lava. NBSTC Buses, Bhutan Govt. Buses, Mini Buses, Private Buses and Taxi are available from Siliguri and NJP to Lava via Kalimpong or Gorubathan. Jeeps or Taxi are also available from Kalimpong to reach at Lava. A reserved small car fare between Lava and NJP/Siliguri is around INR indian rupee2,500/- via Gorubathan and INR indian rupee3,000/- via Kalimpong. And for shared jeep fare is around INR indian rupee200/- per head, where no direct shared jeep available, but you have to change car at Kalimpong or Damdim to reach Lava.

By Rail : Nearest railway station to Lava is New Jalpaiguri. New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri Railway Station are main railway station in this area. After you arrive at New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri, you should follow the road journey to reach at Lava.

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 route.

Accommodation

You can find out forest departments cottages at Lava. Food and lodging are available here. There have another tourist cottages at Chhadapheri named Red Panda Camp situated just near the entrance to Neora Valley National Park.

Some private hotel and lodge are also available at Lava. To check the room availability and online booking in the resorts of West Bengal Forest Development Corporation click here.

Reservation Authorities :

Divisional Manager, Kalimpong
(General & Special Division)
W.B.F.D.C. Ltd., Kalimpong
Phone : (03552) 255783, 255780
Tourism Centre, Govt. of WB
M-4 Building, Pradhan Nagar
Hill Cart Road, Siliguri - 734403
Phone : (0353) 2511979 / 4, 2432561
Fax : (0353) 2511979, 2432561