Loleygaon or Lolegaon
Lolegaon (also spelt Loleygaon) is a must visit tourist spot in the Dooars, located about 24 km driving distance from Lava, at an altitude of 1,675 meter (5,500 feet) from the sea level. It is a small village on the row of Lava and Rishop with a huge natural beauty, in Kalimpong sub-division of the Darjeeling district. Most of the people in Lolegaon belong into the Lepcha community, having a population around 5,000. Lolegaon is a very good hilly destination, recently included in tourism map of West Bengal for its magnificent view of Greater Himalayan snow ranges over the entire region.
So, no extra noise or city pollution, all landscape is surrounded by hill and forests. Lolegaon is also famous for wildlife and orchids. A dense forest of towering pine, oaks, tick and cypress is the ideal place where wildlife can easily inhabited. Some of them are endangered species like mountain goats and black bear. A numerous colourful birds, butterflies and rare orchids are also frequently available here.
Lolegaon is situated in the foot-hill of the Himalayas. In winter, some time temperature comes below 0°C where in summer maximum temperature crosses 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 Lolegaon
Note | |
---|---|
Altitude | 1,850 m (5,500 ft) |
Location | Kalimpong District, West Bengal |
Nearest Town | Kalimpong (55 km distance) |
Nearest City | Darjeeling, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri |
Distance | 123 km (via Kalimpong and Lava) from Siliguri and 12 km from Lava |
Best Season | October to April but you can visit any time |
Currency | Indian Rupee() |
Loleygaon is an excellent tourist place for natural lover. It is surrounding by hills and cover with forests. Several numbers of wildlife are there but have no any human civilization except tourists. A 80 meters long hanging foot bridge in forests, popularly known as "The Canopy Walk", gives you an amazing experience, by which you can close to the age-old trees.
A small Lepcha populous village Kafer, about 4 kilometers from Lolegaon, offers a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga. Jhandi Dara (where Jhandi means Flag and Dara stands for Top) is a famous and impressive sunrise view point. In a clear day, snow covered Mt. Kanchenjunga and glorious Mt Everest can be seen from Jhandi Dara.
Some other major Places around Lolegaon are Rishop; an upcoming popular tourist destination is only 8 km from Lolegaon. Lava, another beautiful tourist spot is located just 12 kilometers away. Kalimpong, situated just 55 kilometers away from Lolegaon.
Transport
By Road : National Highway No.31 between Siliguri and Guwahati passes over Chalsa. From Chalsa to Lolegaon via Lava have district road. Lava is adjoining town to the Neora Valley National Park, is 24 kilometers from Loleygaon. You can also reach to Lolegaon from Siliguri via Gorubathan. NBSTC Buses, Bhutan Govt. Buses, Mini Buses, Private Buses and Taxi are available from Siliguri to Lava via Kalimpong or Gorubathan. Journey time from Siliguri to Loleygaon is about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Jeeps or Taxi are also available from Kalimpong to reach at Lolegaon.
By Rail : NJP or New Jalpaiguri is the main railway station in the north Bengal. All major cities in India are connected by this railway stations. Then you should follows the road journey describes above. Check the trains list to reach at NJP.
By Air : Nearest airport is at Bagdogra. It is a domestic airport and 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 up to Siliguri, and then follow the above road route.
Accommodation
West Bengal Forest Development resorts at Lolegaon as well as Lava are the best option for food and accommodation. Some private hotels, resorts, guest houses and lodges of different budget are also available at Lolegaon. Tariff for double bedded room may vary between a range of Rs 500/- and Rs. 2500/- per night.
To check the room availability and online booking in the resorts of West Bengal Forest Development Corporation click 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