Kolakham, Neora Valley National Park, Kalimpong
If you are looking for a quick weekend getaway, a Kolkham tour should be at the top of your list. Located at an altitude of 6500 ft, Kolakham is a beautiful hamlet in the Kolbong forest of the Neora Valley. Many tourists are drawn to Kolakham because it offers them the chance to explore flora and fauna in its natural habitat and experience the magnificence of the lordly Kanchenjunga Range from their Kolakham homestays.
Most of the hotels in Kolakham offer a magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga range, while some of the best homestays in Kolakham are located amidst the dense evergreen Neora forest. If you are looking to experience the calm of nature and wake up to the sounds of birds perching in your Kolakham resort windows, we have the perfect list of resorts in Kolakham for you. Feel the pine cones and twigs crackling under your feet as you experience the grandeur of the lush forests, Changey waterfalls and numerous valleys right here in Kolakham.
How to reach Kolakham:
Nearest Airport: The Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is located 114 km away and has good road connectivity.
Nearest Railway station: The New Jalpaiguri railway station is about 105 km away from Kolakham
Nearest Bus Terminal: The Kalimpong bus terminal is around 33 km from Kolakham.
What to see in Kolakham:
Neora Valley Forest – A Jeep safari through the jungle and a hike in the forest are both breathtaking experiences. This excursion is a must for wildlife and bird lovers. Your journey through the dense jungle will be remarkable since it is filled with tropical woods and the rarest of birds. If your soul seeks adventure, you might not want to miss out on the Rachel Trek here.
Lava – Lava is located in the district of Darjeeling, approximately 8 kilometres from Kolakham. In the peaceful little town of Lava, a layer of clouds and haze covers a lush valley. The Neora Valley Interpretation Center here will help you with a brief glimpse of the size and abundance of the wilderness. With the vast diversity of tropical birds and butterflies that this location nestles, it is a haven for bird and butterfly watchers.
Rishyap – Often referred to as Rishop, Rishyap, which lies 9 kilometres from Lava, provides a stunning 360-degree panorama of the snow-capped Mt. Kanchenjunga, as well as Mts. Kabru, Kharg, Pandim, Simvo, and Rathung. If you are a mountain lover, this place awaits your presence.
Changey Falls – Changey falls are located amid the dense jungle of the Darjeeling Hills and may be reached after a short 1.5 km hike and 3 km jeep ride. This is the only waterfall in the dense forest that tourists can access via jeep ride and then a 250-stair descent. Exotic tropical bird species like Wagtail, Minivet, as well as other species may be heard chirping throughout Neora Valley’s deep jungle, adding music to your stay and making it unforgettable.
Other places to visit here include Lolegaon, Jhandidara and Kalimpong.
Best Time to visit Kolakham
Kolakham can be visited throughout the year except monsoon season. The climate here is comfortable during summer. Although it is extremely cold in winter, enjoyable too for enthusiasts.
Where to stay in Kolakham/ Accommodation in Kolakham:
This place has been unknown to the tourist’s eyes for quite a long period and hence lacks commercialization, which is entirely what you need if you’re looking to experience a break and explore the local culture. Most homestays here are managed by local families and are wooden houses offering the best window views. So what are you waiting for? Enjoy the rustling of leaves and insects chirping during the nighttime, and wake up to the sounds of birds only at Kolakham!
It’s a beautiful Homestay with total 6 rooms. All the rooms are well decorated and thoroughly managed. The location of this homestay is awesome.
Kolakham – The Himalayan Retreat
This is a very well planned and boutique homestay located in Kolakham. The brain behind this wonderful planned property is Mr. Sandeep Kumar Sehgal, owner of the Kolakham – The Himalayan Retreat. Total 6 rooms are available there to accommodate their gusts.
Another nice homestay with spectacular view of Mt. Khanchendzonga. It’s a cottage style property with both double sharinf and quad sharing rooms. Total 6 rooms are available there to accommodate guests.
A beautiful wooden homestay with total 6 rooms. All rooms are quad sharing. 3 rooms are normal room and rest 3 rooms are wooden duplex.
A basic homestay with a great location. Total 9 rooms are there to accommodate guests.
A wooden cottage loacted nearer to Chhabgey Falls, a renowned falls in Neora Valley National Park. Total 4 rooms are available here. The view of the falls is clearly visible from this accommodation.
Another well planned and well maintained homestay in Lungchu, just 6 kilometers from Kolakham. Being located in upper region, the view from this homestay is mindblowing. The surrounding garden is also a reason to attract tourist now a days. A must visit place.