Chatakpur is a tiny hamlet within the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary in Darjeeling district, West Bengal. The place is surrounded by Mt. Khanchendzonga range at the North and River Gorge Relly Khola at the South. Very few families lives there in this pristine village and their lifestyle is so simple. As this is a forest place, some timber smugglers were activated in this place previously. But Forest department took a strong initiative to close these unethical actions and inspired local people to make this place an eco tourism centre. So you people, please come and enjoy the pure essence of Himalayan forest village. As Chatakpur is a pristine village, surrounded by forest, it is also a paradise for bird watchers. Even you can enjoy better view of Mt. Khanchendzonga from view point of Chatakpur than world famous Tiger Hill of Darjeeling. As the place is not much far from Darjeeling city, anyone can plan an excursion trip to Chatakpur from Darjeeling . If you want to spend your holiday in a calm environment within pure nature and love to take organic food, then Chatakpur is the right choice for you to stay with your loved ones.
By Air: The nearest airport to Chatakpur is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), situated 70 kilometers away. This airport is well-connected to several major cities in India, including Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai. After reaching Bagdogra, you can hire a taxi or opt for a shared cab to reach the town of Darjeeling. The road journey from Bagdogra to Darjeeling takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
By Train: The closest railway station to Chatakpur is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), 65 kilometers away. NJP is a major railway hub and is connected to various cities across India. From NJP, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to reach Darjeeling. The drive from NJP to Darjeeling typically takes around 3 hours.
Spring (March–April), Summer (May–June), and Autumn (October–November) are the best seasons to visit Chatakpur for clear skies, forest views, and panoramic Himalayan landscapes.
The best time to visit Chatakpur is from March to June and October to November, when the weather remains pleasant with clear skies. Located inside the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, this eco-village offers uninterrupted views of Kanchenjunga along with dense forest surroundings. The watchtower viewpoint is a major attraction, offering panoramic sunrise views over the Himalayas. Spring and summer are ideal for forest walks and clear views, while autumn provides the sharpest mountain visibility. Monsoon enhances the greenery but brings heavy rainfall and mist.