Lava:

Lava is a beautiful Himalayan suburb, situated at the foothill of the Himalayas. It is hidden behind the misty clouds and one of the best getaways in North Bengal. The pristine Himalayan destination is situated at an elevation approx 2195m(7200ft) and located in the eastern part of Kalimpong District. The name(the literal meaning of LAVA) and the ambience is diametrical. As it is one of the few Hill Stations in West Bengal which receives snowfall in winter. Lava is the threshold of Neora Valley National Park and is beautifully adorned by abruptly rising hills and numerous small streams. On the way to lava, you can witness that this hill station is bestowed with scenic landscape and the change in vegetation from tropical deciduous to wet Alpine trees of Fir, Pine and Birch will surely lift your vacation mode in no time. Lava has gradually become one of the most favourite tourist destinations in this part of Himalaya, which made tourism a source of living for the local inhabitants.

Historically this part of Himalayan region carries the similar(if not the same) background as lava, like the neighbouring regions(Algarah and Pedong), is situated on the ancient silk route. And the natives were the tenants of last Lepcha King Gyalso Achuk.

Rishop:

Rishop, Rishyap or as locally known Rishab is a small Himalayan hamlet and is considered to be one of the best offbeat destinations in West Bengal. In Tibetian Language Rishop stands as ‘Ri’ - ‘Mountain peak’ and ‘shop’ - ‘age-old trees’. These beautiful hamlets standing over the floating clouds(at an elevation of approx 2591meters or 8500feets). This tranquil Himalayan hamlet has some resemblances with the beautiful Japanese Village ‘Gokayama’, as it is one of the rare virgin site or landscape which is entirely enveloped in a forest of pine, birch, fir, colourful rhododendrons and orchids. The beauty enhances in many folds as a mesmerising view of the vast range of Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan snow cap peaks. Here the temperature ripples between 7*c to 20*c. You can take the motorable rocky route(11km) or hike through steep mountain roads(4km) to explore this hidden beauty.

Unlike Ichhe Gaon, in 1998 the Forest Department directly(with the help of some organisation and with the locals) engaged in promoting this village under the umbrella of Eco-tourism. There are some points or Dara’s which offers a 360* degree view of mesmerizing mountain ranges(mt. Kokthang, Kabru, Pandim, Kanchenjunga, Narsingh, Siniolchu etc). At night, due to redundancy of artificial lights, Rishop appears as nothing less than heaven under the calming moonlight. The small light dots decorating the mountains on the opposite side hiding behind the small patch of cotton clouds and the continuous tantalizing squeal of unknown insects coming out at the backdrop is very soothing and makes it a worthy moment to experience. As it is a relatively new offbeat destination, thus restaurants, drinks, food stores or shopping facilities would be too much to expect. However, if you are a nature lover and want to spend a few days in the arms of Mother nature then Rishop is one of those places which should be top of your bucket list.

Kolakham:

Kolakham is another beautiful small sleepy Himalayan hamlet located 10 km away from Lava. This offbeat Himalayan destination is relatively new as compared to the other destination of this region. Kolakham is situated in the outer arms of the Neora Valley National park facing the eastern Himalayan peaks, at an elevation of 1981m(6500ft). Neora Valley forest is a home of the Red Panda, the Musk Deer and the Clouded Leopard, Leopard, Bison etc. Because of the adjacent biodiversifing national park, this place is enriched with various plants, birds, insects, and animals which includes endangered species.

Like other places, Kolakham also offers a majestic view of Mt Kanchenjunga and other adjoint peaks however, the ambience of this place makes a big difference. In the morning the beautiful chirping of birds and the fresh warm sunlight tickles you to wake up early. The lazy cotton-like clouds helping the mountains to hide behind will energies you. You can take a walk around this beautiful village or if you are an adventure lover or loves to watch birds in its natural habitat then you can opt for a hike in the forest with experienced guides. At night the fur mountains look like a jewellery box (as the lights are coming from the opposite mountains) from the valley. Next day with the rise of the sun the same thing repeats itself(except in bad weather conditions) interestingly these repetitions will not make you feel bored.

The road to reach this beautiful Himalayan hamlet is little adventurous as it the serpentine rocky route goes through the outer layer of the Neora Valley National(as per the government rule no paved road can be built in those restricted areas so that the nature Inhabitat can venture without any kind of disturbance). However, the twisting twinging journey will automatically vanish the moment you enter the threshold of Kolakham. The welcoming gesture of the neighbouring jungle, the calm and tranquil ambience will no doubt work as a repellent of your journey.

Lava, Rishop, Kolakham is one of the best trio junctions rare or can be honoured as one of the best destinations in the eastern Kalimpong rather eastern Himalayan region, as these destinations can be moulded in any form of tours be it a family holiday, offbeat, adventure or educational tours. This unique combo is of that nature which should be in your bucket list.