Suntalekhola Travel Guide
If you are looking for a place covered by lush green tea gardens and forests on the backdrop of hills and mountains, then Suntalekhola (Samsing) is a perfect place for you to plan a visit.
Every nature lover will cherish the memories of the small dancing stream flowing through the green valleys. Miles of green tea gardens and forests will sooth your eyes and rejuvenate the soul.
This guide will provide all the required information that you need to plan your visit to Suntalekhola (Samsing).
Ready for that?
For creating a good plan that suits your travel style and personal preferences, you need to understand –
– Suntalekhola overview
– How to reach Suntalekhola
– Suntalekhola weather and temperature
– What to see
– What to do
Overview
A drive through some of the best tea gardens of Dooars, set among undulating countryside, will take you to Suntalekhola (Samsing). It is a small hilly village and tourist spot in the Malbazar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. Suntalekhola is located at an elevation of 3000 feet in the western part of Dooars. It is near the border of Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling district.
It is known for its beautiful landscape with green tea gardens, hills and forests. This attract a lot of tourists to this place. The beautiful little hamlet of Suntalekhola is blessed with nature’s bounty. The place has small streams, natural forests, tea gardens that come together to form a picture perfect landscape.
Here you can find the fusion of hills, plains, rivers, forest, tea-garden and villages. In fact, it is a cute tea garden inhabited by lovely and helpful Nepalese people. Many local people are associated with tourism / tea / timber – related businesses.
Suntalekhola is where the plains suddenly rise to transform into the mighty Himalayas and the forests of Neora Valley reach the plain. In this area, river Murti opens up from the mountainous confinement to become one of the most adored rivers of Dooars.
Suntalekhola and Samsing is where you will find your bliss. Away from the madness of the city, this is a nice cool shady place, ideal for nature lovers. The journey is also a memorable one. As you slowly ride uphill, most picturesque Dooars tea gardens will pass by on the rolling hill slopes.
The area is divided into two parts; Samsing Basti, which includes Khash mahal and Fari, and Samsing tea garden. Samsing Tea Estate is under the administration of Jalpaiguri district and Samsing Basti- comprising Sunder Basti, Khash mahal and Fari are under Darjeeling District Administration. In addition, it also has three divisions – top line, lower line and young tong division.
This region experiences a mild climate for a major part of the year and it is ideal for tourism. The three main seasons that can be experienced here are summer, monsoon and winter. Summers can be slightly warm during the peak period; however this is a good time to engage in outdoor activities. Winter season is during the months of November to February.
How To Reach Suntalekhola
Nearest airport for Suntanekhola is Bagdogra and nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri. From Bagdogra, distance of Murti is 95 km and from New Jalpaiguri, it is 86 km by road.
Bagdogra and New Jalpaiguri is well connected via air and rail from most of the major cities of India. Once you reach either of these two transport hubs, you will proceed further towards Suntalekhola.
Though there are local buses available till Chalsa, having a car for this route will be most convenient for the tourists. Depending on no of people in the group, one may hire a car that will comfortably accommodate all the people. A SUV type car or a jeep is preferred in this route. If you are planning on a limited budget, look for point to point share jeeps.
From Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri, most common route for Murti is via Odlabari-Malbazar-Chalsa-Matelli-Samsing. It takes around 3 hrs including tea breaks to reach Suntalekhola via this route.
Distance Chart
From | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
Kolkata | 665 |
Siliguri | 83 |
New Jalpaiguri | 86 |
Bagdogra | 95 |
New Mal Junction | 35 |
New Alipurduar | 132 |
Gorumara National Park | 35 |
Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary | 26 |
Lataguri | 42 |
Chalsa | 22 |
Samsing | 4 |
Rocky Island | 5 |
Jhalong | 24 |
Bindu | 33 |
Jaldapara National Park | 90 |
Suntalekhola Weather
Suntalekhola Temperature
Max temperature (C) | Min Temperature (c) | Average Rainfall (mM) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Jan | 22.0 | 9.2 | 23 |
Feb | 24.0 | 11.1 | 24 |
Mar | 28.5 | 14.2 | 34 |
Apr | 32.8 | 18.3 | 76 |
May | 35.9 | 22.1 | 249 |
Jun | 29.5 | 24.0 | 628 |
Jul | 29.1 | 24.6 | 853 |
Aug | 29.6 | 24.6 | 589 |
Sep | 29.2 | 23.2 | 403 |
Oct | 28.5 | 18.7 | 121 |
Nov | 26.3 | 14.2 | 10 |
Dec | 23.4 | 10.3 | 11 |
Best Time To Visit Suntalekhola
November – February (Winter)
Winter is the best time to visit Suntalekhola, Samsing and other areas of Dooars. This is because – i) Sky remains blue and clear with minimal chances of rainfall. It is easy to drive through the hilly roads. ii) Jungle Safari at various national parks in the region are open for tourists. iii) Water level in the Suntalekhola river remains on the lower side making it possible for the tourists to take a bath in the crystal clear water. iv) Temperature is perfect for exploring the surrounding places.
March – May (Summer)
During summer months, the region experiences high temperature going up to mid thirties. High humidity level adds up to the discomfort factor. People gets exhausted very easily. Summer is a low season for tourism.
June – October (Monsoon) Monsoon is the least favored time for the tourists to visit Suntalekhola and Dooars region. The rain starts in June and continues till September, sometimes till mid of October. Heavy and regular rainfall makes movement very difficult. Jungle Safari remains suspended during this period. Water in the Suntalekhola river becomes muddy. After the rains, water flows at a high level making it risky to go near the river.
What To See In Suntalekhola
This is truly an offbeat destination in the Himalayan foothills of Dooars in the backdrop of glistering green and blue sky with touch of everlasting beauty. Trekking from Samsing to Suntalekhola will bring you closer to nature. The sinuous flow of mountain streams will whisper in your heart. The music of rusting leaves and the hide and seek of shadows with the trickling sunrays through the conifer leaves will take you to a pure and pristine world.
It is a place where many tourists spend a day or two. The place is about four kilometers further up the road from Samsing. The road ends here close to a small stream named Suntalekhola (Suntaley means Orange and Khola means Stream). There are Forest Department’s cottages and a bicameral bungalow. You have to walk over a small hanging bridge to reach the forest resort here. Staying on the bank of the Suntalekhola you will listen to the eternal tunes of water.
Picnicking on the bank of the Suntalekhola or drive through the steep serpentine way to Tree Fern Point and Mouchuki with only nature as your companion is worth remembering all the life. For the adventurous soul Samsing offers excellent terrain. Samsing is a gateway to the remote parts of Neora Valley National Park. The hills with green all around will never let you feel alone in this divine landscape
About 2 kms from Samsing, Rocky Island is a small eco-resort on the banks of river Murti. Today the whole area is referred to as Rocky Island. Even if you are not staying at the tented accommodation, you may well visit the riverside and spend a few hours amongst undisturbed nature at its best. This is about 2 km from Samsing. The view of the river and surrounding forests are excellent from Rocky Island but tourist amenities are basic
It is one of the most beautiful rivers of Dooars. The small river flows down from Neora Valley National Park and passes through Samsing and eventually meets Jaldhaka River near Gorumara National Park. The river is small enough to be crossed on foot during most of the year except the Monsoon months. At Samsing you can approach River Murti either at Rocky Island or near the old forest Bungalow
Fari Basti
Next to Suntalekhola is the small picturesque village of Fari Basti. The village has about 50 households and is very well maintained. Flower gardens are common in almost all households. Some of the households have started homestay for tourists with active support from NGOs. You can walk through the village and its paddy land
Trekking & Hiking
Several trek routes originate from Suntalekhola. The Neora Valley National Park is adjacent to this place and most treks are organised in the surrounding area of the National Park. Trekkers can take a steep ride to `Tree Fern Point` and `Mouchuki` for a great view of the Himalayas in one side and the plains of Dooars in the other. The hills of Bhutan and Zelep La, the pass connecting Tibet with India, can be seen from here. The most fascinating and thrilling trek leads to the untouched wilderness of Neora Valley National Park. Special permission of the forest department is required in order to organise this trek.
Suntalekhola Travel Itinerary
From a short visit to a lengthy leisure one – plan your travel that suits you best. Explore various options provided below to chose the best one for you !
These are some of the most popular itineraries suggested by IndiaTravelPage. Chose our recommended plan to explore, or make your own way with a custom travel plan
Explore In 1 Day
Day1:
Reach Suntanekhola via Samsing. This is one of the most beautiful areas of Dooars with nice cool weather and tea gardens on the way. There is a small stream called Suntanekhola and nature lovers will love it. Also visit the pace called Rockey Island (2km from Samsing) at the banks of river Murti.
Explore In 2 Day (Recommended)
Day1:
Reach Suntalekhola and check in to the most beautifully located tourist lodge maintained by West Bengal Forest Department. Spend rest of the day watching the beautiful river with crystal clear water passing through the jungle.
Day 2:
See the small stream called Suntanekhola and nature lovers will love it. Also visit the pace called Rockey Island (2km from Samsing) at the banks of river Murti. After visiting all these places, have lunch and proceed for the next destination.
Tour Plans
What To Do In Suntalekhola
- Sit by the hilly terrains ran by a gurgling stream
- Rock climbing and hiking tours can be organized. A trip to nearby Jhalong or Bindu would also be great.
- The place is full of flying beauties. The sweet chirping of unknown colorful birds in the serene landscape is a refreshing break from the city life. Step out with a binocular and explore the treasure offered by the nature. Some of the major species include Grey Nightjar, Orange-bellied Leaf bird, Maroon Oriole, Grey chinned and Short-billed Minivets, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Slaty-backed Fork tail, Sultan Tit, Ashy Bulbul, Yellow-vented, Golden-spectacled and Chestnut crowned Warblers, Greater Neck laced Laughing thrush, Long-tailed Sibia, White-napped and Black-chinned Yuhinas.
Where to Eat In Suntalekhola
- Number of restaurants are scanty in Suntalekhola. However, the hotels generally have adjacent restaurants which are more or less clean, hygienic and well equipped. They serve Bengali cuisine like Chicken Curry, Egg Curry, Rice, Dal, Finger Chips etc.
- Delicious Tibetan food like Momos and Thukpas are available in roadside eateries.
What To Buy In Suntalekhola
The place is not for the shopaholics and there is nothing you can buy from here.
How To Get Around Suntalekhola
To get around the place and visit other places of interests adjacent to Suntalekhola, the only option for tourists is a vehicle on rental. You can ask the resort manager to arrange a vehicle for a drop to another place. For a day trip and sightseeing you may hire a vehicle on a full day basis
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Best Resorts to Stay at Suntalekhola?
Most popular place to stay at Suntalekhola is the Suntalekhola Nature Resort run by West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC)
Suntalekhola Nature Resort
Suntalekhola Nature Resort is a economy accommodation of WBFDC. Since there are no other decent hotels or resort at Suntalekhola, demand for nature Resort remains very high during season and rooms are booked months in advance. The resort has 8 cottages within its compound. Though rooms are not luxurious, they are spacious and clean.
Service at the resort is quite average with a handful of staff providing all the services. There is a in house restaurant. You need to order food in advance.
Booking for Suntalekhola Nature Resort can be done online at – www.wbfdc.net/booking/index
Samsing Forest Rest House
Samsing Forest Rest House is also run by West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC). This property offers basic facilities. Rooms are large and clean and very well maintained. They also have a in compound restaurant offering basic quality food.
Booking for Samsing Forest Rest House can be done online at – www.wbfdc.net/booking/index
What is the Nearest Railway Station From Suntalekhola?
New Mal Junction is the nearest railway station from Suntalekhola. Due to very few trains stopping at New Mal, it is not very convenient for the tourists. Kanchankanya Express originating from Sealdah stops here.For tourists, it is more convenient to reach New Jalpaiguri Junction via train and then take a car to reach Suntalekhola at a distance of 86 km.
How to Do Online Booking of Resorts?
Both Suntalekhola Nature Resort and Samsing Forest Rest House are run by WBTDC. Both can be booked here – www.wbfdc.net/booking/index
Top Destinations - West Bengal
– Bakkhali
– Bindu
– Bishnupur
– Buxa Tiger Reserve
– Chapramari
– Chilapata
– Darjeeling
– Digha
– Jhalong
– Lataguri
– Jairambati
– Jaldapara
– Jayanti
– Kalimpong
– Kamarpukur
– Lava
– Lolegaon
– Mandarmani
– Murti
– Murshidabad
– Rishop
– Samsing-Suntalekhola
– Santiniketan
– Sundarbans
– Tajpur
– Tarapith
Popular Tour Plans - West Bengal
1-3 Days
1. Murshidabad (2N/3D)
2. Digha (2N/3D)
3. Tajpur (2N/3D)
4. Bakkhali (2N/3D)
5. Sundarbans (2N/3D)
6. Kamarpukur-Jairambati-Bishnupur (3N/4D)
4-6 Days
1. Bakreshwar-Tarapith-Santiniketan (4N/5D)
2. Mandarmani-Digha (4N/5D)
3. Jaldapara-Chilapata-Buxa Tiger Reserve-Jayanti (5N/6D)
4. Lava-Lolegaon-Rishop (6N/7D)
5. Darjeeling-Gangtok (6N/7D)
7-10 Days
1. Jaldapara-Lataguri-Murti-Chapramari-Jhalong-Bindu-Suntanekhola (8N/9D)
2. Darjeeling-Kalimpong-Pelling-Gangtok (9N/10D)
3. Darjeeling-Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung (9N/10D)
4. Darjeeling-Pelling-Gangtok (8N/9D)
>10 Days
1. Darjeeling-Gangtok-Lachen-Lachung-Pelling (11N/12D)