Situated at an altitude of 2195 meters and is 101 kms from Siliguri via Kalimpong. Lava is famous for its proximity to the Neora Valley National Park and its beautiful view of the Jelep La and Rechi La passes.
“Lava” is a Bhutenese word “La” means “ the lord” and “Va” means the presence .People believe that the flora and fauna of this region is the blessings of god.Till 1700A.D. the area was part of lepchas kingdom and was subsequently conquered by the Bhutanese.
Lava is about 34 km east of Kalimpong. Surrounded by Oak, Fir, Chir,
Pine & Dhupi trees, Lava is a ideal place for quiet and calm holiday. During Monsoon, Lava is also known for its leaches, though big in size, this creatures do not cause much harm to humans. Common tourist places around Lava include Ratnarishi Gumpha, Neora Lake, Silviculture Research Centre, and Chhangey falls. Treks to the Neora valley starts from Lava. Apart from long treks across the valley, small treks are also possible in the region. Common treks include trek to Tiffin Dara, Aluabari etc.
The beauty of this quiet and romantic place lies in its dense forests of Berch, Pine and Juniper and the variety of orchids. While at Lave, enjoys a day's outing to the fascinating Chhangey Falls (12 kms from Lava) with 2 Sunrise points viz. Ghanti Dara and Tiffin Dara, Lava Monastery, Nature Interpretation Centre. If you are a little adventurous you can take a 12 km trek to Jelepa and Rachela pass situated on the Trijuntion of Sikkim,Bengal and Bhutan.
How to reach
By road from Siliguri via Kalimpong 99km or via Gorubathan 105km . The route through Gorubathan is a breathtaking one as most of the route is covered by Tea Gardens.
By Rail, nearest major Junction is New Jalpaiguri . However nearest railway station is New Mal Junction from where it takes only two hours to reach Lava.
By air, nearest airport is Bagdogra about 10 km from Siliguri
At lava vehicles on hire are available through Syndicate at prefixed rates.
Sight Seen
Tiffindara : A trek of 3 km to tiffindara view point (7700 ft) .You can have a spectacular view of sunrise over Kanchanjunga a range .The panoramic range includes peak of eastern Sikkim, Nathula,Reche-la, Jelep-la etc.
Lava : Buddhist monastery and wildlife interpretation centre is small and beautiful hamlet of lava.
Reshap or Rishyap: A trek or a drive to Rishyap here you can have a birds eye view of the flowing hilly landscape and full range view of snow cold majestic Kanchanjunga range .The road to Nathula(4310 mts) can be seen from here in clean weather. more on Rishyap
Lolegaon : Lolegoan is the natures paradise in its own with beautiful landscape comprising lush green forests scene valleys .The peak of Kanchanjunga range rise majestically in the morning mist across the relli valley loleygaon is one hour journey from lava though the serpentine forest road. more on Lolegaon
Charkhole - Also known as Charkhole Lolegaon, this hill top is just 12 kms away from Kaffer Lolegaon and has won awards for most promising destination a year back. Beautiful range of Kanchenjhengha and Hill cultivation all around with innumerous hill birds flewing all around. Charkhole is going to rock in the coming years. More on Charkhole
Book our Holiday Home at Charkhole
Kolakham - A beautiful Hill Hamlet with wonderful surroundings and birds chirping everywhere, Kolakham Village is one of the coolest destination now a days. Heaven for Bird Watcher alongwith magnificent view of mighty Kanchenjencha attracts many nature lover to this place. More on Kolakham
Neora - Valley : Trekking to Neora valley National park known for its pristine and virgin forests known for its wild fauna population of Red Panda Himalayan Black Beer, Royal Bengal Tiger,Snow Leopard, due to its change in altitude at places various species of birds making perk a paradise of birds watchers.There are more than 106 species of birds which includes Eagle , Tragopan, Thrush, Flycatchers, Cuckoo, Wood owl, Barbet,Woodpeckers,Babblers ,Robin, Jungle Crow , Sunbird, Mynas, and Orioles etc .In 1992 finally it was declared as a National park you may also avail the services of trained nature guides to explore the landscape and its various conservation values specially the medicinal plants which exists in abundant diversity.
Chhangey fall : This spectacular falls is a 14 km drive by jeep and a trek of 1km .A destination one should not miss.
Gumbadhara : Gumbadhara view point about 6 km road and 1 km by narrow uphill trek. Also at Gumbadhara village there’s Buddhist monastery and a graceful statue of Buddha.
Loleygaon : Loleygoan is the natures paradise in its own with beautiful landscape comprising lush green forests scene valleys .The peak of Kanchanjunga range rise majestically in the morning mist across the relli valley loleygaon is one hour journey from lava though the serpentine forest road.
Road distances from Lava (approx.):
Lava to Bagdogra (Airport) - 112 km.
Lava to New Jalpaiguri (Railway Station) - 105 km.
Lava to Tiffin Dara (view point) - 3 km.
Lava to Loleyaon (Kaffer) - 22 km.
Lava to Charkhole Lolegaon- 34 km.
Lava to Neora Valley National Park - 10 km.
Lava to Rishyap - 11 km.
Lava to Rache La (Pass) - 12 km.
Lava to Kalimpong - 34 km. |