RISHIIKHOLA- A PLACE TO ROMANCE WITH UNWAVERING NATURE

 

If we consider Hills of Darjeeling as the crown of Bengal, then the entire Dooars is the necklace of Bengal. As there are glittering diamonds in some portion of the necklace, likewise, there are some spots in Dooars which are like diamonds that increase the beauty of the necklace many folds.

One such glittering diamond of Dooars is Rishikhola or spelt as Reshikhola. It is located in the in the foothills of the Himalayas in Kalimpong district of West Bengal bordering Sikkim. It is a place marked by peace, serenity, and tranquility.

In the midst of  the massive Himalayan ranges, on the bank of Rishi river locally known as Khola, it is one of the locations where tourist can have the comfort of the lap of mother nature, venture for a trek in the forest or hills and have nature walk along the banks of the meandering stream. Just like the lullaby of the mother, the stream ripples creating a rhythm of music touching the pebbles on the river bed.

How to Reach Rishikhola

The distance from the nearest railway head New Jalpaiguri and the nearest airport Bagdogra are 105 km and 110 km directly and hired vehicles are available in both locations. The cost of the fully hired vehicle will be between Rs.3500/- and Rs.4000/- depending upon seasons.

The budget travellers willing to avail public transport viz. bus or shared vehicle can reach from SNT Bus Stand or Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand to Pedong (Sikkim) or Kalimpong (West Bengal) and then hire a local taxi to Rishikhola. The cost will be hovering around Rs.500/- for dropping.

Vehicles on a sharing basis are also available from Kalimpong going towards Silk Route and the price varies depending upon availability.

Tourists visiting Rishikhola with their own vehicles can remain lest assured about ample parking space. The vehicles are to be parked in the political territory of Sikkim and they are to reach the cottages of homestay on foot crossing the stream through wooden bridges into the political territory of West Bengal.    

Where to Stay

There are many homestay arrangements along the banks of the Rishikhola stream. The homestays may not have five-star ambiances, but a homely atmosphere added with the affection of the host or hostess will definitely add flavor to the trip. The first homestay was initiated by Shri Sebastian Pradhan, who is popular as the father of homestay in this region is the most adored person among the tourists who regularly visit this location. With his support and influence, many other homestays have come up which are equally good. The booking has to be made over telephone or mail during peak seasons.

The tourists can also check the price and other facilities as also can book a homestay from www.humrohome.com

Boarding Arrangements

The package of homestay includes both boarding and lodging on per person per day basis. The morning starts with a cup of hot tea along with the first rays of sun followed by an excellent breakfast. After spending hours either strolling around the forests or enjoying a bath in the pure and cool water of the stream, one can have delicious lunch with available non-vegetarian items. The evening can be spent enjoying the setting of the sun, chirping of homecoming birds and, song of rippling stream added with tea or coffee and snacks. If one is lucky, one can have fried fish caught fresh from the stream followed by dinner at night. The host can arrange for bar-be-queue and camp-fire on a payment basis.

Things to do in Rishikhola

Nature has been bountiful and the entire place is in the midst of flora and fauna found in the foothills of the Himalayas. Since the area is absolutely free from pollution, nature stroll will be a favourite past time in the morning and evening. Lying back in the stream, enjoying the mild touch of rippling waves will definitely add few years in our lives. The chirping and visibility of known and unknown birds will likely turn the tourists to amateur ornithologists. Physical fitness can also be tested in form of a light trek along the foothills of Rishikhola. The tourists, fond of angling, can renew their addiction, catching small fishes flowing in the stream.

Children accompanying their parents can enjoy their time with the pets staying along with their host learn to identify the flora and fauna of the region.  

There are few day trips from Rishikhola which includes a trip to Aritar Lake popularly known as Lampokhri and have a visit to a local monastery and a small village.

Further, a day can be spent visiting old silk route through Rongli, Zelep La, Kupup, and Thambi View Point and proceed up to Baba Mandir at Tukla in Sikkim.

Kalimpong is the nearest town where every type of consumables and daily necessities are available. Along with marketing, the tourists can visit Delo, Durpin Dara, and Cactus Garden and have a breathtaking panoramic view of the flowing Teesta River from the top. On the way to Kalimpong or on the return journey the tourists can have photo stops of Pedong, Rikisum, and Algarah and, few other spots.

Vehicles can be arranged by the hosts of the homestay on a requirement basis. The charges vary depending upon season and fluctuation in fuel price.

Best Time to Visit

Visit Rishikhola can be made throughout the year barring monsoon as communication gets disrupted due to frequent landslides and the tourists have to remain confined to the cottages of the homestay. However, it is suggested that summer and winter are the best seasons to visit. In summer, blooming rhododendrons in the forests add beauty to nature and occasional snowfall in the region in winter can lead to a new experience.

What you will gain

It has been observed that people stoop down with work pressure need diversion of attention from the hectic urban lives for at least a few days. The stay in the midst of nature rejuvenates their energy to withstand the pressure for more time. It is a break from a monotonous cycle of life regaining fresh oxygen from mother-nature. It is better to go to these places with family or in groups so that the trip becomes more enjoyable.