Exploring the Hidden Gem of North Bengal: My Kaffergaon Tour

Are you in search of respite from the chaos of city life? Look no further than Kaffergaon, a hidden gem nestled within the Kalimpong District of West Bengal, India. Situated at an elevation of 5,500 feet, this tranquil haven offers a serene escape surrounded by nature’s bounty. With its consistently delightful weather throughout the year, Kaffergaon beckons you to immerse yourself in the lap of nature’s tranquillity. In this blog post, I will discuss my Kaffergaon Tour: Exploring the Hidden Gem of North Bengal.

Unveiling the Enchanting Landscapes

Traversing the picturesque landscapes of Kaffergaon, you’re embarking on a journey filled with tranquillity and charm. Despite its status as a lesser-known destination, Kaffergaon is swiftly gaining popularity among travellers seeking the serene beauty of the hills. Brace yourself to be captivated by the irresistible allure of Kaffergaon, where each moment unfolds as a chapter in your very own bespoke adventure. This hidden gem promises an experience that resonates long after you’ve bid adieu to its captivating embrace.

Discovering Kaffergaon’s Treasures

Join us on this journey of exploration to uncover the treasures that render Kaffergaon an unforgettable destination. Amidst its enchanting landscapes and serene ambience, Kaffergaon holds the promise of an unforgettable sojourn. Whether you’re yearning for tranquillity or seeking an adventure, Kaffergaon invites you to immerse yourself in its captivating essence and create timeless memories.

Getting There: A Scenic Road Journey to Remember

Embarking on our journey from Kolkata, our path to Kaffergaon commenced with a picturesque train ride from Sealdah station to New Jalpaiguri railway station via the 12343 UP, Darjeeling Mail. Departing Sealdah at 10:05 PM, our train journeyed overnight, arriving around 8:30 AM the following day at New Jalpaiguri. Upon reaching our stop, we arranged for a car to carry us to our final destination, Kaffergaon.

The road trip from New Jalpaiguri to Kaffergaon unfolded as an adventure in its own right. Departing from the Coronation Bridge, our route led us to Teesta Lower Dam located at Kalijhora. Here, the true thrill of our journey emerged, navigating steep and winding inclines that demanded careful and attentive driving. Negotiating the narrow roads required vigilance, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a safe driving speed. Despite the challenges, the journey was adorned with breathtaking surroundings and pleasant weather, amplifying the overall enjoyment of our expedition.

Panbu Dara View Point: A scenic Pause

During our journey towards Kaffergaon, our driver paused at the Panbu Dara Viewpoint, revealing an extraordinary hidden gem along the way. This vantage point unveiled awe-inspiring vistas encompassing the Teesta River, the majestic Coronation Bridge, and the distant silhouette of Siliguri City. The gentle caress of the cool breeze heightened our appreciation for the mesmerizing scenery before us. Pausing to absorb the beauty of the landscape, we felt invigorated and eager for the adventures that awaited us ahead in Kaffergaon.

Why Kaffergaon is a Hidden Gem

Tucked away within the embrace of verdant forests lies Kaffergaon, a secluded village that embodies paradise amidst the mountains. It’s a serene sanctuary where the grandeur of Kanchenjunga’s snow-capped peaks gracefully adorns the landscape. The tranquillity here is so profound that even a sudden dog bark in the night echoes through the peaceful surroundings. Enveloped in mist at times, Kaffergaon unveils its breathtaking beauty as the sky clears. The verdant hills transform under the daylight into illuminated marvels at nightfall. This concealed destination remains a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts, offering a healing respite amidst green hills, melodious birdsongs, and pure, refreshing air.

Exploring Kaffergaon’s Attractions

Immersed in serene landscapes and lush greenery, Kaffergaon provides a haven away from the urban frenzy. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the natural wonders that abound. Below, we’ve curated a glimpse into the nearby attractions and the enchanting locales waiting to be discovered during your stay in this serene hill station.

Discovering Treasures Near Kaffergaon: A Tourist’s Must-Visit List

Sri Sri Hanuman Park

On the way from Kaffergaon to Deolo Park, Sri Sri Hanuman Park showcases a majestic 30-foot statue of Hanuman. Climb to the statue for a panoramic view of Mount Kanchenjunga and explore the nearby temple dedicated to Ma Bhavani.

Deolo Park

Perched atop Deolo Hill in Kalimpong town, Deolo Park offers sweeping vistas of Kalimpong city, surrounding villages, and the Teesta River valley. Blessed with diverse flower trees, it’s an ideal serene escape. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in horseback riding, and entry comes at a nominal fee of 20 rupees.

Lava

Situated in the Kalimpong district, Lava stands at an altitude of approximately 7,200 feet. This picturesque town offers natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Neora Valley National Park.

Lava Monastery

The Kagyu Thekchen Ling Monastery, also known as Lava Monastery, is a tranquil sanctuary with Tibetan-style architecture, prayer halls, and a majestic Buddha statue, creating an atmosphere of peace and serenity.

Nokdara Boating Lake

Perched atop a hill, this artificial lake offers crystal-clear waters and the sight of fish swimming below. Boating enthusiasts can enjoy a peaceful ride amidst picturesque surroundings.

Rishyap

Adorned with vibrant flowers, Rishyap rests on the hillsides, offering breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga and serene tranquillity. A visit to Tiffin Dara’s viewpoint is a must for capturing the stunning mountain panorama.

Durpin Monastery

Also recognized as Zang Dhok Parli Phodang, this monastery in Kalimpong is one of the largest, exuding spiritual tranquillity and housing sacred Kangyur texts.

Changey Waterfalls

Around 10 km from Lava, these falls are nestled within mountains and forests, offering a breathtaking sight amid challenging roads.

Sevokeshwaeri Kali Temple

Situated on NH31, this temple attracts devotees during Kartiki Amavasya. The grand puja on this night creates a spectacular spiritual atmosphere.

Coronation Bridge

Spanning the Teesta River, the Coronation Bridge, also known as Sevoke Bridge, links Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. From here, revel in the beauty of the Teesta River and the surrounding mountains before returning from Kaffergaon to New Jalpaiguri railway station.

Exploring Kaffergaon: A Journey of Convenience

Travelling to Kaffergaon: Multiple Paths to Serenity

By Train:

Begin your journey to Kaffergaon from New Jalpaiguri railway station, a well-connected transit hub. Embrace the approximately 70-kilometre road journey to Kaffergaon, relishing the scenic route via Teesta Lower Dam Kalijhora. The taxi fare is approximately four thousand rupees, offering a delightful 4 to 4.5-hour ride to your hill station adventure.

By Air:

Opting for air travel? Bagdogra Airport is the closest aerial gateway, situated about 85 kilometres away. Upon landing, hire a private cab to whisk you from the airport to Kaffergaon. The fare amounts to approximately four thousand five hundred rupees, providing a similar journey duration as from New Jalpaiguri Station.

By Road:

The open road beckons! Kaffergaon is accessible by car, allowing you to savour the changing landscapes en route to this idyllic hill station.

Arrival and Accommodation

Experience a warm welcome as Kaffergaon embraces you upon your arrival. Prepare to be captivated by its pristine beauty and serene ambience, where the adventure begins even before reaching the picturesque landscapes.

Where to Stay in Kaffergaon

Kaffergaon offers a variety of homestays for accommodation. You can pre-book these by contacting them directly through available telephone numbers online. Alternatively, arrange your stay with your driver when booking your transport.

Best Time to Visit Kaffergaon

Kaffergaon is a year-round destination, barring the monsoon season when heavy rains can cause landslides and road closures. From October to December, the skies are clear, allowing you to relish the surroundings to the fullest.

Language and Cuisine

Locals in Kaffergaon primarily speak Nepali, but Hindi is widely understood. Delight in the local cuisine featuring steamed rice, momos, chutney, thukpa, shel-roti, and various chutneys, offering a rich culinary experience.

Kalimpong District Insights

Formed on February 14, 2017, Kalimpong District offers stunning Himalayan beauty and proximity to numerous tourist attractions. Kalimpong town serves as the district headquarters and is known for cultivating cardamom, cinchona, oranges, ginger, and broomsticks.

The majority population consists of Gorkha, Lepcha, and Bhutia ethnic groups.

Return Journey

Our return to Sealdah railway station commenced aboard Train no. 12378 DN, Padatik Express, departing from New Jalpaiguri station at 8:40 PM. The train arrived at Sealdah around 6:45 AM the following day, almost on schedule.