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About
Kalijhora |
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Kalijhora is a small village in the
Darjeeling District of West Bengal. Kalijhora is perched at an
elevation of 300 m, it lies on the banks of the Teesta River.
It is 28 kms away from Siliguri on the National Highway-31A
and about 13 km from Latpancher. It offers with all its
natural amazing provisions to arrange picnic by the side of
river Teesta. Nature beyond is building a eco-tourism resort
at Kalijhora on the banks of the river Teesta. The project is
undertaken with the direct involvement of local people, NESPON
an environmental NGO and Govt agencies. Kalijhora Village
connects Bengal with Sikkim.
Kalijhora is noted for its camp
grounds, which provide enough open space to conduct different
camping activity. The Bird watching and jungle safari are
among the most common activity here. Camping is organized at
Kalijhora throughout the year; hence it is a important tourist
place. Many short treks leads to the Mahananda Wildlife
Sanctuary from this place.
Kalijhora is a wonderful picnic spot
by the side of the amazing River Teesta. Close by are Peshok,
famous for the convergence of Teesta and Rangeet; Mongpu
reminiscent of association of the place with Rabindranath
Tagore; and Latpanchor is emerging as an excellent tourist
destination.
Kalijhora takes its name from the
small river that flows down from a height of 550 feet with
huge force and rushes towards the Teesta. The colour of the
waters of the Kalijhora is definitely blackish, as compared
with the blue waters of the Teesta.Best time to visit
Kalijhora is from start of November to end of April. Bungalow
and forest remain closed from 15th June to 15th September.
Kalijhora is also a small area of
forest on the northern edge of the Mahananda Wildlife
Sanctuary. It is a one hour drive from the Bagdogra airport. A
small Forest Rest House and a PWD bungalow are the only places
to stay nearby. It is a good place to see several lowland
forest species. Some birds seen here are Oriental Pied
Hornbill, White-rumped Vulture, Greater Spotted Eagle, Steppe
Eagle, Black Stork, Grey-backed Shrike, Maroon Oriole,
Short-billed Minivet, Brown Dipper, Orange-flanked Bush Robin,
White-rumped Shama, Hill Myna, Yellow-vented Warbler, Striped
Tit Babbler, Crimson Sunbird, Streaked Spiderhunter.
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Location of
Kalijhora village |
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The Kalijhora village is set on the
banks of river Teesta. Since the year 2000, a huge dam is being
build on river Teesta near the Kalijhora village. This has
changed the landscape substantially.
Kalijhora used to be a common picnic
spot for picnickers from Siliguri who would host the area during
winter months. Since the building of the dam picnics and local
sightseeing has been affected. The well-known Sevok Bridge
usually known as the Bagpool is about 7 kilometers from
Kalijhora.
From Kalijhora a small forest roads
climbs up the hills to reach Latpanchar; A highly potential
tourist spot of North Bengal. The road further travels through
Shittong, Pokhritar and Bagora and links to Kurseong –
Darjeeling National Highway 55 at Dilaram. |
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Tourist
Attractions in Kalijhora |
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Kalijhora is also a small area of
forest on the northern edge of the Mahananda Wildlife
Sanctuary. It is a good place to see some lowland forest
species. Some birds seen here are Greater Spotted Eagle,
Grey-backed Shrike, White-rumped Vulture, Oriental Pied
Hornbill, Steppe Eagle, Black Stork, Orange-flanked Bush
Robin, Maroon Oriole, Short-billed Minivet, Striped Tit
Babbler, Brown Dipper, White-rumped Shama, Streaked
Spiderhunter, Hill Myna, Crimson Sunbird and
Yellow-vented Warbler.
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the foothills
of the Himalayas, between the Teesta and Mahananda
rivers.The sanctuary lies in the western end of the
elephant migration route, more than 150 elephants shelter
here during the winter and monsoon seasons. The sanctuary
is also noted for some enthralling trekking routes –
Deorali, Golaghat, and the Latpancher – Mana track are the
most sought for trekking and bird watching tours.
Latpanchar
Latpanchar in Lepcha word is being derived from land of
Cane, vanishing tribes Lepcha’s old habitat. Among the
many villages covered with lush and lavish greenery
Latkothi, Namthing Pokhri, Mana Hills, Ahal View Point
deserve to be visited. Latkothi that was once a British
residence is now a Forest Department bungalow. |
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How to Reach
Kalijhora |
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By Rail
The nearest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri station, nearby to
Siliguri town. Most trains between New Delhi and Guwahati and
Kolkatta and Guwahati stop at New Jalpaiguri.
By Road
From NJP station or Bagdogra airport, rent a taxi to take
you to Latpanchar bungalow.
By Air
The nearest airport is Civil Enclave Bagdogra, 16km from
Siliguri. |
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