About Lava |
Lava is a small hamlet which is located about 34 kilometres
(21 mi) east of the town of Kalimpongvia Algarah in Darjeeling
district of the state of West Bengal, India. Lava is located
at an elevation of 7,016 feet (2,138 m). It is one of the few
places in West Bengal to receive snow in winter. It is the
entry point to the Neora Valley National Park from Kalimpong.
The route to Lava is scenic with the change in vegetation from
tropical deciduous to the wet alpine trees of fir, pine and
birch. The lush forests are a popular spot for picnicking,
trekking and bird-watching.
Lava has now become a favorite tourist destination for people
living on the coast of West Bengal, and tourism has become the
source of living for the inhabitants. Many small guest houses
and lodges has been built including log houses or small huts
built in the midst of the forest which a tourist can rent to
experience the wildlife and a popular spot to view the
sunrise. Another tourist destination near Lava is Rishyap
which is just 4 km walking pathway with a view of Himalayan
peaks. A Buddhist monastery is present on one of the hills of
Lava.
Wild animals such as the Himalayan Black Bear and barking deer
are found in these parts. Prominent sites include Lava
Jamgyong Kongtrul Monastery and Changey Waterfalls. Best time
to visit Lava is from October to April.
Situated at 3500 meters above sea level, in a quiet, secluded
amidst dense forests of Pine, Birch, and Juniper trees along
with a vast variety of orchids in this small hamlet called
Lava. Just a three hour drive from the nearest airport and
railway station, it makes for a perfect place to lose yourself
in the spiritual charm of the mist covered hills where the
summers are delightfully pleasant and the winters snow cold.
Lava is one of the few getaways yet to be discovered by the
rest of the world. |
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Tourist Attractions in Lava |
Lava
is not a sight seeing destination, its rather a natural
destination where the most pleasant part is the time spend in
walking around the forest covered village roads. There are two
sunset points named Tiffin Dara and Ghanti Dara (Dara means top
of the hill).
Neora National Park
Lava is the gateway to the Neora National Park standing
hidden in the mist & clouds almost throughout the year at a
height of about 2350 mts (7755 ft). This National Park is at the
junction of West Bengal ,Sikkim, and Bhutan. A short trek of 3
days will cover Rachela Danda (Tri-junction of West Bengal,
Bhutan and Sikkim).
Lava Jamgyong Kongtrul Monastery and Ngedon Chag-Chen Ling
Retreat
Since 1987 on a hill, overlooking the snow-mountain range to
the north, the Monastery is bounded by ancient forests and
covers in vapors for most of the year. In this remote, isolated
place, monks in the Monastery are intensively engaged in
Buddhist studies. There is also a 3-year retreat centre, Ngedon
Chag-Chen Ling, which follows the ancient contemplative
tradition of the Shangpa Kagyu lineage.
Lava Monastery
Lava Monastery is also a spot of interest of tourists.
Visitors can enjoy the Nature Interpretation Center of the
forest department as well.
Panoramic snow views
Mt Kanchenjunga, Jalep La Pass, Mt Siniolchu, and Rechila
Pass. Best view points are Sherpa view point and Tiffin Dara
Nature Interpretation Centre
It is operated by the Forest Department, it focuses on
flora, fauna and local people interacting with ecology to
conserve soil and forests of the area.
General tourist attractions
Common tourist places around Lava include Silviculture Research
Centre, Neora Lake, Ratnarishi Gumpha, 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. |
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Walks Around |
Lava
offers some nice walks for nature lovers. One can walk towards
the Neora Valley National Park, this area has good vegetation.
For serious jungle trek, the Neora valley trek also originates
in this area, after taking permission from forest department
before entering the core area of the forest. Maneydara village
is also a place where one can go for walk which is about 5 kms
walk from the town. Another route takes to Rishop, a more recent
tourist destination. Rishop is close to 12 kms by car, but the
trekking distance is about 5 kms. |
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A Bird Watcher's Paradise |
The area is a bird watchers paradise. The road extends
from Algarah to Lava and the north west area of the Neora
Valley National Park is a birding hotspot. The Lava area
is home to the Rusty-bellied Shortwing, Blue-fronted
Robin, Broad-billed Warbler, Yellow-throated Fulvetta,
Grey-sided Laughingthrush, Rufous-throated Wren Babbler,
Scarlet Finch and many more rarely sighted birds. |
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How to Reach Lava |
Lava
is accessible from Kalimpong (35 km east) and from the Damdim
Road which links to Siliguri. Lava is best combined with a trip
to the Duars, Sikkim or the Darjeeling area. The roads are good,
particularly the Damdim Road. |
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