RAMDHURA, ALGARAH – 80 KMS. FROM SILIGURI

• Weekend Tour

Located just seven kilometers from Delo, with great views of Mt. Kanchenjungha and the meandering River Teesta, Ramdhura is the new found gem of North Bengal. Surrounded by pine forests kissed by clouds and the view of flickering lights of Kalimpong in the night, make Ramdhura a great destination to spend a quiet weekend in the Himalayas. Delo is nearby and so are Pedong, Algarah, Icchey Gaon, Sillery Gaon, Kalimpong, Rellikhola, Lava and Loleygaon. There are two homestays at Ramdhura with rooms facing Mt. Kanchenjungha and amenities like attached western bathrooms, electricity and nice home cooked food.

Places to see in Ramdhura: The rooms of the homestay offer spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjungha and Kalimpong hills as well as a bird’s eye view of the meandering Teesta River valley below. A pine forest surrounds Ramdhura, where you can take local short treks. You can also visit the beautiful British-built Jalsa Bungalow of 1930. A trek along the Cinchona plantation and a visit to the Cinchona Godown can be on your cards too. There is a beautifully located Mahadev Dham temple and Hanuman Tok (viewpoint) nearby from where you can catch panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.

Nearby attractions of Ramdhura: While staying at Ramdhura, you can make day trips to the Delo Nature Park, Algarah Bazar, Rikissum, Icchey Gaon, Sillery Gaon, Pedong, Lava, Loleygaon, Rishyap and Kalimpong. A sightseeing trip to Sillery and Icchey Gaon and its surroundings like Ramitey Dara (which has the longest view of River Teesta), Damsang Fort, Valley of Silence, Tinchuley view point would be very rewarding to the guests. Guests can also take a whole day trip of Kalimpong and its surroundings like Durpin Dara Monastery, Rellikhola and the various nurseries of Kalimpong.

Things to do at Ramdhura: You can take a village walk from Ramdhura and witness the everyday activities of the villagers. You can also take a two-hour jungle trek from Ramdhura to Icchey Gaon and finally to Sillery Gaon. This trek through dense forests and Cinchona plantation is one of the most favourite treks of birdwatchers. The homestays at Ramdhura also arranges paragliding from Delo and rafting at River Teesta. Guests can also take part in activities like rock-climbing and riverbed hiking in Relli.

How to reach Ramdhura: You can take any bus or hire a car from NJP, Bagdogra or Siliguri to Kalimpong and from Kalimpong you have take the pick-up service of Ramdhura homestay. Ramdhura is around 15 kms from Kalimpong. The home stay also arranges pick-up services from NJP, Bagdogra, Siliguri and Rangpo.

Best time to visit Ramdhura: You can visit Ramdhura anytime of the year. The sparkling weather during winters is the best time for witnessing a mesmerizing sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjungha. In summers, if you want to beat the heat of the plains, then you can visit this place for its pleasant cool weather. The monsoons are best for watching the clouds float across your room.

Lodging and dining facilities in Ramdhura: The homestays are located on the edge of the mountains overlooking Mt. Kanchenjungha and River Teesta. The homestays in Ramdhura are well equipped with electricity, comfy beds, hot water and attached western bathrooms. The breakfast table in the open-air terrace overlooking Mt. Kanchenjungha and River Teesta is a great place to spend your early morning. The home stays arrange trek guides for the guests and cars for sightseeing trips too. There are also car parking facilities here. The food is essentially Indian and home cooked and the ingredients are mostly locally sourced and fresh.