SUNTALEKHOLA, KALIMPONG – DISTRICT

• Weekend Tour

Suntalekhola also known as Suntaley Khola in Nepali is one among the famous offbeat destinations of North Bengal. Suntalekhola derives its name from two words ‘Suntaley’ meaning Orange and ‘Khola’ meaning Stream. The most attractive spot of Suntalekhola is a Hanging Bridge above the Murti river leading one to the lodge or cottages of the Forest Department of West Bengal.

Suntalekhola also known as Suntaley Khola in Nepali is among one of the famous offbeat destination of the North Bengal. Suntalekhola derives its native name from two words ‘Suntaley’ meaning Orange and ‘Khola’ meaning Stream. So basically Suntalekhola is popular for its orange plantation and water streams flowing through the place. The orange plantation of Samsing, Suntalekhola can be witnessed in its full life during the winter months of a year.

The place is scenically arranged in very dramatic kind of its own. The nature seems to be arranged in a systematic order to make it look beautiful and attractive. The trek through the scenic nature and the flowing streams of water makes one to get drowned in serenity of the nature and experience freshness which can never be achieved by any modern city or town dwellers. Suntalekhola near Samsing, carrying its own astounding beauty all through the place results to be an unexpected beauty to witness. The place with its wildlife creatures of amazing, wide variety of colorful butterflies over the head. A wide variety of birds like hornbill, peacocks can be seen high up the trees of Suntalekhola.

The most attractive spot of Suntalekhola is a Hanging Bridge over the Murti river letting one reach the lodges or cottages of the Forest Department of West Bengal. The river stream flowing below the Hanging Bridge with its purity through the rock offers an ecstatic view. Visitors will definitely not mind to stand over the bridge with their dear ones and spend a quality time. It is also possible to come down the bridge and completely immerse oneself in the flowing sounds of the stream. The cold water of the stream when felt against the body gives a chilling sensation throughout. Snaps of this particular place seems to come out perfectly and can be cherished for lifetime. Majority of the travelers are seen spending  most of the their time at this place and praising the beauty of nature on the Hanging Bridge.

The location is much colder compared to the city. The road journey to Suntalekhola provides an astounding, overwhelming view of nature’s creation. The roads surrounded both the sides by young, emerald color of the leaves brightening the whole road giving an artistic feel. The shining sky above the head can barely see and remains obstructed by the leaves of the trees. This provides relief to the travelers from the scorching heat of the sun and cools the temperature through the trip way.

HOW TO REACH SUNTALEKHOLA

Suntalekhola, a place in the nature’s lap needs to be explored with time. The place to dwell oneself completely in the serenity of nature can be traveled by two routes. One is the route through Sevoke , covering up the roads of Chalsa and Matelli. And the other way is through Gajoldoba, crossing the dense green forest of Oodlabari, the plains of Malbazar, the wide land through the fresh tea garden of Samsing. It takes around 2hrs from Siliguri to reach Suntalekhola.

Visitors also manage time to make a visit to the Lali Guras, The Rocky Island and then the Suntalekhola. Lali Guras also offers a view of Murti River flowing along its own stream.

THINGS TO SEE IN SUNTALEKHOLA

A view point at a much higher land than that of the Lali Guras, known as the ‘Mandal Gaon’ offers a wide panoramic view of the Murti River flowing from between the mountains.

TIME TO VISIT SUNTALEKHOLA

This virgin piece of high land can be visited throughout the year to get engulfed in its beauty. But generally it is seen that the travelers gather mostly during the winter months to experience the gardens of juicy oranges.