Bengalese are known to be travel freaks. Are you among them, those who are always ready with a backpack, once they get 2-3 days off, straight go out for hills? And if you prefer a Secluded place, then you must choose an offbeat location.
And, that could be Chatakpur!
Chatakpur is a small village under the Sanchel Wildlife Sanctuary in the Darjeeling district. It is about 64 km from NJP railway station, about 26 km from Darjeeling, and only 7 km from Sonada.
If you want to enjoy the beauty of the secluded hills in the greenery, your proper destination is Chatakpur. The village is bounded on the north by the Kanchenjunga Range and south by the Rally River.
Chatakpur, situated at a height of 7887 feet from sea level, it’s a paradise for nature lovers. Very few people live in this village, so it is an ideal place to enjoy the beauty of Kanchenjunga in the green solitude. You can see Kanchenjunga from here when the sky is clear. Organic farming and Ayurvedic plants are also cultivated here. You can also enjoy the beauty of sunrise and sunset by climbing the Watch Tower. It is unprecedented to see the sunrise from here; many people say that sunrise looks better from here than Tiger Hill.
If you love to trek; take a walk along the jungle road. You can see the birds – Prinia, Blue Magpie, Verditer, Pipit, Flycatcher, Warbler, and Red Panda – if you are lucky. But it is better to have local people as your guide. As not only deer, along with other animals, Chita also lives in this forest. Remember, you need permission from the forest department in advance to enter the main forest.
There is a small pond in this village, called “Pokhari” in the local language.
Whenever you go it is better to keep with a sweater, jacket, boots, and umbrella. If you plan during the rainy season, don’t forget to take a raincoat. However, I suggest avoiding the monsoon, because there is a possibility of landslide in the rainy season. Also remember, the forest keeps closed from 15th June to 15th September.
The cost of staying in a cottage room for two is around Rs.3,500/- per day. But the cost of living in a homestay is Rs.1500/- per person per day. And it is better to book in advance. If four people can go together, the estimated cost per person for two nights and three days may be around Rs.4500/-, in addition to train, bus, or airfare.
You could plan any time of the year except the rainy season. You will find secluded leisure in this village.
