Romantic Lamahatta

Pine Trees at Lamahatta

Declared as an eco-tourism park in the year 2012, this is a stretched forest of conifers, pine and fir trees nestled in Kalimpong-Darjeeling highway, West Bengal. Lamahatta stands for ‘huts of Buddhist monks’. The Buddhist monks are called ‘Lama’ and ‘Hatta’ means hut. Hence, it is a hermitage of the Buddhist monks. This little mountain village has a history of inhabitation of the Buddhist monks for their prayer and meditation before independence. Now it’s an abode of mixed communities Sherpas, Bhutias, Tamangs, Yolmos and Dukpas.  Being Buddhism as their common religion, Lamahatta is filled with monasteries and vibrant prayer flags fluttering with the cool breeze all around giving it an aesthetic look. Cattle rearing and farming are the main livelihood of these residents. Off late tourism has been included as the mainstream of earning.

Trail towards the lake 

Location

Lamahatta is located at an attitude of 5,700 ft. It is 23 kms away from the busy Darjeeling town. It’s a newly sightseen area that has been given the shape of an eco-park with a collaborated venture by the State Government, Forest Ranger Officers and the common villagers. This is an eco-tourism site that maintains the ecological balance and the bio-diversity of the environment for which the villagers work meticulously with the tourism development to make it justifiablein the long run.

Ideal Time to Visit

The spring season is the king of all seasons to visit any such place. Lamahatta also is filled with bright and beautiful flowers such as geranium, marigold etc. during March – May making it an ideal time to visit. Orchids are in full bloom from February to April at Takdah Orchid Centre, 5 kms away from Lamahatta.

Winter gives stunning scenery again. Hence, October – December is another splendid period of savoring the environment.

The sky remains all clear during these two particularly periods allowing the visitors to get the glimpse of mighty Kanchenjunga with its snow-capped peaks.

Though the rain in hills may give an extraordinary experience still the monsoon season must be avoided due to the landslides and heavy downpour. It won’t allow the visitors to wander outside or trek.

Road leading towards Lamahatta

Mode of Conveyance

By Flight: The nearest airport is Bagdogra.  Visitors can take a drive of around 75 kms enjoying the mesmerizing view of green tea estates, cottages and the cool air along their way until they reach Lamahatta.

By Train: The nearest railway station is NJP. Tourists can either hire a cab if want to reach early or take a train till Darjeeling and then take a cab from Darjeeling to reach Lamahatta at a distance of 23 kms. Travelling via train from NJP to Darjeeling is a slow tour of 5-6 hours. Hence, if they want to enjoy the scenic beauty along their way then certainly, train tour can be a great idea as well.

By Road: It is a 73 kms drive from Siliguri via  National Highway 10 that gives the pleasure of witnessing many halt points while traveling such as Sevoke, Kalijhora, Teesta Bazaar etc. The mountain cliffs on one side and River Teesta on the other gives a thrill to the passengers making it quite adventurous.  The Hindu travellers may pay a visit to the famous Maa Kali Dham at Sevoke if they are traveling through this way.

Accommodation

Foggy day @Lamahatta

Lamahatta used to be a remote village back in 2000s but now it has taken a developed shape with the help of State Government. Luxury hotels should not be expected. A few homestays and tents are easily available just opposite to the park. Many other hotels and guesthouses have sprouted off late with the increasing tourism. Pre-booking through famous travel sites is also welcomed. A clear view of the Kanchenjunga snow-capped peak can be enjoyed from these stays. The basic amenities are available such as electricity, separate bathrooms, Western washrooms, view rooms, basic furnishing, twin beds, cupboards, and regular veg and non-veg options. Each tent has been designed to accommodate at least two persons.

Charm of Lamahatta

Flowers at Lamahatta

The immediate attraction of this place is the roadside park curated with pathways, rest houses, wooden benches, tower and variant flowers that blooms abundantly and increases the beauty of the place. The watchtower allows the view of Mount Kanchenjunga, Sikkim hills, River Teesta and River Rangeet. Ethnic shades have been built for meditation where one can enter putting their shoes off and meditate peacefully.

Lamahatta is an abode of wild and varied orchids. The exquisite view of unique species of orchids surrounding the entire forest of pine and fir looks splendid. A few kilometers of uphill trekking give a perfect romantic destination not only for the couples but for the nature lovers as well. The trail is properly marked along with number of rest benches so that the walk doesn’t become tiresome.

The summit has a sacred lake which is well maintained by the authorities. The fluttering vibrant prayer flags over it provide a spiritual and pacifying effect on the exhausted trekkers. The grove of tall pine trees with misty weather creates a picturesque view. The floating fog amidst the dark green trees with sun peaking at times throws a hypnotic ray that resurrects the fading hopes making every breath define the beauty of life and inspiration. The silence of the forests with melodious Himalayan birds whistling and insects buzzingand low chirping altogether captivates that impeccablesituation.

 

Park Timings: One can visit the park from 6 AM – 5 PM only.  A minimum of Rs 10/- is charged as the entry fee for the tourists.

Prime Visitors

People enjoying the weather 

Lamahatta is mostly filled with couples for romantic outing, families for weekend getaway, photographers for best captures, hill explorers, nature lovers and many more. The dense fir trees provides an ideal spot for photo shoots, hence, couples are often seen doing their pre-wedding shoot in this location. Honeymoon in such place will be the most memorable trip.  The birdwatchers also visit for the pursuit of various exotic and rare species of birds like Scarlet Minivet, Coppersmith Barbet and Small Minivet along with other Himalayan birds.

Claim to fame

The thickets of pine and fir trees have become the main attraction of this place as it aptly provides a picturesque view of the classic movies in which Darjeeling used to be the favourite destination for the renowned Classic Bollywood fraternity. Due to heavy commercialization Darjeeling has lost such views but it seems places like Lamahatta still has that pull in it, unless tampered in coming years.

The white and yellow orchids during spring enhance the beauty of this dreamy place.

Dreamy Landscape at Lamahatta

Delicacies to relish

The sips of famous Darjeeling tea become the best thing to enjoy in the serene cool atmosphere of Lamahatta. The steamed momos are everybody’s favourite whoever visits the hills. Noodles, Maggie and chowmein can also be enjoyed who love to slurp the soup based meals. Mimi and Wai-Wai are few snacks which are not available in other parts of India can be a new thing to try. The spicy aaloo-bhujaand aaloo-thukpa too has its own fan-base. Alongwith these specialties the regular veg and non-veg meals are also available.

Planned Activities

Recreation – This is an ideal place for visiting with family for weekend getaways for leisure. An outing in such place allows us to spend quality time with our family members and friends, of course. The wide display of high range of seasonal flowers with varied unique orchids is a true blessing to the eyes.The garden chairs are kept in proper distance for adoring the sight. The sick and senior citizens can easily sit in the rest houses while kids enjoy the lawn and youth can explore the place.

Trail Towards the lake @Lamahatta

Trekking – Those who cannot plan for weeks of trekking yet loves to experience it may obviously choose this place. A few kilometers of uphill walk will certainly boost extra energy and energize the lazy muscles leading to a trekking feel. Walking downhill too, won’t be that easy as it creates bodily pressure on the knees. Hence, comfortable shoes are a must. The round trek will take around 45 minutes – 1 hour.

Jungle trekking can be done. It is another trail of around 8 kms from Lamahatta to Takdah that passes through the dense pine and fir forests with numerous Himalayan shrubs all along.

Trek to Gairi Dara of about 3 kms can also be enjoyed. There is an old fort on the hilltop. It gives a distinct feel to observe the classic exposures and remains of historical construction.

Photography – The natural set-up with proper maintenance of the entire spot makes it a suitable location for couple and solo photo shoot. It is quite popular amongst the photographers to held pre-wedding and post-wedding shoots here. Those planning to have a port-folio can certainly opt for this location.

Rejuvenation – We all crave at times to have some ‘me-space’. The calm atmosphere of Lamahatta has a lot of scope for spending solitary moment for those who want to have a narrow escape for rejuvenating their mind and soul. Nature has always inspired us to gather ourselves every time we shatter. The mist, cool breeze, woody fragrance, gleaming sunlight, tall stretching trees, quiet forest with the beauty of birds whistling and chirping soothes the soul and one can feel to be a part of them and find solace.

Flora & Fauna 

Exploring Duration

Two (2) days are enough to explore this place at ease. In extra one day some other attractions like nearby Gumbadara View Point (4.7 kms), Heaven Hill (8.2 kms), Takdah Orchid Centre (10 kms) and Tiger Hill (20 kms) can be covered.

Lamahatta Monastery–Being the ‘monk’s hermit’, one can visit an old monastery that was built almost more than 500 years ago. Lamahatta PhunchokRabtenGyaphellingMonastery  is located at a distance of 1.5 kms from the Eco-Park. We can offer our prayers with the help of the monk, Lama present in the prayer hall. Spending 15-20 minutes in this monastery fills the heart with spiritual and positive vibes.

Lover’s Meet Viewpoint – At a distant of 10 kms, visitors can view the confluence of River Teesta and River Rangeet at Triveni from Peshok Road while on the way heading towards the Teesta Bazaar.

Lovely Tea Gardens–How can one not enjoy the lush tea gardens once they visit the hills! There are plentiful tea gardens ready to welcome the visitors to give them the pleasure to watch thevast stretched tea plantation. To name the better ones are Rongli Rangliot Tea Garden, Takdah Tea Estate and Glenburn Tea Estate which is quite popular.

Tinchuley–This place is around 6 kms from Lamahatta. It is a small village mountain. It is worth visit for its natural beauty. The view of Kanchenjunga is very nice from here. If the tourists have visited during the autumn season then they are sure to get mesmerized with the orange orchards. The juicy organic oranges filled with lots of Vitamin C can be purchased and carried back home will serve as one of the best gifts for the loved ones as well.

Lovely trails 

Cleanliness and Maintenance

This eco-tourism site is well maintained by the villagers in collaboration with the State government and forests department. Ample of dustbins are provided in proper distance so that the visitors do not have to walk distant in search of it. Hedges are regularly trimmed in order to keep it in shape all the time. The wooden benches are kept in prominent spots where the tourists can relax and enjoy the scenery. The park assistants keep monitoring the park so that they are readily available to render any sort of help and guidance to the visitors, in need. Signboards are in abundance to guide the way towards the sacred lake.

Conclusion

Each time we tour it brings some change in us. A wider perspective of life and its dimensions. Trips expose us to new regions, new folks and new circumstances. Our mind is not caged with deadlines, aims or accountabilities. It is that condition in which our true self flourishes. We become the best version of ourselves.  Lamahatta has it all. A complete package of relaxation, rejuvenation and reverence. Come and explore your inner self!