agora – Explore nature at its best.
Contemporary human life is synonymous with fast-paced daily schedule often devoid of recreation and relaxation which can make it extremely difficult to prioritize and plan a holiday trip. Holidays and vacations are important to detach and rejuvenate the tiring soul and body, and everyone needs a break from their everyday normal but monotonous hustle and bustle work life. If you can’t really afford to travel far, Bagora just might be the best possible weekend destination to explore surrounded by nature and wildlife. Although there are a countless number of destinations to travel, settling your travel bug for a while can be a delightful experience in this quaint hamlet.
Situated at a height of 2339 meters above the sea level lies a small village in the Darjeeling District known by the name of Bagora, that nestles amidst pine forests and rhododendron trees. This small village is a soothing shelter for those seeking solitude from the frenzy city life as it still remains unexplored from the demands of tourism.
Often described as the “Quaint Hamlet of the Hills,” Bagora is famous for its divine serenity and beautiful vistas to spot the mesmerizing stretch of the Kanchenjunga range, further adding to its beauty. People also popularly know Bagora as the Zero Point, as the core area of the Kurseong Air Force Base Camp is just a few minutes uphill walk from its market area.
Bagora: Exploring Nature’s Beauty and Tranquility
Opt for short trekking trails through forests, passing by popular places like Latpanchar, Namthing Lake, and Kalijhora. You can let yourself taken away by the natural charm as you indulge in tranquil nature strides. Immerse your senses in an extraordinary visual treat, marveling at the outstretched greeneries and the emerald-turquoise waters of Teesta.
Heaven for the nature lovers.
Travelers exploring the region can lodge in local homestays and the Forest Rest House for comfortable accommodation options.Bagora is the haven to the nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. A diverse species of birds would certainly amuse the birdwatchers. The place boasts of an extensive range of Himalayan flora. During October-November, the orange trees are laden with oranges, concealing the leaves underneath their golden fruits.
The place thrives with Himalayan herbs and medicinal plants. Medicinal Garden at Bagora prospers with rare Himalayan medicinal plants. While exploring around, catch sight of well-kept flower gardens and terraced greenhouses reflecting horticulturists’ passion in the region.
The place has a well kept Salamander Conservation Area in its nearby seasonal water body. Here, they conserve the Himalayan Salamander (Tylototriton Verrucosus Anderson) through breeding. They added this endangered and zoologically important species of Amphibia to the Scheduled II of Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Preserving a Species: Bagora’s Hidden Water Bodies, Home to the Himalayan Salamander
Once thriving in Europe during the Miocene age (amid 13 to 25 million years back), the Himalayan Salamander has vanished entirely. However, they still survive in a few isolated water bodies of the Darjeeling Himalaya region – Bagora being a major one. The peaceful and sparsely inhabited hamlet lacks modern infrastructure facilities. Regular human interference does not reach it; it remains hidden. The climatic conditions further favor their existence in the region. Its hidden water bodies exclusively serve as the territory for breeding and conserving the Himalayan Salamanders.
How to Reach ?
Bagora stands about 60 kilometers away from Siliguri and usually takes about 2 hours to reach the destination. Regular bus and taxi services are available to Bagora from Siliguri and Darjeeling. Kurseong, another popular tourist destination, is just 8 kilometers away from Bagora. Moreover, most of the sightseeing options of Kurseong, such as Eagles Craig viewpoint and Ambootia Temple, are all located nearby. Bagora, a secluded refuge, devoured by nature’s serenity, offers a perfect weekend getaway to ease off and rejuvenate
Also Read: Chimney Kurseong – The lone fragment of Dak-Bungalow
