This blog about Gorubathan pulls you closer to nature and offbeat elements. The topic covers diverse details about the same. Such as history, interesting places, activities, accommodations, etc. The subject covered about the topic is enlisted below. Scroll further below to read the elaborated information.
1. Gorubathan – Etched In Natural Splendor With a Bit Of Rustic
2. A Flashback To It’s History
3. Top Attractions In Gorubathan – Here’s What You Shouldn’t Miss
i. The Ruins of Dalim Fort
ii. Chyakung Dara, Lungshel
iii. Dalim Tar
iv. Gorubathan Tar
v. Chel River
vi. The Buddhist Stupa
4. Things To Do In Gorubathan: Best Tips For Spending An Ideal Vacation
i. Ditch The Hotels For Village Homestays
ii. Explore The Historical Ruins
iii. Trek & Explore Quaint Villages
iv. Indulge in Leisurely Activities:
5. Hotels & Homestays In Gorubathan – An Insight About Finding An Accommodation
6. Getting There? How To Reach Gorubathan From NJP
Gorubathan – Etched In Natural Splendor With a Bit Of Rustic
Based at an altitude of 417 meters, Gorubathan is a tiny town in the district of Kalimpong. This quaint region rests on the eastern of River Neora. Gorubathan is endowed with the stunning landscape, hilly slopes, forests, river, and verdant tea gardens. The natural splendor and the blend of rustic elements make it one of the ideal getaway destination. So, if you’re tired of your urban lifestyle, you can get access to this prompt and ideally pleasant weekend destination. Gorubathan is locally known as “Sombarey”. It gets it’s name from the weekly village market(opens every Monday). The word “Sombarey” comes from Nepali term “ Sombar” meaning – Monday. And hence, the name!
The region is detached by Jaldhaka River. It has it’s neighboring region standing at it’s eastern side. Sikkim lies on the northern side. While the western side is enclosed by the densely forested range of Rachela and Kalimpong Block I&II, the southern side lies the vast plains of Jalpaiguri District. The town serves as the instant weekend escapade from the bustling aura of Siliguri. It takes a 50 km drive from Gorubathan to reach the second largest city of Northeast.
Gorubathan is well known for rustic appeal. This little town has a host of other attractions at close proximity. Anyone looking for an offbeat element or a taste of extraordinary can plan a prompt weekend getaway to Gorubathan. The place experiences three distinct seasons. Summer, monsoon, and winter. The summer season begins from the month of March and lasts till June. The temperature ranges between 25 Degree Celsius to 35 Degree Celsius. The monsoon starts from July and lasts till September. The region experiences heavy rainfall during this time. Winter starts from November and remains till February. Winter season stands as the ideal season to visit the region. It’s during this time that temperature drops to 2 Degree Celsius. The locals indulge in traditional farming activities. The crops like beetle nuts, tea, black cardamom, ginger, plantain, and other seasonal fruits and vegetables are cultivated.
A Flashback To It’s History
Tracing back its origin, the place has a unique history of it’s own. The land was reigned by the Lepcha Kings. The last Lepcha king to rule the land was Pano Gyeboo Aachyok. He was born and raised in Chyakhung Dara, Lungsysol in Gorubathan. The ruins of Dalim fort, which is known to have been build by Pano Gyeboo Achyok exists till date on the hilltop at Dalim Busty. The place is declared as a heritage site by the Government of West Bengal.
The word ‘Gorubathan’ is a Nepali word meaning ‘the herd of oxen’. (Goru means Ox and Bathan means Herd). The origin of the name is still uncertain. Assumptions state that in former times, the vast open stretch of pastures and the common practice of cattle rearing in the region inspired the name. Some even affirm that in earlier times, the Bhutanese herdsmen used to supply Ox in bulk from Bhutan to Kalimpong. The lush plain pastures served as the ideal en route. Hence, they used to stop by the banks of the Chel River for a day and proceed their journey after. Their herd used to graze in the rich pastures and drink from Chel. Thus, the place obtained it’s named form this steady practice.
Top Attractions In Gorubathan – Here’s What You Shouldn’t Miss
Gorubathan is emerging as a popular center for tourism. The place sustains an infinite potential for Eco-Tourism, as it has a plethora of natural resources. Such as virgin forests with abundant flora and faunas, organic tea gardens, medicinal plantations, streams or river, etc. There are a good number of tourist attractions under Gorubathan. A short trip to the place will help you unwind your urban stress and monotony. So, here’s what you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Gorubathan.
i. The Ruins of Dalim Fort :
The place and the ruins stand as sole historical evidence of the former days. The Bhutanese army was defeated by the British in 1865 at Dalim Fort, which was their last outpost. The ruins of the fort exist till date. It serves as a major tourist attraction in Gorubathan.
ii. Chyakung Dara, Lungshel :
Another place with historical significance. Chyakung Dara at Lungshel is deemed as the birthplace of the legendary and the last Lepcha King, Pano Gyabo Aachyok. This scenic village sustains a rich culture and heritage.The Lepchas have inhabited the village since time immemorial..
iii. Dalim Tar :
Dalim Tar is a unique, beautiful tableland that stands 6kms from Gorubathan. There are endless prospects for thriving tourism in this place. Such as- village homestays, sunrise & sunset points, organic farms, etc. The table-like landscape ensures adventure activities like paragliding, hiking, camping, etc.
iv. Gorubathan Tar :
Gorubathan Tar is located on a tiny flat-surfaced hillock, a little secluded from the main market of Gorubathan. The Tar stands at an approx distance of 2km overlooking the entire stretch of the town. Due to its elevated surface, the place provides views of both sunrise and sunset.
v. Chel River :
The crystal clear waters, the uncluttered river beds, the natural splendor along the riverside attracts the visitors almost throughout the year. The river originating from the far-flung and elevated region of luxuriant Rachela Hills adds more to the appeal of the place. Located at the close proximity from the main town, the beautiful riverside of Chel ideally serves as the major picnic spot in Gorubathan.
vi. The Buddhist Stupa :
Where on earth would you not be intrigued by Buddhist stupas or Chotens? The colorful prayer flags fluttering in the tunes of the winds and the Chorten standing still for another infinity will certainly make you forget your distress. Gorubathan, of course, has a good number of reasons to nourish your peace-seeking mind and soul.
Things To Do In Gorubathan: Best Tips For Spending An Ideal Vacation
Many of us craft a proper plan before we actually set out of our home. Gorubathan offers an exotic alternative for spending the vacation. Be it swimming in the river, or cycling your way through the farthest corner of the town, reading underneath the tree sheds to exploring the organic farms, you will never find an excuse to meet the monotony. So, here’s a brief idea regarding what you should do here. You can create your own activities as per your inclination or interest!
i. Ditch The Hotels For Village Homestays:
How long you’ve searched for the warmth of a home even when – you’re far away from your own comfort zone? Well, it’s hard to find that warmth even when you’re getting access to the best hospitality services rendered by a hotel. So, why not ditch this implied formalities and embrace the warmth of the homestays that brings a real feeling of belongingness?
ii. Explore The Historical Ruins:
If shopping can buy you temporary happiness, unfolding the untold myths and witnessing the history can intrigue you for a lifetime! The historical ruins of Dalim Fort carry a history of it’s own. Discover the long forlorn history of the legendary Lepcha King and the essence and truth about the oldest tribes in the world! A visit to the legendary ruins of Dalim Fort is worth the time, curiosity, and energy.
iii. Trek & Explore Quaint Villages:
Does this mad rush of the cities drive you claustrophobic? Discover your peace amid the rustic charm and tranquil villages. Let yourself swept away by the offbeat aura. Trod on the traffic-free roads. Saunter amid the organic tea- gardens, underneath the tallest and overshadowing beetle nut trees. Witness the sunset underneath the orange skies.
iv. Indulge in Leisurely Activities:
Whether you’d like to go for a picnic, angling, swimming in the river, Chel River caters to your every quest. The charming and serene aura of greeneries and the slightly elevated surface around the river creates an ideal reason to make you fall in love with it’s every element. You can even indulge in arts and crafts activities, pottery making sessions, gardening, volunteering, etc. These activities certainly will help you release dopamine and eventually kill the stress. Whether you’re a solo traveler, group, or traveling with the kids, these activities can excite every age group.
Hotels & Homestays In Gorubathan – An Insight About Finding An Accommodation
If you prefer the star properties, you won’t be getting one in Gorubathan. There is a Forest Department Bungalow that provides a comfortable stay with dining facilities. Gorubathan, however, has a fair number of homestays. Gorubathan homestay ideally pulls you closer with the country life, the locals, their culture, and their way of life. The ideal place to stay during your vacation includes –
Yaawaa’s Homestay, Casero Kolakham
Getting There? How To Reach Gorubathan From NJP
NJP is the nearest and the only Railway Station from the town. To reach Gorubathan from NJP, you need to travel a distance of approx. 64.2 km via Gajol Doba Route. You can cover the mentioned distance with a smooth drive of about 1 hour and 40 minutes. You can hire a car from NJP. Shared vehicles like – Private buses, Taxi, North Bengal State Transport Corporation Buses are available every day.
Also Read: Jaldapara National Park, Dooars
