Set at 2,195 metres just 30 km from Kalimpong, Lava is one of the district's most visited hill villages — the gateway to Neora Valley National Park, rich in Himalayan flora, fauna, and birdlife, and one of the few places in West Bengal to see snowfall.
Anyone who knows of Kalimpong knows of Lava, a small village situated 30 kilometres from Kalimpong. The place is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the district.
It is mostly known for the natural beauty it possesses. The flora and fauna in the area attract adventure lovers and nature explorers, welcoming hikers, trekkers, and birdwatchers. The scenic beauty here is out of the ordinary, along with fresh air to breathe.
Another main attraction of the area is the undisturbed views of the neighbouring hills and Himalayas. One can access a pure view of Lava from various towns in Sikkim (such as Mamring, Machong, Linkey, Parkha, and Pakyong), situated at an elevation of 2,195 m (7,200 ft).
Wildlife and Flora
Lava is also the entrance to the famed Neora Valley National Park, which was established in 1986. This attracts more visitors and adds to the natural beauty of the place. The area around is filled with lush greenery, famous as picnic spots. In 2015, a Royal Bengal Tiger was spotted here and captured on camera.
Plunging 400 feet through lush greenery just 14 km from Lava, Changey Waterfalls is one of Kalimpong's most serene hideaways — a birdwatcher's delight wrapped in tranquillity, reached by a scenic drive and a short forest walk.
Megitar is a small yet enchanting tourist spot in the Samalbong region of Bijanbari, Darjeeling — nestled at 6,500 feet amid mystical cloud cover, panoramic Himalayan views, and rich opportunities for birdwatching, trekking, and organic farm stays.
Other animals found in this place are the Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard, Wild Boar, Red Panda, and Barking Deer. There is also an immense diversity of flora in Lava, from tropical deciduous plants to wet alpine trees such as pine, fir, and birch.
Birdwatching
A paradise for birdwatchers, Lava is home to birds such as the Rufous-throated Partridge, Satyr Tragopan, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Bay Woodpecker, and Golden-throated Barbet, among many others.
Lava Climate
The weather in Lava is usually chilly. During the summer season, the temperature in this area can rise up to a maximum of 30°C. In the winter season, the temperature can drop down to a minimum of 0°C. During the winter, Lava gets snowfall, making it one of the few places in West Bengal to get snow.
How to Reach
The nearest airport to Lava is Bagdogra Airport, and the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. Both the airport and the railway station are located near Siliguri, one of the biggest cities in West Bengal.
From Siliguri, Lava can be easily reached via road through various routes. The most opted route is Siliguri to Kalimpong (at a distance of 67.3 km), which takes approximately two and a half hours.
Another option is Siliguri to Gorubathan to Kalimpong. It takes two hours to drive from Siliguri to Gorubathan. From Gorubathan, it takes an additional hour and a half to reach Kalimpong by car. Lava is 30 km away from Kalimpong, which adds another hour-and-a-half hilly drive to reach the destination.
The whole drive is filled with changing scenes as one drives from the plains of Siliguri towards the hills. The scenic change becomes more intense as one arrives near the destination, with changes in the forestation.
Sites to Visit Near Lava
Lava also acts as a junction to various other tourist attractions in Kalimpong.
Lava Monastery
Established by the Third Kongtrul Rinpoche Karma Lodro Chokyi Senge, Lava Monastery sits on one of the hills of Lava. It is no less than an architectural marvel at a hilltop. It is a minute's drive and a 3-minute walk away.
Neora Valley National Park
It is one of the wealthiest and most diverse biological zones, bordered on one side by Sikkim and Bhutan on the other. The park, which spreads over a region of about 88 sq km, is famed for its rich flora and fauna and is home to some of the endangered species. Located at a distance of 4 km from Lava, it is not far — a 14-minute drive.
Changey Waterfalls
The pristine Changey Waterfalls fall from a height of 400 ft and are one of the major attractions near Lava. This serene hideaway surrounded by greenery is located just 14 kilometres away from Lava and takes half an hour to reach by car.
Hanging Bridge / Canopy Walkway
It is a footbridge over the vast canopy of trees on either side and extends over 180 metres. A one-of-a-kind bridge, it gives a unique walkthrough experience in the forest. Located in Lolegaon, this bridge is at a distance of 50 km from Lava, which means a drive of two hours.
Rachela Pass
Rachela Pass is a famous trekking route known for the scenic beauty of magnolias, rhododendrons, and bamboo trees. It is 12 km away from Lava, but the drive through steep hill roadways takes almost 3-4 hours to reach the destination.
Set in the Gorubathan Block of Kalimpong district, Jhandi is a misty hilltop village revered for its glorious sunrise and sunset views, panoramic vistas of Mount Kanchenjunga and the Nathula Range, rich wildlife, and welcoming homestays.
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