Pagla Jhora Waterfalls - A Flourishing Tourist Attraction in North Bengal
1001 Things·
Pagla Jhora Waterfalls is one of the flourishing tourist attractions in North Bengal. It is named so because the area encounters continuous landslides, especially during heavy rainfall. Despite being a shrinking zone, Pagla Jhora is home to several beautiful and undulating waterfalls, silver streams, lush flora, exotic birds, and tranquil surroundings.
Location and How to Get There
The nearest town to Pagla Jhora is Kurseong. Mahanadi and Ghayabari are the nearest inhabited places. The road that runs through Pagla Jhora is the famous Hill Cart Road. It is the main route that connects Darjeeling and Kurseong with Siliguri. Still, some parts of the route are extremely rough.
It is risky to take that route during the rainy seasons. Therefore, Rohini Road and Pankhabari Road were made as alternative routes due to landslides at Pagla Jhora. There is also a Toy Train track running through Pagla Jhora.
Discover the top 10 places to visit in Gangtok, from iconic monasteries and breathtaking viewpoints to vibrant markets and hidden gems. Whether you're a nature lover, adventure seeker, or first-time visitor, this guide covers everything you need for a memorable Gangtok trip.
There are two divisions of Pagla Jhora: Upper and Lower. There is also a slight difference between the climate of Upper and Lower Pagla Jhora. The upper region is a bit colder than the latter. Tourists can experience adventure by trekking to and fro from Lower Pagla Jhora to Upper Pagla Jhora. There is a small walkable road through the forest.
Flora and Fauna
Pagla Jhora offers optimum bliss to nature lovers and bird watchers. Owing to the huge influx of bird species in the area, Pagla Jhora has now become one of the favourite destinations for bird lovers. Wintertime draws pleasant weather in the region.
It is when a large number of bird species from the Himalayan range and plains migrate here. Birds like the Whiskered Yuhina, Golden Bush Robin, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Himalayan Bluetail, Rufous-bellied Niltava, and Little Niltava migrate here from the higher altitudes.
Additional bird species found here are the White-bellied Erpornis, Maroon Oriole, Pied Thrush, White-browed Shrike Babbler, Black-chinned Yuhina, Silver-eared Mesia, White-crested Laughing Thrush, Blue-winged Laughing Thrush, Striated Laughing Thrush, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Red-tailed Minla, Blue-winged Minla, and Kalij Pheasant. Some are residents, while others migrate from the plains and the high altitudes.
Other than the exotic birds, Sambar and Ghoral are also seen sometimes in the area. Recently, a continuous sighting of a leopard was reported by many. The beast was spotted mostly during the early morning hours and at night.
Why Visit There
Located amidst the natural verdure, the waterfall comes to its full glory during the monsoon season. Being the en-route spot via Siliguri to Darjeeling, the gorgeous Pagla Jhora Waterfalls obviously grab the attention of the by-passers and tourists travelling to the hills.
The place offers a picturesque backdrop for onlookers and wanderlust photographers. Pagla Jhora ideally serves as a refreshing sight and offers rejuvenation to travellers.
The place is one of its kind, catering to the extraordinary sight of waterfalls cascading amidst massive cliffs. For the peace-seeking soul, the place provides a great and soothing aura replenished by nature.
Pagla Jhora snuggles far away from the bustling township, deprived of standard hotel facilities. Homestays are, however, coming up in the area. Pagla Jhora is undoubtedly an ideal getaway destination for anyone who wishes to experience nature.
It is a perfect place for a soul aching to find an absolute break from the monotony.
At around 5,000 ft in the Mahananda wildlife sanctuary near Kurseong, Latpanchar is a birdwatcher's paradise — home to the Rufous-necked Hornbill and over 240 bird species, set amid serene hills, homestays, and panoramic views of the Teesta.
