Algarah: Hidden Gem In Kalimpong

Algrah is a small hill village in Kalimpong, full of natural beauty. You can sit quietly and enjoy the sound of nature. This Algara is right between Lava and Kalimpong. It is 15 km Away from Kalimpong, 90 km away from Bagdogra Airport, and 96 km away from Njp Rail Station. To reach here you have to pass the Coronation Bridge along Sevak Road and Lava

The main inhabitants here are Gorkhas and Nepalis. They are dependent on agriculture in the hills.

Where is Algarah?

It is located in Kalimpong district, West Bengal. For ease of your journey, you may follow the provided Google Map:

How to Reach:

By Air:

The nearest airport is Pakyong and Bagdogra. Kolkata to Bagdogra time by air is approx 1.5 hr. Then book a cab to Kalimpong.

By Train:

The nearest rail station is New Mal Junction and New Jalpaiguri. Reach there from any station and book a cab or shared taxi to reach Algarah within 4 hr

By Road:

On reaching New Jalpaiguri, you will get different types of cars. You can book that car and come to Algara. It falls between Bagrakot and Gangtok alternatively, you can book a shared taxi or bus at a relatively lower price. The Teesta River will fall on the road. Algorah Kalimpong is 15 km away, Pedong is 7 km away, and Lava is 16 km away.

After crossing the Teesta, the road splits into two parts, one going to Gangtok and the other going to Kalimpong. You will find Odlabari, Dumdrim, Duars Forest, and Garu Bathan on the way. Leaving Duars Hill will gradually come forward. On the way, you will find Papar Kheti. It is a picnic spot. You will reach in three and a half to four hours. fro NJP station.

Where to Stay in Algarah?

PHE Bungalow:

The best place to stay here is Alagra P.H.E. Bungalow. These PHE bungalows are spread in different parts of West Bengal. The characteristic of these bungalow rooms is that they do not have any room numbers instead they are named after different local mountains or rivers. The location of P.H.E bungalows is very unique. This bungalow is in the forest away from the locality. The booking of this bungalow is done from the head office in Kolkata.

Huge and beautiful rooms are here. Room names like Rali, and Thukchu. The views of the mountains and nature from the room are impeccable. The reservoir can be seen from above. From this reservoir water is supplied to Kalimpong town. Rainwater from the mountains accumulates in this reservoir. Former President Pranab Mukherjee laid its foundation stone in 2008. Water is purified before being supplied. You can see the distant mountain ranges from here if the sky is clear.

There are no shops nearby for food and drink in the bungalow. You can roam wherever you want in this peaceful bungalow.

Homestays:

Algara Bazar has many homestays and guest houses., Lama House Algarah, Newahang homestay, 20 miles of rishi road ,kalimpong. Golay Homestay. Tariff here starts from 1250/- to 1400/- per day per head basis. This includes flooding and lodging.

What to See Around:

If you stand and talk between the mountains and forests around this PHE reservoir, you will hear the echo of those words. This government bungalow is with this open ground reservoir. From the balcony of the forest bungalow, you can see the rows of pines in the distance.

The bungalow has a beautiful flower garden. The garden has many camellia flowers and trees. You will see hybrid tea and rose plants. Al-Ghara Bazaar can be seen from the upper PHE bungalow

• Algarah Sun Set Point:

Sunset Point is located 10 minutes away on a hilltop

• Damsang Fort:

Damsang Fort is a historical fort. It was built around 300 years ago by Lepcha King Achuk at a distance of around 5 km. The stones were bought from the nearest river Reshi. It was destroyed in 1864 during the Bhutan War.

• Alagarah Bazar:

All types of vegetables and fruits are available here. Also, there are many homestays and guest houses here

Best Time of Visit:

Algara can be visited at any time during the year excluding Monsoon season. Summer is very pleasant. View are the best in the Winter season. In January temperature drops below 5 degrees. So It is extremely cold at this time.

• Do we have snowfall in Algarah?

Algarah has witnessed Snowfall in 5.2.2022 in recent times. So there is the possibility of snowfall in winter times, especially in January and February

Activities and Attractions around Algarah:

This is the place for bird watchers and nature lovers’ paradise. It is at a height of 5800 m. Algarah offers many activities to tourists

Nearest Offbeat Places:

• Git Dubling:

Very untouched place. Nature is pure here. Good mountain view spot

• Rikisum:

This place is 4 km away from Algarah. Sunrise is very beautiful from here.

• Santook:

This is also another offbeat place in Darjeeling, popular for its majestic view of the Himalayas

Bird Watching:

This place is rich in a variety of birds. Some of them are listed below:

• Himalayan Bulbul
• Gray-winged Blackbird
• Eurasian Tree Sparrow
• Banded Bay Cuckoo
• Gray Bushchat
• Rock Pigeon
• Oriental Turtle-Dove
• Barred Cuckoo-Dove
• Wedge-tailed Green-Pigeon

Trekking:

Tourists can involve themselves in different trekking activities here. You can take guides from local people or homestay owners.

Silk Route Trip:

The Silk Route can be easily traveled from here

Conclusion

Alagarh referred to as ‘New Darjeeling” is a new offbeat place in the lap of the Himalayas that offers tourists it unique stunning view of Kanchenjungha. Algarah provides a variety of experiences. Main attractions include Jhandidara, Tenderbong Village, Sample Dara, Algarah Sunset Point, Water Reservoir, Damsang Fort, Rikisum, and Ramdhura, each offering a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty and historical significance.

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