Chatakpur is one of the viewpoints of Darjeeling, North Bengal. Offbeat places are getting popular nowadays. Chatakpur is one such place. A lot of birds can be seen here. If the weather is clear, Kanchenjunga is sure shot to be seen from here. This is also a hilly village, the main work of the people here is Homestay.
The road from Sonada to Chatakpur is quite bumpy. But the journey can be enjoyed if you see the surrounding scenery. The travel of these tourists to Chatakpur started only 10-12 years ago. Before that, the residents of the area were living only by farming and animal husbandry
In the darkness of the night, the lights of the village below will look like Thousands of “Jonaki” There is no shortage of hospitality in the mountains.
How To Reach Chatakpur West Bengal
Chatakpur to Darjeeling distance is about 20.8Β km via NH110. Lepchajagat to Chatakpur distance approx. 22km. But after crossing the check post of Senchal Forest, the 7 KM road is a jungle safari road, the car will move slowly here so it will take time to approximately 50 min.
Go up to Sonada from NJP by shared Taxi. NJP to Sonada Shared cab fare 250/- per head then Sonada to Chatakpur approx fare 1000/-. The way to Chatakpur is risky enough. Don’t go in a Small car. From NJP direct Chatakpur car rental will be around 3500/- by road 60 km distance. in monsoon season the road from Jorebunglow through Senchal Forest is closed. You have to take another road through Sonada or Bagora at this time
Chatakpur Height
Chatakpur is a popular village at the height or altitude of 7800 ft and located in the Senchal forest area
Entry Fee Chatakpur Darjeeling
Entry fees per person at Chatakpur are Rs. 120/- for Indians and 500/- for foreigners and per Car Rs.400/-. Homestays can arrange permissions when you book any homestay by providing your valid ID proof
Caution: Small Car is not permissible on this road.
Chatakpur Homestay List
Some popular Home Stays are here:
1. Akriti Homestay β Barsha Rai (9933104230), Bikash Rai (9531628290)
2. Chatakpur Resort (West Bengal Forest Development Corporation, Govt. of West Bengal) – https://wbfdc.net/
3. Sunrise Homestay β 81169 69563 / 70478 00613
4. Premhomestay, Chatakpur: +918900312186
5. Yang Homestay: 083482 25307
6. Norbu Homestay: 089003 11554 / 9609722353. It’s a 3-4 mins walk to the watchtower from here. You can see the Kanchenjunga from the room
7. Roman Homestay: 9002720129
Most of the Homestays in Chatakpur are Tidy, clean rooms. Normally Homestay cost of food and lodging Per Head is Rs. 1500/- Per Day. Food quality and hospitality are very good here like own home. Breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner are included.
WBFDC Chatakpur Eco Resort
Chatakpur Eco Huts are run by Govt. of West Bengal. These Eco-huts are to be booked in advance and are very cozy stay. But views from these huts are not as homestays in the upper Chatakpur
Weather At Chatakpur
Chatakpur has a pleasant climate all over the year, temperature remains between 8 degrees C and 19 degrees C. There is a lot of rainfall at the end of summer, and in the winter it is quite dry again.
The monsoon in Chatakpur begins in June and ends in September. Roads become slippery and chances of landslides. Not recommended to visit this time.
The winter in Chatakpur starts from December to February and the temperature falls to 5 degrees C. So it is advised to carry warm clothes during this time.
Does Chatakpur have snowfall?
you can see in the video, If you are lucky you can have snowfall here
Activity in Chatakpur
Try to reach Chatakpur at least by noon. Then take lunch and after that explore the small village, and go up a little to View Point. The entire Kanchenjunga range can be seen from the front balcony
Leave the Kali Pokhri for the next morning, because going there after 4 pm is not permissible, as there is a fear of wild animals. You can go 7 km hiking from Chatakpur to Sonada. This will surely enrich your experience. But avoid Moonson
Chatakpur in Winter
December to February are winter here. temperature can drop to 5 degrees Celsius. Must carry heavy warm clothes
Chatakpur Sightseeing
- Chatakpur Village: A small but beautiful hill village
2. View Point: A 180-degree view of Kanchenjunga can be seen from here
3. Kanchenjunga: This is the main attraction here
4. Forest Bungalow: Old bungalow, can be booked via govt site
5. Pine Forest: The beautiful straight pine forest is one of the attractions. The sanctuary is full of pine, birch, and juniper and it is spread across 39 sq km at 7800 ft altitude. Varies types of birds, peacocks, deer, black bears, and cheetahs live here
6. Kalipokhri: “Pokhri” means “Pond”, water is blackish so the name. The locality is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. The place is beautiful and quiet. There is a stone that is shaped somewhat like a snake. That is their mother Mansa. You can sit in silence for a long time. Wild animals can be seen. But they probably prefer hidden ties.
Travel Tips for Chatakpur:
- If you are planning to go to Chatakpur, first book your homestay, then tell them to pick you up from NJP. If you try to book a cab from NJP it may cost a higher
- Chatakpur has only 28 families and 28 homestays. The population is below a hundred
- The owner of each homestay will try their best. Avoid Chatakpur in monsoon as Road condition becomes the worst
- The road towards Kalipokhri is very adventurous, don’t miss it. Here you can listen to the call of the forest
- Take the forest department’s permission before entering the village. They will take 120/- per head and 400/- per car (excluding the driver). To feel the thrill come walking through a forest. Distance is 6-7 km
- Try to book at upper Chatakpur as the lower Chatakpur view is not good
Conclusion
A picturesque village Chatakpur is located in Kurseong, Darjeeling. It is within Sinchal Sanctuary at an altitude of 7788 ft. Around this village, there is deep greenery and various birds and more over Kanchenjungha. So Let’s plan for it. Happy Journey.
π ΅π °π About Chatakpur
Q. 1 Which is higher Darjeeling or Chatakpur?
Ans: Chatakpur is one of the highest villages in Darjeeling at 7800 ft
Q.2: Can we see snowfall in Darjeeling?
Ans: Yes. You can see snowfall. But this is a rare case in Darjeeling. But chances are high in December and January
Q.3: What is Chatakpur famous for?
Ans: Chatakpur is famous for its green pine forest, viewpoint, Kalipokhri, and pleasant weather throughout the year
Q.4: Which is the best season to visit Chatakpur?
Ans: Avoid monsoon season, otherwise Chatakpur can be traveled throughout the year
Q.5: Is Chatakpur worth visiting?
Ans: Yes. Chatakpur is a wonderful offbeat village in Darjeeling. The best time to view Kanchenjungha is from October to January
Q.6: How is Chatakpur?
Ans: Chatakpur is a small village in Darjeeling. It is famous for watching birds in forests
Q.7: How much is a taxi from Darjeeling to Chatakpur?
Ans: Depending on the demand It Is around Rs 3000/- 3500/-
North Bengal's offbeat magic is my muse. I find adventure in whispering waterfalls, vibrant village life, and breathtaking Himalayan vistas. Join me as I delve deeper, seeking stories and experiences beyond the mainstream, from Darjeeling's tea havens to the unexplored corners of this incredible region