MADE IN HEAVEN !

In West Bengal when we talk about hills we mainly understand Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Lava, Lolegaon and some other but after that by the word "hills" we understand Sikkim. But, the case is slightly different. In Bengal only there are many small areas which are not so much explored by tourists or haven't come to limelight. From a point of view of a tourists Darjeeling or Kalimpong offers more but simply as a beautiful place these are perfect. These are the ones which we call 'offbeat' areas though they cannot hold this title for long after tourists start invading them.

One of these is a place named Chuikhim. Basically, it's a village away from the main crowd. The place is developing as a tourist spot. So, it's better to visit in the developing stage than when developed. Once tourists starts crowding, a village takes less time than a bullet train to convert itself into a town. Chuikhim is a perfect place to rest away from urbanization. As internet connection will be very poor there will be no disturbance from social media or from calls. You can just rest and watch Kanchenjunga. Students who are overburdened with expectations, workers who always have a tension about their boss and office can definitely find solace in this place. 

CHUIKHIM VILLAGE

From Bagdogra airport or Siliguri railway station you can either hire a direct car or can explore Kalimpong for a day by a break journey. October-November is the best time to visit as after that landslides start taking place and many roads get blocked. This was experienced by us and the 2-3 hours journey was completed in 5-6 hours. 

Chuikhim is just a small village in the hills with only 260 families. So, there is no hotels or resorts to stay. But, the families have converted their residence into homestays to provide the tourist accommodation. The homestay in which we stayed was named MAINA MANTAREY HOMESTAY. Besides, being at a beautiful location with a clear view of Kanchenjunga from the bedroom the main thing for which we would like to visit again is the hospitality of the owner. He was so friendly that it seemed like he also came for a tour with us. In the evening he took us for a walk and made arrangements for a bonfire in which he too joined.

KANCHENJUNGA VIEW FROM CHUIKHIM

If you are foodie you have to restrict yourself here. Every item is not available here and has to be brought from the mainland. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in your booking package as there is no scope to eat outside the village. Fishes are rarely available. If you go on changing your mind it would be a stress on your purse. But the homestay owner do try to serve yo the best meal available. So, food will not be a problem to worry about.

If you go here with the mindset to see many historical palaces, forts, memorials etc. then it's completely wrong. The place doesn't have these sort of things. You can take a walk in the village and explore the birds and vegetation. Many unnamed  streams flows by whose side you can just sit and the time will flow. In this context let me tell that there's a river known as Leesh Chu that cuts through a place named Yelbong very near to Chuikhim. A natural cave is formed on the river which hasn't been explored till the end. Visitors are allowed upto a certain distance inside the cave. You all might have seen "THE JUNGLE BOOK". Also might have heard about tarzans. Let me tell you that a man stays in Chukhim up on the hills and lives the life of a tarzan. He lives in a jungle covered area in a tent. Eats fruits from plants and uses plant leaves and medicines. Our homestay owner took us to the place but unfortunately the man that time wasn't present in the tent. In the morning you have to be an early riser to watch the sunrise. If you once catch a view of it then this would be worthy of the struggle you had to do to rise early. In the morning there is option to trek the nearby areas like Lolegaon, Samtahar etc.

     
                                                RIVER LEESH CHU                                

You might not be able to imagine the beauty of the place in my words. But once you visit you will realize the beauty of the place. You will feel of revisiting whenever there will be excessive pressure or when you want to escape from urbanization.

THANK YOU!😊

HRISHIT BHATTACHARYA