During the monsoons, nature thrives in the hilly terrain of north Bengal. Different shades of green adorn the emerald foliage and agricultural fields and new water bodies spring to life. Kalimpong dominates the waterfall game as the blue-sky veils itself with white clouds, signifying the onset of the downpour season. Heavy rainfall animates streams that develop into cascades falling vertically from the edges of cliffs as if it were being poured from a giant bucket. The falls feed into the river or sometimes forms a small pool, adding to nature’s divinity. From a distance, the resplendent waterfalls look tranquil against the wrinkled face of the mountain, but as one moves up-close, it gushes as if to say that water is in a hurry to reach the bottom!
Some of the best sounds are made by water- as Ruskin Bond claims in ‘a book of simple living’.
The beauty of waterscapes is amplified by the picturesque scenery of the dense forests around it, an abode of niche flora and fauna. The sound of bubbling streams, buzzing of insects and cries of frogs, chirping of birds, the breath of fresh air on your face, walk along winding paths and fragrance of the verdure further invigorates the senses, thus one can savour and get a slice of nature. Like an ornament, these impressive waterfalls enhance the beauty of the landscape- attracting enthusiastic people who want to engulf themselves in a tranquil experience.
If you want to satiate your hunger for trekking or photography, it is recommended that you visit these falls during the monsoons.
No matter how wet one gets with water, it never dampens the spirit!
CHANGEY FALLS
Located short of 14kms from Lava, Changey falls boasts of being one of the highest falls in North Bengal. The road to Changey falls cuts through Neora Valley- a major water source for Kalimpong town- laden with lush green vegetation on both sides, especially pine trees that are over two centuries old. Since the valley is one of the richest biological zones that falls under the jurisdiction of National Parks, the road is unpaved so as to maintain the natural habitat of the local fauna. Before you reach Changey, one can pitstop in Kholakham village, where one can spend a few days exploring local life of the villagers. Besides the view of the falls, the blissfulness of the atmosphere is enhanced with the chirp of birds like Blue Whistling Thrust, Verditer Flycatcher, White Capped Water Redstart among many others.
The sight of Changey Falls is mesmerising as it looks like strips of white cloth falling against the green vegetation in the background.
CHITREY FALLS
Anyone travelling enroute to Kalimpong or Sikkim from the plains can never miss Chitrey falls, located in Mangber forest before the road bifurcates in Chitrey. The sight of the falls is prominent due to its location, and how can one miss the gushing sound of the falls that crashes into boulders before feeding into the Teesta river ? Although the falls can be seen through the seasons, the volume of water increases during the monsoons. One of the prominent features of Chitrey falls is that it cascades in three tiers.
TEESTA FALLS
The falls derives its name from the river Teesta. Like Chitrey falls, Teesta falls feeds into the river Teesta. This falls is located at the tip of the Teesta bridge in the bend, before one drives uphill towards Chitrey. The sight of the falls is striking as it gushes out from a large boulder into few cascades. The vegetation around and under the falls makes the entire view picturesque. The falls has no direct road accessibility, so one can trek uphill to get a closer view of the falls.
SERVANG FALLS
Servang falls is the centrepiece of Lingsey Village and one the highest falls in the area. One cannot miss the falls during a visit to Lingsey- located in the border of Rhenock (Sikkim) and Bengal. It is one of the major tourist attractions. Lingsey is gaining prominence in the recent years in terms of rural eco-tourism. The village is located 52 kms from Kalimpong and 24kms from Pedong.
DHOKSING FALLS
Located in between Lingsey, Samsing and Jhusing, Dhoksing falls from a height of 100 ft. into three tiers. Three parallels of cascading water collects in Reshi river, one of the main tributaries of Teesta. Due to unmotorable road, one has to hike to the falls. Besides the view of the falls, one can take a dip in the shallow pool.
JUGA FALLS
Juga ("Leech" in english) waterfall in Pemling village, under Neembong gram panchayat, Kalimpong block II is a picturesque fall which flows with full vitality and robustness. There are two routes to get there, one via Singi and the other via Loleygaon. Juga stream flows through the dense forest which eventually joins the Rion River.
DUKKA FALLS
Dukka waterfall is a seasonal waterfall located at a tiny village called Dukka, which falls under Kagay Gram Panchayat, Kalimpong Block II. During the monsoon season it flows with its full vigour which simultaneously loses its robustness during the summers. There are two routes to this waterfall; one via Tendrabong village and the other via Dukka Village. Both these villages are approximately 10kms. from Algarah town.
The rhythmic soothing sound of the waterfall and the breathtaking view of the surrounding flora and fauna is something that you would not want to miss. This waterfall flows down the hill crossing the lush green agricultural lands which eventually joins the Mudung river, famous for it's recreational activities like swimming and fishing.
BARBOT FALLS
Hidden amidst the dense Toksang forest, Barbot waterfall cascades through the remote village of Barbot under Pabringtar Gram Panchayat, Kalimpong block II. This waterfall is enthralling in every aspect which makes it a perfect adventurous getaway. An hour long hike from Barbot village, the cascades has attracted many tourists in the recent years.
SEERKHOLA FALLS
A short hike of 30 minutes from Ambiok busty leads you to Seerkhola waterfall, which is the most sought after site in that area. Ambiok busty is a tiny village along the lava road leading towards Gurubathan under Kalimpong block II. The cascading waterfall gives an impression of a human figure which makes it all the more attractive. Also, Ambiok busty is one of the few places in Kalimpong district famous for it’s tea plantation.
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Beautifully worded and compiled.. Didnt know we had so many beautiful waterfalls right here in our home state. ✨