A Guest post:
Dear readers, this brilliant display of landscapes is clicked by Mainak Das, who is one of my favorite photographers. Here is how he introduces himself:
Hello, I am Mainak Das, apart from working in PSU, I am very enthusiastic about bird watching (apart from the usual kinds the real ones) & photography. This serious hobby makes me to explore many off beat Himalayan destinations. I do like travelling and enjoying the nature as well. All landscape photographs has been taken at Ahal Dara, which is a small hilltop near Latpanchar which is small hamlet outside of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary in Darjeeling District, West Bengal ).
Ahaldara is a hilltop situated 5 kms away from Latpanchar with an exotic 360 degree view. Ahaldara is famous for its breathtaking view of sunrise and snow-capped Kanchenjunga peaks. On a clear sunny day the Gangtok, Kalimpong, Algara, Bagora, Tincture hills are visible from Ahaldara. From the Hilltop the picturesque view of the lower ridges of lush green mountain slopes covered by Cinchona, teak, pine and Sal trees with river Teesta flowing beside make you feel heavenly. Surrounded by lush green mountains and a view to die for. Peace and serenity reigns everywhere . Enthusiasts can trek to Ahaldara which will take 2 hours to reach there though the route can be traveled by jeep also.
How to reach Latpanchar: Latpanchar is 41 kilometers from the heart of Siliguri. It is located at the height of 4,500 ft from sea level. It is at a distance of 13 kilometers from Kalijhora. There is no bus service on the route to Latpanchar. However, car service to the place is available in Siliguri. The nearest rail station of Latpanchar is New Jalpaiguri. You have to take NH 31A and reach Sevoke just 22 km away. From Sevoke, you have to reach Kalijhora 5 km away and then take left turn by leaving NH 31A. After driving for next 13 km and you would reach Latpanchar.
Best time to visit Latpanchar: The suitable time to visit Latpanchar is between October and April. During this time, Latpanchar remains pleasant and at its best.
Pictures courtesy : Mainak Das
Information & editing courtesy: Mohua Roy.
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Awesome travelogue and the pictures are really breathtaking. I didn’t have any idea that our state, West Bengal, has this kind of beauty. Thank you for revealing this enigma!
You are welcome Subham. There is more to come.