Dooars Ecoviillege: Lepchajagat an Offbeat Destination for Nature Lovers and Honeymooners

Lepchajagat literally means the world of the Lepcha. It is not a national park or a wildlife sanctuary. This part of North Bengal used to belong to the Lepcha tribe and was bought from them and turned into a reserve forest.

Lepchajagat is an offbeat destination in the district of Darjeeling in West Bengal. It lies on the road connecting Darjeeling (19 km) with Mirik. Located on a hill slope covered with rhododendron and oaks forests, Lepchajagat offers a rich diversity of nature. It is a place for those who enjoy serenity and calmness far from madding crowds, hotels, markets of popular hill stations. The town of Darjeeling is visible from this place and an illuminated Darjeeling in the night makes an eye-catching view.

The view of Kanchenjunga turning red during sunrise is unforgettable. Watch the sun slowly come out and as soon as the crimson rays fell on the Kanchendzonga range, the magic begins. For the next 30 minutes or so will be your turn to get mesmerized by the amazing beauty of the mighty Himalayas. Slowly the snow peaks turn from pink to orange to gold and then the whole range come out in its dazzling white attire. The Kanchendzonga, Kabru, Kumbhakarna all are tantalizingly close, looking ethereal against a clear blue sky. No matter how many times you have watched this spectacle, this always comes up with an unprecedented beauty.

Places of attractions around Lepchajagat

Darjeeling Town (22kms) is not very far from here. As a result a tourists staying at Lepchajagat can undertake all the sightseeing and other activities as someone staying in the main town.

Ghoom (12kms) away can be reached in about half an hour. One can visit Ghoom monastery and also go to Tiger hill from here.

Jorepokhri Salamandar Project (6 Kms) is very close to Lepchajagat. You can visit the lake which is home to Himalayan Salamandar, a rare species of Reptile.

Mirik is a picturesque tourist spot nestled in the serene hills of Darjeeling district in West Bengal, India. The name Mirik comes from the Lepcha words Mir-Yok meaning "place burnt by fire". Mirik (30 Kms) is about an hours drive.

Maneybhanjan (15 Kms.) on the Indo-Nepal boarder is the base for treks to Sandakphu and is about 45 minutes drive.

Best time to Visit Lepchajagat

Lepchajagat attains sub-zero temperature during winters and is not recommended for a tourist visit during this time of the year. During March, Lepchajagat has pleasant climate along with variety of newly blossomed rhododendrons and can be best visited by taking up holiday tours from Kolkata.

How to Reach Here

Lepchajagat is well connected with cities of Siliguri and Darjeeling by road. Tourists can come here after taking a train for Siliguri or a flight to Bagdogra. Beyond that, one can take a bus or a shared jeep to reach Ghoom from where a car can be booked for Lepchajagat. The car ride is an eight hour journey through rocks, snow and beautiful flora. A running jeep going to Mirik can also be hired to alternatively reach Lepchajagat.