Scenic Beauty of Lava, Lolegaon, Rishop and Kalimpong.

The Himalayas had created a natural border for North-east India with its diverse natural landscape. The entire district of Darjeeling has proximity to the cross-border geographical features of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, etc., having similar features like the hilly district of West Bengal.

Rishop is situated at around 8500 ft above sea level. Rishop till date had not developed into a tourist site due to lack of electricity and other modern amenities in the region. The roads are at a rudimentary stage which makes the life of travelers miserable. Generally Savories, Omnis and Gypsies are the only vehicles which can ply on the road. The only hotel of any standard facilities includes Sonar Bangla. Due to lack of electricity, visitors cannot expect heaters in their rooms or hot water facilities. Hot waters are provided only for 1 or 2 hours with buckets. But in spite of the lack of civic amenities if the viewers can get a clear sky, they can see Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest from Sonar Bangla itself or Tiffindara. December and January are unbearable for the visitors as temperature below 0C.

Lava is situated at 7200 ft. Therefore the temperature is within bearable limits. Lava Monastery is the most notable site in the region. Sculptures of Buddha and every place and the colorful bells form one of the most eventful sites of the place. Lava Glass Factory is within the vicinity. There is an Ecological Training Centre in the vicinity but on Thursdays they are closed.

Lolegaon is probably the most sought for travel destinations in the entire area. It is situated at an altitude of 5500 ft. The Neora Valley Forest is the best attraction. Among rhododendron trees and other alpine vegetation cardamom trees can be seen at random. Although the region produces huge amount of ginger, ginger trees are not visible in the region. At one time pandas, deer were visible in Neora valley, most of these animals do not appear before the people during the day.

West Bengal Forest Development Corporation’s Bungalows form a view which can be equated with Switzerland. The residencies are titled with the names of trees like birches, hemlocks, orchid 1, 2, 3, etc. The cottages and their surrounding grass at a standard altitude show a picturesque landscape. But again the cottages are not well maintained. Carpets should be restored, doors and windows painted and maintained. Lastly the employees within the region should be guided to brief the visitors about the travel destinations within the region. It is almost of village full of Lepcha, bhutias and hilly tribes.