Latpanchar (An untapped tourist spot)

Latpanchar perhaps tops the list of hidden and unseen destinations in North Bengal Hills. Latpanchar is one of those destinations which still lie untapped. A hidden and unseen destination in the north Bengal hills situated in the lower Darjeeling hills in Kurseong sub-division, Latpanchar is the highest point in Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary at 4200ft.

Known for its old quinine plantations the place holds enormous wealth of natural forests. The beauty of Latpanchar lies mostly on its lush green virgin forests covering the undulating slopes of hills. These untouched forests are the natural home for many rare species of mountain goat (serow), wild boars, tigers, leopards, jungle cats, gaurs, and different kinds of deer, porcupines, civets, monitor lizards and snakes.

Another attraction of Latpanchar is the spacious forest bungalow in the middle of the wilds. The cozy wooden structure with large windows and balcony brings the outdoor wilderness right inside your bedroom. The more adventurous travelers can spend night in tents pitched around the bungalows. Wake up to the call of a wild fowl, or to the alarm cry of a deer.

Latpanchar is also popular for the bird lovers and jungle trekkers. Several short treks originate from here leading to some treacherous terrain through the deep forest covers. The most important trekking trail goes up to Gulma peak - an unexplored hilltop in the Sanctuary and other down to Sevok following a rather difficult stream through the virgin wilderness. From Latpanchar one can also trek to Namthing Lake, one of the very few places left in Himalayas that houses Salamander, a rear and endemic reptile of the region.

Accessibility:

Latpanchar can be reached from Siliguri with a 2 hrs drive covering 48kms via Kalijhora on NH31 A.

Places to visit:

Snow capped peaks of Kanchenjunga range can be seen from here. One can also see the Tista River, Kalimpong hill area, Algara, Lava, Tode, Tangda and the plains of Terai. The best part of visit to Latpanchar is that you can enjoy the beauty of the hill without having to jostle among tourist crowd.

The lake of Namthing - Situated at an altitude of 4250 ft above sea level, the beautiful lake is the natural habitat for a number of rare species. Namthing Lake is only the second place in the region where you can see the Himalayan Salamander in the wild, the only other place being Jorpokhri.

Latkothi - about 4 km from Latpanchar. The mountain road through the Cinchona, Sal, Teak & Pine trees reaches here to disclose the wonder of nature. You can spend a day in this place or may further visit the Kuhi area with special permit from the forest department. Colorful butterflies and birds will welcome you to the region.

Sansari Dara - This is the viewpoint from where you can watch the sunrise over the Himalayas.

Hotel accommodation in Latpanchar:
Being a small place there is not much option of good hotels in Latpanchar. However the government maintained Forest Bungalow spread over a hill slop overlooking the vast forest canopy of Mahananda Sanctuary far below is the best place offering cozy and comfortable stay.

A small privet hotel 'Himalayan Resorts' offers few rooms with basic facilities.

Accommodation is also available in Himalayan Nature resort.

My suggestion is that, you may book your hotel and tickets through internet. Because it is easier and now this type of hotels advertisement is available into any travailing site. Just click them and book your room.

Train Running Information from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri
Just click at below link:~

http://www.trainenquiry.com/PassingThroughTrains_Display.aspx?sel_val=NCB+&queryDisplay=NEW+JALPAIGURI%2c+NJP+&time=24&name=&code