What are you looking for? A perfect weekend vacation away from the crowds to seek peace in the hill with view of Mt. Kanchanjungha? Kaffergaon, 5 hours drive from Siliguri, a perfect weekend destination with a view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. It is encircled with lofty snow-crowned mountains, dense green forests, and numerous rare flora and fauna. This is a worthy place to relax your mind and soul. There is only single homestay which needs to be pre-booked.
Our Story
It’s been almost 7 months, we were eagerly waiting when all the travel restrictions would be lifted but at the same time we were scared to go on a trip as covid-19 cases were rising daily. We started planning and got to know some places in North Bengal will allow travelers from 1st October. Another nomadic Madhurima, who is always ready for offbeat destinations, suddenly came up with a plan to visit Kaffergaon, an offbeat village in Kalimpong hills. She booked all the tickets along with 2 nights stay in Kaffer homestay.
Before starting our journey we were worried how we will keep ourselves and others safe in this difficult situation. We took the risk and tried our best to avoid touching mouth, eyes and nose, used mask and maintained social distance.
Our train was scheduled at 11 pm on 1st October from Sealdah Station and we reached before time as we had to follow some protocols set by Govt. At that time, it was the only train for NJP. It departed on time and reached NJP few minutes before the scheduled time. We had our morning tea at NJP station and started our journey towards Kaffergaon. After staying at home for around 7 months, when we hit the bending roads of mountains and Teesta by our side, our quarantined soul jumped with bundle of joy and I cannot describe the feeling with words. Our driver didn’t know about Kaffergaon, so he took quite a long time to reach there. The final 5kms after Loleygaon, the journey was through a dense forest. We were not sure we were going in the right direction and suddenly there was a homestay. We could easily recognize it from the pictures shared by Sunilji.
It was around 3.30 pm. Homestay owner Sunilji welcomed us with the usual enthusiasm but maintaining social distance. Our rooms were sanitized in-front of us. We were served with hot lunch and all our tiredness got vanished. We spent the evening in the lawn.
Best Time to Visit Kaffergaon:
Anytime throughout the year except monsoon. To get the clear view of Mt. Kanchenjungha, try to visit during winter.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1: Drive from NJP/Mal junction/Bagdogra airport to Kaffergaon. Overnight stay at Kaffer Homestay
- Day 2: 5 kms hiking through the jungle to reach Loleygaon, Roam around loleygaon, have some yummy momos, back to your homestay in the afternoon. Enjoy bonfire, Overnight stay at Kaffer Homestay.
- Day 3: After breakfast, leave for NJP, on the way you can visit Lava Monastary, Changey waterfall etc.
Where to Stay?
Kaffergaon can be your best destination with your loved ones. To Stay at Kaffer Homestay, cost will be Rs. 1500/day per person with including all meals. Advance booking of this homestay is preferable. To book this homestay you can check under Banzara Homes section.
Next day, early morning, we woke up to view our beloved Mt. Kanchanjungha but it was cloudy. We consoled our soul we will get another chance tomorrow. After a heavy breakfast, I was ready with my camera to capture some pre-wedding moments of Bidesh & Madhurima. As a photographer, I could say that this is a great place for pre-wedding shoot. The natural beauty of the place will create best memories a couple would think for. After few romantic shots, Bidesh suddenly realized there were leeches on the ground and his feet was already taken over by 3-4 leeches as he was not wearing covered shoe. We checked and found multiple leeches climbing over our shoes as well. Somehow Bidesh, Madhurima and another friend Sweta managed to get some beautiful snaps as I didn’t want to miss those great frames while clouds were passing through the dense forest. Earlier we planned to hike through the jungles and visit Loleygaon but the leeches ruined our plan and we returned back to the homestay. Though it was a hell lot of an experience.
We had our lunch and we took the village road to reach Loleygaon, it was almost 3 kms away from our Homestay. When we reached there, it was looking very mysterious with bunch of clouds. It was almost late afternoon. The nearby shopkeeper suggested us to take a cab and go back to our homestay as it would be dark real soon. But we decided to walk. Yes, it was indeed a quite adventurous journey in the dark. On the way, I lost my specs and tried to find it but after few minutes I realized that it would be wiser to go back to the homestay. We had a great dinner and the dinner hall was very nice. After dinner we spent some time on the bamboo bridge enjoying the night sky as it was our last night there.
Next day, we caught a glimpse of Mt. Kanchanjungha and tried to explain Sweta why it’s called Sleeping Buddha. Veg noodles was there in breakfast and we made our stomach full. We left the place at around 11 am to reach NJP. Our train was scheduled at 9 pm. We took a different route this time and the journey through the forests of Lava, Gorubathan and Lataguri was magical. Pine trees, lush green forest just after monsoon, clouds and sunlight playing hide and seek and the smell of fresh air. It was indeed a refreshing trip and a much needed break to the mountains after 7 months of lockdown in our homes due to pandemic. We will surely never forget the year 2020.
How to Reach?
To reach Siliguri, it is easily connected with flights and trains from different parts of India. Nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport and railway station is New Jalpaiguri Station. To reach Kaffergaon from NJP, private car is available to pick you up on early request. No share cab is available to reach there. It will take around 4-5 hours to reach there.
About the author :
Hi, I am Shubhrojyoti Laha, a professional photographer, travel blogger, a Banzara from my heart, very much passionate about traveling and trekking to less explored places.
Note: We always say everyone to travel responsibly and safely along with respect Nature and local cultures. Don’t leave your plastic wastage in the hills, leave only your footprints there. Save Nature, save animals, save our planet. So get out of your comfort zone, start to explore the new and be #banzaras.
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