Have you ever dreamed of visiting a place where you can witness the majestic beauty of nature, the rich diversity of wildlife, and the unique culture of a remote village? If yes, then lepchakha is the perfect destination for you. Lepchakha is a small hamlet located on the hilltop of the Buxa Tiger Reserve, near the Indo-Bhutan border.
It is often called the “Queen of Dooars” because of its stunning panoramic view of the 12 rivers flowing through the Dooars plains, which look like glistening snakes from the top. Lepchakha is also home to the Drukpa people, who are of Bhutanese origin and have a distinct culture and lifestyle. Lepchakha is an ideal place for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts who want to explore the offbeat and unspoiled beauty of North Bengal.
How to reach lepchakha
Lepchakha is not easily accessible by road or rail, which makes it more appealing for those who love to trek and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. The nearest town to lepchakha is Alipurduar, which is about 20 km away. You can reach Alipurduar by train from Kolkata, Siliguri, or New Jalpaiguri. From Alipurduar, you can take a car or a bus to Santalabari, which is the entry point of the Buxa Tiger Reserve.
From Santalabari, you have to trek for about 5 km through the dense forest of mixed-wet trees to reach Buxa fort, an important historical landmark and a popular tourist attraction. From Buxa fort, you have to trek for another 3 km uphill to reach lepchakha village. The trekking trail is full of scenic views, orange orchards, exotic birds, and colorful butterflies.
You will also pass by a border outpost of the security agencies, as lepchakha is very close to Bhutan. The total trekking distance from Santalabari to lepchakha is about 8 km, which can take 3 to 4 hours depending on your pace and stamina.
What to see in lepchakha
Lepchakha has many attractions to offer to its visitors, both natural and cultural. The main attraction of lepchakha is the hilltop, which offers a breathtaking view of the Buxa National Park and the Dooars region.
You can see the 12 rivers, namely Raidak, Jayanti, Churnia, Torsa, Kaljani, Sankosh, Diana, Nonai, Gheesh, Duduya, Jaldhaka, and Murti, flowing through the plains and creating a spectacular sight. You can also see the hills of Bhutan and the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga on a clear day. The hilltop is a perfect place to watch the sunrise and the sunset, and to feel the cool breeze and the fresh air.
Another attraction of lepchakha is the Drukpa culture, which is different from the Nepalese culture that dominates the lower hills. The Drukpa people are the original inhabitants of the place, who migrated from Bhutan centuries ago. They have their own language, religion, customs, and festivals.
They are very friendly and hospitable, and they welcome the tourists with open arms. They live in simple houses made of bamboo and wood, which have a unique architecture. They also have a community hall, where they perform their rituals and celebrations. You can interact with them and learn about their way of life, their beliefs, and their traditions.
Another attraction of lepchakha is the Buxa fort, which is a historical monument and a heritage site. The fort was built by the Bhutanese kings in the 17th century, and later used by the British as a prison for the freedom fighters during the Indian independence movement.
The fort is now in ruins, but it still has a lot of stories and memories to share. You can visit the fort and see the cells, the watchtowers, the cannons, and the museum. You can also pay your respects to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country.
Another attraction of lepchakha is the orange orchards, which are abundant in the area. The oranges are juicy and sweet, and they add a splash of color to the green landscape. You can pluck and taste the fresh oranges, or buy them from the local vendors.
You can also enjoy the fragrance and the beauty of the orange blossoms, which bloom in the winter season.
What to do in lepchakha
Lepchakha is a place where you can indulge in various activities that will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. Some of the activities that you can do in lepchakha are:
Birdwatching
Lepchakha is a paradise for bird lovers, as it is home to more than 300 species of birds, both resident and migratory. You can spot some rare and exotic birds, such as the hornbill, the peacock, the woodpecker, the kingfisher, the sunbird, the flycatcher, the parakeet, the eagle, and the vulture. You can also hear the melodious songs and calls of the birds, which will soothe your ears and mind.
Butterflying
Lepchakha is also a haven for butterfly enthusiasts, as it has more than 100 species of butterflies, which are colorful and beautiful. You can see some amazing varieties of butterflies, such as the blue tiger, the common rose, the red pierrot, the common mormon, the lime butterfly, the common emigrant, and the common jezebel. You can also admire the patterns and designs of their wings, which are like natural artworks.
Photography
Lepchakha is a photographer’s dream, as it has many picturesque spots and scenes that will capture your eyes and lens. You can take some stunning photos of the hilltop view, the Drukpa village, the Buxa fort, the orange orchards, the birds, the butterflies, and the people. You can also capture some candid moments and expressions, which will make your album more lively and personal.
Stargazing
Lepchakha is a place where you can gaze at the stars and the moon, which are bright and clear in the night sky. You can see the constellations, the planets, the satellites, and the shooting stars, which will fill you with wonder and awe. You can also make some wishes and hope that they come true.
Where to stay in lepchakha
Lepchakha does not have any hotels or resorts, but it has some homestays and forest rest houses, which are comfortable and affordable. The homestays are run by the local Drukpa families, who provide you with a cozy room, a clean bathroom, a delicious meal, and a warm hospitality. You can stay with them and experience their culture and lifestyle.
The forest rest houses are managed by the forest department, who provide you with a basic room, a shared bathroom, and a simple meal. You can stay with them and enjoy the nature and the wildlife. The homestays and the forest rest houses charge around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per person per night, which includes food and lodging.
Conclusion
Lepchakha is a hidden gem in the Dooars region of North Bengal, which offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. It is a place where you can witness the beauty of nature, the diversity of wildlife, and the culture of a remote village. It is a place where you can trek, birdwatch, butterflying, photograph, and stargaze. It is a place where you can relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones.
If you are looking for a destination that is offbeat, unspoiled, and enchanting, then lepchakha is the place for you. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and book your tickets, and get ready to explore the Queen of Dooars.
FAQs
The best time to visit lepchakha is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, the oranges are ripe, and the birds and butterflies are abundant
Some of the challenges of visiting lepchakha are the lack of road connectivity, the limited availability of public transport, the scarcity of modern amenities, the language barrier, and the possibility of wild animal encounters.
You can book a homestay or a forest rest house in lepchakha by contacting the local tour operators or the forest department, who can arrange your accommodation and guide you through the trek. You can also contact the Drukpa community directly, who can host you in their homes.
Some of the things to carry for visiting lepchakha are comfortable shoes, warm clothes, water bottles, snacks, torch, camera, binoculars, first-aid kit, and personal toiletries.
Some of the other places to visit near lepchakha are Jayanti, a picturesque river valley and a picnic spot; Rajabhatkhawa, a wildlife sanctuary and a museum; Chilapata, a dense forest and an elephant corridor; and Raimatang, a scenic village and a tea garden.
