Chatakpur: A heaven on Earth in Darjeeling
Chatakpur located at an altitude of 7887 feet, is the Eco Village in the Sinchal Wildlife Sanctuary. A secluded place, 360 ° panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan range, surrounded by lush green alpine forest. If the mountain offbeat place is on the list of favorites, you can visit this place once.
Until a few years ago, no tourists used to come to this village. Its inhabitants used to earn their livelihood through organic farming, but at the initiative of the Forest Department, eco-village tourism has been created in this place.
There are 20 families in total and the total population of this village is not more than 100.
Chatakpur is located just opposite Tiger Hill. The village is located at a high altitude so it is cold all year round. If the sky is clear the view of Mount Kanchenjunga from here is amazing.
How to reach Chatakpur
The distance is about 70 km from Bagdogra to Chatakpur, 65 km from Njp station, 23 km from Darjeeling city, 18 km from Ghoom.
If you want to go to Chatakpur from NJP or Bagdogra, you come to Sonada first via Kurseong road. Chatakpur is located at a distance of only 7 km from Sonada.
Another route to reach here is via Dilaram to Bagora Village and then Bagora to Chatakpur.
And those who want to go to Chatakpur from Darjeeling must first come to Jorebungalow, then from Jorebungalow take the Old Military Road vai 3rd mile and enter the Sanchal Wildlife Sanctuary. This road is connected with Chatakpur. The distance from Jorebungalow to Chatakpur is 15 kilometers.
However, you can visit Chatakpur after booking the car because no bus, auto, a taxi will come here directly. sumo, jeep, bolero these cars are recommended, it takes about 3 – 4 thousand rupees.
Some people go to Sonada or Jorebungalow by share car and from there they reach Chatakpur by private car. This way the cost of the car fare is less for the budget traveler.
Best Time to Visit
You can come to Chatakpur at any time of the year, but if you want to see the best view of the Himalayan range, it is mid-October to December (when the sky is clear) will come.
Nearest place to visit
Darjeeling is only 20 kilometers distance from Chatakpur you can easily visit.
Ghoom is located just 17 kilometers away from Chatakpur.
Picture Perfect Village Dawaipani is just 28 kilometers away from Chatakpur.
From here you can visit Sonada, a beautiful village located just 7 kilometers away.
Ahaldara is a very popular place located only 35 kilometers away from here.
The most famous destination is Kurseong, which is only 21 kilometers away.
What to Do (Activities)
Visit viewpoint (Watchtower)– The main viewpoint of Chatakpur is the Watch Tower. This tower is located at the top of the village. From here you can see Kanchenjunga and Sunrise very well.
Village Walk-You can explore this beautiful village on foot. Can explore organic farming and the lifestyle and culture of this village.
Bird Watching-Due to its location in the Wildlife Sanctuary, many species of birds live here. So it is a paradise for bird lovers.
Trekking-Those who like trekking can reach Chatakpur by trekking through Sinchal Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kaliphokhri visit (Lake)-There is a lake here that is considered very sacred by the local people here and it is known as Kaliphokri. It is located at Lower Chatakpur. To get here you have to do some trekking through the deep forest.
Entry fee of Chatakpur
As it is located in the Wildlife Century, permission has to be obtained from the Forest Department. Entry is allowed from the check post before entering Chatakpur.
The villagers have been authorized by the Forest Department to collect the required entry fee from the tourists and submit it to the Forest Department office.
The entry fee is Rs.120 per person per day for Indian tourists and Rs.500 per person per day for foreign tourists. And the vehicle entry fee is Rs.400.
Ideal Duration
1 to 2 Days
Average Temperature
The average low temperature in winter is 0 to 5 degrees Celsius and the average high temperature in summer is 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
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Important Travel Tips
Try to stay at Upper Chatakpur for a better view.
Must-Visit Kalipokhokri and Watchtower.
The road here is very bad. So there is a recommendation to bring a car with good ground clearance.
Chatakpur is surrounded by dense jungle to be located in the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary. So there is a chance to have wild animals there so be a little careful.