 At
a distance of 82 km from Siliguri,
it takes about 3 hours to reach Samsing from Siliguri through
the most picturesque landscape. Situated at an elevation of
3000ft, Samsing is a nice cool shady place, ideal for nature
lovers. The journey to Samsing is a memorable one, as you
slowly ride uphill through the most picturesque Dooars
tea garden on the rolling hill slopes.
Suntalekhola is where many tourists stay
overnight. The place is about four kilometers further up the
road from Samsing. The road ends here close to a small stream
named Suntaley Khola (`Suntaley` = Orange and `Khola` = Stream).
There are WBFDC cottages and a bicameral bungalow.
Several trek routes originate from Suntale
Khola. The Neora Valley National
Park is adjacent to this place and most treks are organised
in the surrounding area of the NP. Trekkers can take a steep
ride to `Tree Fern Point` and `Mo` or `Mo Chaki` for a great
view of the Himalayas in one side and the plains of Dooars
in the other. The hills of Bhutan
and `Jelepla`, the pass connecting Tibet with India, can be
seen from here. The most fascinating and thrilling trek leads
to the untouched wilderness of Neora Valley National Park.
Special permission of the forest department is required in
order to organise this trek.
Next to Suntalekhola is the small picturesque
village of Faribasti. The village has about 30 households
and is very well maintained. Flower gardens are common in
almost all households. Some of the households have started
homestay for tourists with active support from naturebeyond.
 Another
attractive tourist spot is the `Rocky island nature resort`
on the banks of river Murti. This is about 2 km from Samsing.
The view of the river and surrounding forests are excellent
from Rocky Island but tourist services are very basis. Accommodation
is arranged in small Tents for overnight visitors. The owners
of this small resort are true nature lovers and have so far
resisted any attempt to commercialise this unique place. naturebeyond
is in regular touch with them and actively support their endeavour.
|
