Riverside · Jalpaiguri
Jhalong
A river village on the Bhutan frontier
Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India October to April
Location
Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India
Known for
Riverside Escapes · Bhutan Border
Best time
October to April, when skies are clear, forests are open and wildlife sightings peak.
Nearest airport
Bagdogra (IXB)
About Jhalong
Jhalong lies on the bank of the Jaldhaka, which here forms the boundary with Bhutan — you can stand on the Indian bank and look straight across at Bhutanese villages. The old Jaldhaka hydel project gives the settlement its shape, with a small barrage and quiet colony roads.
The valley is a birding hotspot, and the drive from Chalsa through Gairibas and Panbari forest is one of the most beautiful in the Dooars.
Why visit
- The Bhutan border literally across the river
- Riverside eco-huts run by the local community
- Ibisbill, forktails and other river-specialist birds
- Base for Bindu, Paren and Todey-Tangta
Things to do & experiences
Riverside birding walk
Jaldhaka barrage visit
Eco-hut stay
Drive to Bindu and the Bhutan gate
How to reach
By air
Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is the nearest airport, 2–4 hours by road depending on the destination.
By train
New Mal Junction (60 km).
By road
Via Chalsa and Gairibas on the Jaldhaka road.
Best time to visit
October to April, when skies are clear, forests are open and wildlife sightings peak.
