Forest · Jalpaiguri
Suntalekhola
The orange stream village
Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India October to April
Location
Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India
Known for
Hill Villages · Forests & Sanctuaries
Best time
October to April, when skies are clear, forests are open and wildlife sightings peak.
Nearest airport
Bagdogra (IXB)
About Suntalekhola
Suntalekhola — literally the stream of oranges — is a tiny hamlet at about 900 m reached by crossing a hanging bridge over a mountain stream. Forest department cottages and a handful of homestays sit among orange trees and cardamom on the boundary of Neora Valley National Park.
There is almost nothing to do here except walk, listen to birds and watch cloud move through the valley, which is precisely the point.
Why visit
- Hanging bridge entry and complete quiet
- Neora Valley National Park trailheads
- Rich Himalayan birdlife and butterflies
- Cool, misty weather through most of the year
Things to do & experiences
Forest trek towards Mouchuki
Birdwatching at dawn
Orange orchard walk
Stay in a forest department cottage
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 (45 km).
By road
Via Chalsa, Samsing and Rocky Island.
Best time to visit
October to April, when skies are clear, forests are open and wildlife sightings peak.
