Who doesn’t dream of a lazy holiday, gazing at the mountains and streams, and sipping hot coffee? Nothing can be better than a vacation in the misty green hills away from the busy city life. If you want to experience the beauty of the mountains, you can visit Rishi Khola, a scenic river valley in Kalimpong.
It is named after the Rishi River, which flows through the valley and forms the border between West Bengal and Sikkim.
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Rishi Khola is a popular destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and bird watchers.
In this article, you will get to know the following points about Rishi Khola,
Let’s see each of these points in detail.
How to reach Rishi Khola
| New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Rishi Khola distance | 100 kilometers |
| Siliguri Bus Stand to Rishi Khola distance | 96 kilometers |
| Kalimpong to Rishi Khola distance | 43 kilometers |
Rishi Khola is situated at the border of West Bengal and Sikkim.
To reach this place from NJP or Siliguri, you can take a shared jeep to Kalimpong and then take another shared jeep to Rishi Khola via Pedong. The distance from Kalimpong to Rishi Khola is about 36 km.
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You can hire a direct cab from NJP or Siliguri to Rishi Khola via Rongpo in Sikkim. The distance from NJP to Rishi Khola is about 105 km. The journey may take around 3 to 4 hours depending on the traffic and road conditions.
The natural beauty of Rishi Khola
Rishi Khola is a paradise of nature, where the green forests, the sparkling River Rishi, and the snow-capped mountains create stunning scenery. You will be greeted by the cheerful songs of countless birds and the breathtaking views of the peaks every morning when you wake up.
The quaint valley, nestled at an altitude of 2000 ft on the banks of River Riehi, offers a variety of natural splendors. You can explore places like the famous “The Silk Route”, a lovely picnic spot, and a camping site along the serene River Reshi.
At this place, you can swim in the clear water and feel refreshed. You can stay in tents and admire the starry sky and the moonlight. You can have fun with barbeque and bonfires in the chilly weather and make some unforgettable memories.
Some other activities you can do here include, trekking short routes, and rock climbing. You can also discover some exotic birds like Rocket-tailed Drongo, mighty crested Seroeant eagle, Great Barbet, Green Magpie, Scarlet Minivet, etc. This place is also ideal for honeymooners who want to enjoy some romantic moments.
You can relax on the river bank and soak in the natural beauty.
Things to do in Rishi Khola
There are a lot of things to do in Rishi Khola.
- Relax in the greenery and the soothing environment.
- Arrange bonfires and barbeques with your group.
- Stay in tents to experience nature at night and witness its beauty.
- Capture beautiful shots of sunrise and sunsets over the mountains.
- Click selfies with your group.
- Spot and photograph several Himalayan birds.
- Trek and climb to the highlands to have a captivating view of the surrounding.
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Best time to visit Rishi Khola
The best time to visit Rishi Khola is between January to July, especially during the month of April. April and May are the best known time for birdwatching in the area. During this time, you can also escape the heat of the plains and have a pleasant time here.
Places to stay in Rishi Khola
There are many places to stay in Rishi Khola, ranging from resorts, farmhouses, cottages, and camps. Some of the recommended ones include Rishikhola Tibet RW Home Stay, Rissia Nature Camp, Rishi River Cottage, etc.
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You can also check out other options available on Airbnb or North Bengal Tourism for a comfortable stay within your budget in Rishikhola.
Other attractions near Rishi Khola
There are various attractions that you can visit from Rishikhola. Some of the include,
| Attractions | Distance from Rishikhola |
|---|---|
| Kanan Valley | 15 kilometers |
| Sangchen Dorjee Monastery | 17 kilometers |
| Aritar | 16 kilometers |
| Ramitay View Point | 24 kilometers |
If you want, you can also cover the Sikkim Silk Route tour from Rishikhola.
Rishi Khola is a hidden gem in the Himalayas that offers you a unique and memorable experience. Escaping to this serene destination in Kalimpong means some beautiful days away from the daily stress of phone calls, Group meetings, and the hassles of getting ready early for work.
This place will make you fall in love with nature and yourself. You can hear the soothing sounds of the Himalayan Birds singing and the river flowing. You will feel relaxed and refreshed in this paradise.
All these factors make Rishi Khola a perfect destination for your next getaway!
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