Sillery Gaon (Kalimpong) - 6 Points You Must Know About

Sillery Gaon is a sleepy village surrounded by lush green hills and astounding nature. It is situated in the district of Kalimpong in West Bengal, at an altitude of 1828 meters or about 6000 ft. The views of the Kanchenjunga make this hamlet an ideal destination for peace and relaxation.

Sillery is derived from the word “Sillery Green,” an edible green once harvested and sold in this area. The place is also known for the Cinchona plantations. The Britishers introduced it for sourcing quinine to treat Malaria.

The hamlet showcases treasures of natural beauty that seem surreal. Dense pine forests enhance the scenic beauty of the place. This site is also a perfect melting pot of nature and culture. Much more is there for you to explore.

In this article, you will get to know the following points about Sillery Gaon,

How to reach
Natural attractions
Things to do
Attractions
Best time to visit
Places to stay

Let’s see each of these points in detail.

How to reach Sillery Gaon

NJP to Sillery Gaon distance	91 kilometers
Siliguri to Sillery Gaon distance	88 kilometers
Kalimpong to Sillery Gaon distance	25 kilometers

You can take a shared taxi or a private car from NJP towards Pedong. Sillery Gaon is approximately 30 minutes away from Pedong.

Sillery Gaon is 25 km from Kalimpong and it will take over an hour by car. From Kalimpong, you can reach Algarah and then take a turn towards the Pedong Rishi Road. A narrow gravel path diverges uphill from Pedong to Sillery Gaon.

Shared taxis or jeeps operate between Kalimpong and Pedong too, from where you can easily reach Sillery Gaon.

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Natural attractions in Sillery Gaon

Often called the ‘New Darjeeling’, Sillery Gaon is described by its natural ambiance. The exotic place captivates travelers and tourists and instantly makes them fall in love. The engulfing serenity, awe-striking panoramic views, and other factors make Sillery Gaon one of a kind.

Dense pine forests, lush green hills, and the Himalayan peaks at a distance create an alluring scene. Wild flowers around the grounds and cotton clouds dot the clear blue sky. The scenes are just like a fantasy world. Calming vibes are created by the harmonious chirping of the birds together with the sound of the cool breezing.

There is bliss in the air. The fragrance of the mountains fills the nostrils. The river Reshi meanders through, beside the village, creating a scenic landscape. The terrain is startlingly beautiful and changes as the evening sets in.

The transitioning shades of dark colors appear and the darkness rolls in. The sky gets planted with millions of glittery stars; the hills surrounding the places also show a few shimmery lights that look like stars in the dark.

Everything is simply magical in Sillery Gaon.

Things to do in Sillery Gaon

Tons of activities are awaiting, that you can be involved in while at Sillery Gaon. Some of them are:

Indulge in the freshness of the place and breathe in the mountainous air.
Trek up to Ramitey Dara. Witness the vista of River Teesta from the top, the Himalayan range being the backdrop.
Damsang Fort is another point of interest that needs exploration. It dates back to the year 1690 and is quite important for the region.
To discover the spiritual heritage, there is the Pedong Monastery. It is an ancient monastery that stands tall with all its beauty.
Be in the monastery and feel the spiritual aura along with the stillness.
The hamlet is also an ideal spot for bird watching. Capture all the colorful creatures sitting and flying in the wild. A huge variety can be spotted in the lush forests.
Venture through the local area. Look at the slow and simple life of the people there.
Sit somewhere by the nature; lose yourself in the charismatic ambiance and revitalize the soul and mind.
Enjoy the local flavors. The traditional dishes will win your heart. The culinary heritage reflects the richness of the region.
Speak with the locals and learn about the village, its heritage, people, and several other things.
Spend time with friends and loved ones.
Delve through the silence of the place which whispers all the secrets of the mountains.

Attractions in and around Sillery Gaon

There are many places to visit in and around Sillery Gaon that you can explore during your trip.

Ramitey Dara View Point is a spectacular viewpoint in Sillery Gaon.

Damsang is an ancient fort that is close to Sillery Gaon. It was built in 1690 by the Lepcha Rulers. Today, only the architectural ruins of the fort can be seen in this village.

Don’t forget to carry binoculars and a camera to click outstanding pics.

The Hanuman Top, Silent Valley, CrossHill, and Ramuitey are some other tourist attractions here.

However, if you are going on a 4-5 day trip, you must also visit other places with overflowing scenic beauties such as Aritar, Rishi Khola, Pedong, Zuluk, Deolo Hills, and Durpin Dara Hills.

Best time to visit Sillery Gaon

The best time to visit Sillery Gaon is during the spring season. It starts from the end of February and lasts till April. This is the time when you can enjoy the blooming wildflowers, hydrangeas, and rhododendrons. The air during this time is a bit chilly but way too soothing.

Next is the Summer Season. It starts in May and lasts till June. The sky remains clear and the weather is pleasant during this time. This is another ideal time when you can Sillery Gaon. The atmosphere remains clear and therefore the views are excellent.

Autumn to winter is another time perfect for traveling. These are from October and last till February. Autumn comes with a different color and captivates every soul there. Fallen leaves, autumn trees, and the fragrance all together transform the place into something mystical. Winters are chilly and cold. The ambiance remains crystal clear environment. This is also the season when you will get to witness a different landscape.

Explorations and escapades will be possible in all the seasons apart from the monsoon times. However, if you love the rain, fog, and mist along with the clouds, this is your time. Many people avoid this season. But enjoying the rain while sipping on some hot tea is a different kind of bliss. Monsoon starts in July and lasts till September.

Places to stay in Sillery Gaon

In Sillery Gaon, there are several homestays where you can choose to stay. They are well-managed and provide you with comfortable staying options and other basic amenities.

The owners and the local community are very helpful too. You may also get to know about the local culture.

Some of the popular Homestays in Sillery Gaon, like the Nirmala Village Resort, Humro Home Sillery Gaon, and La Nature Sillery Gaon, have deluxe rooms and the homestay offers a wonderful view of the lush greeneries around. The Tibet Home Stay and Haven Valley Homestay are also good places to stay.

Most homestays will provide you with local homemade food for lunch and dinner along with yummy snacks like pakoras and momos.

Sometimes transportation for local sightseeing and pick and drop are also arranged by these homestays.

Well, the place can give you memories for a lifetime! What do you think of this? Book the homestays of choice and travel to this surreal destination.

Sillery Gaon has way too many things and fun experiences to offer. The beautiful ambiance will be perfect to set the camera for a ton of pictures.

Walk through, explore, and discover nature from a whole new end. Look at each frame while graving the joyous bits from them.

Other places to visit in West Bengal

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