Chatakpur

Chatakpur, a serene Hamlet ...

Chatakpur is a lovely village near Darjeeling that is away from the crowds. Kanchenjangha will greet you warmly. Chatakpur eco village is located 7 kilometers from Sonada, in the hill town of Darjeeling district, amidst the Senchal Reserve Forest, at an elevation of 7887 feet.

Chatakpur is a renowned tourist destination because it provides a panoramic view of snow-capped mountains, the Himalayan range, and a lush green forest of alpine trees. On a clear day, the Chatakpur view point offers a breathtaking view of the sunrise and Mt. Kanchenjunga.

If you’re looking for a laid-back, peaceful vacation, this is the place to go. With the lovely tranquil, yet mysterious forest of Senchal, spend your holiday days in the lap of nature. The view of Mt Kanchenjunga from this location is far superior to that of Tiger Hill.

You might get snowfall in January, which will be a pleasant surprise. From October to February is the best time to visit Chatakpur. Tourists, on the other hand, used to come to Chatakpur throughout the year.

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This small hill village is recognised for its beauty and tranquility. It is located in the Senchal forest region of the Eastern Himalayas, about 1 hour from Ghum, Darjeeling. It is completely unaffected by city life’s hustle and bustle. Nature is in charge here.

Chatakpur village is in a fantastic location, with stunning views of the mountains and forest. A short ascent uphill to the Chatakpur View Point rewards you with a spectacular view of Kanchenjunga.

You may sit on the verandah of each home for hours and take in the scenery. Forest treks can be done with the assistance of a guide. Locals’ friendly, humble, and gentlemanly attitude will make your journey even more pleasant and enjoyable. The beauty of the place is enhanced by the local people’s tranquil, easygoing, and pleasant personality.

Nothing but the chirping of birds and the strange sounds of animals may be heard. Other than wandering and relaxing in the lush forest around, there isn’t much to do. Up the hill is a dawn view point where you can admire the splendor of the morning over the Himalayan range. Unfortunately, because of cloud cover, you may miss it.

Chatakpur is the place to be if you enjoy peace, wildlife, and cold weather. After dusk, it gets really cold, so bring extra layers of warm clothing. In a word, this isn’t the place to go if you’re searching for luxury and indulgence. It’s a wonderful location for great views of the hills, though.

However, elderly persons should be concerned about oxygen shortage and should prepare a room warmer if traveling in December-January. During this time, there are also issues with flowing water, though the hotel staff helps as much as they can. You’ll be out of the world for 2 to 3 nights. Oh, and before Darjeeling town, there is no medical assistance and remember that mobile service is weak.

Rice, dal, vegetable, eggs for lunch, roti and chicken for dinner, and poori sabji for breakfast are all healthy and tasty options. Because of the remoteness of this location, there is just one small store at the bottom of the village, which is surrounded by the forest.

Finally, make an effort to interact with the locals. They’re all beautiful people with fascinating stories to tell. Sharing stories over drinks with them over an amazing bonfire on a cold night will be one of the best parts of your trip.

How to Reach Chatakpur ...

Book a taxi to Chatakpur from New Jalpaiguri station (NJP) or Bagdogra airport (IXB). Chatakpur is around 2 hours 25 minutes away through this 60-kilometer road.

The best approach is to take the Hill Cart Road or Rohini Road towards Kurseong, then continue up Hill Cart Road into Darjeeling, and then turn right at Sonada onto the Forest Office Road, which will eventually meet Chatakpur Road.

The route between Sonada and Chatakpur is 6 kilometers long, and it is in poor shape. Despite the fact that this road from Sonada runs through woodland, you will enjoy your adventure.

Another option to travel is, after passing through Kurseong on your trip to Darjeeling, follow the uphill road to the right at Dilaram, which leads to Bagora hamlet and then all the way to Chatakpur.

This route, on the other hand, is a rock road that is exceedingly difficult to navigate for small cars, thus heavy vehicles with considerable ground clearance are recommended.

Vehicles traveling from Darjeeling to Chatakpur normally travel up to Jorebunglow and then use the Old Military Road through the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary’s trees. This route finally comes to a crossroads with the Chatakpur Road. Distance from Jorebunglow to Chatakpur is roughly 14kms and can easily take over 1 hour. After Jorebunglow, the road conditions are poor, and you should travel in a large vehicle such as a Bolero. From Darjeeling town, it takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to get to Chatakpur.

Alternatively, you can travel down to Sonada, which is about a 50-minute drive from Darjeeling, and then up to Chatakpur.

The drive from Sonada to Chatakpur is bumpy and difficult, so keep that in mind if you go, you’ll be tossed all over the car. Also be informed that, It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk up to the homestays.

During the monsoon, between June to September the path from Jorebunglow through Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary is closed. You can normally take the other roads through Sonada or Bagora during such times.

Approx. Transport Fares:

Rs. 2,800/- for a reserved small taxi ride from NJP/Bagdogra to Chatakpur.
Rs. 2,400/- for a reserved small taxi ride from Darjeeling to Chatakpur.

You might want to consider keeping the vehicle with you overnight if you’re willing to pay extra night stay fees.

Where to Stay at Chatakpur ...

WBFDC Chatakpur eco resort

At the bottom of the village, there are forest bungalow eco-huts in the ground. The West Bengal government runs the Chatakpur Eco-Hut, which is a government resort. This used to be a major tourist destination.

The eco-huts must be reserved in advance because there are only four of them. The rooms are spacious, with 24-hour hot water and enough blankets to keep you warm and comfortable.

chatakpur homestay

Although the eco-huts at the village’s bottom have superior amenities, the homestays on the slopes enjoy spectacular views of Kanchenjunga. The homestays were located right below the viewing platform and had excellent views of the Kanchenjunga mountain from the rooms.

The homestays are affordable and come with lots of blankets and a header. The homestay authority acted politely and warmly, creating a fantastic atmosphere. The food is of excellent quality, and there is more than enough of it. These people work extremely hard to ensure that our vacation is a success.

Both food and accommodation are included as part of the package. They provide a lot of food. Breakfast is served in the morning, lunch is served in the afternoon, snacks are served in the evening, and dinner is served at night. The meals are quite delicious. They give a room heater when the temperature is too cold. Whatever you ask, the owner always greets you with a smile and a warm welcome.

Before making a reservation, make sure to check the weather forecast. You can also request that the owner reserve the vehicle in advance and obtain the permission. Chatakpur is closed to tourists between the 15th of June and the 15th of September because it is a forest region. During this time, travelers are not permitted to enter the jungle or visit Chatakpur.

Chatakpur Homestay List / Chatakpur Homestay price / chatakpur homestay contact number:

Entry Permission for Chatakpur...

Because Chatakpur is part of the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, there are fees associated with visiting the sanctuary. The Forest Department must grant authorization to enter the sanctuary.

Tourists entry fee:

120/- per day – per person (for indians)
500/- per day – per person (for foreigners)

Vehicle entry fee:

Rs. 400/- per vehicle

The forest department has given permission to Chatakpur homestays to arrange for permissions for guests who reserve advance. If you’re visiting with a tour company, they can also arrange your entry permission.

Weather at Chatakpur...

The weather in Chatakpur is generally cool and pleasant throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C.

The monsoon season in Chatakpur starts from June and lasts until September. During this time, the village experiences moderate to heavy rainfall, which can make the roads slippery and muddy. It’s recommended not to plan to visit Chatakpur during the monsoon season.

The winter months in Chatakpur are from December to February, and the temperature during this time can drop to around 5°C in the night. It’s recommended to carry warm clothing if you plan to visit Chatakpur during the winter months.

Overall, the weather in Chatakpur is pleasant and suitable for visitors throughout the year, except for the monsoon season, which may make travel difficult.

Itineary in Chatakpur...

A watch tower located 15 minutes walk from the village offers a magnificent view of the Himalayan Range. The watchtower also serves as Chatakpur’s sunrise point, allowing visitors to experience the spectacular phenomenon of the sun slowly rising above the horizon. From here, you can get a panoramic picture of the Kanchenjunga range. Kanchenjunga began to turn pink at 5:30 a.m. The pink turns reddish-golden as the day proceeds, and the snow-covered Kanchenjunga becomes fully visible.

A little pond (pokhri) is located about a kilometer away, deep within the dense forest, and is regarded as sacred by the villagers. Bird lovers can spend their time viewing birds, and if you visit this location, make sure you are guided by a local because the forested road may be confusing.

Tourists can also enjoy the spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga from nearby or see locals perform folk dances. Pick your vegetables from organic orchards, feed the animals, and even milk them.

The village is built on a hill and has just around 20 houses and a population of a hundred people. Around 15 homestays are dispersed across the village. Tourists are welcomed by the villagers, who are used to them. As a result, you may like to spend some time roaming around the village and conversing with the locals.

Best time to visit Chatakpur...

The best time to visit Chatakpur is generally around the months of October – November in autumn, December – January – February in winter, March – April in spring.

You can visit Chatakpur at any time of year except during the monsoon. Chatakpur is closed to tourists between the 15th of June and the 15th of September because it is a forest region. During this time, travelers are not permitted to enter the jungle or visit Chatakpur.

Chatakpur temperature...

The temperature in Chatakpur varies depending on the time of year. During the summer months of April to June, the temperature in Chatakpur ranges from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The weather is mild and pleasant, making it a popular time for tourists to visit.

In the monsoon season from July to September, Chatakpur receives heavy rainfall, and the temperature drops slightly to between 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F). The weather can be quite unpredictable during this time, and landslides are common in the area.

In the winter months of December to February, the temperature in Chatakpur can drop to as low as 0°C (32°F). The weather is cold and dry, and there may be occasional snowfall in the area.

Overall, Chatakpur has a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year, making it a great place to visit for nature lovers and those looking to escape the heat of the plains.

More Offbeat places near Chatakpur...

Tinchuley

An eco-friendly location with tea gardens, and a view of Mt. Kanchenjunga makes it an important Village tourist attractions around Darjeeling.

Sittong

It is a hamlet cluster in the midst of the orange-growing area of the Darjeeling hills. A haven for birdwatchers and adventurers.

Takdah

Takdah offers beautiful mountains and picturesque landscapes, tea gardens, the blooming orchids on the mountain slope.

Mahaldiram

Mahaldiram village has a spectacular view of Mount Kanchenjunga and the surrounding hills, which are covered in lush green tea gardens and orange groves.

FAQ about Chatakpur ...

Where is Chatakpur?

Chatakpur is a village near Darjeeling in West Bengal. Chatakpur eco village is located 7 kilometers from Sonada of Darjeeling district, amidst the Senchal Reserve Forest, at an height of 7887 feet.

What is famous about Chatakpur?

Which is the best time to visit Chatakpur?

You can visit Chatakpur at any time of year except during the monsoon. Chatakpur is closed to tourists between the 15th of June and the 15th of September

What is the best way to reach Chatakpur?

The nearest rail is New Jalpaiguri. This is well connected to most of the major cities in India. The Chatakpur village is approachable from Siliguri, nearly 65 km away, by car. The nearest airport is Bagdodara, near Siliguri. Cabs are easily available from Bagodara to Chatakpur.

What are the things to do in Chatakpur?

Tourists can also enjoy the spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga from nearby or see locals perform folk dances. Pick your vegetables from organic orchards, feed the animals, and even milk them. Bird lovers can spend their time viewing birds.

Best Staying arrangements in Chatakpur?

How much does a package cost for Chatakpur?

The packages for Chatakpur start at INR 12000 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations.