NAMTHING LAKE
Namthing Pokhri is a natural Lake in Latpanchar, Selpu Khasmahal, West Bengal, India. The Lake is situated at an altitude of 4000ft and is few distances from Ahal Dara, which is another popular viewpoint in Latpanchar.
Latpanchar is a mesmerizing mirror of natural beauty covered with forests and Cinconha Plantation. It is the highest point in the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary with fabulous views of Teesta River. The place is not plagued by pollution and ravaged by human activities. The dark, deep forest adds to the mystery of the place. The air remains heavy with overwhelming fragrance of flowers through all seasons. The major attractions here include treks through Mahananda WLS, visit to sunrise point just 3 kms away and discovering the natural habitat of the endangered Himalayan Salamander.
From New Jalpaiguri (NJP), Latpanchar Green View Homestay is at a distance of about 47kms and takes about one and half hours by car. Even during the peak tourist season in Darjeeling, you will hardly find any tourists here, giving you all the peace and tranquility that you are looking for along with bounty full of nature.You can choose to walk or take a jeep. Once in the sanctuary, it will take about 2 hrs of walk to explore. Many come here to relax and experience the rich bird life along with the scenic beauty around the hamlet. However since it has not yet been developed as a proper tourist place, there are limited facilities and accommodations for tourists. Most private lodgings are home stays that offer simple rooms with basic amenities, but touching hospitality with care.
AHAL DARA
The main attraction in Latpanchar for Tourists and Solo Travelers and even for Trekkers is Ahal Dara. Ahal Dara also known as the Sunset and Sunrise Point gives a gorgeous and magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga. Tourists come from all the parts of the country to relish the 360-degree view of the surrounding hills ranging from Kalimpong to Gangtok and the mighty Kanchenjunga from Ahal Dara. Different species of birds and butterflies can be viewed from Ahal Dara.
STEEL BRIDGE JOGIGHAT
A new steel bridge has been constructed here joining Sittong and Mungpoo. The total expense for the bridge is about 7 crore 28 lakh rupees. It is 74 meter long and 5 meter wide.
SENCHAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
It provides habitat for barking deer, wild boar, Himalayan black bear, Indian leopard, jungle cat, rhesus monkey, Assam macaque, and Himalayan flying squirrel. The sanctuary is also rich in bird life. The two Senchal lakes supply drinking water to the town of Darjeeling.
SITTONG
Sittong is slowly gaining popularity among tourists who look for getaways a little differently and in more secluded locations. Sittong is famous for its orange orchards. What we know as world-famous Darjeeling Oranges, are mainly produced in Sittong only.
MAHANANDA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary has more than 300 species of plants. Due to the difference in height, the flora of the sanctuary mainly varies from dense mixed forest to riverside forest. The Forest of the Mahananda Sanctuary is a multipurpose forest. Elevation and forest species contribute to the existence of a large number of species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Surrounded by the two rivers and mountains, the view of the overall Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is breathtaking.
MUNGPOO
Mungpoo is about 25 Km from Darjeeling and 54 Km from Siliguri.Situated between 3,500-4000ft, Mungpo is well known for its cinchona and medicinal plant cultivation. Although Kanchenjunga is not visible from here, the place has a quiet charm of its own which attracted Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore, who came and lived here on many occasions. The house in which he lived now serves as a museum, where some of his personal effects are preserved.