Gorubathan - An Ideal Hideout For Dealing With The Urban Strain
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Gorubathan - Etched In Natural Splendor With a Bit Of Rustic
Based at an altitude of 417 metres, Gorubathan is a tiny town in the district of Kalimpong. This quaint region rests on the eastern side of the River Neora and is endowed with stunning landscapes, hilly slopes, forests, rivers, and verdant tea gardens. The natural splendour and the blend of rustic elements make it one of the ideal getaway destinations, so if you're tired of your urban lifestyle, you can access this prompt and pleasant weekend escape. Gorubathan is locally known as 'Sombarey', a name it gets from the weekly village market that opens every Monday — the word comes from the Nepali term 'Sombar', meaning Monday.
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Set in the Gorubathan Block of Kalimpong district, Jhandi is a misty hilltop village revered for its glorious sunrise and sunset views, panoramic vistas of Mount Kanchenjunga and the Nathula Range, rich wildlife, and welcoming homestays.
The region is bounded by the Jaldhaka River. Sikkim lies on the northern side, the western side is enclosed by the densely forested range of Rachela and Kalimpong Block I & II, and the southern side holds the vast plains of the Jalpaiguri District. The town serves as an instant weekend escape from the bustling aura of Siliguri, a 50 km drive away.
Gorubathan is well known for its rustic appeal, with a host of other attractions in close proximity. Anyone looking for an offbeat element or a taste of the extraordinary can plan a prompt weekend getaway here. The place experiences three distinct seasons: summer (March to June, 25°C to 35°C), monsoon (July to September, heavy rainfall), and winter (November to February, dropping to around 2°C). Winter stands as the ideal season to visit. The locals indulge in traditional farming, cultivating crops like betel nuts, tea, black cardamom, ginger, plantain, and other seasonal fruits and vegetables.
A Flashback To Its History
Tracing back its origin, the place has a unique history of its own. The land was reigned over by the Lepcha kings. The last Lepcha king to rule the land was Pano Gyeboo Aachyok, who was born and raised in Chyakhung Dara, Lungsysol in Gorubathan. The ruins of Dalim Fort, known to have been built by Pano Gyeboo Aachyok, exist to this date on the hilltop at Dalim Busty, and the place has been declared a heritage site by the Government of West Bengal.
The word 'Gorubathan' is a Nepali word meaning 'the herd of oxen' (Goru means ox and Bathan means herd). The origin of the name is still uncertain. Some assume that, in former times, the vast open stretch of pastures and the common practice of cattle rearing inspired the name. Others affirm that Bhutanese herdsmen used to supply oxen in bulk from Bhutan to Kalimpong, and the lush plain pastures served as the ideal en route — they would stop by the banks of the Chel River for a day before proceeding, their herds grazing in the rich pastures. Thus, the place obtained its name from this steady practice.
Top Attractions In Gorubathan - Here's What You Shouldn't Miss
Gorubathan is emerging as a popular centre for tourism. The place sustains infinite potential for eco-tourism, as it has a plethora of natural resources — virgin forests with abundant flora and fauna, organic tea gardens, medicinal plantations, streams, and rivers. There are a good number of tourist attractions under Gorubathan, and a short trip will help you unwind from urban stress and monotony. So here's what you shouldn't miss.
i. The Ruins of Dalim Fort
The place and the ruins stand as the sole historical evidence of former days. The Bhutanese army was defeated by the British in 1865 at Dalim Fort, which was their last outpost. The ruins of the fort exist to this date and serve as a major tourist attraction in Gorubathan.
ii. Chyakung Dara, Lungshel
Another place of historical significance, Chyakung Dara at Lungshel is deemed the birthplace of the legendary last Lepcha King, Pano Gyabo Aachyok. This scenic village sustains a rich culture and heritage, with the Lepchas having inhabited it since time immemorial.
iii. Dalim Tar
Dalim Tar is a unique, beautiful tableland that stands 6 km from Gorubathan. There are endless prospects for thriving tourism here, such as village homestays, sunrise and sunset points, and organic farms. The table-like landscape lends itself to adventure activities like paragliding, hiking, and camping.
iv. Gorubathan Tar
Gorubathan Tar is located on a tiny flat-surfaced hillock, a little secluded from the main market. The Tar stands at an approximate distance of 2 km, overlooking the entire stretch of the town, and its elevated surface provides views of both sunrise and sunset.
v. Chel River
The crystal-clear waters, uncluttered river beds, and natural splendour along the riverside attract visitors almost throughout the year. The river, originating from the far-flung and elevated luxuriant Rachela Hills, adds to the appeal. Located in close proximity to the main town, the beautiful riverside of Chel ideally serves as the major picnic spot in Gorubathan.
vi. The Buddhist Stupa
Where on earth would you not be intrigued by Buddhist stupas or chortens? The colourful prayer flags fluttering in the tunes of the winds and the chorten standing still for another infinity will certainly make you forget your distress. Gorubathan, of course, has a good number of reasons to nourish your peace-seeking mind and soul.
Things To Do In Gorubathan: Best Tips For Spending An Ideal Vacation
Many of us craft a proper plan before we set out. Gorubathan offers an exotic alternative for spending a vacation. Be it swimming in the river, cycling through the farthest corner of the town, reading under the tree shades, or exploring the organic farms, you will never find an excuse to meet the monotony. Here's a brief idea of what you should do — and feel free to create your own activities as per your inclination.
i. Ditch The Hotels For Village Homestays
How long have you searched for the warmth of a home even when far away from your own comfort zone? It's hard to find that warmth even with the best hospitality services of a hotel. So why not ditch the implied formalities and embrace the warmth of homestays that bring a real feeling of belongingness?
ii. Explore The Historical Ruins
If shopping can buy you temporary happiness, unfolding untold myths and witnessing history can intrigue you for a lifetime. The historical ruins of Dalim Fort carry a history of their own. Discover the long-forgotten history of the legendary Lepcha king and the truth about one of the oldest tribes in the world — a visit to the ruins is worth the time, curiosity, and energy.
iii. Trek & Explore Quaint Villages
Does the mad rush of the cities drive you claustrophobic? Discover your peace amid the rustic charm and tranquil villages. Let yourself be swept away by the offbeat aura. Tread on traffic-free roads, saunter amid the organic tea gardens under the tallest, overshadowing betel nut trees, and witness the sunset beneath the orange skies.
iv. Indulge in Leisurely Activities
Whether you'd like to go for a picnic, angling, or swimming in the river, the Chel River caters to your every quest. The charming and serene aura of greenery and the slightly elevated surface around the river create an ideal reason to fall in love with its every element. You can even indulge in arts and crafts, pottery-making sessions, gardening, and volunteering. These activities will help you release dopamine and eventually kill the stress — whether you're a solo traveller, a group, or travelling with kids, they excite every age group.
Hotels & Homestays In Gorubathan - An Insight About Finding An Accommodation
If you prefer star properties, you won't find one in Gorubathan. There is a Forest Department Bungalow that provides a comfortable stay with dining facilities. Gorubathan, however, has a fair number of homestays that ideally pull you closer to country life, the locals, their culture, and their way of life. Ideal places to stay during your vacation include:
NJP is the nearest and only railway station from the town. To reach Gorubathan from NJP, you need to travel a distance of approximately 64.2 km via the Gajoldoba route, which you can cover with a smooth drive of about 1 hour and 40 minutes. You can hire a car from NJP, and shared vehicles like private buses, taxis, and North Bengal State Transport Corporation buses are available every day.
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