|  Latpanchar
Latpanchar perhaps tops the list of hidden
and unseen destinations in North Bengal Hills. Situated in the
lower Darjeeling hills in Kurseong
sub-division, Latpanchar is the highest point in Mahananda
Wildlife Sanctuary at 4200ft.
Known for its old quinine plantations the
place holds enormous wealth of natural forests. The beauty of
Latpanchar lies mostly on its lush green virgin forests covering
the undulating slopes of hills. These untouched forests are
the natural home for many rare species of mountain goat (serow),
wild boars, tigers, leopards, jungle cats, gaurs, and different
kinds of deer, porcupines, civets, monitor lizards and snakes.
 Another
attraction of Latpanchar is the spacious forest bungalow in
the middle of the wilds. The cozy wooden structure with large
windows and balcony brings the outdoor wilderness right inside
your bedroom. The more adventurous travelers can spend night
in tents pitched around the bungalows. Wake up to the call of
a wild fowl, or to the alarm cry of a deer.
Latpanchar is also popular for the bird lovers
and jungle trekkers. Several short treks originate from here
leading to some treacherous terrain through the deep forest
covers. The most important trekking trail goes up to Gulma peak
- an unexplored hilltop in the Sanctuary and other down to Sevok
following a rather difficult stream through the virgin wilderness.
From Latpanchor one can also trek to Namthing Lake, one of the
very few places left in Himalayas that houses Salamander, a
rear and endemic reptile of the region.
 Accessibility:
Latpanchar can be reached from Siliguri
with a 2 hrs drive covering 48kms via Kalijhora on NH31 A.
Hotel accommodation in Loleygaon
Being a small place there is not much option of good hotels
in Latpanchor. However the government maintained Forest Bungalow
spread over a hill slop overlooking the vast forest canopy of
Mahananda Sanctuary far below is the best place offering cozy
and comfortable stay.
A small privet hotel 'Himalayan Resorts' offers few rooms with
basic facilities. |
