Chatakpur - Attractions and Activities

Perched at an elevation of 7887ft on the hilltop above the quaint town Sonada is a forest village called Chatakpur. Located 7km from Sonada amidst the Senchal reserve forest Chatakpur is a sparsely populated eco-village, which has become lured many tourists with its simple way of living. The Chatakpur hill came into prominence after the forest department built tourist cottages in Chatakpur. The cottages are managed by the local forest protection committee members. The terrace cultivation of organic crops and the shrubs and medicinal herbs acquired from the forest form the means of livelihood for the locals.

Chatakpur Sightseeing, Attractions & Activities

The unique location of Chatakpur which offers a panoramic view of the snow-clad mountains and Eastern Himalayan range within the lush green forest of the alpine tree has made Chatakpur a safe haven for nature lovers. Before the picturesque village came into existence the area was a timber den and people used to rampantly smuggle out the timber. To put a stop to the trafficking of timber, forest officials converted Chatakpur into an eco-village and help them flourish in terms of eco-tourism by building tourist cottages within this quaint forest village. The journey towards this picturesque destination is an unforgettable experience in itself. The 7km steep road spiraling through the alpine forest let the visitor catch glimpse of the deeply forested area and if lucky even spot some eagles and small wild animals.

Situated within the Senchal reserve forest, Chatakpur is endowed with rich flora and fauna. Within a short walking distance of 10min from the village, Chatakpur watchtower offers an astounding view of the Trekkers' wonderland Sandakphu. The watchtower is also the sunrise point of Chatakpur which lets the visitor witness the breathtaking phenomena of the sun slowly rising above the horizon whilst revealing the mountainous valley and glazing the snow-peaked mountains of the Himalayan range with an orange hue and making them dazzle like covered with precious jewels.

On a clear day, the mighty Mt Kanchenjunga accompanies the visitor in Chatakpur throughout the day adding up to the charm of the quaint forest village. Chatakpur offers a number of popular trek routes that lead to the top of Tiger Hill. During this trek, you might even have a glimpse of the 'Chumbalumba' or Mount Everest. On your visit to the forest, make sure to be guided by a trained forest guard as the forest is the home to the Great Himalayan Black Bear family, Leopards, Barking Deer and Antelopes. Blessed with the surreal natural beauty and far from the hassle of modernized society Chatakpur has a world of its own.

Waking up to the sight of a lush green mountain valley with a backdrop view of the majestic Himalayan range can be an amazing way to start the day or sitting under the starry sky while listening to the sound of crickets will help you calm your tired soul, you can experience it all while visiting Chatakpur. Surrounded by terraced fields and tall conifer and pine trees, Chatakpur is an ideal place if you want to spend some quality time with your loved ones or find solitude amidst pristine nature.

How to Reach Chatakpur

By Air: Chatakpur's nearest airport is at Bagdogra. From Bagdogra, it takes not more than two and a half hours to reach the village. You have to opt for a rented car once you land at Bagdogra Airport.

By Train: New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) which is adjacent to Siliguri is the closest railway station. NJP, one of the busiest railway stations in North Bengal is nicely connected with other major cities in West Bengal and also with the neighboring states.

By Road: From NJP, Siliguri, or Bagdogra Airport, you need to go towards Kurseong via Hill Cart Road or Rohini Road and further up towards Darjeeling, and once you reach Sonada, you need to take a right turn along the forest road. From Sonada, the journey will be around 6 km from Chatakpur.

Staying Options in the Village

In Chatakpur there are cottages built by the West Bengal Forest Department with the cooperation of the villagers. The rooms of these cottages in Chatakpur have all the amenities guests usually require such as attached bathrooms with geysers, spacious double-bedded rooms, front and backside balconies to enjoy the view of Mount Kanchenjunga, carpeted rooms, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and more. Homestays are also available to stay which are run by the local villagers. You will get all the basic amenities in these homestays too. North Bengal Tourism can prepare an entire tour package where accommodation will be included.

Best time to visit Chatakpur

The beauty and serenity of Chatakpur can be relished by the visitor throughout the year but to get an unparalleled view of the Himalayan range the best time to visit Chatakpur is from mid-October to December when the sky remains clear. The tourists who want to explore the virgin forested area surrounding Chatakpur are advised to avoid the rainy season from mid-June to mid-September.

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