Latpanchar: Full Birding Guide

Perched at an elevation of 4500ft Latpanchar overlooking the roaring river Teesta is a picturesque forest village of Dooars. Nestled on the highest point of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Latpanchar is endowed with an abundance of flora and fauna making it a paradise for nature lovers. Located 41km from Siliguri, Latpanchar is a hidden jewel of Dooars region which tourists making it's a crowd-free zone. Hidden amidst the hilly region Latpanchar has emerged as a favored offbeat destination in Dooars. Blessed with enthralling natural beauty and serene ambiance Latpanchar is an ideal place for tourists who want to spend their weekend far from hustle and bustle of the rambunctious city crowd.

Latpanchar blessed with enthralling beauty is the peaceful abode of the rare Himalayan Salamander and Rufous Necked Hornbill. Cuddled amidst the dense forest of sal, teak, pine, and cinchona tree, Latpanchar located at the heart of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary with its serene ambiance which is only disturbed by the chirping of birds and panoramic view of the Teesta valley has become the ideal getaway destination for the tourist who is looking forward to spending some quality time in a place where nature still thrives at its pristine form.

Local Sightseeing near Latpanchar

Surrounded by dense mixed-wet forest, Latpanchar is a sparsely populated and less trodden forest village of the Dooars region. Latpanchar is a mesmerizing mirror of natural beauty covered with deciduous forests and Cinchona Plantation which is used for manufacturing medicines for malaria.

Ahal Dara Viewpoint

The viewpoint of Ahal Dara is one of the major sightseeing attractions nearby. Merely 7 km away, the viewpoint offers a sweeping view of Kurseong, Chatakpur, Namchi, Dooars, and Siliguri. Moreover, the hilltop of Ahaldara also offers a beautiful view of the snaking Teesta River, the hills of Kalimpong, Lava, Lolegaon, Tinchuley, and more. In short, the viewpoint of Ahaldara is what every travel enthusiast would love to visit and treat their distressed souls with the alluring beauty of this site. Moreover, from Latpanchar Sunrise point tourists can witness a phenomenal sunrise above the Teesta valley with the figure of a mighty Himalayan range looming over it. After witnessing the breathtaking sunrise from Latpanchar Sunrise Point, they can explore the surrounding areas.

Raja Rani Hill

The picturesque forest hamlet Latpanchar is dotted with numerous trekking trails. The most famous trekking trail in Latpanchar which has hyped the interest of tourist is the 6km treks through Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary to Raja Rani Hill. During the Raja Rani Trek from Latpanchar tourists can spot the exquisite animals while listening to the alluring chirping of the exotic Himalayan birds and being overwhelmed by the fragrance of flowers, if lucky tourists may even find the footprints of the Royal Bengal Tiger. There is a temple of Lord Shiva at the peak of the Raja Rani Hills where the locals offer their prayers. The trails also lead to a few astounding sightseeing destinations in Latpanchar.

Namthing Lake

A trek through the alpine forests and Cinchona Plantation of Latpanchar leads tourists to a lake called Namthing Pokhri, which is the abode of endangered Himalayan Salamanders. It is situated at an elevation of 5000 feet above sea level and offers an unearthly view of the surrounding. Different kinds of species can also be seen near it. The tranquil atmosphere and the magical surrounding created by the lake and its enclosing thick pine forest make the visitors fall in love with this place.

Latkothi

This village is approximately 4 km from Latpanchar. By driving through the mountainous road through the Cinchona, Sal, Teak, and Pine trees, travelers will be reaching here to witness the wonder of nature. Spending a day here in the village treats the eyes of the visitors with a fascinating view of daunting hills and the lush greenery. However, visitors can also further visit the Kuhi area with a special permit from the forest department. Colorful butterflies and birds are seen in abundance in this area.

Birds and Animals of Latpanchar

Apart from being famous as a less trodden destination, Latpanchar is also known for its vast collection of birds. In the dense forest enclosing Latpanchar more than 240 species of birds like Burn Swallow, and Ashy Backed Shrike, and Spotted Eagles have been spotted. But that's not all the thick wooded forest of Latpanchar is the home to the most elegant, colorful, and endangered species the Rufous Necked Hornbill. Rufous Necked Hornbill migrated to Latpanchar from Nepal hills due to its climatic condition making Latpanchar the birding paradise for avid bird watchers. The beauty of Latpanchar can be enjoyed through a slow jungle walk where tourists can breathe in the musky fragrance of wooded forest while being lulled by the alluring chirping of birds.

Being a part of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, here in this village we also get to see 36 types of wild animals. The animals sighted in the region are wild boars, monkeys, mountain goats, elephants, barking deer, leopards, black bears, and more. However, to see most of the wild animals, travelers need to visit the core area of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary.

Getting There

By Road: The most easiest and comfortable way to reach the village is by road. Plenty of private cars are available to hire from NJP, Bagdogra as well as Siliguri. The distance from Siliguri to Latpanchar is 40 km and takes not more than 2 hours to reach.

By Air: Bagdogra is the only airport nearby. Being the maiden airport of North Bengal, several flights can be availed quite easily. Upon landing, rented cars are the only option to reach. The Distance from Bagdogra Airport to Latpanchar is 52 km.

By Rail: NJP is the nearest major railway station close to this village. The railway station is one of the busiest and is connected with all the other major railway stations of Bengal. The Distance from NJP to Latpanchar is 43 km.

Where to Stay

Being a less trodden destination there are no fancy hotels and resorts in Latpanchar but instead, visitors will find cozy homestays and lodges to stay in. These homestays are run by the local people with great hospitality. The amenities found in these homestays are mostly basic. Guest can expect attached western bathrooms, running water, view-rooms, and more. You can book a room in some of the finest homestays of this village through North Bengal Tourism's Room Booking Service.

Best time to visit Latpanchar

Every season has its own charm to relish in this hamlet but to make most of the trip the best time to visit Latpanchar is between October and April. Between these times the weather in Latpanchar is pleasant and the sky remains clear. It is also an ideal time for bird watching and trekking in Latpanchar.

Travel Ideas regarding Latpanchar Tour

Q. How Do I get to this place?

Tourists can directly visit this place after reaching Bagdogra Airport or NJP and then by renting a cab from a trusted cab rental agency.

Q. Is the weather of this place comfortable?

The weather of the hamlet remains mostly soothing. The temperature never goes down to extremely low. However, still, woolen clothes are recommended to carry.

Q. Why the place is called a birding paradise?

Several Himalayan Birds such as Burn Swallow, Laughing Thrush, Sunbird, Scarlet Minivet, Minla, Yuhina, Scaly Thrush, Ashy Backed Shrike, Spotted Eagles, Magpie, Drongo, Woodpeckers, Black Bulbul, Drongo, Kingfishers, Robin, Himalayan pheasants, etc are found in abundance in and around this place, thus this place is called a birding paradise.

Q. What is the best time to visit Latpanchar?

Apart from the monsoon season when heavy rainfall and frequent landslides happen, every season can be proved as the best time to visit this hamlet.

Q. Can I travel solo to this hamlet?

Yes, you absolutely can. The village is quite safe to visit and the local people are quite friendly, welcoming as well as co-operative.