Dalgaon is a must visit for those who love everything natural, manual, organic, and fresh from the garden.
Dalgaon is a remote village around 2500 feet above sea level in the Dooars region, famous for producing medicinal plants. What is amazing to see is how Quinine, the anti-malaria drug, is still manually produced here in one of India’s oldest Cinchona Plantation since British times. In fact it was this plantation that led to the development of this village.
The oldest Hydel-Project of India – Jaldhaka Hydel Project on Jaldhaka River, at the Indo-Bhutan border is located near Dalgaon.
So, welcome to this land where everything is naturally grown. This is home of people like the Rais, Mangers, and Gurungs. They live in the villages and still follow their culture and tradition. Farming and plantations (organic) is their main livelihood and so the locally grown food and drinks (brewed from rice and millet) available here is simply so pure. Their other sources of income are cattle rearing, bee keeping, all done traditionally. Growing and selling of black cardamom is also an important source of sustenance here. They also produce organic tea in a garden named Kumai and manually process rubber.
This is a place to enjoy home-stays. The essence of the flower gardens around the local homes and the local music is simply mesmerizing. You can also relax with some the applications of herbal pastes, massage and enchants, if you enjoy them. The Neora Valley National Park is also close by.
Things to do at Dalgaon
This is the place to engage in all things natural and pure. You can enjoy picnic, fishing, river trekking, rock climbing, swimming at Jaldhaka River. A quick bird and butterfly watching trail near the homestay, to see birds like hornbill, jungle fowl, kaleej, parakeets, minivets, etc.
A long, two-night trek to Tong Tongay and Neora Valley National Park (famous for birds, and butterflies and if you are lucky, the Red Panda). You will be put up in tents in the jungle, for a true forest experience.
Watching local shamans (bijua) performing their rituals ceremonies (chinta) for curing diseases spiritually. Visit nearby watch towers to get panoramic views of the Jaldhaka River Valleys. Jungle safaris to Gorumara, Chaparamari and other nearby forests can also be arranged in day trips from Dolgaon.
Dalgaon Sightseeing
Dalgaon is surrounded by many other famous tourist destinations like Samsing, Suntalekhola, Paren, Jhalong, Bindu, Neora Valley National Park, Gorumara National Park, etc.
There are also many sightseeing spots in and around Dalgaon like the Jaldhaka Hydel Project (The oldest hydel project of India), the Cinchona plantation (The oldest one in India), numerous Organic tea gardens and a watch tower in Dalgaon which gives the best panoramic view of the Jaldhaka Valley.
How to reach Dalgaon
Dalgaon is on the Jhalong – Bindu route. The nearest airport is Bagdogra in Siliguri. It is around 100 kilometers from Dolgaon. From the airport you have to take a private vehicle or ask your hotel to pre-arrange one for you. The nearest railhead is New Mall Junction but you can also reach Dolgaon from the other popular railhead of New Jalpaiguri.
Best time to visit Dalgaon
You can visit Dalgaon anytime of the year. In summers, you can enjoy the cool breeze and in winters the sunshine.
Accommodation at Dalgaon
LOCATION: Village Farm Garden (near view point)
FACILITIES: Lawn, Parking, Solar inverter, Campfire arrangement, Driver’s accommodation, Attached western bathroom, Hot water arrangements, TV in common area, Dining Hall.
ROOM TYPES: Double Bed, Four Bed.
LOCATION: Village (near view point)
FACILITIES: Lawn, Parking, Campfire arrangement, Driver’s accommodation, Attached western bathroom, Hot water arrangements, TV in common area, Dining Hall.
ROOM TYPES: Double Bed.
Dalgaon Photos