Do you like visiting the mountains in the winter? If you’re not scared of the cold and love snow-capped mountains and warm winter sunshine instead, we may have the right pick for you—Chota Mangwa.
Chota Mangwa: A Travel Story
Chota Mangwa, a quiet village in the mountains, is just an hour’s ride from Kalimpong (25 km). Last December, we travelled to New Jalpaiguri Station from Howrah. Nardenla Dheema homestay, where we had planned to stay, had arranged a pick-up. The massive, sturdy Land Rover climbed several mountains, took a few hairpin bends, and after a 3.5-hour-long journey through a picturesque road; we were finally standing on the homestay’s balcony, looking at the Kanchenjunga in all its golden glory.
Want to visit yourself? Here’s how you can reach.
Also Read: 5 Hidden Gems Near Darjeeling You Probably Didn’t Know About
Getting To The Destination
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Bagdogra Airport are the nearest railway station and airport. Private and shared car services are available from both places. However, ask your homestay to book a taxi for you in advance to save time.
Taxi fare: INR 3500-4500 (From Bagdogra Airport), INR 3300-3700 (From NJP Railway Station).
Finding Your Homestay in Chota Mangwa
There are a few homestays in Chota Mangwa. We stayed at Nardenla Dheem homestay, located at the top of the hill, with a clear view of the Kanchenjunga from its balcony. If you are keen on the view, book a homestay on the upper hill.
1. Sherpa Homestay
Takling Rd, Chhota Mungwa, West Bengal 734222
Contact: 077182 54061
2. Nardenla Dheem Homestay
Chota Mangwa, Bowarchi Gaon, Takdah Tinchuley, West Bengal 734222
Contact: 06294303833
3. Tamang Homestay
Chota Mangwa, Bowarchi Gaon, Takdah Tinchuley, West Bengal 734222
The Sunshine Season
Winter is the season of oranges. If you want to visit the orange orchards and taste the juicy, flavourful, small oranges of Chota Mangwa, October to February is the best time. In March, the Himalayan valleys are full of colourful flowers. Avoid the rainy season if you hate the damp weather. But you may get the best deal during the monsoon, as it is the off-season.
Also Read: 5 Places To Try The Best English Breakfasts In Darjeeling
Hot Momos and Warm Blankets
Every homestay has a package consisting of four meals and lodging for each person. Our homestay, Nardenla Dheem, is run by two incredibly hard-working sisters. They cook awesome Bengali, Tibetan and Nepalese cuisine. We loved their momos and phales. They always ensured our food was hot and filling. Let’s give you a generic list of the daily food that your homestay will serve.
- Morning Tea and Biscuit
- Breakfast: Roti Sabji/Puri and Nepali Aloo Dum plus fruit juice of their choice
- Lunch: Rice, Dal, Mixed Veggies, Chicken or Egg or Fish, Papad, Chutney
- Tiffin: Tea and Vegetable Pakora
- Dinner: Roti Sabzi/Momos/Rice and Egg
Talk to your homestay owner. Communicate your food preferences. Most of them go the extra mile to accommodate the guests’ needs and desires. We promise you will love this humble little village in the mountains. Unwind, relax and absorb all that the mountain has to offer.
Cover Image by the author, Pratyusha Jana.