Mongpong

Bird watching is the best activity possible in the marshy regions which are an excellent breeding spot for the migratory birds from Central Asia and Ladakh. Pintail ducks, bar-headed goose, woodpeckers, owls, Poachard, Brahmini ducks, mallard, barbets, whistling thrush and various kinds of kingfisher are observed here. Visit the age old tea gardens- Washabari Tea Estate and tea gardens at Leesh. The imperial bungalows amidst lush green tea gardens provide an old world charm. The blue waters of Leesh River and the Leesh Bridge over it are enjoyable spots. Sit calmly by the river to watch the sunset as dusk comes over silently with only the sound of the flowing river. Odlabari and Damdim tea estates are nearby tea estates which can be explored. Odlabari is situated in between two rivers- Chel and Ghis. The blue sky with fluffy white cottony clouds, the cool breeze and the lust green tea gardens on rolling hills make the place magical. Take the shady forest trails through the Sal Forests of Mongpong and breathe in the fresh air to rejuvenate the body and the mind. The chirping of numerous unknown birds and the pleasant chorus of crickets that sounds like temple bells make a soothing music. The iconic Coronation Bridge or Sevoke Bride, 4 kilometers from Mongpong, is an important place to visit. Surrounded by forested hills of Mahananda Wildlife Santuary, the historic arch bridge stands over the gushing Teestha River. This bridge was built in 1941 and was named ‘Coronation Bridge’ after the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1937. NH31 runs through the bridge connecting Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling districts. Drive to Kalijhora, 8 kilometers from Mongpong, to have a panoramic view of the vast Teestha Basin. Kalijhora is a lovely village, famous for being a shooting spot to super star Rajesh Khanna’s movie years back. Do not miss the Mongpong Nature Recreation Centre for informative knowledge on the flora and fauna of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Adventure seekers love trekking to Ponbu, a small Himalayan Hamlet, situated on the trek route from Samthar village to Purbikhola. Ponbu is 8 kilometers from Samathar which is around 40 kilometers from Mongpong. Ponbu is popular for adventure tourism. Nezeok Reserve Forest in Ponbu is home to varieties of birds. You can explore the banks of Rivers Teestha and Rilli. For some thrill you can also try the hand pulled ropeway to cross the Teestha River, like the locals.