Lava

Lava is a small hamlet in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. Situated at 7,016 feet above sea level, Lava is a beautiful destination popular among tourists for its serene natural beauty, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and pleasant weather.

Lava is surrounded by dense forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron trees, which create a beautiful landscape and provide a natural habitat for several species of birds and animals. The Neora Valley National Park is close to Lava, home to several endangered species of animals, such as the Red Panda, Clouded Leopard, and Himalayan Black Bear.

One of the main attractions of Lava is the Lava Monastery, which is also known as the Ratnarishi Bihar Buddhist Gompa. This monastery is at the top of the hill and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. The sanctuary is adorned with beautiful murals, prayer flags, and statues of Buddha and is a must-visit for those interested in Buddhism and Tibetan culture.

Lava is also a great place for trekking and hiking enthusiasts, as several trekking trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Some popular trekking routes in Lava include the Lava-Loleygaon trek, the Lava-Neora Valley trek, and the Lava-Kalimpong trek.

The best time to visit Lava is from March to May and October to November, as the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear during these months. During the winter months, Lava receives heavy snowfall, which makes it difficult for tourists to visit the area.

Lava is a beautiful and serene destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Himalayas, explore Tibetan culture and Buddhism, and indulge in trekking and hiking activities. A visit to Lava will leave you rejuvenated and refreshed and will be a memorable experience you will cherish for a long time.

Places To Visit Near Lava:

Loleygaon:

Loleygaon is a small town located at a distance of 12 kilometres from Lava. It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and offers tourists a chance to explore the nearby forests, waterfalls, and trekking trails.

Rishop:

Rishop is a small village located at an altitude of 8,500 feet above sea level and is situated 29 kilometres from Lava. The town offers tourists a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Himalayas and is known for its panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains.

Kalimpong:

Kalimpong is a town located at a distance of 35 kilometres from Lava. It is known for its beautiful gardens, monasteries, and temples and is a popular destination among tourists who want to explore the cultural and historical heritage of the region.

Darjeeling:

Darjeeling is a popular tourist destination located at a distance of 55 kilometres from Lava. It is known for its tea gardens, scenic beauty, and historical landmarks, such as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and the Tiger Hill Sunrise Observatory.

Gangtok:

Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim and is 98 kilometres from Lava. It is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and adventure activities, such as trekking, paragliding, and river rafting.
These are just a few tourist destinations near Lava in West Bengal. Visitors to the region can explore these places and more and experience the beauty and diversity of the Himalayas and the surrounding areas.

Things To Do In Near Lava:

Visit the Lava Monastery:

The Lava Monastery, also known as the Ratnarishi Bihar Buddhist Gompa, is a must-visit destination for those interested in Buddhism and Tibetan culture. The monastery is adorned with beautiful murals, prayer flags, and statues of Buddha and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.

Explore the Neora Valley National Park:

The Neora Valley National Park is close to Lava and is home to several endangered species of animals, such as the Red Panda, Clouded Leopard, and Himalayan Black Bear. Visitors to the park can explore the forests, waterfalls, and trekking trails and experience the area's natural beauty.

Trekking and hiking:

Lava is a great place for trekking and hiking enthusiasts, as several trekking trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Some popular trekking routes in Lava include the Lava-Loleygaon trek, the Lava-Neora Valley trek, and the Lava-Kalimpong trek.

Enjoy the Changey Waterfall:

The Changey Waterfall is 14 kilometres from Lava and surrounded by dense forests. Visitors to the waterfall can relax and enjoy the area's natural beauty and dip in the cool water.

Bird watching:

Lava is home to several species of birds, including the Himalayan Monal, the Satyr Tragopan, and the Khaleej Pheasant. Visitors to the area can indulge in bird watching and explore the natural habitat of these beautiful birds.

Enjoy the local cuisine:

Lava offers visitors a chance to experience the local cuisine of the region, which includes traditional dishes such as momos, thukpa, and chowmein.

Experience the sunrise at Tiffin Dara:

Tiffin Dara is a hilltop near Lava famous for offering a stunning sunrise view over the Himalayan range. Visitors can hike up the hill and enjoy the beautiful sunrise over hot tea or coffee.

Go on a village tour:

The nearby villages offer visitors a chance to experience the rural lifestyle of the region. Visitors can interact with the locals, learn about their culture and traditions, and enjoy the simple pleasures of rural life.

Visit the Lava Jamgyong Kongtrul Monastery:

This monastery is one of the most important monasteries of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. It offers visitors an insight into the local culture and is famous for its beautiful wall paintings and thangkas.

Attend a local festival:

Lava is home to several festivals throughout the year, such as the Lava Rongpo Dance Festival and the Drukpa Tsheshi Festival. These festivals offer visitors a chance to experience the local culture, music, and food.

Visit the Chhangey Falls:

The Chhangey Falls is another popular waterfall near Lava. It is a great place for picnics and relaxation and offers visitors a chance to enjoy the area's natural beauty.

Visit the Samthar Plateau:

The Samthar Plateau is a picturesque destination near Lava. It offers visitors a chance to enjoy the Himalayan range's beautiful views and explore the nearby villages and monasteries.

Lava in West Bengal is a destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Himalayas, explore Tibetan culture and Buddhism, and indulge in various activities such as trekking, hiking, bird watching, and more. Visitors to the area can explore the attractions, attend local festivals, and have a memorable and rejuvenating experience.

Best Time To Visit Near Lava:

The best time to visit Lava in West Bengal is from March to May and October to December, which are the spring-summer and autumn-winter seasons. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking, and sightseeing.

The monsoon season from June to September should be avoided as the region receives heavy rainfall, which can cause landslides and make the trekking trails slippery and dangerous. Also, the winter months of January and February can be quite chilly, with temperatures dropping to as low as two °C, making it uncomfortable for visitors not accustomed to the cold.

The best time to visit Lava is during the spring-summer and autumn-winter seasons when the weather is pleasant, and the region's natural beauty is at its best.

Adventure Activities Nearby Lava:

Trekking and hiking:

Lava is a great destination for trekking and hiking enthusiasts. Several trekking trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Some popular trekking routes in Lava include the Lava-Loleygaon trek, the Lava-Neora Valley trek, and the Lava-Kalimpong trek.

River rafting:

Visitors can enjoy river rafting on the Teesta and Rangeet rivers, located close to Lava. The rivers offer a range of rapids, making it an exciting and adventurous experience.

Rock climbing:

The rocky terrain in and around Lava offers an excellent opportunity for rock climbing enthusiasts. Visitors can climb the natural rock formations and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Camping:

Camping is a popular activity in the region, and visitors can enjoy camping in the forests, near the waterfalls or on hilltops. It is an excellent opportunity to enjoy nature at its best.

Paragliding:

Visitors can experience the thrill of flying over the Himalayas by indulging in paragliding. It is an exhilarating activity that offers a bird's-eye view of the stunning landscape.

Mountain biking:

Mountain biking is an excellent activity for adventure enthusiasts who enjoy cycling. Visitors can explore the beautiful countryside and the nearby villages while enjoying the thrill of mountain biking.

Lava in West Bengal offers a range of adventure activities for visitors who seek an adrenaline rush. Visitors can indulge in trekking, hiking, river rafting, rock climbing, camping, paragliding, and mountain biking and have a memorable and thrilling experience.

Itinerary To Explore Lava in West Bengal

Day 1: Arrival in Lava

Arrive in Lava and check in to your accommodation.Explore nearby attractions like the Lava Jamgyong Kongtrul Monastery and the Chhangey Falls.Enjoy a delicious dinner and relax for the night.

Day 2: Trekking and Adventure Activities

Start the day early and take a trekking or hiking expedition to nearby trails, such as Lava-Loleygaon or Lava-Neora Valley.After the trek, enjoy adventure activities such as river rafting, rock climbing, or paragliding.
Return to your accommodation and relax for the night.

Day 3: Village Tour and Cultural Experiences

Take a village tour and interact with the locals to learn about their culture and traditions.Visit a local market and indulge in some shopping for souvenirs.Attend a local festival or cultural event and enjoy the music, dance, and food.Return to your accommodation and relax for the night.

Day 4: Sightseeing and Exploration

Visit the Samthar Plateau and enjoy the beautiful views of the Himalayan range.Explore the nearby tea gardens and learn about the tea-making process.Enjoy a picnic lunch near a waterfall or on a hilltop.
Return to your accommodation and relax for the night.

Day 5: Departure from Lava

Check out from your accommodation and depart from Lava.If time permits, visit nearby destinations such as Kalimpong or Darjeeling.

Lava in West Bengal is a destination that offers natural beauty, adventure activities, and cultural experiences. A trip to Lava can be customized based on your preferences and interests and can be a memorable and rejuvenating experience.

History Of Lava In West Bengal

During the early 1800s, the British East India Company established several tea estates in the Darjeeling district, including the Lava Tea Estate. The tea plantations in Lava and the surrounding areas attracted people from different parts of India who came to work on the estates. As a result, the region's population grew, and small settlements and villages were established.

In the early 20th century, Lava became a popular destination for British officers who came here for hunting and leisure activities. The British officers built bungalows and guesthouses in the town, which still stand today and are popular among tourists.

After India gained independence in 1947, Lava and the surrounding areas were merged with the newly-formed state of West Bengal. Over the years, Lava has emerged as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over India and abroad.

Lava has also gained recognition for its natural beauty and biodiversity in recent years. The Neora Valley National Park, located close to Lava, is home to several endangered species of animals and birds, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Lava in West Bengal has a rich history that dates back to the British colonial period, and the town has emerged as a popular tourist destination over the years, attracting visitors from all over the world.