Suntalekhola Eco Tourism Centre, WBFDC
The Suntalekhola lodge sits in forest a few kilometres above Samsing, where the Suntalekhola stream comes down to meet the Murti. You cross a small suspension bridge to reach the cottages, which stand among tall trees with the sound of water all day. Tents are the cheapest option; deluxe and super deluxe rooms cost a little more.
It makes a calm base for walks to Rocky Island, Samsing's tea gardens and the edge of Neora Valley National Park. Food is simple and comes from the lodge kitchen. Nights are cool, around 10–15°C in winter, so bring a fleece.
Why we book it
- One of the cheapest forest stays in the Dooars
- Stream-side cottages in real forest
- A short walk to Samsing tea gardens
- Run by the forest corporation
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How do I get to Suntalekhola from Siliguri?
Drive about 90 km via Sevoke, Malbazar, Chalsa and Matelli to Samsing, then a few more kilometres up to Suntalekhola, about 3 hours in all. A reserved car costs roughly ₹3,000–4,000. On a budget, take a bus to Chalsa or Malbazar and a shared jeep to Samsing, then a local car for the last stretch.
How do I book Suntalekhola?
Book on the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation website at wbfdc.net, where it is listed under the Kalimpong properties as Suntalekhola Eco Tourism Centre. Tents were listed at about ₹1,500 and rooms at ₹2,500–3,000 when we last checked, before taxes. Prices are indicative.
Is Suntalekhola open in the monsoon?
Suntalekhola is outside the national parks, so it is not covered by the 16 June to 15 September park closure, but heavy rain can damage the road and swell the stream. The forest corporation sometimes closes cottages for repairs. Check current status before you travel.
Packages
Routes that stay here
Also in Dooars
Other stays
The West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation lodge at Madarihat, right by the entry to Jaldapara National Park. Plain, spacious and well placed for early safaris.
The West Bengal Forest Development Corporation lodge beside the Murti river near Gorumara, with a main building, cottages and tents in a large garden. Guests can …
A large hilltop resort at Chalsa, about 15 km from Lataguri, with cottage-style rooms, a pool and views over the Dooars plains. The most comfortable base …
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