My last work trip to Siliguri, which got cancelled after reaching, proved to be a delightful surprise finally. With two days in hand and a return flight booked on the non-refundable quota, was frantically wondering how to utilize the two days sudden break without being much touristy. Savior came in the form of our Driver Pankaj, who suggested the name Samthar. Off we went along to the world of unknown. He requested us to trust him with the suggestion and not to google much, as the place where he would be taking us is absolutely virgin and thankfully not much known to tourists. After crossing the Coronation Bridge, at 27th mile we took towards the NHPC dam. The beauty of the surrounding with Relly river flowing through is absolutely enthralling. We haulted to take some snaps and enjoy the beauty of the place while Pankaj brought us tea. The road ahead was quite uphill and meandering, as hilly roads generally are. Much to our visual delight, the greenery around kept on increasing with each bend and curve that we took. Surprise was waiting for us a flock of peacocks suddenly came out of the greenery and crossed our path. Pankaj informed that in a nearby place called Suruk, peacocks are bred. Then we reached the small village of Samthar. The only resort welcomed me with a good bargain price as a part of their Introductory offer. Their warmth was felt as they welcomed me with Eau de cologne dipped warm towels and a cosy room with an awesome view of the majestic Kanchenjungha. The manager asked me to get ready at the earliest as my bike ride is awaiting. Excited me, was overjoyed to ride through the greenery to reach Ponbu – to my surprise I was told that this is the only place with view of Kanchenjungha in the west and Dooars in the east. A further 22km ride took me to Lolegaon from where we returned to our resort. How I wished I had some more time to explore the place properly. The manager asked me to retire early as the next morning he himself would take me to view sunrise. We went to Jhandi and watched the day begin with an golden aura, while sipping warm tea provided by HOMECALLING Samthar. “It’s just 2.5 hrs drive from NJP and Bagdogra – come whenever you feel like.” Manager Bhaiyya consoles and upset me. Yes I will be back soon – to enjoy the hospitality, the warmth – the feeling of home away from home, nestled in the mountains. Indeed, rightly they have named themselves HOMECALLING Samthar.
Sruti (Consultant, Kolkata)
On getting introductory offer I have reached the HOMECALLING Samthar. The hospitality , neatness and ambience of this resort along with more than 270 degree view of nature from it's balcony was amazing. . Moreover I became speechless having view of Kanchenjunga in the morning and the night view of Kalimpong which was just like diamond necklace along with the view of other spots like Dello, Durbin Dara, Charkhol, Namchi from the courtyard of this resort . Special thanks to the Manager who organised tribal dance for us along with bonfire at night. The visit of Panboo in the morning was also memorable where a clear view of dooars, Siiliguri, Tista along with Kanchenjunga is available. Last but not the least, the scenic beauty of the route surroundings including the beautiful Gailam hanging bridge , Suruk village with huge number of peacocks , Orange orchards are remarkable. Very soon I will revisit HOMECALLING Samthar again!
Mr. Kallol Roy (Manager, Kalabari Tea Estate)
An almost overnight decision of running away. Running away from the hustly bustly city life. That’s what it takes. That’s what it took for me to buy my tickets for Bagdogra and fly away to a place that won’t have me on my toes all the time. All I needed was some silence and peace. But what awaited me was not what I expected. After almost 27 kms and about 1 and half hour ride from the airport, crossing river Tista, we reached a point where Tista and river Relli met each other in a beauteous visual symphony. The colors and characters of the two rivers, distinct yet their friendly rendezvous got me absolutely awestruck. I wanted to just stop there and spend the rest of my time right at that spot! Trust me. But my guide had other things planned for me. Hence, we set off for the last leg of the journey. About 1 more hour ride later we reached my destination, the serene, heaven like little village of Samther. As I got off the ride I immediately had to go for a walk. I got my bag dumped at the HOMECALLING Samthar reception and just went out for a stroll. I found a new name for this village I bet. I wish to call it ‘The Everyone Smiles Village’. Yes coz’ that was exactly what I experienced. Didn’t pass a single soul who didn’t smile! A while later I felt I should head back and get going with the check in. Entering the HOMECALLING Samthar I got overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality. You guys do realize that I had not been home for quite a while. And if that was not all, I stepped in the drawing room to find this little library! Now hills, books, silence… what else does one need? Food! Yes of course. Andddd! Food was homemade, home style local cuisine that tasted like absolute love! Simple food, simple life. That was exactly what I needed right now. Seeing me elated and all ecstatic, the manager came up and told me I should take rest and be back on the balcony before sunset. I knew it will be something beautiful. But hello, what awaited me next was beyond beautiful. A golden ring of Kanchunjungha sparkling in the twilight lit background. I had no words to express what I was like, I still don’t have words. It is something that can only be experienced. I sat there perplexed, saw the darkness of the night fall like a pashmina shawl on the magnificent range, as if a newlywed village girl in her ghoonghat sat there staring back at me. She had some stories to tell and I was ready to listen to her stories. A cheerful local music broke my reverie and I got back to consciousness and found that a born fire has been lit on my honor. Ah what a day. In no time, the weekend passed and it was time to head back to reality. Yes, these two days were like a dream. A happy dream. Just when I was about to leave, as if I haven’t had enough surprises, the manager handed over a little farewell kit. Just when I was going to bring some money out to give tips, I got this gift. Who doesn’t love gifts? For everything that this place gave me I can’t wait to be back soon.
Palashpriya Banerjee (Senior Associate, Content compliance Discovery Channel )
We suddenly bumped in to a tiny hamlet, Samthar, an off route from 27mile, West Bengal. Spellbound by the breathtaking scenery, we saw the confluence of Teesta and Reli river at Reli khola. On reaching Shepkhola we witnessed the hanging Gailam bridge's beauty. Then we came across a Peacock Breeding point at Suruk. This 2.30hrs trip from NJP, leads to Samthar, an unspoiled destination nestled in the lap of mother nature. We were welcomed warmly by the manager of HOMECALLING Samthar Resort, at Samthar. The hospitality and ambience of the resort with the 270 degree view of nature from the balcony and rooms was amazing. On visiting Panboo View Point, both the places’ tranquility and the exotic view of Kanchenjunga left us mesmerized. In the evening we got the opportunity to witness the striking beauty of "Diamond Necklace. Besides being a breathtaking place , Samthar is also the only place from where Durpindara, Delo, Namchi, Charkhol, and is visible.
Dr. Arijit Bhattacharya (Govt. School Teacher)
