Name: Samsing
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Samsing, West Bengal Overview

Nestled at the foothills of Eastern Himalayas at an elevation of 3000 ft in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, Samsing is a quaint hill town popular for its serene landscape, orange orchards, verdant green tea gardens, foggy climate and its picture - perfect setting. Known to be one of the most beautiful offbeat hill destinations of the Doars region with its meandering rivers, green carpeted hills, emerald grasslands and dainty tea-gardens, the tiny hilly hamlet is a safe haven for nature lovers which is still untainted by commercial tourism. The virgin meadows and the hilly terrain offers peace and tranquility like no place else and the overall mystical vibe of the place makes it one of the most desired hill towns for offbeat travellers. The hamlet is home to over 4000 people and is also considered the gateway to Neora Valley National Park as it is situated just 18 kms away from it.

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Places to Visit at Samsing

Lali Guras
Lali Guras is a popular picnic spot in Samsing owing to its picturesque setting. You can watch the River Murti flowing at one side of the valley over towering hills and rocky terrain. The river originates from the Neora valley and flows downwards through Samsing to join the Jaldhaka river. Besides enjoying mesmerising sunrise views from here, you can also take a dip in the river where the current is slow. However, be sure to take all safety measures before entering the waters.
Samsing View Point
At a hairpin bend, on the road towards Samsing, you can spot the very famous Samsing View Point. The vantage point offers an enchanting bird’s eye view of the valley below with the River Murti cutting the landscape into two parts. At one side you can see the green hilly slopes and the other you will find velvety green tea gardens. The site is a pure visual delight and a must-visit attraction.

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Mouchuki
Mouchuki is a desolate virgin place near the Forest Check Post in Samsing. The place boasts of unreal natural beauty and looks like a piece of paradise brought to the earth. There is a lodge at the spot where you need to make a prior booking in case you want to drive your car up to the vantage point. Alternatively, you can hire a vehicle from the village below to reach up there. It is the closest you can ever get near nature.
Rocky Island
Rocky Island is another tiny hamlet situated 3 kms away from Samsing. At an altitude of 2000 ft, the village has river Murti flowing across it. Besides, it offers enchanting views of the mountains in the backdrop. There are several eateries at the bank that make it a perfect picnic spot. The place also has a lot of rocks and hilly terrain that makes it a perfect spot for adventure activities like rock climbing etc.
Suntaley Khola
Suntaley Khola is another beautiful village, 4 kms ahead of Samsing. You also need permission to take your own vehicle from WBFDC lodge in case you are driving. Enveloped in dense forests, the hamlet offers a leisure stay amidst nature cut off from any kind of network or disruption from the city life. The main attraction of the place is the hanging bridge which is also a tourist site other than an adventure attraction. From the bridge, you can watch the silver river cascading below and green woods in the backdrop.
Neora Valley National Park
Neora Valley National Park is one of the most popular attractions near Samsing located at a distance of just 18 kms from Samsings. Most tourists visiting Samsing journey along to the National Park. Jeep Safaris and Wildlife Spotting are the top activities at the National Park owing to its rich wildlife and diverse variety of flora, fauna and avifauna species.

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Things to Do in Samsing

Cave Exploration and Rock Climbing
Suntaley Khola and Rocky Island are among the most preferred places for adventure activities like rock climbing, trekking and cave exploration etc. Rocky Island has a rocky terrain and the erosion of soil over the years have led to the formation of cave like structures. Exploring these caves and climbing up the rocky mountains are some of the most popular activities at Samsing.
Birdwatching
Samsing is considered a bird watchers paradise owing to its popular of avifauna species. The place is home to some of the most exotic species of birds while some others migrate here every season. The most popular bird species that can be found here include Orange-bellied Leafbird, Maroon Oriole, Warblers, Grey-chinned and Short-billed Minivets, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Greater Thrush, Slaty-backed Forktail, Sultan Tit, Ashy Bulbul, and Yellow-vented etc. Do not forget to carry your binoculars while you are visiting here.

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Interact with the Locals
Samsing in itself is a vibrant village which has a fusion of local culture, tradition and cuisines. You can explore the rural lifestyle and interact with the locals for a peek into the traditional life of Samsing. There are also several other villages within a radius of 3 - 5 kms like Suntaley Khola and Mouchuki etc. which you can explore.
Camping and Bonfire
Rocky Island is located on the banks of River Murti and it is a perfect spot for camping and confire. You can set up your camps by the river and indulge in self-cooking, forest exploration and bonfires. You can also go fishing by the river and prepare a meal for yourself just like in olden times.

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Nature Walks and Trekking
There are a lot of trails and places in and around Samsing where you can go on nature walks. The area is enveloped in dense woods with marked trails which you can embark on for trekking and hiking. The vibrant and rich wildlife is surely going to amaze you. In case you want, you can also ask a local villager to accompany you for safety purposes.
Take a Stroll at the Tea Gardens
Samsing is full of emerald green tea gardens which is a feast to the eyes. You can take a walk at these gardens, watch the tea pickers at work, volunteer for some work and taste premium quality tea here. Some of the popular tea estates here are Chalsa Tea Garden, Zurantee Tea Garden and Samsing Tea Garden etc.

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Where to Stay in Samsing

Samsing has no luxury hotels. However, you will find several lodges, forest rest houses and home stays which are managed and maintained by the Forest Department of West Bengal.

Best Time to Visit

Although any time of the year is ideal to visit the alluring hamlet, the best time to make a visit is between the months of October and February when the spring is in full blossom, the orange orchards are ripe with oranges and the fields are swaying with green blooms.

How to Reach

The nearest airport to Samsing is the Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri which is around 90 kms from Chalsa. The nearest railway station to Samsing is New Jalpaiguri Station from where you can take a bus to Chalsa. You will need to get down at Chalsa and take another bus from here to reach Samsing.