Bunkulung: A Green Escape to Tea Gardens and River Trails

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What To Expect at Bunkulung

Bunkulung offers a very slow-paced and peaceful mountain life to its visitors. This offbeat gem combines serenity, local charm and natural beauty. It is surrounded by lush tea estates and terraced fields where you can witness the hardworking farmers while taking some peaceful nature walks.

Best Darjeeling Tour Packages

We present to you with our exclusive and wide range of Darjeeling tour packages which will ensure to offer you a comprehensive experience of this hill station, curled up in the arms of the majestic Himalayas. Our packages typically include a wide range of activities, starting from visiting iconic attractions like Tiger Hill, Tea Gardens, Peace Pagoda or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, which will cater to all families, adventure lovers and honeymooners, alike.

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Romantic Escapes: Darjeeling & Sikkim Weekend Getaway
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Mystic Blessings: Eastern Himalayas Pilgrimage Tour
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Wildlife Escape: Darjeeling & Sikkim
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Sacred Himalayas: Darjeeling & Sikkim Pilgrimage Tour
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Wild Himalayas: Darjeeling & Sikkim Wildlife Tour
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Best Time to Visit Bunkulung

Bunkulung can be visited all year round due to its pleasant weather. Thus, you can choose your best time based on the type of experience you want to enjoy. However, in general, the months between March- April or October – May are considered as best as the weather remains especially mild and fresh with clear skies and crisp air. These are the ideal times to enjoy countryside picnics, birdwatching and nature walks.

Weather and Temperature of Bunkulung (Season-wise)

A season-wise distribution of Bunkulung’s temperature and weather is mentioned below-

Spring (March to April) remains blooming and pleasant, with the temperature ranging between 15°C and 22°C during the day and 7°C to 12°C at night, livening up the hills with lush greenery and blooming rhododendrons. It is recommended to carry some light jackets to enjoy outdoor exploration without any interruption.

Monsoon (July to September) remains misty and wet, with heavy rainfall. The temperature ranges between 17°C and 23°C during the day and 10°C to 15°C at night. Travelling during this time can be tricky; taking extra precautions is recommended to enjoy the lush greenery of the peak. However, there is a possibility of a landslide in the nearby areas.

Autumn (October to November) offers golden landscapes, clear skies and crisp air. The temperature ranges between 15°C to 22°C during the day and 7°C and 12°C at night. It is an ideal season to enjoy cultural visits and nature photography. It is recommended to pack some warm sweaters as the evenings can get chilly.

Winter (December to February) remains dry and cold, with the occasional occurrence of frost during the early mornings. The temperature ranges between 8°C to 15°C during the day and 0°C to 5°C at night. Carry heavy woollens with you to enjoy foggy mornings with crispy morning air.

Geography and Natural Beauty

Bunkulung is a Himalayan beauty hidden in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal at an elevation of about 5000 feet above sea level. It is an ideal destination for nature photographers, peace seekers and adventure enthusiasts. It is placed between several hilly ridges and the Balason River in proximity to the Nepal border. Bunkulung houses several straggling tea estates such as Soureni and Murmah, painting the hills vibrantly green. It is rich in biodiversity, where you can expect vibrant butterflies, chirping birds, and Himalayan squirrels.

Attractions and Activities

Bunkulung creates opportunities for unwinding amidst lush greenery and enjoying unique culture. Some of the top attractions to explore and activities to try out in Bunkulung include-

Attractions

Organic Tea Gardens- You can take serene walks around the lush tea gardens to witness the locals working hard on plucking tea leaves. This will also give you an idea about the organic tea production process. You can also try out tea-tasting sessions here with the views of the hills.

Balason River and Hanging Bridge- You can visit the dazzling Balason River and try out stone skipping, or simply sit in peace near the riverbank and enjoy a riverside picnic. The hanging bridge is an ideal spot to try your hand at nature photography.

Eco Stay Farms- You can get a blended experience of rural lifestyle and comfort by staying at the homestays or eco-resorts. You can try out bonfire nights and engage with the locals while trying out delicious meals.

Temples and Local Monasteries- The region is dotted with small monasteries and religious shrines reflecting the religious beliefs of the people residing here.

Activities

Birdwatching and Natural Walks- This region is the home to many exotic bird species such as woodpeckers, Himalayan bulbuls and many more which you can spot while walking around the ridges, tea gardens and forests.

Farm and Village Experience- You can reconnect with nature by trying out this activity and helping the locals milk their cow, or taking part in plucking vegetables or farming.

Photography- It is a heaven for nature photographers with tea trails, rivers and dramatic skies.

Fishing- You can enjoy a fishing experience with the locals at the Balason River.

Nearby Attractions and places to visit on Bunkulung:

Mirik- This is a charming hill station landscaped around the serene Sumendu Lake, and it is situated at a distance of 12-15 km from Bunkulung. You can take a walk around the footbridge or enjoy horse rides and boating here.

Soureni Tea Garden & Viewpoint- These tea estates offer breathtaking views of the Nepali hills and the Mirik Valley. These are the best spots to try out short hikes and nature photography.

Bokar Monastery- This Buddhist monastery has stunning architecture and is an ideal spot to learn more about the Tibetan Buddhist teachings and enjoy some peace.

Thurbo and Gopaldhara Tea Estates- These tea gardens have historical influence and are situated near Mirik. You can take some scenic walks here and get a chance to enjoy some refreshing Darjeeling tea.

Local Cuisine and Cultural Experiences

The Bengali, Lepcha, and Nepali communities influence the local cuisine of Bunkulung. The locals prepare their food by sourcing ingredients from nearby farms or their backyard gardens. Some of the popular dishes of Bunkulung that you must try include Dal Bhat Tarkari, Gundruk & Kinema, Momo, Thukpa, and Smoked Pork Curry.

You will get an immersive cultural experience in Bunkulung reflecting the Himalayan heritage blended by Bengali, Lepcha and Nepali traditions. Some of the immersive cultural experiences to try out in Bunkulung include-

Homestay Experience- You can enjoy traditional hospitality, warm, delicious Himalayan cuisines and daily routines of the locals, along with listening to legendary stories and myths from the locals while sitting around the fire by staying at the homestays.

Tasting the Local Cuisine- You can witness the locals while they prepare their delicious meals in their traditional method and even ask them to teach you their process while you taste these delicious food items such as gundruk, kinema and dal bhat.

Enjoying the Seasonal Dance and Music- You can catch a glimpse of the locals performing their local maruni dance or play tamang selo if you travel during the festival season, and enjoy chants performed by the Buddhists during the rituals, along with drumming.

Rural Skills and Handicrafts- You can take guidance from the locals to teach you their crafts of weaving or making handmade tools, woollen items or bamboo baskets.

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Accommodations:

Bunkulung offers community-driven, nature-connected and cosy accommodations which are ideal for experiencing the typical Himalayan lifestyle. There are mostly three types of accommodations available here-

    Farm Stays and Eco-Resorts- These accommodations are mostly placed by the banks of the river, organic farms or within the tea gardens. You can enjoy modern comforts in these mud houses, bamboo huts or wooden cottages. The perks of staying here include village tours and farm-to-table meals.
    Homestays- These are the most affordable stay options in Bunkulung, featuring clean rooms, delicious meals, cultural performances and warm hospitality. You will get to experience Bunkulung authentically by staying here.
    Riverside Camping- Sometimes the eco-stays also offer tents to enjoy campfires with stargazing or fishing near the Balason River. It is ideal for adventure-loving travellers.

Homestays in Bunkulung

The homestays of Bunkulung offer peaceful Himalayan stays, delicious organic meals and genuine village hospitality. These homestays offer cosy, clean rooms where you can take a digital detox and enjoy some time in peace. Some of the recommended homestays of Bunkulung are- Bunkulung Riverside Homestay, Balason Eco Resort, Bunkulung Eco Tourism Project Stays and Rai Homestay.

Where Is Bunkulung

Bunkulung is a serene Himalayan village in the Mirik subdivision of the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. Encompassed by hilly terrains and lush tea gardens, it is situated near the Indo-Nepal border. Bunkulung, being placed near the Balason River, offers authentic village life, eco-tourism and tranquillity.

How To Reach Bunkulung

By Air: The Bagdogra airport being situated at a distance of 55 km, is the nearest to Bunkulung. You can take a cab from the airport premises to reach Bunkulung via Mirik, which will take you about 3 hours by road in a hilly scenic route.

By Train: The NJP railway station being situated at a distance of 50 km, is the nearest to Bunkulung. You can reach Bunkulung by taking a taxi from here via Mirik in a 2.5-3 hour journey.

By Road-

From Siliguri: The distance between Siliguri and Bunkulung is about 50 km, and the route includes Siliguri- Dudhia- Mirik- Bunkulung. The journey by road will take you about 2.5 hours.

From Darjeeling: The distance between Darjeeling and Bunkulung is about 45 km, and the road route includes- Darjeeling- Ghoom- Sukhiapokhri- Mirik- Bunkulung. Although this route is a bit winding, it offers a charming view, which will take you about 2-2.5 hours by road.

Pro-Tips while travelling to Bunkulung

    Carry some layers of warm clothes as the evenings here can get quite chilly, Check out the weather forecast before planning any day trip, especially during the monsoon season.
    There is a limited number of local transport options; thus, remember to pre-book a taxi.
    There are a limited number of accommodation options here; thus, pre-book a homestay or an eco-resort.

Conclusion

Bunkulung is an ideal destination for those who are craving an authentic Himalayan experience, a natural escape, and peace. It offers a profound experience filled with misty views and tea garden explorations. It is a perfect blend of slow living and cultural richness.

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