Rishikhola, A Place Not For City Lovers
Rishikhola is also known as Reshi Khola, derived its name after the Reshi River, and Khola means a place on the bank of a river. This is one of the rarest serene places adjacent to the Sikkim-West Bengal Border within the Kalimpong District Range. It also seems to be an offbeat destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Those who love to hear sounds from a river, flowing through hills in a forest kind of environment, or want to spend some time with himself/herself out of regular chaotic life. This place is an absolute choice to experience peace and nature side by side.
Local sightseeing near Rishikhola
If you wonder about what the list of places to visit will be while being here, I would say that, on the first day, you should walk along the river and explore hidden beauties on your own. The second day, you may plan to do local sightseeing, Aritar Lampokhari Lake (Artificial Lake), and if you can walk, do it till Rhenock. All you will get here is a river, a lot of greenery in the lap of green-covered hills. Hours will pass like seconds once you start counting.
This place is all about how you love nature and what you should consider as ultimate satisfaction being a human. Maybe you will start thinking that I am exaggerating, but truly, words cannot justify the beauty this place offers.
Accommodation options
I visited Rishikhola around June 2015. At that time, there were very limited options, but nowadays, a lot of homestays have started functioning. Although my bet will be on “Reshi Eco-Tourism Resort”, Sebastian Pradhan, owner of this place, is one of the most popular people in the entire Sikkim & North Bengal for being a pioneer of old Silk Route tourism, numerous homestays, and other development activities. You could not believe how he behaves until you see for yourself. Staying in a homestay is also affordable, approximately INR 1000 – 1200 (season-wise varies) per person, including meals. Always ask for the riverside block while booking.
You can check out our Recommended Hotel Details to get details about the Rishikhola resort, as well as many different places throughout India.
Fooding in Rishikhola
As I have already mentioned, food is included in the standard tariff. They serve homely food which tastes best because of fresh vegetables & fish in that beautiful environment.
Best time to visit
You should visit Rishikhola in the monsoon or after that. But you can visit in summer (you may spot rhododendron flowers) or before winter also. During winter, you will not feel this place that mystic due to the lack of greenery and the wet soil aroma.
How to Reach Rishikhola
You can rent a cab from the nearest railway station, NJP, or Bus station, Siliguri, or Airport Bagdogra/Pakyong. If you are a solo backpacker or less than 4, you can take a shuttle to Rangpo, then to Rhenock, from there a local cab, or take a lift. This way you can save a lot. If you are booking in advance, do ask for a cab rental price; they may offer a lucrative rate for you. In case you are taking your vehicle, just reach Rishikhola and ask for Sebastian Pradhan’s homestay. People are nice; they won’t misguide you.
Nearby Off-beat Places
You can visit Ramdhura, Icche Gaon, Sillery Gaon, Ramitay, Lingsey, Machong, Mangerjung Gaon, and Mairung Gaon. The last two are relatively new spots, so not found in Google Maps. We will try to explore them very soon. There are more similar places after Rongli, but you may need to have a permit for those places.
You can also visit popular places like Gangtok, Ravangla, Pelling, Kalimpong, Tinchuley, and many more.
Pro Tip: ATM and stationery items will be available at Rhenock. If you love trekking, this ideal place for you.
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Don’t forget to check out our detailed guides on other Sikkim and nearby places.
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Tell me
Have you ever visited Rishikhola yet? If yes, how was your experience?
I absolutely love such places, away from the city, in the middle of wilderness. Will plan a trip here soon.
Rishikhola – i first time heard about this place, love to read your article and want to explore this unexplored place
I have added this place in my list. Beautiful pictures and helpful information shared. Also I am sharing this post with my friends and family.
the place looks so serene and calm. I need a break from the city and its traffic and the concrete jungle!!
Oh! I love trekking, and moreover I love nature even more. So this place seems to be a kind of spot I look for my vacations. Away from all the city hustle bustle, just nature and me.