Bungkulung: A new tourist destination near Siliguri

Bungkulung is an offbeat tourist destination close to Siliguri. It is located at an altitude of approximately 2,000 feet. The picturesque village is located in a valley created by the Balasun River. The Balasun gracefully flows through the village, while a small stream called Murmah Khola meanders through Bungkulung before merging with Balasun. Nearby, the Murmah Tea Garden and the Gayabari Tea Gardens add to the scenic beauty of Bungkulung. If you seek tranquillity amidst nature, Bungkulung is a great place to spend a few days.

Bungkulung is close to the major town of Siliguri (40 km, 1.5 hours drive). This makes it an even more attractive option for visitors. Despite its potential, the village remains relatively undiscovered, offering activities like hiking, fishing, camping, and nature walks for those seeking a natural experience.

Tourist activities

Bungkulung is a blend of hills, rivers, forests, and tea gardens, providing visitors with a variety of engaging activities:

Village Trek & Nature Walks: Explore the village on foot and discover a government-run pisciculture project operating in a few ponds.
Balasun River Trek & Camping: Embark on a trek to the Balasun River and enjoy a serene camping experience by the riverside. A fascinating hanging bridge made of an old iron cascade welcomes visitors along the jungle trail. On prior notice, your stay can be arranged in the Balasun riverbed in a tent.
Tea Garden Tours: You can visit the Murmah and Gayabari Tea Gardens, where you can explore tea plantations.
Cultural Experiences: The village is home to the Limbu community, and guests can enjoy traditional dance performances of the local community in the evening. Prior information is needed for the arrangement of the same.
Orange Orchards: Bungkulung also has a few small orange gardens, offering visitors a glimpse into local cultivation, especially during the winter season.

Visit Nearby Attractions

Bungkulung can serve as a base for exploring nearby attractions if you have a vehicle at your disposal:

Mirik (13 km, 30 minutes): Visit the Mirik Lake Samnidu, beautiful tea gardens, and a peaceful monastery and return to Bungkulung in the evening.
Manju Khola Picnic Spot & Nature Park (8 km, 20 minutes): This is a scenic spot perfect for family outings. The park is well-maintained and has been open since 2011.
Dudhia (11 km, 30 minutes): A charming riverside village known for its picnic spots.
Kurseong (16 km, 45 minutes): The popular town of Kurseong is also nearby through the well-known Pakhabari Road.

Local People

The residents of Bungkulung primarily rely on agriculture and paddy cultivation for their livelihood. With the rise of tourism, many locals are now involved in managing homestays and their paraphernalia activities. The surrounding Tea gardens also employ the villagers. The diverse hilly community includes a significant population of the Limbu community. While Nepali is the primary language, Hindi, English, and Bengali are also understood.

Reaching Bungkulung

Three roads meet at Bungkulung. The most important and popular road goes south to Dudhia and then onwards to Siliguri. The second road is northeast-bound and crosses the river Balasun through a bridge locally known as the Gammon Bridge (the name of the engineering company that constructed the bridge). This road will take you to Kurseong through the famous Pankhabari Road in about an hour. The third road moves uphill to the west and meets with the main road connecting Siliguri and Mirik (known as Rishi Road) at a place named Manju Fatak in Singbull Tea Garden. This road is used by people who are travelling to Manju Khola or mirik.

Self drive through the first road (Dudhia - Bungkulung) can be recommended. The other two roads have a steep climb, and people inexperienced in driving in the local hilly terrain are advised to take a local driver on these routes. Even if you are driving through the first route, we would recommend checking the road condition with our helpdesk team as the road passes through a stretch of forest and hilly terrain.

Climate & Best Time to Visit

Bungkulung lies in the Balasun River Valley, and its altitude of just over 2,000 feet gives it a climate similar to the plains. While summer (May) can be warm, the rest of the year offers pleasant weather. Winter brings a refreshing chill, making it an ideal time for visitors who enjoy cooler temperatures. The monsoon season experiences heavy rainfall, transforming the landscape into a lush green paradise but making travel slightly challenging.