Gorubathan is a small beautiful town located in the Kalimpong subdivision of the Kalimpong district of the northern part of Bengal. The colour of Gorubathan is green. The lush green landscape amidst the surrounding hills is strikingly beautiful. It is an ideal eco-tourism destination where forest, tea gardens, mountains and river everything exists. The place is locally known as Sombare. The reason behind this interesting name is a weekly local 'Bazar ' (market) which takes place every Monday (Sombar) here. Situated on the eastern bank of the Chel river, Gorubathan is a nature lovers' delight.
The riverbed of Chel is a popular tourist attraction because of the mesmerising view. It is an amazing picnic spot also, popular among the locals and tourists. Just before Gorubathan, the fagu, chel and runjung Khola ( mean stream in Nepali) meet to form the chel river. Chel river and valley and surrounding mountains make it a hot spot for tourists. On the side of the river is also located the extremely scenic pathorjhora tea garden. Gorubathan area has some lovely tea gardens. When the travellers enter Gorubathan from Damdim, they come across some tea gardens such as rangamati and ranichera which are so beautiful that it looks straight from a picture postcard.
Dalim Fort is another attraction. This is located on the top of a hill in Dalim basti. The fort was built by Lepcha king Garboo Achyok. This fort was even used by the British army during the Indo-Tibet war in 1865. Currently in ruins but an important historical sight here. The place also has a panoramic view of the surroundings.
Then there is a beautiful place close to the Gorubathan area called panchpokhri. These are five lakes merged into one point.
Among the villages of Gorubathan, the village of fagu has an abundance of natural beauty. The British tea bungalow on the hilltop and the surrounding beautiful fagu tea estate is a huge attractions. This place offers a majestic view of the mountains and the valley.
visitors can see the Tamang monastery in neem basti.
Jhandi Dara is another nearby place which is famous for the breathtaking view of the Himalayan range and Dooars areas.
Lava is another very popular place in North Bengal which is very close to Gorubathan. The journey from Gorubathanto lava is renowned for its great natural view. One can easily do a day trip to lava from Gorubathan.
How to reach
Gorubathan is easy to reach. It is 55 kilometres from NJP Station. Kalimpong is 81km through NH 17 & NH 10. Through Lava, it is just 72 km.
Best time to visit
Gorubathan could be visited throughout the year. March to the second week of June and September to November is a time which is ideal for the place. However, winter here is chilly but extremely favourable for the view. The sun-kissed day offers panoramic views. Monsoon is normally between mid-June to August.
