How To Reach Lava

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas is the picturesque tourist destination of Lava located in Kalimpong sub-division area of North Bengal. Considered the twin of Loleygaon hill station, Lava is a serene and misty hamlet that has garnered much popularity over the last few years. It is situated at an altitude of 2100m and is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty. The simplicity and hospitality of the area, the view of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas visible from Lava, the surrounding coniferous forest and the warm glow of the sun makes it a truly stunning destination for tourists headed towards North Bengal. Listed below are the ways you can reach Lava.

Given a small sleepy hamlet that it is, Lava predictably does not have a civilian airbase. The closest airport is in Bagdogra located in Siliguri about 117 km away and is a 3 to 4-hour drive from Siliguri city. Bagdogra is the only airport in North Bengal and provides air connectivity to the entire region. Bagdogra is well connected by private and public carriers with almost all parts of the country and is quite a busy airport with regular flights flying in and out of the city. From Bagdogra tourists can hire cabs or take a bus from Siliguri to reach their respective destinations including Lava.

Another popular mode of transportation to reach Lava is by train. However, it does not have a railway junction and those traveling by train have to disembark at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or NJP. It is located about 110km from Lava. Like Bagdogra Airport, NJP is the most important railway junction in North Bengal. It gives tourists access to all parts of the region and also to the north-eastern states. It lies en route to the 7 sister states and hence plays an important role in connecting people, cities and towns. There are several express and superfast trains that originate or pass through NJP. From the station, tourists have to hire a cab to reach Lava Loleygaon.

Lava is only accessible directly by road in the absence of an airport and a railway station. From Siliguri, New Jalpaiguri and neighboring towns, tourists can drive out to the beautiful hill station. It can be reached through Dooars via a road named Damdim and takes a turn from NH31. If you are traveling by this route then NJP is just 97 km away and takes less than 3 hours to reach Lava. The other road which takes tourists to Lava is via Kalimpong and Algara. Kalimpong to Lava is 100km via this route and takes more than 4 hours. Cabs and bus services are available which help ferry people to their dream destination.

Lava is a small hill village and the best way to explore the area is by foot. Walking down the winding paths gives a stunning view of the surroundings, the mountains, towering trees and the picturesque villages of Lava. It is the best way to know the area as it gives an opportunity to interact with the locals and the long nature walks can be extremely refreshing and rejuvenating. Take in the fresh mountain air that is highly therapeutic. Alternately jeeps are also available for those who cannot walk long distances.