 Very much in its unspoilt and not much unexplored state, Bagora, situated at a mere 17 km distance from Kurseong, standing at an altitude of 7150 ft, offers a memorable holiday to tourist covering Darjeeling Kurseong region. A couple of days stay at Bagora will give you the feel of mystic deciduous forestry all around with huge Sal and Dhupi Trees, innumerable chirping birds everywhere and suddenly appearing and disappearing small fog accumulations.
On the way to Darjeeling from Kurseong, comes Dilaram crossing which is only about 3.5 kms from Bagora. Local taxi service will take you to Bagora in just about 15-20 minutes from here.
Bagora is also known as Zero Point. There is a Air Force station with a helipad at a distance of 1.25 kms at an height of approximately 8000 ft from where one can see the Mighty Kanchenjungha with its spreaded ranges. This walk to the AF Station is through a forest road and if you are lucky enough, you might witness Deer’s crossing the roads too. Even Wild Bear encounters are reported too.
The locals are mostly engaged in Dairy farming and Organic farming. During April May, one can also see Red Rhododendron’s blooming out of green canvas in the area. Bagora is renowned for its herbal and medicinal plants. During October-November, trees get filled with oranges creating a unique contrast of colour combination of green and orange.
British had constructed a road which was used as an alternative way of communication for movement of forces at that time. This road connects Ghoom and Kurseong via Bagora. The British also built a Chimney, the ruins of which can be seen here at Bagora. The Chimney was used to supply hot water to the British Army during their reign. The hill top is now called Chimney Hill and organic farming can be noticed on its foothills. A visit to Dow Hill Park & Zoo can also be undertaken. The Forest Training School at the Dow Hill is another spot to see, the only Forest Training School of its kind in the state which also have a Forest Museum therein.
The Netaji Museum is a place containing historical relevance, a museum has been set up there. The house was owned by Sarat Chandra Bose, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s elder brother. Later Government acquired the building and converted it into a museum.
Enthusiasts can walk down the dark forest trail to Tiger Hill to watch the famous sunrise.One can also undergo a 12-km trek to Mongpu, too. Trek to Latpanchar, Mamthing Pokhri which are at a distance of 15 km and 11 km respectively are also good trekking options. |
