Latpanchar - Complete Tour and Birding Guide

Latpanchar - Situated at the highest point of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary at an altitude of 4200ft with a mesmerizing view of the Teesta River is a hidden gem called Latpanchar. Located amidst the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Latpanchar is a quaint forest village 40km away from Siliguri known for its Cinchona plantation, and due to its unique location, Latpanchar has been endowed with the immense richness of pristine nature. Latpanchar with its surreal gifts of nature and awe-inspiring view of the green valley with the backdrop view of Mt Kanchenjunga is making its way towards the most favored destination on the travelers' list who admires the beauty of nature.

Latpanchar Sightseeing Attractions

Hidden in the dense mix-wet forest on the foothills of the Himalayas, Latpanchar is one of the less trodden destinations and is free from a horde of tourists even in the peak season, which lets visitors enjoy the beauty of the serene ambiance without much hassle. Sited at the highest point of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Latpanchar offers its visitor the most breathtaking sight of the river Teesta along with a view of the adjacent view of the green valley. Most travelers are lured towards the Latpanchar for the panoramic view of the snow-capped mountain seen from Ahal Dhara and the chance to spot and observe some wild animals in their natural habitat while trekking through the Cinchona, Sal, Teak, and Pine trees towards Latkothi.

Visitors can go for a jungle walk near the beautiful Lake of Namthing to explore the hiding place of the rare and exotic species of wildlife that Latpanchar harbors like the Himalayan newt or commonly known as the Salamander. It is a living fossil that has lived the age of the dinosaurs and is said to be the missing link between the Reptiles and the Amphibians. Latpanchar houses more the 250 species of birds like Barn Swallow, Laughing Thrush, Sunbird, Scarlet Minivet, Minla, Yuhina, Scaly Thrush, Ashy Backed Shrike, Spotted Eagles, Magpie, Drongo, Woodpeckers, Black Bulbul, Drongo, Kingfishers, Robin, Himalayan pheasants, etc. It is also the home to the most elegant, colorful, endangered species Rufous Necked Hornbill which migrated to Latpanchar from Nepal hills due to its climatic condition making it a birding paradise for the passionate bird watcher.

Best Time to Visit Latpanchar for Birding

Latpanchar is a peaceful abode and perfect destination for bird watchers & nature lovers which can be visited all through the year. However, October to May is considered to be the best time to visit Latpanchar for birding. During these months, you will be able to spot a plethora of colorful birds. Countless migratory birds can also be seen making it a paradise for birdwatchers throughout these months. June to September is the months of Monsoon. This is the time when you should not visit Latpanchar due to frequent landslides.

Sightseeing Places near Latpanchar

It is a small lake that is one of the few natural homes for the endangered Himalayan Salamanders. If you're lucky, you might be able to see one.

Near this Pokhri, there is a 150-year-old Buddhist monastery as well as a viewpoint with spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Ahal Sunrise Point, for example, is a fantastic site to spend hours soaking up the beauty and tranquility of a mountain community.

Latkothi is a small yet charming hamlet located 4 kilometers from Latpanchar. Saal, Teak, and Pine trees are in abundance in this enchanting village. Aside from that, colorful butterflies and Himalayan birds will captivate you.

Latpanchar is around 4 kilometers away. The mountain road leads here past Cinchona, Sal, Teak, and Pine trees, revealing the beauty of nature. You can spend a day here or, with special authorization from the forest department, go on to the Kuhi area. The region will greet you with colorful butterflies and birds.

How to Travel to Latpanchar

By Flight - Just like other hilly settlements in North Bengal, Latpanchar relies on Bagdogra Aiport. The distance from the airport to the village is not more than 55 km.

By Train - From New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP), North Bengal's busiest railway station, the village is approximately 52 kilometers driving distance away.

By Road - The best and most convenient method to get to Latpanchar is via car. You have to go to this village via Kalijhora from Siliguri; you can hire a private car or cab.

Engulf your senses with the fragrance of the vibrant Himalayan flora while exploring the less trodden road and observing wildlife in the virgin forest while visiting Latpanchar. If you are looking for a place with the touch of nature offering the pictorial sight of the Himalayan range far from the plague of tourists then Latpanchar a picturesque forest village is the perfect place where visitors can see nature in its pristine form.