forest bungalow · Jhalong
Jholung River Camp (WBFDC)
The forest corporation's camp at Jhalong on the Jaldhaka river, close to the Bhutan border. A base for river birding, the drive up to Paren and the last road to Bindu, at a fraction of what a private resort charges.
Jhalong (the corporation spells it Jholung) is a small settlement built around the Jaldhaka hydel project, with the river running wide and cold below the road. The corporation's river camp offers cottages in a few grades within sight and sound of the water. It is a place to sit by the river with tea and a pair of binoculars.
There are only a few tea shops and small stores in Jhalong, so take snacks and cash. Mobile signal varies by network. Book through the corporation's website and check current status before you travel, because the hill road from Chalsa and the Jaldhaka valley are prone to slides and flood damage in the monsoon.
Why we suggest it
- On the Jaldhaka, a good river-bird stretch
- Close to Bindu and Paren
- Government tariff in a valley with few stays
We list rates as indicative ranges. We do not take commission from this property for being listed here. Check current status before you travel.
Questions people ask
Good to know
How do we get to Jhalong?
Jhalong is about 100 km from Siliguri, three to three and a half hours by car via Malbazar and Chalsa, then up the Jaldhaka valley road. A reserved car from NJP costs about ₹4,000–5,000. Local jeeps run from Chalsa and nearby markets, but timings are irregular and fewer after noon.
Can we see Bhutan from Jhalong?
The Jaldhaka forms the border with Bhutan a little further up at Bindu, and the hills across the river there are Bhutanese territory. There is no official crossing for visitors at Jhalong or Bindu. Indian travellers enter Bhutan at Phuentsholing, opposite Jaigaon, with the paperwork Bhutan requires.
Is Jhalong good for birdwatching?
Yes. The river and forested banks hold river birds such as forktails, redstarts and wagtails in winter, along with forest species on the slopes. Go out at first light, walk the road along the river, and keep to the bank, away from the hydel installations, where photography may be restricted.
Trips that sleep here
On a ticket
Comfort
Dooars7 nights · Reserved car
The Dooars end to end in a week, by car
Jhalong · Samsing · Lataguri · Jaldapara National Park
₹42,000per personabout ₹5,250 a day
Value
Dooars4 nights · Mixed
Jhalong, Bindu and the Samsing hills
Jhalong · Suntalekhola · Samsing
₹15,000per personabout ₹3,000 a day
Comfort
Dooars5 nights · Reserved car
Dooars river valleys for birders, by car
Murti · Suntalekhola · Jhalong
₹26,000per personabout ₹4,350 a day
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