forest bungalow · Kalimpong
Sailabash Eco Tourism Centre
A West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC) lodge in the Kalimpong forest compound. Simple rooms in a green, quiet corner of town, booked online through WBFDC, useful as a cheap base before heading on to Lava or Lolegaon.
The forest department has kept a compound in Kalimpong since the early forest-survey years, and the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation now runs part of it as the Sailabash Eco Tourism Centre. It is a practical, no-frills base: clean rooms in categories from deluxe to premium, trees around you, and the town within reach by a short taxi ride.
It pairs well with WBFDC's own lodges at Lava and Lolegaon, which are booked through the same website, so you can plan a three-lodge forest circuit in one sitting. Bookings usually open about three months ahead and get taken quickly for October, December and the spring holidays. Rates are indicative; check current status before you travel.
Why we suggest it
- Government forest lodge prices inside town
- Books on the same WBFDC site as Lava and Lolegaon
- Green compound, quieter than the bazaar hotels
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 I book WBFDC lodges in Kalimpong district?
WBFDC lodges, including Sailabash in Kalimpong and the eco tourism centres at Lava and Lolegaon, are booked on the corporation's website, wbfdc.net. Bookings usually open about three months ahead. Pay online, carry the printed or phone voucher and a photo ID. Rates and room categories change: check current status before you travel.
Is food available at Sailabash?
Government forest lodges usually have a small kitchen that cooks simple meals to order: rice, dal, vegetables, eggs, sometimes chicken. Order dinner by late afternoon. Kalimpong town is close enough that most guests eat at least one meal at a momo shop or a Tibetan kitchen near the Motor Stand.
Is Sailabash a good base for Lava and Lolegaon?
It is a sensible first night. From Kalimpong, Lava is about 30–34 km and Lolegaon about 55 km, so you can drive on the next morning. Many travellers book Sailabash, Lava and Lolegaon together on the WBFDC website, spending one or two nights at each.
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