Introduction:
Shivkhola, or Shivakhola, is an offbeat place situated under the Kurseong block, district Darjeeling, West Bengal, a small village surrounded by the tea gardens and small rivers. Shivkhola is nearly 23-25 km away from Siliguri. The name Shivkhola or Shiva Khola was taken from the Hindu mythological god Lord Shiva. There is a Lord Shiva temple; many devotees come here and take blessings. This place is very calm and close to nature. In Shivkhola, many people came here to enjoy the river, picnics, and swimming. On weekends this place is very crowded. Shivkhola is also famous for birdwatching.
Distance from Siliguri to Shivakhola.
Shivkhola, or Shiva Khola, is nearly 23-25 km away from Siliguri. If you are coming from Siliguri, you have to take NH 55. After reaching Rongtong, you have to take a right up the hill towards Shivkhola. On the way to Shivkhola, you will experience unforgettable memories; the roads pass through the tea gardens with curvy turnings. If you are coming from other places like Darjeeling or Kurseong, you don’t need to reach Rongtong; instead, you need to reach Dilaram and have to take the Sittong route. After reaching Hawadara, you have to take a right towards Mahaldiram Tea Garden, and via Malotar Tea Garden and Simring Tea Garden, you will reach Shivkhola.
Shivakhola waterfalls:
Shivakhola Waterfall is a man-made fall created while river water is taken through a small canal for hydro projects. Below the waterfall there are naturally created swimming pools, and people come here to enjoy the clear crystal water.
Things to do in Shivakhola.
If you are planning to come to Shivakhola, it will be your best choice and an unforgettable memory. There are easily accessible homestays and adventure camps, and you can test local cuisines too. People enjoy burning fires at the riverbed, which gives you a new experience. People who believe in God can take blessings from Lord Shiva from the nearby Shiva Mandir (Temple). This place is heaven for bird watchers; many species of birds are found nearby in the forest.
Note:
A clean Earth is a healthy Earth. Let’s be responsible travelers and kind humans—leave only footprints, take only memories.