PRISTINE VIEWS
Jhandi Eco Hut, Upper Lungsel, Gorubathan
If you’re an intrepid traveller willing to eschew luxuries for picturesque views, then Jhandi Eco Huts is just right for you. Intrepid because August in the hills means braving days of mist, fog and rain for that one glimpse of Kanchenjunga. But if you’re the Indiana Jones of views and scoff at things like leeches, then Jhandi can be a true revelation. About 4,000 ft above sea level, it’s a yet unexplored spot close to Lava and accessible from the Dooars area. Though the golden peaks Mt Kanchenjunga aren’t the only thing you need to watch out for. On clear nights, you can see across the valley into the Teesta basin and also the Nathula range. To have a panoramic view of the trio is quite an unparalleled feat for photobugs.
Managed by local Nepali boys, who earn the proceeds from the upkeep of the huts after an initial investment by the owners, the 18 cottages of Jhandi have become a source of additional income for the
village. But the facilities offered are very basic.
The glass house cottages are essentially wooden cottages with glass fronts and are more spacious with better quality accommodation. But the service, though well intentioned, is fairly rudimentary. The interiors are done up with locally available furniture and a working geyser is a godsend. Phones, if they do charge, might not get network. The earnestness of the hospitality is quite heart-warming, which helps one overlook the rather simple food they offer. Give their Chinese fare and momos a try, or go for a basic meal of rice, dal and veggies—tasty and hearty. If you can manage to get a barbecue going, their bamboo roasted meat is a delectable option worth trying. The sunrise point is a 10-minute walk from the property, through dense green shrubbery, which can offer breathtaking views on a clear day. But the heavy fog and rolling mist have a charm of their own, and if like singer Norah Jones, you too, find romance in the sound of “rain falling over tin roofs”, then this is just the right place for you.
GETTING THERE Jhandi is close to New Malbazar Junction (32 km). It’s also accessible from NJP railway station and Bagdogra airport. TARIFF Rs 1,800 onwards DETAILS jhandiecohut.com CONTACT 9433346189