Homestay In Rishikhola Riverside

About The Destination

Rishikhola Homestay is located in the Kalimpong Hills  on the West Bengal –Sikkim Border. The destination has gained popularity in last few years among the tourists for its unique location and picturesque scenic landscape. Rishi Khola or Rishi River is the border between the states of Bengal and Sikkim.

One can stay at Rishikhola, a place beside the Rishi River (Khola in local language) just for leisure or go to explore the old Silk Route or you might just want to spend a few days away from your daily city life, Rishikhola is a very good option.

Rishikhola can be reached From Kalimpong via Pedong or Rongpo in Sikkim. One can approach Gangtok through silk-route via Rhenock and Aritar.  Rishikhola is at distance of about 36 km from Kalimpong town. Rishikhola is around 18 km from Sillerygaon and 5 from Aritar. Rishikhola is located within 90 km from the nearest rail-head NJP railway station. From Aritar it is 22 km. 

Our homestay in Rishikhola is located bang on the river side and offers a scenic view of the valley with the river running through, the dense vegetation and the Sikkim hills.  Our Rishikhola homestay provides meals inclusive stays options as you do not have eateries in Rishikhola. Food sourced from local markets even though modest are served hot and fresh for boarders at our homestay in Rishikhola. Bengali, Chinese and Nepali food  is served as per guest request. You can also order food and snacks separately subject to availability of raw materials. 

You can also enjoy a chicken bar-b-que with your friend and family on the riverside at extra cost which our staff at Rishikhola homestay will help you to prepare.

Airport

The nearest airports to Rishikhola in Sikkim, India, are:

• Bagdogra Airport (IXB) - Located in West Bengal, approximately 100 kilometers away from Rishikhola. It is the nearest major airport serving the region.

• Pakyong Airport (PYG) - Situated in Sikkim itself, around 37 kilometers from Rishikhola. It's a newly constructed airport and serves as the first and only airport in the state of Sikkim.

Rail Statiom

The nearest major railway station to Rishikhola is New Jalpaiguri Junction (station code: NJP), located in the town of Siliguri, West Bengal. New Jalpaiguri Junction is a major railway station and serves as a gateway to several destinations in the region. It's approximately 90 kilometers away from Rishikhola.

By Road

The Major Bus Station Is Siliguri Junction Bus Terminus.  

From here to reach Rishikhola by road, you typically have to travel through the neighboring state of West Bengal, as there are no direct roads from other parts of Sikkim to Rishikhola due to its remote location. Here's a general guide on how to reach Rishikhola by road:

• From Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) Railway Station: Most travelers arrive at either Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) Railway Station. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to travel towards Rishikhola.

• Siliguri to Rishikhola: If you're starting from Siliguri, you would typically take the Sevoke Road towards Kalimpong. From Kalimpong, you would proceed towards Pedong and then towards Rishikhola. The road to Rishikhola from Pedong is narrow and winding, passing through picturesque mountainous terrain.

• Kalimpong to Rishikhola: If you're coming from Kalimpong, you would take the road towards Pedong and then proceed to Rishikhola as mentioned above.

• Shared Taxis/Jeeps: Shared taxis or jeeps are common modes of transportation in this region. You can find them at taxi stands in Siliguri, NJP, or Kalimpong. These shared vehicles operate on fixed routes and are a cost-effective way to travel, albeit with less comfort compared to private taxis.

• Private Vehicles: If you prefer more flexibility and comfort, you can hire a private taxi from Siliguri, NJP, or Kalimpong to take you directly to Rishikhola. Make sure to confirm the route and negotiate the fare beforehand.

• Road Conditions: Be prepared for some stretches of the road to be narrow, winding, and possibly rough, especially as you approach Rishikhola due to its remote location amidst hills and forests.

Always check the current road conditions, especially during the monsoon season, as heavy rains can lead to landslides and temporary road closures in the region.

Rishikhola is a serene and picturesque village nestled amidst the Himalayan foothills in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal, India, rather than in Sikkim. It's a relatively remote destination with limited accommodation options, mostly comprising of homestays.

 It's advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, as the options in Rishikhola are limited and can fill up quickly. Additionally, keep in mind that Rishikhola is a remote destination, so amenities may be basic compared to more developed tourist areas. However, the natural beauty and tranquility of the surroundings make it a rewarding place to stay for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the lap of nature. 

Rishikhola is a small settlement where one can relax on the sandy river bed with a Bar-B-Cue, here the sound of the of Rishi River as it passes through these boulders feels like a background music during your stay. Or guests may indulge themselves in the luxury of bathing in the crystal clear water of Rishi River. Rishikhola is also an ideal picnic spot. Rishikhola is surrounded by dense forest all over, you can go short village trek with a local guide. Rishikhola homestays are a popular staying option for those who visits Silk Route.

Rishikhola in West Bengal & Sikkim Border needs a special mention in the context of Silk Route Tour. Rishikhola being located on a river side and provides lot of activities activities like bird watching jungle trekking etc. Also due to its proximity to Siliguri, Kalimpong & Darjeeling sees lot of tourists throughout the year. It is on a moderate height  and the temperature is pleasant throughout the year. Rishikhola is also referred to as Goa of Sikkim due to the sandy river beds. 

We welcome you to visit our homestay in Rishikhola and enjoy the natures delight. All Rishikhola homestay provides accommodation on food and stay basis with costing on per head per day basis. Our homestay in Rishikhola provides food based on guests request and can be customized basis. Mostly Indian food are served to our tourist and in some cases Tibetan and Nepali food can also be provided on request.

We can also arrange for transportation from our homestay in Rishikhola like pickup and drop from your desired location and for sight seeing.  Small Cars for 4 people and SUV can be booked from Rishikhola Homestay.

Q: What are the different parameters to consider before booking a room at Rishikhola Home Stay?

A: Rishikhola has very few  homestay to accommodation guests. These are mostly homestays, some are though called resort but all run on homestay licence. Be careful  while choosing homestay because the more sought after are near the river. Our homestay is at the edge of  river, so we  just avoid guests in monsoon as river water is at our gates. During aautum, winter, spring season the water is at safe distance and more enjoyable.. While booking a homestay consider the distance you have to walk uphill to reach the riverside where all activities strat.

Q: What is the nearby destination you should book after staying st Rishikhola Homestay?

A: You can proceed to any other destination from Rishikhola, favorite being the silk route trail like Aritar, Padamchen, Zuluk, or revert back to silleygaon, kalimpong or Siliguri or even to Gangtok or Darjeeling.

Q: What is different between Sikkim Rishikhola and Kalimpong Rishikhola?

A:  There seems to be some confusion regarding Rishikhola's location. Rishikhola is actually situated in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal, bodering Sikkim Rishikhola.

To clarify:

1. Kalimpong side Rishikhola (West Bengal):
   
   • Rishikhola in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal is a serene and picturesque village nestled amidst the Himalayan foothills. It is known for its natural beauty, with lush forests, gushing rivers, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
   • This side of Rishikhola offers a tranquil environment and is a popular destination for nature lovers, trekkers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature.

1. Sikkim side Rishikhola (if such a place exists):
   
   • There might be areas near Sikkim with similar names like Rishi River or Rishi Khola, but they are distinct from the Rishikhola located in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal.
   • If there is indeed a place named Rishikhola on the Sikkim side, it would likely have its own unique characteristics and attractions, which may differ from those of the Rishikhola in West Bengal.
   • It's essential to verify the specific location and details of any place named Rishikhola in Sikkim to understand its differences from the Rishikhola in Kalimpong, West Bengal.

In summary, the primary difference lies in their geographical locations and the surrounding landscapes, attractions, and experiences they offer. Rishikhola in Kalimpong, West Bengal, is known for its serene natural beauty, while any place named Rishikhola in Sikkim would have its own distinct features and characteristics.