Lava is a small village situated in the foot hills of the Himalayas, in the district of Kalimpong in West Bengal. The village of Lava is located 34 km east of Kalimpong town and can be reached through Algarah in Darjeeling. Lava, with and altitude of 7,016 feet, is renowned for its picturesque setting and natural beauty and is the entrance to the Neora Valley National Park via Kalimpong. It is amongst the very few places in the state of West Bengal to experience snowfall in winter. The pleasant lush forests are perfect for various adventurous activities like trekking, hiking, rock climbing, bird-watching, picnics and other types of peripatetic activities. The local residents still maintain a traditional way of living, mostly unaffected by modernisation.
Lava is well connected with Darjeeling and Siliguri as there are several shared jeeps, private vehicles and buses are regularly available. Bagdogra is the nearest airport and New Jalpaiguri is the nearest Railway station.
Climate of Lava
In Lava, the climate is pleasing throughout most of the year. The summer months are considered as the best time to visit and the maximum temperature is usually around 20 degree Celsius. The temperature during winter falls below 0 (zero) degree Celsius and snowfall can be experienced between November and February. Lava receives an annual rainfall of 635cm, between the monsoon months of May to mid- October.
Flora and Fauna of Lava
The route towards the hamlet of Lava is enriched with natural vegetation of various types like wet Alpine trees of Fir, Birch and Pine to Tropical Deciduous. The surrounding forest contains some wild animals like Barking Deer and Himalayan Black Bear and birds like rusty bellied short wing, Rufous-throated wren babblers, Scarlet Finch, Satyr Tragopan, Blue-fronted Robin, Yellow-throated Fulvetta, Grey-sided Laughing thrush, etc.
Tourist Destinations in Lava
There is a Buddhist monastery in Lava that is pretty popular with the tourists. There is also a small museum in the locality as well. The Neora Valley National Park also attracts several visitors through out the year from all corners of the country. A permit needs to be acquired before visiting the National Park. Ghanti Dara and Tiffin Dara are also much renowned as a spot to view the majestic sunrise. Chhangey Falls, 12 km from Lava, is a popular waterfall in the region. The small Lepcha village of Rishop, which is also a much admired tourist destination, is only 11 km away. Lolay Gaon and Kalimpong town are also located nearby and are only 25 km and 32 km away respectively.
There are also adequate hotels and lodges for the convenient accommodation of the visitors.
