Samsing is a small hill village nestled in the Dooars region of Malbazar subdivision of Jalpaiguri district of the Indian state West Bengal which is recognized as a magnificent tourist destination. It is located at the foothills bordering the districts of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri at an altitude of 3000 feet. Samsing has an admirable scenic beauty dotted with lush green forests, majestic hills and beautiful tea gardens. Samsing enjoys a pleasant climate with cool breeze and fog. It receives heavy rainfall. A number of picnic and tourist spots can be found here including Suntaley Khola, Rocky Island and Lali Guras. Mostly the people dwelling here depend on tourism and timber and tea business for livelihood. Samsing has been known as a progressive place where education has always been valued by the people.
History of Samsing
Samsing was initially inhabited by the tea plantation labours belonging to the regions of Rangeli near Sikkim and Nepal Mountain. They moved to this village believing a legend that people in plains pluck money which grows on tea plants. People of Samsing had actively partaken in both forms of Gorkhaland demand. They extended their support to both leaders in 1986 and after 2000. The non violent agitation which took place the second time was much appreciated by the people. Vimal Gurung led the second movement following which the village got electricity in the year 2009.
Geography of Samsing
Geographically Samsing is divided into two parts namely Samsing basti and Samsing tea garden. The former includes Khasmahal and Fari regions. Samsing tea estate is a part of the Jalpaiguri district administration whereas Samsing basti is governed by Dajeeling district administration. Samsing has also been categorized as top line, lower line and young tong division which were made by British companies who owned the tea estate previously. The top line was further divided into junction line, munshi line, SB line, MBP line, Kamal Bhawan line, Gumba line, School line and Kurti line.
Tourism in Samsing
Although Samsing is adorned with beautiful mountains, it is more famed for its gorgeous winged members. The place is heavenly for bird watchers. Several rare birds can also be spotted in the village. Common avifauna of the region include Black-Chinned Yuhinas, Long-Tailed Sibia, Greater Necklaced Laughing Thrush, Chestnut Crowned Warblers, Ashy Bulbul, Greater Racket-Tailed Drongo, Short-Billed Minivets, Orange-Bellied Leafbird and many more. Lush greenery paints the landscape of the village, along with scattered clouds gliding in the sky. On the way to Samsing the popular Coronation Bridge can be seen standing over the Teesta River. The bridge is well known for its architecture. Neora Valley National Park is situated at a distance of 18 kilometres from the village, which forms the entry point to the park. The unpolluted and tranquil nature at Samsing is a delight to the tourists. Samsing is also recognized for its cardamom plantation and traditional orange orchards.
