Welcome to Chatakpur
Chatakpur is a small hilltop forest village, 7 km from Sonada. It is a dream destination for nature lovers. This hill, located within Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary and behind Tiger Hill, offers nearly 120-degree panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Pandim, Mount Kumbhakarna, Kabru Dome with its associate peaks, Kabru Fork, and Rathong.
The scenery is magnificent, showcasing the majestic Mt Kanchenjunga and other snow-capped mountains of West and North Sikkim. The most attractive feature of Chatakpur is the breathtaking sunset and sunrise from the watchtower, providing a more private and less crowded experience compared to Tiger Hill. A sunrise observatory offers a wider and more panoramic view.
Huge pine trees grow up to the steps of the pine forest on one side of the hill. This location is suitable for people of all ages and is a charming, quiet spot for a quick getaway to relax or enjoy a short hike to a Forest Dept.-approved location.
How to Reach
The shortest route from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station or Bagdogra airport is to go towards Kurseong (via the Hill Cart Road or through Rohini Road), and then further up towards Darjeeling via the Hill Cart Road. At Sonada, take a right along the Forest Office Road, which eventually meets Chatakpur Road. Chatakpur is about 6 km from Sonada.
It takes roughly 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach Chatakpur from NJP or Bagdogra. The route from Sonada runs through wooded areas and can be challenging to navigate. Although this is the quickest route and often used by local vehicles, the road is in poor condition. It is advisable to avoid using this path if possible.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit Chatakpur all year, except during the monsoon season (July to mid-September) when exploring the jungle is not feasible. The tourist eco-village resort is closed during this period. Winter may be quite chilly from November through February, and if you are lucky, you might experience snowfall. Be sure to carry appropriate winter gear during this time.