Lava
Lava is a small hamlet situated 34 kilometres east of the Kalimpong town via Algarah in Darjeeling district of the state of West Bengal, India. Lava is one of the quaint tourist destinations in the Darjeeling Himalayas. Lava is situated at an altitude of 7,016 feet (2,138 m) and is completely surrounded by Pine forest. It is one of the few places in West Bengal to receive snow fall in winter season. It is the entry point to the Neora Valley National Park from Kalimpong. The route to Lava is simply amazing with the change in vegetation from tropical deciduous to the wet alpine trees of fir, pine and birch. During the rainy season vegetation whole around the place of Lava remains covered with leaches.
Tourist attraction places in Lava: A Buddhist Monastery on one of the hills of Lava is called as Ratnarishi Bihar Buddhist Gumpa, which was established by the third Kongtrul Rinpoche, Karma Lodro Chokyi Senge and Neora Valley Interpretation Centre are probably the only sightseeing attraction within Lava.There are many small guest houses and lodges has been built including log houses or small huts in the middle of the forest where tourist can rent to experience the Wildlife and a famous spot to view the sunrise. Another tourist destination area in Lava is Rishyap 4km walking pathway with a view of Himalayan peak and the best view of Kanchenjunga. Rishyap is enriched with varieties of birds found there. Besides this few kilometre apart another notable sites include Changey Waterfalls and Lava Jamgyong Kongtrul Monastery which is very popular in tourist department, Once staying Lava can anyhow visit this place.
Tiffin Dara is located close to Rishyop village about 4 kms from Lava, Tiffin Dara and Ghanti Dara are sunset points where an evening is well spent observing the nature’s beauty. Tiffin Dara is located close to Rishyop village about 4 kms from here. Rishyop is a tourist destination on its own right and can be visited as part of a day tour from Lava. You can also visit Kolakham, Kolbong and Liblong area from here which is just about 15 kms drive. You may also visit Choudapheri area which is the starting point for treks deep inside Neora Valley National Park. Many beautiful temples were also out there like Shree Nageshwar Mandir lava, shiv temple, Hanuman temple, Jamgon Kongtrul Monastery, Buddhist Monastery, Believes 1685 church.