Shades of pink have now draped Sikkim's Temi Tea Garden. It is the only tea estate in South Sikkim where cherry blossoms bloom. A few weeks ago, the area even hosted a Cherry Blossom Festival built around this floral spectacle. Though only a handful of trees are still in bloom now, you can still enjoy the cherry blossom vibe in Kalimpong. Samabiyong village in Kalimpong, too, has burst into soft pink and white blossoms almost as if spring has arrived early.
Also Read | Top winter destinations in India for adventure and snow sports
After Meghalaya's Shillong and Sikkim's Temi, Samabiyong in Kalimpong is emerging as the new ‘cherry blossom hub’ of the Eastern Himalayas. Thousands of tourists are flocking to Samabiyong, allured by the beauty of the blossoms. Located in the Alagar-2 Block of Kalimpong district, Samabiyong Tea Estate stretches down the slopes with lush green tea bushes. Amid this greenery, the trees have created their own magical charm.
Perched at almost 6,500 feet above sea level, Samabiyong looks lifted from the pages of a fairytale. The trees are generally said to bloom in early November, but this year the blossoms came a little late. A row of pink and white flowers lines the road as it winds its way up to Samabiyong from Jhandi to Sherpagaon and finally Lava. It is a view to behold, truly; so much so that visitors can do nothing but stare.
Samabiyong is different from the other villages of Kalimpong. The dispersed tea gardens, the undulating emerald hills, and now the cherry blossoms give it an identity. Below the hills flows the Gitey Khola stream, where tourists can spend some quiet moments besides walking through the tea gardens.
There are homestays in and around Samabiyong, so you can spend a night and soak in its natural charm. From here, you can also visit Sherpa Gaon, Lava, Rishop, Doka Falls, Kolakham, and Nokdara. For this season, Samabiyong could easily be your perfect holiday getaway.
Also Read | Planning a winter trek? Don’t miss these 5 must-visit trails in Uttarakhand
How to reach and where to stay?
November is said to be the best time to visit Samabiyong if you want to witness the cherry blossoms. But other than during the monsoon, the village is welcoming all through the year. From New Jalpaiguri, it takes approximately three hours to reach Samabiyong via Odlabari. From Malbazar, the journey is barely an hour and a half long. You can stay right inside the tea gardens or choose from several homestays in the surrounding villages. Spending two nights in Samabiyong is comfortable and highly recommended for travellers exploring the Kalimpong hills.
