Paren – A dreamy hill town on the Indo-Bhutan borders

Every city dweller wishes to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And what can be better than the enticing mountains for a relaxing retreat?

The northern parts of Bengal are dotted with picturesque hills, lush green forests, and lively streams. And Paren has it all for you. 

It’s a small hill town in the Kalimpong district on the borders of Bhutan. If you are looking for a serene weekend getaway, Paren won’t disappoint you. 

How to reach?

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. You can take a car from there. It’s hardly a 3 hours drive from the station. 

Bagdogra is the nearest airport if you are planning to take a flight. Paren is a couple of hours by road from the airport.

Where to stay?

You’ll find a handful of decent homestays along the banks of the JalDhaka River. Nothing can offer you a better experience of the local culture and cuisines. 

Moreover, homestays are peaceful when compared to hotels. RJ Residency is the most popular homestay here.

Run by Raj and his cheerful family, the place has beautiful cottages by the riverside. The taste of their food will also linger in your mouth even after the trip.

Things to do in Paren

Imagine waking up to the chirping of unknown birds and the gurgling sound of a hilly stream. You are sipping on your morning tea while watching the sunrise from your window. I bet it will be an experience of a lifetime. 

After indulging in a breakfast of momos and dumplings, you can go for a walk along the hills.

Descending to the river bed can be a thrilling experience. Make sure you take the help of the locals as the terrain can be a bit tricky. 

A visit to Bindu is a must. It is the last village on the Indo-Bhutan border. You can take a car and reach there in 30 minutes. 

On the way, you’ll cross the Applestone Waterfalls and a couple of scenic viewpoints.

Bindu will leave you spellbound with its rustic charm. It’s the point where the JalDhaka River enters India from Bhutan.

The wide river bed is studded with rocks and boulders of various sizes. You can just sit on one of them and enjoy the breathtaking view of the hills in the background. 

It’s a picnic spot and something is disheartening about it. We spotted innumerable plastic plates, cups, and bottles littered all around. How can we humans be so inconsiderate about the planet that we inhabit? 

In the evenings, you can arrange for a bonfire at your homestay. It would be fun if you are with your friends or family. 

However, if you are traveling solo, you can just sit by the river and get lost in your thoughts until it gets too dark. 

A weekend trip to Paren would cost Rs 5000 per person. But the cost can come down if you are in a large group. 

So, why are you waiting? Start preparing to spend your next long weekend in the lap of nature among the scenic hills.