If someone has been exhausted with the frets and fumes of metropolitan life, the picturesque spot of Reshi, located quite near the Himalayan hill station of Kalimpong (75 kilometres away from Siliguri), could be an exhilarating experience. Though not exactly located on the National Highway 31 A, Reshi, which is best visited between September and June, can be accessed from Kalimpong as it lies in the vicinity of Rangphu and Pedong, and if anyone is interested, Neora Valley National Park is not that far away from the spot – nor is Lava. The nearness of Sikkim adds to the attraction of the scenic spot. To add to plenty of reasons of sojourning at Reshi, the hospitality of the ex-Visva-Bharatians Mr. Norden Michael Lepcha (Mobile: 096411 91669) and Mr. Ryan Karthak Lepcha (Mobile: 098323 72070) – the courteous and gracious owners of The Reshi Retreat and Farmhouse (Reshi-Kalimpong, District: Darjeeling, West Bengal, U.R.L.: http://thereshiretreatfarmhouse.blogspot.in/) which possesses one of the better facilities of secure accommodation around, would continue to attract visitors to Reshi long after they have had left for once.
The best route for visiting Reshi would be from Kalimpong, which is approximately 37 kilometres away from the place situated on the bank of River Reshi (‘Reshi Khola’ in local terms). Tourists staying at The Reshi Retreat and Farmhouse, who would most conveniently reach there through private transport like Mahindra Boleros and Scorpios, can not only marvel at the preparations being undertaken by the owners to develop agri-eco and adventure tourism (a term preferred by Mr. Norden Lepcha) but also have a sense of expanse of the ancient Silk Route that connected India to China more than two hundred years before the birth of Christ. Reshi falls on the original Silk Route. The route passes through Jelep La via Mememcho Lake, Kuppup Lake, Nathang Valley, Zuluk, Lingtam, Rhenock, and Reshi Khola to Kalimpong. Lush green forests and sedate Himalayas would charm the adventure-seeking onlookers, and lazy angling in the khola is immensely enjoyable. From the mountainous spot, one can undertake trips to neighbouring areas like Pedong (17 kilometres away from Reshi), Kupup, Algarah (21 kilometres away from Reshi), Aritar (17 kilometres away), and Zuluk, and Mr. Norden Lepcha, on being requested, gladly oversees such short tours. The way to Menmecho Lake from Reshi is generally hailed as a road to paradise by numerous trekkers.
Even a confirmed bookworm is expected to warm up to the natural beauty of Reshi, which is 105 kilometres away from Siliguri, in the Kalimpong subdivision, and is also approachable from Rangpo via Rorathang. Numerous familiar and unfamiliar birds with their chirpings would mesmerise the sojourners. Busy people who still manage five days to spare generally stay overnight at Reshi, whose approximate elevation is 1,250 metres above sea level, after reaching the spot from Kalimpong, and leave for Pedong on the next morning. On the next day, a visit to Lava is usually undertaken, with a tour to Reshop for overnight stay. On the fifth day, Kalimpong can be travelled back. However, these are just suggestions, because tour-planning widely varies from person to person, and from group to group. Nevertheless, a visit to Reshi and a stopover at The Reshi Retreat and Farmhouse is sure to fill one with numerous unforgettable memories.
