Key hubs
Lava airport and railway station
- Airport
- Bagdogra (IXB), about 110 km away; Pakyong (IXP) in Sikkim is about 75–80 km by Wikipedia's figures
- Railway station
- New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the main railhead; Malbazar Junction is about 58 km away
- Getting around
- Jeeps and shared taxis from Lava and Kalimpong; a high-clearance jeep is needed for Kolakham and Changey Falls
How to reach Lava by air
The nearest major airport is Bagdogra (IXB) near Siliguri, about 110 km away; allow three to four hours by road via Kalimpong. Pakyong (IXP) in Sikkim is closer by distance, at about 75–80 km according to Wikipedia, but flights are limited.
How to reach Lava by train
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) near Siliguri is the main railhead for long-distance trains. Malbazar Junction is about 58 km away but is served by fewer trains. From NJP, expect a road journey of about three hours or more.
How to reach Lava by road
Lava is on the road from Kalimpong, about 30 km to the east via Algarah. NH 717A runs through the area. A second road reaches Lava from the plains via Gorubathan, about 50 km away. Mountain roads are slow, and landslides can close them in the monsoon.
Getting around Lava
Shared jeeps and taxis run between Lava, Kalimpong and Siliguri. Within the area use a hired jeep for Kolakham, Rishop and Changey Falls, since the gravel roads are rough. Walking in the village is easy; forest trails are steep and wet.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Lava
- Lava is around 2,200 m, so take the first day easy and carry any regular medicines; nights can be near freezing in winter.
- Choose a ground-floor room or cottage near the road. Some of the forest compound cottages are down steep paths.
- Roads to Kolakham and Rachela are rough and bumpy. Ask your driver for a jeep with good suspension and take rests.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.