Bhangzang Salamander Lake
Bhangzang Salamander Lake is a small, serene water body located in the scenic hills near Kurseong, towards the road leading to Mirik. The lake is a natural habitat and breeding ground for the extremely rare and endangered Himalayan Newt or Himalayan Black Salamander (Tylototriton verrucosus). This m akes the lake an ecologically significant location, drawing nature enthusiasts and conservationists. The lake itself is surrounded by dense forests and has a distinctly quiet, green-tinged appearance, reflecting the lush, natural beauty of the environment. The area, historically a popular destination for the British, retains its tranquil charm. While sightings of the elusive salamander are rare and depend on the season, the lake's picturesque setting provides a perfect spot for nature walks and peaceful contemplation, making it a unique eco-tourism spot in the Darjeeling region.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
Wildlife Reserve, Nature, Scenic SpotEntry Fees:
Generally No Entry Fee: The natural spot of Bhangzang Salamander Lake is generally accessed with no direct entry fee. Its preservation is often managed by the forest department or local bodies, who maintain its minimal infrastructure.
Parking...Generally No Entry Fee: The natural spot of Bhangzang Salamander Lake is generally accessed with no direct entry fee. Its preservation is often managed by the forest department or local bodies, who maintain its minimal infrastructure.
Parking or Road Fees: While there is no lake entry fee, a small fee might be charged for parking your vehicle or as a general road usage fee in the vicinity, particularly if the lake is located within a protected or managed area.Timing:
Regular Timings: The lake is generally accessible from daybreak to sunset (approximately 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM). As a natural outdoor spot, it does not have strict gate timings, but it is not advisable to visit after dark due to safety and wildlife concerns.Regular Timings: The lake is generally accessible from daybreak to sunset (approximately 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM). As a natural outdoor spot, it does not have strict gate timings, but it is not advisable to visit after dark due to safety and wildlife concerns.
Ideal Visit Time: The ideal time to visit is in the early morning to mid-morning (8:00 AM to 11:00 AM). This time often provides the best light for photography, the calmest water, and increases the potential (however slight) for spotting the rare salamanders before the midday warmth.
Best Time for Salamander Sighting: The best time for a possible salamander sighting is typically the post-monsoon period or early in the day, but this is highly variable and unpredictable.Special Events:
Wildlife Conservation Drives: Periodically, the local forest department or NGOs focused on wildlife conservation may organize special awareness and conservation drives or nature camps near the lake. These events focus on educating the public and tourists about the endanger...Wildlife Conservation Drives: Periodically, the local forest department or NGOs focused on wildlife conservation may organize special awareness and conservation drives or nature camps near the lake. These events focus on educating the public and tourists about the endangered status of the Himalayan Salamander and the broader need for preserving high-altitude wetlands.
Local Forest and Nature Fairs: Small nature fairs or local village gatherings might take place in the general vicinity, especially to celebrate the change of seasons or harvest. These events provide a cultural and natural appreciation that aligns with the lake's eco-tourism focus.Best Photo Spots:
Lake Surface with Forest Reflection: The most iconic shot is the reflection of the surrounding dense, green forest and the sky on the still, green-tinged water of the lake. This shot is best taken in the early morning for the best light and calmest water.Lake Surface with Forest Reflection: The most iconic shot is the reflection of the surrounding dense, green forest and the sky on the still, green-tinged water of the lake. This shot is best taken in the early morning for the best light and calmest water.
The Forest Canopies: The towering oak and pine trees surrounding the lake offer great opportunities for vertical composition and capturing the dense, moody atmosphere of the high-altitude forest. Salamander Close-ups (If Spotted) A successful close-up photograph of the extremely rare Himalayan Salamander is a prize for any wildlife photographer. This requires a telephoto lens and exceptional luck and patience.
The Entrance and Signage: The rustic entrance or the sign of the lake, often set against a beautiful mountain backdrop, can make for a great photograph to mark your visit to this unique spot.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Salamander Spotting (Seasonal) The key activity is the attempt to spot the elusive Himalayan Salamander. This requires patience and often a guide who knows the specific times and areas where the creatures might emerge, particularly during the breeding season.
Nature and Forest Walk: Take a walk along the trails or pathways surrounding the lake. The air is fresh, and the dense forest canopy, composed of oak and pine, provides a peaceful backdrop for a short hike or a brisk walk.
Photography of the Green-Tinged Waters: Capture the distinctively green-tinged water of the lake and the reflection of the surrounding forest. The misty atmosphere, especially in the mornings, creates dramatic and ethereal landscape photographs.
Birdwatching and Wildlife Photography: The dense, high-alti...
Information
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Why Famous:
Habitat of the Rare Himalayan Salamander: The lake's primary fame and critical importance stem from being one of the few places in India where the Himalayan Black Salamander can be found. This rare, endangered amphibian gives the lake its unique ecological status and attra...Habitat of the Rare Himalayan Salamander: The lake's primary fame and critical importance stem from being one of the few places in India where the Himalayan Black Salamander can be found. This rare, endangered amphibian gives the lake its unique ecological status and attracts researchers and dedicated wildlife enthusiasts focused on conservation.
Unspoiled Natural Serenity: Unlike many highly commercialized tourist spots, the lake is known for its unspoiled, tranquil beauty. Surrounded by dense, green forests and often covered in a slight mist, it offers a perfect retreat for those seeking peace and a deep connection with untouched nature. -
Architecture:
Natural and Unadorned: The most distinct feature of the Bhangzang Salamander Lake is its predominantly natural architecture. There is no significant man-made construction around the water body, deliberately kept minimal to preserve the fragile habitat of the Himalayan Sala...Natural and Unadorned: The most distinct feature of the Bhangzang Salamander Lake is its predominantly natural architecture. There is no significant man-made construction around the water body, deliberately kept minimal to preserve the fragile habitat of the Himalayan Salamander. The "architecture" is largely defined by the natural contour of the land that forms the basin of the lake, with the surrounding hills forming a dense, protective wall of foliage.
Minimal Infrastructure: Any man-made elements are usually limited to basic visitor amenities like a simple, rustic fencing or a small viewing platform to allow visitors to observe the lake without disturbing the ecosystem. The focus is on eco-friendly and non-intrusive design. The only notable nearby structure may be the associated forest department rest house or tourist lodge (as sometimes seen at nearby Jorepokhri), which usually adopts a vernacular hill style of construction using local wood and stone to blend with the natural scenery. The lake's irregular shape is determined by the natural water catchment area of the hill slope. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), approximately 74 KMS away. From the airport, hire a reserved taxi to take you directly to the lake area, which is about 14 KMS from Kurseong town. The journey will take around 2 to 2. 5 hours.
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Near Tourist Places:
Jorepokhri (Twin Ponds) Approx. 2 KMS
Lepchajagat Village: Approx. 15 KMS Mirik Lake (Sumendu Lake) Approx. 25 KMS
Ghum Monastery: Approx. 17 KMS Tiger Hill (View Point) Approx. 20 KMS
Kurseong Town Center: Approx. 14 KMS Dow Hill Eco Park (Deer Park) Approx. 16. 8 KMS
Makaibari Tea Estate: Approx. 8. 1 KMS
Giddapahar View Point: Approx. 16 KMS
Batasia Loop: Approx. 20 KMS
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Wear sturdy trekking shoes as the area around the lake can be slippery or muddy. The lake is a wildlife habitat; do not attempt to swim or wade in the water. Carry a light rain jacket or umbrella regardless of the season.
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