The word Tinchuley stands for three chullas (chulla means oven). It is a relatively new tourist destination of the region. It is one of the hidden treasures of Darjeeling region.Tinchuley is located close to the famous tourist destination of Darjeeling which can be reached through a drive of 32 kilometers. It is at a distance of 80 kilometers from Siliguri, 43 kilometers from Kalimpong and 88 kilometers from Gangtok.
Even a few years back Tinchuley was a remote hamlet. The inhabitants of this quite settlement took an initiative for establishing their locality as a model village. It was an initiative of the inhabitants of Tinchuley to convert their rural village into self-sustained eco-urban village.With the help of organizations such as the WWF, which contributed to the development of floriculture projects, forest nursery, and by-compost and vermin-compost manure projects, the village soon developed into eco-tourism resorts. The villagers also showed keen interest in modern farming and with the help of WWF they developed floriculture, vermiculture, organic projects.The leading effort comes from the Gurung family who have developed the model of homestay to suit there condition. WWF has declared tinchuley as a model village for its effort in the improvement of environment of Darjeeling and its adjoining areas. There are numerous viewpoints in Tinchule like the Gumbadara View point, which gives extraordinary views of River Teesta. The Tinchuley View point gives nearly a 180 degree view of the entire range of Eastern Himalayas with the majestic Mt. Kanchenjungha ruling the sky. You can also view towns like Gangtok, Kalimpong and Darjeeling from these view points.
Things to do at Tinchuley: Nature walk, trekking, birdwatching and cave hunting. Species of sparrows, warblers, thrushes and cuckoos can be found here.
Best time to visit Tinchuley: The best time to visit Tinchuley ranges from the month of September to the month of April.
Lodging & Dining facilities at Tinchuley: Tinchuley eco-tourism is an initiative attempt by local people to explore the business of tourism to the fullest. Development of Tinchuley as a prime destination for visitors and vacationers is only due to development of accommodation. The fame of the place as an eco-tourism destination rests on its offer of cozy and comfortable accommodation. Five to six houses in Tinchuley accommodate guests and provide them with all homely comfort. The guesthouses have all modern facilities like hot water, electricity and western toilets. Some guesthouses are even heritage properties with fireplaces, landscaped lawns and period furniture and fixtures. Guests are not only accommodated but also entertained with facilities and served their needs.
Tinchuley 