Rishop is a serene village located in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas. NJP, or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, is the main gateway for travelers coming from various parts of India to reach this beautiful hill destination.

This route is popular among nature lovers and trekkers who want to explore the quiet hills and scenic landscapes of Rishop. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from NJP to Rishop, including trains, buses, and driving options, along with practical travel tips for a hassle-free journey.

Getting from NJP to Rishop – Main Options

Train

While NJP is a major railway hub, there is no direct train to Rishop. Train travel is suitable for reaching nearby towns before continuing by road. It is popular for those who prefer rail comfort and want to avoid long road journeys from distant cities.

• New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest major railway station to Rishop, well connected to cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati with frequent trains.

• From NJP, you can take local trains or taxis to reach Kalimpong or Lava, which are the closest towns to Rishop by road, approximately 70-90 km away.

• Train fares to NJP vary widely depending on your origin, but local travel from NJP to nearby towns costs around ₹50-₹150 by local transport or shared cabs.

• Trains to NJP are frequent and comfortable, but onward travel requires road transport as Rishop has no railway station.

• During monsoon, train delays can occur due to landslides in the region, so plan with buffer time if traveling in June to September.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical option for traveling from NJP to Rishop, especially for budget travelers. State-run and private buses connect NJP to Kalimpong and Lava, from where you can take local transport to Rishop.

• From NJP, you can catch a direct bus or shared jeep to Kalimpong, which is about 70 km and takes 3-4 hours via NH10 and local roads.

• Buses from Kalimpong to Lava run regularly; Lava is roughly 30 km from Rishop, and shared taxis or jeeps cover this last stretch.

• Bus fares from NJP to Kalimpong range from ₹100 to ₹200, while shared taxis from Lava to Rishop cost around ₹150-₹250 per person.

• Buses can be crowded during weekends and holidays, so booking tickets early or arriving at the bus stand early is advisable.

• Roads can be narrow and winding, especially beyond Kalimpong, so expect slower travel during monsoon due to slippery conditions and occasional landslides.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from NJP to Rishop is the most flexible and comfortable option, ideal for travelers who want to explore at their own pace. The route offers scenic views but requires careful driving on hilly roads.

• The distance from NJP to Rishop is approximately 110 km, taking around 4 to 5 hours via NH10 and local hill roads through Kalimpong and Lava.

• You can rent a car or hire a taxi from NJP; prepaid taxis are available at the station, with fares ranging from ₹3000 to ₹4500 for a one-way trip.

• Self-driving is possible but challenging due to narrow, winding roads and occasional fog, especially in early mornings or late evenings.

• There are several toll plazas on NH10; keep small change ready as digital payments may not always be accepted.

• Rest stops with basic food options are available at Kalimpong and Lava; plan breaks to enjoy local cuisine and refreshments.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Rishop. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which serves as the air travel hub for the region. Flights are suitable for reaching NJP area quickly before continuing by road.

• Bagdogra Airport is located about 35 km from NJP and is well connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati.

• From Bagdogra, you can take a taxi or shared jeep to NJP railway station or directly to Kalimpong; the road journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

• Flight fares vary widely depending on the season but typically range from ₹2500 to ₹7000 one way from major cities.

• Airport taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available but may be limited in number; pre-booking is recommended.

• Weather conditions such as fog in winter can cause flight delays or cancellations, so check flight status before planning onward travel.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from NJP to Rishop. It covers key actions to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.

• Book your train ticket to NJP well in advance via IRCTC or authorized agents to secure preferred travel dates and classes, especially during peak seasons.

• Upon arrival at NJP, collect your luggage and locate the prepaid taxi counter or shared jeep stand for onward travel to Kalimpong or Lava; prepaid taxis offer fixed fares and reduce bargaining stress.

• Travel by road to Kalimpong or Lava, where you can find local transport options like shared jeeps or taxis to Rishop; confirm the vehicle’s destination before boarding to avoid confusion.

• Carry some cash in small denominations for tolls, local transport fares, and small purchases, as digital payments may not be accepted in remote areas.

• Pack light but include essentials like water, snacks, and a raincoat or umbrella during monsoon; roads can be rough and stops limited.

• Use mobile apps like Ola or Uber only in towns like Siliguri or NJP; in hill areas, rely on local taxis or pre-arranged transport for safer and reliable travel.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi services or trusted local operators at NJP to avoid overcharging; negotiate fares politely if booking private taxis outside counters.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water during the journey and avoid street food unless it is freshly prepared to prevent stomach issues common in hill travel.

• Book bus or shared jeep tickets early in the morning to avoid last-minute rush, especially during weekends and festival seasons when seats fill quickly.

• Carry a small daypack with essentials for the road, including a power bank, sunscreen, and a basic first-aid kit for minor emergencies.

• Be cautious when traveling during monsoon; check local weather updates and avoid traveling at night due to slippery roads and limited visibility.

• Use local transport options like shared jeeps and taxis in Rishop for last-mile connectivity, as public buses may not reach the village directly.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from NJP to Rishop is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Monsoon season brings heavy rains and landslides, which can delay travel.

Winter mornings can be foggy and cold, affecting visibility and road safety. Plan your departure times to avoid driving in poor light or heavy fog.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Durga Puja and Christmas in Kalimpong, as roads and transport services become crowded and accommodation prices rise.

• Monsoon months from June to September often cause landslides and roadblocks on NH10 and hill roads, leading to delays and cancellations.

• Early morning departures are best to avoid afternoon fog and traffic jams, especially on narrow hill roads.

• Winter months from December to February can have chilly temperatures and fog; carry warm clothing and check weather forecasts before traveling.

Arrival at Rishop & What to Expect

When you arrive in Rishop, you will find a quiet village with limited public transport. The main access point is via shared taxis or local jeeps that connect to nearby towns like Lava and Kalimpong.

Accommodation options are basic guesthouses and homestays, so booking in advance during peak seasons is advisable. Local transport within Rishop is mostly on foot or by hired vehicles, as roads are narrow and not suited for large vehicles.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are not available in Rishop, so plan your return transport ahead of time. The village is peaceful, with limited shops and eateries, so carry essentials if arriving late.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Rishop from NJP is by combining train travel to NJP with a taxi or self-drive car through Kalimpong and Lava. This option balances comfort, flexibility, and scenic views along the route.

Plan your journey carefully by booking train tickets early, choosing reliable road transport, and considering seasonal weather conditions. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable trip to the tranquil hills of Rishop.