Mother nature at its best
However, Lava's true crown jewel lies in its awe-inspiring outdoor scenery and diverse wildlife. Before arrival, you can immerse yourself in photographs and guides showcasing the surrounding Himalayan wilderness – lush green meadows, exotic blooming flowers (not to forget the best show of blooming one could ever witness in their life), and elusive creatures like the red panda and musk deer. Yet, nothing can compare to the overwhelming beauty witnessed firsthand.
Trekking through a fairytale-like rhododendron and fir forest, climbing thick moss-covered rocks, and listening to the sounds of exotic birds are some of the biggest highlights. Venturing out to highlands reminiscent of Tibet offers breathtaking panoramic views of jagged, snow-capped mountains meeting the sky. On other hikes, your guide might point out rare highland wildflowers, including cobalt-blue Himalayan poppies and the odd cobra lily which are absolutely rare for the fast-moving lives that we usually live in.
Exploring Lava in warm weather is incredible, but in winter, it is truly sublime. Every morning upon waking, everything is covered with a sparkling layer of fresh powder snow, turning the town into a quiet and peaceful wonderland. One can take full advantage by strapping on skis and charting their first course on the pristine slopes as the morning sun casts a magical alpenglow over the peaks. On other days, donning snowshoes allows for meditative walks through quiet, snow-covered forests, following the footprints of mountain wildlife. Also, this is the only place in West Bengal to receive snowfall in winter.
Snow, stars, and spectacles
While Lava's cultural history and natural splendour are undoubtedly the stars, the town also boasts a number of truly extraordinary attractions and activities that make it absolutely unique as a destination.
How many places offer the opportunity to soar hundreds of feet above the ground on a giant swing set on a cliff? Lava's Great Himalayan Swing provides one of the most exhilarating and unforgettable thrills, swinging back and forth in the fresh mountain air while taking in endless views of snow-capped giants towering in all directions. Just imagine how gratifying and relaxing an experience like that would be.
Beneath the surface, Lava hides another incredible wonder – a vast network of dim, underground ice caves decorated with fascinating frozen geological formations. One can explore these crystalline depths on a guided tour, learning that the caverns were formed tens of thousands of years ago, where nature's artistry created an underground temple of ice to the earth's primordial forces.
One of the most memorable experiences you can have is attending the annual Sky Lantern Festival alongside locals. Beneath a canopy of sparkling stars, decorating gossamer lanterns with wishes and hopes before releasing the glowing creations into the air to join thousands of others sent skyward. As the soft lights dance on the Himalayan breeze, an incredible sense of peace, hope, and spiritual connection washes over. Maybe you make a wish with the lantern, and it really turns true, and even if it doesn’t, you still would get the best night view of your life in India itself.
