# Kolakham

Kolakham is a village in the Kalimpong II CD block in the Kalimpong Sadar subdivision of Kalimpong district in the state of West Bengal, India. Kolakham is known for its tourism, picturesque natural views, and the species of flora and fauna. The village has been inhabited by the people of the Khambu Rai community for the last 8 to 9 generations, who at first spent their livelihood doing agricultural work. The village stands on a gargantuan mountaintop of the valley where the river Reshi flows; it also shares borders with Neora Valley National Park at certain points. The Changay Waterfall one of the most loved destinations in North Bengal lies in this village of serenity and peace.
One of the most resplendent experiences here is the village tracking, which is done by more than a hundred tourists yearly; walking around the village where you can witness traditional households, farms, vegetation, birds and happily smiling Khambu Rai people. During this trek, you can visit a cave temple and a 110+-year-old traditional house at the center of the village. This village is for nature lovers, bird watchers, spirituals, and researchers of human anthropology.

## History

"Kolakham" comes from the Bantawa word "Kol" meaning a mortar and "Kham" means a place or ground(A place where the Kol is kept); so Kol is a traditional wooden mortar that is used to extract oil and medicines. This name was given by Ujir Man Rai Samsuhang who and his family produced such natural oils. The house of Ujir Man Rai still stands which was made in 1916, where the same Kol is preserved by his Great Great Grandson. Before the 1900s, the place was known as "Kolbong" which in the Lepcha language has the meaning,"a foot of the walnut tree." At that time the village was a densely covered hamlet, full of walnut trees.

## Language

Most of the population speaks Nepali dominantly, but many speak their tribal mother tongue Bantawa; other languages like Sherpa and Lepcha are spoken.

## Religion

In majority of the population follows the Jasmani sect of the Satyanand philosophy which emerged in Nepal. One of the religious head of the sect, Pandit Gambheer Das Agnihotri was from this village, who was also a renowned literary figure. The people along with the Jasmani faith follows the animistic Kirat religion of their Khambu Rai tribe and does the yearly Udhauli and Ubhauli.

## Agriculture

People of the village depended completely on agriculture in the olden days but, education and new job opportunities have brought a significant decrease in the rate of production of local crops. Mostly millet, corn, buckwheat, beans, cereals, and many other crops are the common agricultural crops. Cash crops like Thysanolaena, ginger, and cardamon are also produced with good yields.

## Tourism

It was after the 2000s that tourism showered its light on the village, creating a strong way for the economy, name, and identity to thrive. In the present day, the village is filled with more than 30 homestays, lodges and cottages; each with its own uniqueness and beauty. Changay Falls, one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Bengal has been the queen of the village attracting visitors from faraway lands.

## Geography
### Location

Kolakham is located at 27°06′05″N 88°40′40″E﻿ / ﻿27.10139°N 88.67778°E﻿ / 27.10139; 88.67778.
Kolakham is located in the Neora Valley National Park. It has an average altitude of 1981 meters (6500 ft). It is located 8 km from Lava and 38 km from Kalimpong.

### Area overview

The map above shows the Kalimpong Sadar subdivision of Kalimpong district. Physiographically, this area forms the Kalimpong Range, with the average elevation varying from 300 to 3,000 metres (980 to 9,840 ft). This region is characterized by abruptly rising hills and numerous small streams. It is a predominantly rural area with 77.67% of the population living in rural areas and only 22.23% living in the urban areas. While Kalimpong is the only municipality, Dungra is the sole census town in the entire area. The economy is agro-based and there are six tea gardens in the Gorubathan CD block. In 2011, Kalimpong subdivision had a literacy rate of 81.85%, comparable with the highest levels of literacy in the districts of the state. While the first degree college in the subdivision was established at Kalimpong in 1962 the entire subdivision (and now the entire district), other than the head-quarters, had to wait till as late as 2015 (more than half a century) to have their first degree colleges at Pedong and Gorubathan.
Note: The map above presents some of the notable locations in the subdivision. All places marked in the map are linked in the larger full screen map.