unwind 

Rishyap

Maria is a village at an average altitude of 8300 feet [2510 metres] on the northern slope of Himalayas. The village is located below Rishyap is locally called Suna Khari as 270° of Greater Himalayas are clearly visible from the village. The highest temperature in Maria usually does not cross 18°C in May and can be as low as -5°C on the wee hours of December to February. In winter, Maria experiences occasional snowfall. The village is surrounded by snow peaks that include Mt. Kanchenjunga (K3), Mt, Lhotse (K5), Mt. Makalu (K6), Mt, Dhaulagiri (K7), Mt. Siniolchu and Manas Kailash (the origin of Yarlung Tsangpo that later breaks into Brahmaputra & Dihang).  The Maria Village was established in 1891 by a French Evangelist.  Flora is famous all year round. Between late winter and summer, the forests are flushed with Rhododendron. Many varieties of Butterflies & Moths and Birds of various exotic species make Maria a paradise for Entomologists and Ornithologists.

Day Trips from Rishyap

·         Lava – Kolakham – Chhangey Falls – Silent Valley

·         Loleygaon – Charkhole – Samthar

·         Jhandi Dara – Chel Khola – Upper Fagu Tea Garden

·         Trek to – Tiffin Dara [T-point Dara]

·         Trek to – Rache La [Pass between India & Bhutan] – 11 km climb

Day trip to Duka Village & Waterfalls and to Sangsen Monastery (order established 730 AD) along with Rikisum Village.

Where to stay

Villa Maria is the first property while entering Maria. And this property is owned by Unwind Holidays. The view from this comfortable home stay is breath taking, the food is the best in the area, each room is carpeted, bathrooms fitted with Electric Geyser, well lighted with 24 hour power back-up. The Linen is white with blankets of best quality and a supply of best qualities of Darjeeling and Assam Teas, Coffee along with hot water is provided in the room for self help. The dining hall is rather large and can seat a group of 12 at any point. 

The best part about Villa Maria is its food. Bengali Cuisine Lunch with fish, European Snacks, North Indian dinner with Chicken and a mix of European and Indian breakfast. We do not compromise on food as it is the only way to a person's (read Bengali's) heart. a large stock of sausages and nuggets are available on purchase. A bonfire pit and Barbecue (afternoon only) are always on standby.

Eechhaygaon (5,900 feet) is a Village located high in Icha Forest above the village of Ramdhura in the Munsong Cinconna Plantation area. A village of 25 - 30 houses, The Hilltop looks down upon the entire Hamlet from its Vantage. Behind the property starts the forest that adds to the charm of the property. Two cottages with two four bedded rooms in each. With all amenities possible in the Rooms and Food that is the best in the locality, Eechhaygaon is the perfect place to rest for a day or two for a family, couple or any group.