Jorpokhri is a tiny village on a hilltop and located in Darjeeling district. It is about 19 kms from Darjeeling and can be reached from the road to Mirik. Located at an altitude of 7,400 ft, the main feature of Jorpokhi is its twin lakes after which the place has been named. 'Jor' means `a pair` and 'Pokhri' means `a lake`.

In the water tanks you might be able to see the rare Himalayan Salamanders that are small lizard like amphibians. Once they were considered totally extinct and wiped off from the face of the earth. They were found to be living here in Jorpokhri in 1964.

It is becoming an attractive destination for tourists with a DGHS (Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council) bungalow for them to stay. The best season to get such view is between October to March. From one side of the lake a paved pathway leads to a stairway and on top there is a lovely shaded viewing area. This is the place to get the best views of the mountains, the beautiful landscaped gardens, the lake and the rows of pine trees.

Jorpokhri Tourist Bunglow

You can also stay at West Bengal Forest Development Corporation bungalow at Lepchajagat, which is quite nearby. The town of Darjeeling is visible from this place and an illuminated Darjeeling in the night makes for a beautiful view from the bungalow.

Jorpokhri is close to the Indo-Nepal border and tourists can go for a day visit to Nepal's Pashupati market nearby. You can often see large number of white swans swimming in the waters or strolling around in the nearby area. Jorpokhri, however is not only about the lakes. Just walk around and feel the lovely Himalayan serenity. Jorpokhri is part of Senchal forest and is a nature reserve. It is a must visited place near Darjeeling.