The Relli, a tributary of Teesta river, is a small Himalayan river in the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal, flowing near Kalimpong.[1][2] The source of the Relli lies in between the Alagara - Lava forest range at an elevation of 2,400 metres (8,000 ft) known as Tiffin Dara and ends at 800 ft, confluence with the Teesta .[3] The river runs less than 10 kilometres (6 mi) from central Kalimpong, separated by Deolo Hill.[2][4] Fed by its main tributaries, Khani River and Pala River, the Relli flows into the Teesta River about 32 kilometres (20 mi) south of central Kalimpong.[2]

The northerly slopes along the Relli in Upper Echhay Sherpagaon, in Sikkim, are home to a cluster of some 50 Sherpa households.[5] The village of Relli is located on its banks downriver from Kalimpong, connected to the city by road and trails.[6]

Tourism

Rinchingpong, a tourist area situated in the northern part of Kalimpong, overlooks the Relli. The Relli is a popular weekend destination among Kalimpong locals for attractions including local cuisine, picnicking spots, boating, and recreational fishing. A Wayside Inn managed by the West Bengal Tourism Department is located nearby.[1][2][7]

A fair is held annually at the Relli on the Makar Sankranti holiday (January 14).[7]

Historical sites

Gompas, or monasteries, lie near the river, with an overlook at Jelep La Viewpoint.[8]

Bhutan House, in West Bengal, also overlooks the Relli River below a deep valley.[9]

References

  1. ^ a b Desai, Kiran (2006). The Inheritance of Loss (reprint ed.). Grove Press. pp. 157, 288. ISBN 0802142818. Retrieved 30 October 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d "About Relli River Information-Kalimpong". West Bengal. Hop Around India online. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  3. ^ A. B. Willoughby; John R. Walter; F. A. Fowlie (1973). "Rediscovering Cymbidium macrorhizon Lindl. in the Teesta Valley". The Orchid Digest. 37. Orchid Digest Corporation: 42. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  4. ^ India Handbook. Footprint handbooks. Trade & Travel Publications. 2000. p. 618. ISBN 9780844248417. Retrieved 30 October 2012.
  5. ^ Amitabha Basu; K. C. Malhotra, eds. (1984). Proceedings of the Indian Statistical Institute Golden Jubilee International Conference on Human Genetics and Adaptation: Human genetics. Vol. 1. Indian Statistical Institute. p. 309. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  6. ^ The Rough Guide to India. Rough Guides (8 ed.). Penguin. 2011. p. 790. ISBN 978-1405385831. Retrieved 30 October 2012.
  7. ^ a b "Relli River". Kalimponglive online. 15 May 2011. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  8. ^ Bindloss, Joe (2009). Lonely Planet Northeast India. Regional Guide Series (2d ed.). Lonely Planet. p. 168. ISBN 978-1741793192. Retrieved 30 October 2012.
  9. ^ Hilker, Deb Shova Kansakar (2005). Syamukapu: The Lhasa Newars of Kalimpong and Kathmandu. Vajra Publications. ISBN 99946-644-6-8. Retrieved 12 August 2011.

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