Rocky Island: Samsing Dooars

Rocky Island is one of those places that rarely makes it to glossy brochures but leaves a permanent imprint on the hearts of those who find it. The name might conjure images of a faraway sea-bound land, but this Rocky Island lies peacefully beside the gurgling River Murti, near Samsing in Dooars. It is a paradise for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to trade city noise for the music of river rapids, chirping birds, and rustling leaves.

Orientation and Location: Where the Hills Begin

Rocky Island sits at the western edge of Samsing, a scenic hamlet located in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal. It lies right at the point where the plains of Dooars begin to curve upwards into the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. The mighty River Murti, famed for its clean waters and rocky riverbed, flows through this region, shaping the terrain and giving Rocky Island its distinct character.

The destination is situated about 90 km from Siliguri, and around 18 km from Malbazar, making it very much within reach for a quick getaway, but remote enough to offer the kind of solitude you thought only existed in old travel journals.

The story of Rocky Island started two decades ago when a nomadic traveller from Siliguri decided to settle down there. There were hardly any houses around, road connectivity was very poor; that in itself became the chief attraction for him. Bablu, as he is popularly called, decided to name his tent beside the river, Rocky Island. Today, the whole area is called Rocky Island, a dozen homestays and eco resorts have come up in the vicinity, the original nomad, Bablu, remains unacknowledged and unknown to most.

How to Reach Rocky Island

From Siliguri, you can drive to Samsing through Sevok, Oodlabari, and Chalsa, soaking in the changing landscape—teak forests, rolling tea gardens, and mountain shadows. The last stretch takes you to Samsing, and from there, a short scenic drive leads directly to Rocky Island. The road to Rocky Island is in good condition now, making the journey quite enjoyable.

The nearest railway access is New Mal Junction, about 18 km away, which is well connected by trains from Kolkata and other major cities. If you are flying in, Bagdogra Airport is about 95 km away. You can hire a cab from the airport or book a package with a local expert like NBTT Travel Solution Pvt Ltd for a hassle-free transfer.

What Makes Rocky Island Special

Rocky Island doesn’t offer toy trains or colonial bungalows. What it gives instead is untamed nature and a playground for adventure. The boulders scattered along the Murti riverbank are ideal for rock climbing and bouldering. There are water pools in the river for swimming or just spending time with nature.

Camping is one of the most sought-after experiences. Imagine spending the night in a cosy tent, the river murmuring in the background, fireflies flickering around you, and stars blinking down from a sky unpolluted by city lights.

For the more laid-back traveller, the river offers shallow pools to wade through, perfect picnic spots under towering trees, and endless corners for photography or meditative solitude.

This is also a paradise for bird watchers. Keep your binoculars ready—you might spot hill mynas, thrushes, hornbills, or even the elusive scarlet minivet if luck is on your side.

Nearby Attractions

One of the greatest joys of visiting Rocky Island is that it opens the door to several nearby treasures. Within a short drive, you can explore:

Samsing, just 2 km away, offers panoramic views of rolling tea gardens and forested slopes.
Suntalekhola, a tranquil forest village about 4 km away, is famous for its hanging bridge, eco huts, and pristine nature trails.
If you are willing to travel a bit further, the Gorumara National Park (around 35 km) and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary (around 30 km) offer jeep safaris and a chance to spot elephants, bison, and even leopards in the wild.

From Rocky Island, Murti Forest, and Jhalong are also within a comfortable driving distance, perfect for a longer Dooars circuit.

Accommodation Options

While Rocky Island itself is best known for riverside camping, there are several eco-resorts and homestays available nearby. Samsing and Suntalekhola offer forest department cottages, homestays run by hospitable locals, and even glamping setups in some cases. There is also a West Bengal forest bungalow about 1 km from the riverbed.

Travellers looking for more amenities may choose to stay in Malbazar, where more standard hotels are available. NBTT Travel Solution Pvt Ltd provides custom itineraries and lodging recommendations based on your travel style. For assistance and bookings, call 9733000592 / 593 / 594.

If that sounds like your kind of escape, let us help you get there. For tailored packages, trekking tours, and bookings, contact NBTT Travel Solution Pvt Ltd at 9733000592 / 593 / 594. Because Rocky Island isn’t just a place to visit. It’s a place to feel alive.