Relli River Explained

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 8000feet known as Tiffin Dara and ends at 800 ft, confluence with the Teesta .^[3] The river runs less than 10km (10miles) 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 32km (20miles) 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]

Notes and References

1. Book: Desai, Kiran . The Inheritance of Loss . registration . reprint . Grove Press . 2006 . 0802142818 . 157, 288 . 2012-10-30.
2. Web site: About Relli River Information-Kalimpong . Hop Around India online . West Bengal . 2012-11-06.
3. The Orchid Digest . Rediscovering Cymbidium macrorhizon Lindl. in the Teesta Valley . 37 . 42 . A. B. Willoughby . John R. Walter . F. A. Fowlie . Orchid Digest Corporation . 1973 . 2012-11-06.
4. Book: India Handbook . Footprint handbooks . Trade & Travel Publications . 2000 . 618 . 9780844248417 . 2012-10-30.
5. Book: Proceedings of the Indian Statistical Institute Golden Jubilee International Conference on Human Genetics and Adaptation: Human genetics . 1 . Amitabha Basu . K. C. Malhotra . Indian Statistical Institute . 1984 . 309 . 2012-11-06.
6. Book: The Rough Guide to India . Rough Guides . 8 . Penguin . 2011 . 978-1405385831 . 790 . 2012-10-30.
7. Web site: Relli River . https://archive.today/20130126235054/http://www.kalimponglive.com/popups/relli-river.html . dead . 2013-01-26 . Kalimponglive online . 2011-05-15 . 2012-11-06 .
8. Book: Bindloss, Joe . Lonely Planet Northeast India . 168 . Regional Guide Series . Lonely Planet . 2d . 2009 . 978-1741793192 . 2012-10-30.
9. Book: Hilker, Deb Shova Kansakar . Syamukapu: The Lhasa Newars of Kalimpong and Kathmandu . Vajra Publications . 2005 . 99946-644-6-8 . 2011-08-12.