Rangeet Mazuwa

Rangeet Mazuwa, a name derived from the Lepcha community, signifies “RONG” meaning Lepcha and “GEET” meaning inhabited. Geographically, Rangeet Mazuwa is an agricultural belt that the British utilized as a cultivation area.

Notably, Rangeet Mazuwa is the first village in the Darjeeling district to commit to becoming a waste-free tourism circuit. This initiative is in collaboration with the World Pheasant Association Germany (W.P.A) under the umbrella of the Association for Conservation and Tourism (A.C.T).

History and Heritage:

Rangeet Mazuwa holds a significant place in the region’s history. The valley of Rangeet Rivers once served as a trail route for the Expedition team of Singalila National Park, also known as Sandakphu, during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. With the emergence of an alternative motorable road at Maneybhanjang, a cross-border village between Nepal and India, the dominance of Land Rovers became evident during the Industrial Revolution.

In the 17th century, Rangeet Mazuwa was a key trekking route for the devotees of Beni Jog Mai in Nepal. The valley was frequented by devotees from Sikkim, the princely state, and the outskirts of Darjeeling. Additionally, the valley was a bustling route for ponies from Nepal trading salt and cattle.

Wildlife and Habitat:

Rangeet Mazuwa serves as a buffer zone or corridor for wildlife between Singalila National Park, Senchel Wildlife Sanctuary, and Jore-Pokhri Wildlife Sanctuary. The valleys boast a diverse range of flora and fauna from the eastern Himalayas, including Yellow-Throated Mertens, Satyr Tragopans, Muntjac deer, over 200 bird species, Pheasants, Black Leopards, and more.

Community-Based Tourism:

Rangeet Mazuwa, located under the Pul-Bijanbari block in the Darjeeling district, is a model village for community-based ecotourism. This village is committed to conservation and has been designated as the first waste-free tourism destination. Five percent of the total population in Rangeet Mazuwa depends on various tourism-related activities, including nature guides, porters, homestay owners, taxi services, hospitality services, and agricultural resources.