Lava (also known as Lava Bazar) is a town in the Kalimpong II CD block in the Kalimpong subdivision of the Kalimpong district in the Indian state of West Bengal. As it lies in the high altitude, so it is also visible from high altitude towns and villages of East Sikkim, high areas of Bhutan and also from Pakyong Airport. The climate of the town is usually very cold because of high altitude making it a perfect place for tourists during summer season. Geography Location Lava is located at . Area overview The map alongside shows the Kalimpong Sadar subdivision of Kalimpong district. Physiographically, this area forms the Kalimpong Range, with the average elevation varying from . This region is characterized by abruptly rising hills and numerous small streams. It is a predominantly rural area with 77.67% of the population living in rural areas and only 22.23% living in the urban areas. While Kalimpong is the only municipality, Dungra is the sole census town in the entire area. The economy is agro-based and there are 6 tea gardens in the Gorubathan CD block. In 2011, Kalimpong subdivision had a literacy rate of 81.85%, comparable with the highest levels of literacy in the districts of the state. While the first degree college in the subdivision was established at Kalimpong in 1962 the entire subdivision (and now the entire district), other than the head-quarters, had to wait till as late as 2015 (more than half a century) to have their first degree colleges at Pedong and Gorubathan. Note: The map alongside presents some of the notable locations in the subdivision. All places marked in the map are linked in the larger full screen map. Description of the place Lava is a small hamlet situated east of the town of Kalimpong through Algarah in Kalimpong district of the state of West Bengal, India. Lava is situated at an altitude of . It is one of the few places in West Bengal to receive snow in winter. It is the entry point to the Virgin Neora Valley National Park from Kalimpong. The route to Lava is scenic with the change in vegetation from tropical deciduous to the wet alpine trees of fir, pine and birch. The verdant forests are a popular spot for picnicking, trekking and bird-watching. Lava has gradually become a favorite tourist destination. Temperature decreases below Zero Degree in Winter and increases