Bagrakote Loop Bridge: Why this scenic, snake-like road structure is worth seeing Planning a North Bengal or Sikkim road trip? Add Bagrakote Loop Bridge to your route for its unusual curved design, scenic Himalayan setting and nearby attractions across the Dooars and Kalimpong region.
By CNBCTV18.com August 26, 2026, 1:00:56 AM IST (Published)
Bagrakote, a quiet corner of North Bengal surrounded by tea gardens, forests and Himalayan landscapes, is home to one of the region’s most unusual road structures. The Bagrakote Loop Bridge on NH-717A rises around 41 metres above the landscape and curves through the hills in a distinctive, snake-like design. The bridge, also known locally as the Selroti Bridge or ‘snake bridge’, has become a popular stop for travellers passing through the area on the route towards Sikkim. Its unusual shape, elevated position and views of the surrounding hills make it an interesting addition to a North Bengal road trip. A stunning view of the iconic Bagrakote Loop Bridge ????????✨
Inaugurated on April 24, 2025, this remarkable engineering marvel on NH-717A winds through the Himalayan landscape, providing an important alternative route towards Sikkim. ???? Bagrakote, West Bengal | NH-717A pic.twitter.com/5Fc0g1EJ2N
— Whitepilled India (@Ind_Whitepill) August 24, 2026 Why was the Bagrakote Bridge designed in a loop?
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The Loop Bridge is built along the mountainous NH-717A corridor, where the road has to negotiate steep and challenging terrain. Its curved alignment allows the road to navigate the elevation and landscape while forming the distinctive loop that has made the structure visually striking. NH-717A runs from Bagrakote in West Bengal towards the Sikkim side, forming part of an alternative road corridor towards Gangtok. Several stretches of the wider Bagrakote-Ranipool project remain under development, according to the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Bagrakote Loop Bridge viewpoints
The bridge’s unusual design and elevated setting have made it a popular photography spot.
To allow travellers to enjoy the scenery without stopping directly on the bridge, the Kalimpong district administration identified two designated viewpoints where tourist vehicles could stop for photographs. Travellers should use designated stopping areas rather than halting on the bridge or attempting to take selfies and reels from the roadway. The restrictions were introduced because of safety concerns and the risk of accidents caused by vehicles stopping on the route. From the viewpoints, visitors can take in the surrounding hills, valleys and greenery while also getting a better perspective of the bridge’s unusual looping structure. Where is Bagrakote Loop Bridge? Bagrakote is located in northern West Bengal, at the transition between the Dooars plains and the hills of the Kalimpong region. NH-717A begins at Bagrakote and continues through the hills towards Sikkim.
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The route passes through areas including Chuikhim, Nimbong, Lava, Algarah, Pedong, Rhenock and Pakyong before reaching the Gangtok side. This makes Bagrakote a convenient starting point for travellers exploring the forests and tea gardens of North Bengal before continuing towards the Himalayan destinations of Kalimpong and Sikkim.
Places you can visit around Bagrakote
Bagrakote can also be used as a base or stopover for exploring several attractions in the surrounding Dooars and North Bengal region. Gorumara National Park
Gorumara National Park is one of the best-known wildlife destinations in the Dooars and is known for its one-horned rhinoceroses, elephants, Indian bison and rich birdlife. The park’s forests and watchtowers make it a popular stop for travellers exploring the region. Rocky Island
Rocky Island, located along the Murti River, is known for its rocky landscape, flowing water and greenery. The destination is suited to travellers looking for a quieter nature stop away from the more crowded tourist centres. Jhandi Dara
Jhandi Dara is a popular viewpoint known for its sunrise views. From the higher vantage point, visitors can see the Dooars plains, surrounding hills and, on clear days, distant Himalayan landscapes.
Malbazar
Malbazar is one of the important towns in the Dooars region and can serve as a convenient stop for food, shopping and supplies while exploring the surrounding tea gardens and forests. Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a popular hill destination further along the broader North Bengal-Sikkim travel corridor. Set amid the Himalayan foothills, the town is known for its mountain views, monasteries, colonial-era landmarks and access to nearby villages and forests. Why add Bagrakote Loop Bridge to a North Bengal trip? The Bagrakote Loop Bridge is less about spending an entire day at one attraction and more about experiencing an unusual part of the journey itself. Its winding structure, elevated setting and surrounding Himalayan landscape make it a distinctive photo stop for travellers driving through North Bengal towards the hills and Sikkim.
For travellers exploring the Dooars, Kalimpong and the Sikkim route, the bridge offers another scenic point to add to the itinerary while showcasing the dramatic terrain through which NH-717A passes. (Edited by : priyanka deshpande)
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