10 Beautiful Offbeat Destinations Near Darjeeling (West Bengal)

The city of Darjeeling, also known as the “Queen of Hills” is a very popular place for the people of West Bengal as well as tourists from all over India. But due to its popularity, the city remains overly crowded especially from October to March.

For people like me who try to avoid the crowd, but still want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountains, there are a lot of offbeat destinations near Darjeeling where you can spend time with your friends, family, and loved ones. These places help you connect with nature up close.

In this article, I have summarized some of the beautiful offbeat destinations you can visit near Darjeeling.

This list includes,

Takdah
Tinchuley
Lamahatta
Lepchajagat
Dawaipani
Mirik
Chatakpur
Sitong
Chota and Bara Mangwa
Bijanbari

Now let’s see each one of them in detail…

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1. Takdah

Takdah is a small village near Darjeeling and is considered a perfect offbeat destination in West Bengal.

If you want to stay away from the overly crowded hill stations like Darjeeling and want to enjoy a quiet and peaceful stay in the mountains, that too in British colonial-era Bungalows made in the 1900s, then this place is perfect for you.

The place is sometimes covered in clouds, which gives it a dreamy look. There are several attractions to visit in Takdah, like the Takdah Monastery and the Takdah Orchid Center. Apart from that, there are also some famous tea estates in Takdah like the Rongli Rongliot Tea Estate and the Teesta Valley Tea Estate.

2. Tinchuley

View from Gumbadhara View Point, Tincluley

Tinchuley or Tinchule is a small mountainous village located at a distance of about 32 kilometers from Darjeeling. It is just a few kilometers away from Takdah.

The name of the place came from “Tin” meaning three and “Chuley” meaning “ovens”. The place is given such a name due to the three hilltops that surround this place. From afar, these hilltops looked like ovens or chullas.

The World Wide Federation (WWF) is actively working with the locals here in Tinchuley to turn the village into a model organic village. It is a perfect place for nature lovers. There are a lot of homestays that give an incredible view of the Himalayan Mountain range.

The snow-capped mountains of the Kanchanjunga can also be seen from Tinchuley Gumbadara Viewpoint.

3. Lamahatta

Lamahatta is a small village located at a distance of about 23 kilometers from the city of Darjeeling. Its view of nature and dense forest of Pine and Dhupi trees make it an incredible offbeat destination.

The Lamahatta Ecotourism Park is the most famous attraction in Lamahatta and is also one of the beautiful tourist attractions near Takdah. This place is also located close to Tinchuley and Takdah.

With the help of the state government and the forest protection teams, the locals have converted this place into a beautiful eco-tourism spot. As a result, quite a few homestays have also come up here where you can stay and enjoy the beauty of nature from up close.

4. Lepchajagat

Lepchajagat is another offbeat destination, 19 km away from Darjeeling. You can reach there from Darjeeling via Ghoom.

The place has recently gained popularity among tourists for the excellent homestay facilities along with the rates, satisfying weather, and the view of Kanchenjunga.

The prime attraction here is the sunrise. You can also view the lamp-lit town of Darjeeling during the nighttime.

5. Dawaipani

Perched at an altitude of 6500 ft, Dawaipani is a marvelous off-the-track destination. It is just 20 kilometers away from the town of Darjeeling and is perfect for explorers and nature admirers.

It is said that the place got its name from the hot water springs and streams of water nearby which are believed to have medicinal properties. Pristine nature surrounds the hamlet and is worth all the time and admiration.

Being amidst such exotic nature is a medicine in itself. Absorb in all you can and then venture through all the spots in the region. Look at the tea farms and the lush pine forests together with the backdrop of the gigantic mountains. In terms of activities, you can go on a trek to a nearby waterfall, explore the forests, or simply relax and enjoy the view.

Experience some of the best days of vacation while you stay at the beautiful homestays at Dawaipani.

6. Mirik

Mirik Lake (Shubh.ch1994, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Mirik, often called the ‘Gateway of Darjeeling’ calls for the outstanding side scenes of the lush green hills.

Many tourists visit Mirik Lake to have a joyful experience of boating. Mirik Garden is also a well-organized and themed garden and there is no entry fee for it. Gopal Dhara tea estate near Mirik is one of the finest exporters of Darjeeling tea commercially. Pashupatinagar Market is one of the best spots for shopping lovers. Apart from these, you can also visit places like Simana Viewpoint and Orange Orchards.

There are many homestays and hotels in Mirik where you can spend a day or two. They also offer delicious Bengali Thalis.

7. Chatakpur

Chatakpur is a small environment-friendly village about 64 km away from New Jalpaiguri. It is situated on elevated hillocks with a height of 7400 ft. To reach there you will need a permit from the authority officials there. Among the dense forests, the narrow roads pave the way to Chatakpur.

The balconies of the homestays provide you with a spectacular view of the cloud-covered mountains and the snow-covered peaks of the Kanchenjunga. The village is surrounded by a rim of serenity. Wildflowers add to the beauty of nature. Tickles Leaf Warbler and Siberian Stonechat are some of the indigenous species of birds found here which are perfect clicks for photography lovers.

There is a watchtower in Chatakpur that provides a spectacular view of the outskirts of the village and the Kanchenjunga peaks. Kalipakhri, a holy pond in Chatakpur, is worshipped by the residents. You need to go on a short and easy trek to reach the spot.

8. Sitong

Sitong is a small hilly destination near Kurseong situated 4000 ft above sea level. The rays of the sun find their way through tall pine and eucalyptus forests here. The place is the core house of cultivation of mangoes. The waterfalls with clear white water cutting the way through the rocks look serene.

There are multiple small wooden houses along the terraces of the hill. There are many homestays where the staff greets everyone warmly and also serves the best food.

The faint sounds of Grasshoppers announce the arrival of the night. The dazzling wildflowers are alluring. There are several places to visit in and around Sittong, such as Ahaldhara, Namthing Pokhri (Lake), Jogighat Bridge, etc.

9. Chota and Bara Mangwa

Bara Mangwa and Chota Mangwa are both offbeat destinations near Darjeeling. Chota Mangwa is located 4 km away from Bara Mangwa.

The sun shines bright and the fields bloom which looks marvelous. There are many farmhouses and gardens in Bara Mangwa. In Chota Mangwa there were many Orange Gardens. The best place of accommodation there is the Chota Mangwa eco-tourism Complex which serves quality food and rooms.

The weather is cool and the birds are chirping making the place pretty romantic. There is a Chota Mangwa monastery where a spiritual environment prevails all over.

10. Bijanbari

Bijanbari is another hamlet that allures tourists and nature lovers towards itself. Elevated at an altitude of 2500 ft, this small town is only 13 kilometers from Darjeeling. It is ideal for an offbeat escape to spend a few days of relaxation.

The simple life here is extremely gorgeous. The ambiance is full of peace with joy in the air. Scenic roads lead to some of the most mesmerizing vistas. Lush rolling tea gardens, lofty mountains, misty air, and untouched woodlands all contribute to nature’s charms. The river Chota Rangeet streams through the terrain. So many places and elements are there to be witnessed. The beauty is unreal.

After looking at all the aspects of the wilderness, visit the Pool bazaar. Shop at the stalls and later worship the Panchaga Mandir. Seek the blessing from the almighty and then go with the rest of the ventures.

A number of enchanting homestays are there to stay at. Select any one of your choices and cherish a laid-back time with your loved ones. Unwind and find your own escape in the middle of the wilderness.

These are some of the offbeat destinations near Darjeeling town that you can visit in North Bengal. All these places are located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.

Visit these places to experience the beautiful and serene ambiance in the lap of the Himalayas and feel the beauty of nature from up close.

Other places to visit in West Bengal

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