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. This city is ideal for a trip in the lap of the Himalayan mountains.
There are a lot of tourist attractions near Darjeeling.
But due to its popularity, the city remains overly crowded especially from October to March.
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For people like me who try to avoid crowded places, 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.
- Takdah
- Tinchuley
- Lamahatta
- Lepchajagat
- Rishyap
- Lava – Lolegaon
- Mirik
- Chatakpur
- Sitong
- Chota and Bara Mangwa
Now let’s see each one of them in detail…
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 places is sometimes covered in clouds, which gives these place a dreamy look.
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There are also a lot of places that you can 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.
Tinchuley
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 Tinchuley 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 far, 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.
Tinchuley is a perfect place for nature lovers. There are a lot of homestays in Tinchuley 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.
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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 makes it an incredible offbeat destination near Darjeeling.
The Lamahatta Ecotourism park is the most famous spot 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 from 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.
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.
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Rishyap
Rishyap is a small village in the valleys of Kalimpong district of West Bengal.
The word “Ri” stands for the mountain peaks and the word “shyap” stands for tall old-aged trees in the Tibetian language.
The valleys of Rishyap are more or less 2590 meters high. The valleys of Rishyap have small gurgling small streams and uneven green hills.
The majestic views of the Mountain ranges bind the people from all regions and all religions of the country. The village is 105 km from New Jalpaiguri.
The sherpas have built small homestays for peaceful accommodation for the guests. The prices are cheaper compared to any hotel. The cloudy weather there is perfect for the trek. Rishyap is no less than a perfect paradise in Bengal.
Lava and Lolegaon
Lava Lolegaon is one of the best hilly places to visit in North Bengal.
To reach the wonderful place you need to reach New Jalpaiguri either by train or car. Then you can take a taxi to reach Lava Lolegaon.
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If you visit Lava Lolegaon, you should not miss out on the Jhandi Dhara viewpoint to observe the spiritual view of the sunrise among the wave of clouds. Not only that many tourists love to spend their entire day watching the sunlit peaks of Himalyas.
The best time to visit this place is from the Month of May to October. You can also experience the freshness of the green while canopy walking which is a 180 m long wooden bridge.
Lava is approximately 24 km away from Lolegaon. You can take a cab which will have charges of rs 1500. You can visit popular places like Neora valley national park in the Gorumara wildlife division.
You will surely love these places if you are a nature lover.
Mirik
Mirik, often called Gateway of Darjeeling calls for the outstanding side scenes of the lush green hills. Around Mirik there is Mirik lake, Mirik garden, Tea estate and Orange garden.
Many tourists visit Mirik Lake to have a joyful experience of boating which charges Rs 200 per 30 minutes. The divine beauty of the trip of the Mirik lake, pine trees and the city attracts folks. Mirik Garden is also well organized and themed garden and there is no entry fee for it.
There are many hotels in Mirik which offers bengali Thali. There are also many homestays in Mirik where you can spend a day or two.
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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. There are more places like Simana Viewpoint and Orange orchards.
Chatakpur
64 km away from New Jalpaiguri, there is an environment-friendly small village known as Chatakpur. Situated on the elevated hillocks with a height of 7400 ft.
To reach there you need to grant a permit from the authority officials there. Among the dense forests, the narrow roads pave the way to Chatakpur.
The balconies of the homestays there 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 there which are perfect clicks for photography lovers.
The watchtower in Chatakpur provides a spectacular view of the outskirts of the village and the Kanchenjunga peaks. Kalipakhri a holy pond in Chatakpur is worshipped by the local Lepchas there.
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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 looks serene.
There are multiple small wooden houses along the terraces of the hill. There are many homestays where the staffs 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 is also Namthang Lake which is also visited by many tourists.
Chota and Bara Mangwa
Bara Mangwa and Chota Mangwa both are 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. The ripe golden paddy field during the month of November. There are many farmhouses and gardens in Bara Mangwa.
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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 makes the place pretty romantic. There is a Chota Mangwa monastery where a spirtitual environment prevails all over.
These are some of the offbeat destinations in Darjeeling that you can visit in North Bengal. All these places are located in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts 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.
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