Darjeeling, which is known as the ‘’Queen of Hills” and always been a good place for nature lovers. While most of the tourists visit the main city, some people like to spend their breathing space around nature. Here is a list of offbeat places near Darjeeling that can be a perfect weekend trip destination for nature admirers.
15 Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling
Sandakphu Trek
Darjeeling is not just a place for exploring but also a place of adventure. The mountain of poisonous plants, which is also known as Sandakphu, begins at Manebhanjan. It is very close to Singalila National Park at a height of 11929 feet. It is the highest peak in West Bengal and gives you the best view around. This beautiful trek is 51 kilometres long. Therefore only physically fit people should go for it.
Kurseong
The land of white orchids, AKA Kurseong, is famous for its natural as well as spiritual beauty. Though the weather remains mostly pleasant in Kurseong throughout the year, it is not advisable to visit there during monsoon due to landslides. It became the headquarter of the Kurseong subdivision in August 1880 after the toy train service was extended here; before that, it was a small village which was handed over to the British in 1835 by the king of Sikkim. Situated 32 kilometres away from Darjeeling.
This city has different religious sites to explore, like The Ambotia Shiva Temple, Gidda Pahar Sita Ram Mandir, Jagdish Mandir, Buddhist Gompa, Kunsang Chilling Monastery, Juma Mosque etc. Other than this, it also has places like Deer Park, Eagle’s Crag, Dowhill Eco Park, Chimney Heritage Park, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum, Makaibari Tea Estate and so on. At least 2 days 1 night trip require to cover all the places of Kurseong. As per me this no one offbeat places near darjeeling.
Tinchuley
It is an offbeat yet popular visiting place near Darjeeling for tourists. Distance from Darjeeling around 32 KM, Close to the West Bengal and Sikkim border. The assembly of the three hill tops together, looks like three ovens or “Chulas”. It is called Tinchuley, which means three ovens. Natural beauty is extraordinary. The place is close to the river of Teesta and Rangit and has natural beauty like orchards, tea plantations, unexploded trails of the Jungle and so on. It is the perfect destination for nature lovers.
Chatakpur
Among many other beautiful places to visit near Darjeeling, Chatakpur is a place with spectacular views. It is 25 km away from Darjeeling. This Eco Village is situated at 7887 feet altitude. A short trip around Chatakpur can be planned any time of the year except for the monsoon season, because the famous eco village remains closed during that time. Other than this, there are mountains, hilly ranges, green forests, and alpine trees to explore in this place. Chatakpur is primarily famous for its green alpine forest and panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges.
Rishikhola
Located on the bank of the Rishi River, Rishikhola is one of the most Beautiful villages with mesmerising sounds of flowering rivers situated near Darjeeling. This riverside village is based at the Sikkim West Bengal border at an altitude of 2000 feet. There are also different kinds of adventurous activities available. Like trekking around the valley and fishing in the stream or Rock climbing. The river water is so clean, you can even take a bath in it. Summer is a perfect time to visit here, as during this season, flowers like Rhododendrons start blooming, and the surroundings become colourful.
Dawaipani
Dawaipani is a very recently discovered destination as nearby places to visit from Darjeeling. This place is only 15 km away from the town of Darjeeling and located at a height of 6500 feet altitude. It is a quiet hidden gem of Darjeeling Hills. Because the fresh air and the greenery can provide you pleasant breathing. The population of the village is merely 100. From this village you can see the exquisite landscape of Kanchenjunga with a 180 degree view of the sleeping Buddha, this place is a perfect destination for a peaceful weekend trip.
Lamahatta
If you want to spend some good amount of time with nature, then Lamahatta can be one of the most appropriate places to visit near Darjeeling. With giant pine forest, adventurous trek, and mountains in the sky are enough to make your holiday more wonderful. There is a Lamahatta eco-park, which is situated at 5700 feet and distance from darjeeling around 25 KM. The place is a perfect example of the balanced relationship between nature and humans. Prior to that, independent Buddhist monks used to live here. You will get multiple homestay options here to stay, which are owned by the local villagers. Nowadays, Lamahatta is popular as the most romantic honeymoon place near darjeeling as well.
Lepchajagat
This small village near Darjeeling is famous for the Kanchenjunga range view. It is just 16 km away from Darjeeling and a holiday destination near Darjeeling. It stands at a height of 6956 feet. This quaint Hamlet of Darjeeling is also known for its diversity of beauties, including oak forest, different monasteries, Jorpokhri Manebhanjan etc. Nowadays, it is a reserved part of the forest area.
Sittong
It is situated between Sevoke Road and Hill Cart Road in Kurseong. Among many other nearby places to visit from Darjeeling, Sittong is quite a popular village for orange cultivation. It is also known as the orange villains of Darjeeling. During the winter, the gardens turn orange, and tourists find these gardens very fascinating. This offbeat destination of Darjeeling is situated at 4000 feet altitude. With mild weather and picturesque scenery of mountains, Sittong is an ideal destination for a summer trip to escape the scorching heat of the sun during this season.
Bijanbari
Recently, among tourists, Bijanbari has gained popularity for the bridge of the Rangit River. This small town is standing at a 2500 feet altitude. Places to explore around Bijanbari are Hima Falls, tea gardens like marybong or Rishihaat, Biswambhar Rock, Pulbazar, Panchaga Mandir, and so on. There are several primitive villages situated at higher riches like Kinjalia, Rimbik etc. There is a power station named Rammam Hydel, which is just 17 km away from Bijanbari. From Bijanbari to Singalila Range, there is a trekking route available for adventure lovers. Overall this place is a perfect stress buster.
Tabakoshi
This place has recently come into the observation of tourists. It is just 6 km away from Mirik and very near to Gopaldhara Tea Estate. RangBhang River flows through this village. Here in Tabakoshi, different kinds of tourism, like tea tourism and village tourism, are promoted by the Govt of WB and the Territorial Administration of Gorkha. As the place is not very popular yet, this can be a destination for a peaceful trip. Other places to explore around Tabakoshi are Pashupati Market at the border of India and Nepal, Mirik Lake, Lamlamey waterfalls, river excursion, Tabakoshi Park and the temple.
Mirik
Just around 49 km away from Darjeeling, there is a large natural lake situated at 5000 feet altitude, which gives incredible views and is also one of the top tourist spots near Darjeeling. It is quite famous for boat riding and shopping for local products like handicrafts, ornaments or traditional local clothes. The best time to visit Mirik is either during March-April or around October- November. It is a perfect holiday destination for both families and couples. Other than pleasant weather, pine trees and lucrative activities, there is a bridge over the lake named Sumendu Lake with spectacular views. The bridge is also known as the rainbow bridge.
Ahaldara
Among many other Nearest tourist places to visit from Darjeeling, Ahaldara is the least populated village. It is a charm of the shelpu hills of Kurseong. the place has a 360-degree view and astonishing landscape of the Kanchenjunga. The place is just 5 km away from Latpanchar. It also gives offers a clear view of Tinchuley Hills. Ahaldara is located at 4500 feet above sea level. Apart from lining up Teesta river banks, it also has a mahananda wildlife sanctuary where more than 240 bird species and 36 mammals reside.
Charkhole
This village is located in the Kalimpong District and is based at an altitude of around 5500 feet. The population of this village is minimal. As the village is surrounded by grove of trees like oak, pine, fir, Cyprus etc. It is home to many rare bird species as well as many colourful butterflies. A few examples of the birds are the Himalayan bulbul, pipit, Ashley prinia, Indian robin and so on. There are activities available in Charkhole, like climbing up to watch a sunrise at Gamphus Dara Viewpoint.
Kolakham
It is a village of Kalimpong which resides at an altitude of 6500 feet above sea level. It is 110 km away from NJP. Away from the chores of city life, kolakham provides a peaceful and calm holiday experience. Nearby attractions of this offbeat location are Neora valley national park, changey waterfall & picnic spot beside reshi river.
