They say, "Life is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page!" certainly! Life takes a new phase if traveling is imbibed into our soul. So, if you are one of the wanderlust that seeks to go beyond the limit of the itineraries, if you feel the urge to discover more and conquer the tough trails and mountains then embark on a trip to the major offbeat destinations in Darjeeling. Witness the break of dawn from the mesmerizing Darjeeling viewpoint and write your travel tales in the places that are less explored.
So, here is the list of major offbeat destinations in Darjeeling that you can pick for your next vacation-
Its original name was pronounced as "Tukdah" which is a Lepcha word meaning ‘mist' or ‘fog' as the place often remains blanketed with fog. Located at a distance of 28kms from Darjeeling, it is a treasured secret which is yet to develop as a fully fledged tourism place.
Major attractions: Major tea estates of Darjeeling, such as Rungli Rungliot, Namring, Jinglam, Poomong, and Teesta Valley estate, Orchid Centre, Dechhen Pema Tshoiling Monastery, Dara Dokan, serene pine forests, etc.
Places to stay: Shiwani Homestay, Saino Heritage Guesthouse, Forest Rest house, etc.
Best time to visit: October to March.
How to reach: Via road trip.
Lama means ‘Buddhist monk' and Hatta means ‘hut'- a monk's hermitage is located at a distance of 23 kilometers from Darjeeling. This mountainous village is a vast expanse of evergreen pine forests. It's a small village where cattle rearing and farming is the main source of livelihood.
Major attraction: A vast stretch of perfectly manicured roadside garden, Gari Danda, dense Pine plantations, Hilltop water bodies, quaint villages, etc.
Places to stay: Lamahatta Homestays and lodges.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year.
How to reach: Via road trip.
Tinchuley means ‘Three Ovens'. This small mountain village was given this name due to the three prominent hilltops that enclose the village and makes it look like ovens. It is located just 3 km above Takdah at an elevation of 5,800ft. It's a nature lover's delight as it presents the fascinating views, local culture, food, and the people.
Major attractions: Tinchuley Monastery, Orange orchards at Nirmal's, Tea Gardens, Tinchuley sunrise viewpoint, Gumbadara, etc.
Places to stay: Gurung's guesthouse, Abiraj Homestay,
Best time to visit: October to April.
How to reach: Via road trip.
Latpanchar is a fascinating mountain hamlet that offers breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga ranges. It's a haven for nature lovers and peace seekers. This quaint village hasn't yet developed as a tourist destination. Located at an altitude of 4,200 ft, it forms the highest part of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary.
Major attractions: Cinchona Plantations, Ahal Dara Viewpoint, Namthing Lake, Sarsari Dara, bird watching, etc.
Places to say: Hornbill Nest, Latkothi, etc.
Best time to visit Latpanchar: October to April.
How to reach: Via road trip.
Located in the foothills of Singalila National Park, Srikhola is a beautiful village that is perfectly suitable for peace seekers and wanderlusts. The trekking routes of Sandakphu and Phalut pass through this quaint village towards Maneybhanjyang.
Major attractions: Beautiful bouncing Srikhola River, Hanging Wooden Bridge, Wooden Cottages with flowering gardens, Singalila National Park, Wildlife, and birds, etc.
Places to Stay: Srikhola-GTA lodge, Hotel Shovraj, Goparma Lodge, etc.
Best time to visit: April- May, October-November.
How to reach: Via road trip.
Located 19 km from Darjeeling, Jorpokhri is a tiny place situated on a hilltop. The main attraction in Jorpokhri is the twin lakes after which the name has been given because Jor means ‘two' pokhri means ‘lake'. You can often see a large number of white swans swimming in the waters or sauntering nearby the area. The place also provides the jaw-dropping view of the Himalayas.
Major attractions: Jorpokhri Lake, stunning landscaped gardens, pine forests, Jorpokhri Viewpoint, etc.
Places to stay: GTA Tourist Lodge, Salamander Tourist Lodge, etc.
Best time to visit: October to March.
How to reach: Via road trip.
As the name suggests, Lepchajagat is once was the hamlet of Lepcha tribes. Later it was taken over by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation. Located at a distance of 19 km from Darjeeling, it provides a perfect rest for couples and those who seek to be with nature.
Major attractions: Densely forested areas with pines, oaks, rhododendrons, bird watching, Ghoom Rock, etc.
Places to stay: Kanchan Kanya Homestay, West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Lodge (WBFDCL),
Best time to visit: October to April
How to reach: Via road trip.
Chatakpur is a tiny eco-friendly village within Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary at a distance of 26 km from Darjeeling. This serene village is a paradise for nature lovers. Located at an altitude of 7,887 ft, one can enjoy the jaw-dropping view of the magnificent mountain ranges and the lush green vegetation that encloses this pristine village with a population of only around 90 people and 18 houses.
Major attractions: From the watch tower you can view the trekker's dream destination-Sandakphu, mesmerizing sunrise- and people claim that the sunrise seen from here is far more stunning than what is seen from the major Darjeeling viewpoints, nature, and wildlife, bird watching, etc.
Places to stay: Eco cottages and village homestays.
Best time to visit: October to May
How to reach: Via road trip.
If you're on a quest for experiencing a typical village life amid nature, then you need not look any further. Petrichor offers you to enjoy vast greenery and quaint mountains, where plains and mountains meet. It's a place where you can actively participate in organic farming, exploring tea gardens and nature trails, relishing fresh vegetables, etc.
Major attractions: Organic farming, arts, and crafts, quaint and rustic village life, River Chel, etc.
Places to stay: Petrichor Farm Stay, Nepali Ancestral Home (Sadhana), home stay and tents.
Best time to visit: September to April.
How to reach: Via road trip.
Located at a distance of 55 kilometers from Kalimpong, Kaffer is a peaceful hamlet in the district of Darjeeling. It's a nature's paradise with fascinating landscapes abounding with lush green forests and tranquil valleys. The sunrise seen from Jhandi Dara in Kaffer is claimed to be far more beautiful than that is seen from Tiger Hill. Besides, the place offers mesmerizing vistas of the Kanchenjunga Ranges.
Major attractions: Hanging Bridges, canopy walk, Jhandi Dara for mesmerizing sunrise, Eco-Park, breathtaking viewpoints, etc.
Places to stay: Kaffer Cottage, Resort Tree Fern, Kaafal Guest House, etc.
Best time to visit: October to May
How to reach: Via road trip.
So, these are the place that dwells beyond the hassles and pollutions of the boisterous cities. And it’s certainly worth packing your bags and loading up your camera for a worthwhile experience.
1. Takdah: The enchanting land of mists-
Its original name was pronounced as "Tukdah" which is a Lepcha word meaning ‘mist' or ‘fog' as the place often remains blanketed with fog. Located at a distance of 28kms from Darjeeling, it is a treasured secret which is yet to develop as a fully fledged tourism place.
Major attractions: Major tea estates of Darjeeling, such as Rungli Rungliot, Namring, Jinglam, Poomong, and Teesta Valley estate, Orchid Centre, Dechhen Pema Tshoiling Monastery, Dara Dokan, serene pine forests, etc.
Places to stay: Shiwani Homestay, Saino Heritage Guesthouse, Forest Rest house, etc.
Best time to visit: October to March.
How to reach: Via road trip.
2. Lamahatta: A monk's hermitage-
Lama means ‘Buddhist monk' and Hatta means ‘hut'- a monk's hermitage is located at a distance of 23 kilometers from Darjeeling. This mountainous village is a vast expanse of evergreen pine forests. It's a small village where cattle rearing and farming is the main source of livelihood.
Major attraction: A vast stretch of perfectly manicured roadside garden, Gari Danda, dense Pine plantations, Hilltop water bodies, quaint villages, etc.
Places to stay: Lamahatta Homestays and lodges.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year.
How to reach: Via road trip.
3. Tinchuley: A place where magic is infused with nature-
Tinchuley means ‘Three Ovens'. This small mountain village was given this name due to the three prominent hilltops that enclose the village and makes it look like ovens. It is located just 3 km above Takdah at an elevation of 5,800ft. It's a nature lover's delight as it presents the fascinating views, local culture, food, and the people.
Major attractions: Tinchuley Monastery, Orange orchards at Nirmal's, Tea Gardens, Tinchuley sunrise viewpoint, Gumbadara, etc.
Places to stay: Gurung's guesthouse, Abiraj Homestay,
Best time to visit: October to April.
How to reach: Via road trip.
4. Latpanchar: A mountain hamlet and a birdwatcher's paradise-
Latpanchar is a fascinating mountain hamlet that offers breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga ranges. It's a haven for nature lovers and peace seekers. This quaint village hasn't yet developed as a tourist destination. Located at an altitude of 4,200 ft, it forms the highest part of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary.
Major attractions: Cinchona Plantations, Ahal Dara Viewpoint, Namthing Lake, Sarsari Dara, bird watching, etc.
Places to say: Hornbill Nest, Latkothi, etc.
Best time to visit Latpanchar: October to April.
How to reach: Via road trip.
5. Srikhola: The Himalayan Hamlet-
Located in the foothills of Singalila National Park, Srikhola is a beautiful village that is perfectly suitable for peace seekers and wanderlusts. The trekking routes of Sandakphu and Phalut pass through this quaint village towards Maneybhanjyang.
Major attractions: Beautiful bouncing Srikhola River, Hanging Wooden Bridge, Wooden Cottages with flowering gardens, Singalila National Park, Wildlife, and birds, etc.
Places to Stay: Srikhola-GTA lodge, Hotel Shovraj, Goparma Lodge, etc.
Best time to visit: April- May, October-November.
How to reach: Via road trip.
6. Jorpokhri: A peace seeker’s paradise-
Located 19 km from Darjeeling, Jorpokhri is a tiny place situated on a hilltop. The main attraction in Jorpokhri is the twin lakes after which the name has been given because Jor means ‘two' pokhri means ‘lake'. You can often see a large number of white swans swimming in the waters or sauntering nearby the area. The place also provides the jaw-dropping view of the Himalayas.
Major attractions: Jorpokhri Lake, stunning landscaped gardens, pine forests, Jorpokhri Viewpoint, etc.
Places to stay: GTA Tourist Lodge, Salamander Tourist Lodge, etc.
Best time to visit: October to March.
How to reach: Via road trip.
7. Lepchajagat: The tranquil and charming haven-
As the name suggests, Lepchajagat is once was the hamlet of Lepcha tribes. Later it was taken over by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation. Located at a distance of 19 km from Darjeeling, it provides a perfect rest for couples and those who seek to be with nature.
Major attractions: Densely forested areas with pines, oaks, rhododendrons, bird watching, Ghoom Rock, etc.
Places to stay: Kanchan Kanya Homestay, West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Lodge (WBFDCL),
Best time to visit: October to April
How to reach: Via road trip.
8. Chatakpur: Where you breathe in serenity and bliss-
Chatakpur is a tiny eco-friendly village within Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary at a distance of 26 km from Darjeeling. This serene village is a paradise for nature lovers. Located at an altitude of 7,887 ft, one can enjoy the jaw-dropping view of the magnificent mountain ranges and the lush green vegetation that encloses this pristine village with a population of only around 90 people and 18 houses.
Major attractions: From the watch tower you can view the trekker's dream destination-Sandakphu, mesmerizing sunrise- and people claim that the sunrise seen from here is far more stunning than what is seen from the major Darjeeling viewpoints, nature, and wildlife, bird watching, etc.
Places to stay: Eco cottages and village homestays.
Best time to visit: October to May
How to reach: Via road trip.
9. Petrichor: An organic farm, studio, kitchen, & artist residency
If you're on a quest for experiencing a typical village life amid nature, then you need not look any further. Petrichor offers you to enjoy vast greenery and quaint mountains, where plains and mountains meet. It's a place where you can actively participate in organic farming, exploring tea gardens and nature trails, relishing fresh vegetables, etc.
Major attractions: Organic farming, arts, and crafts, quaint and rustic village life, River Chel, etc.
Places to stay: Petrichor Farm Stay, Nepali Ancestral Home (Sadhana), home stay and tents.
Best time to visit: September to April.
How to reach: Via road trip.
10. Kaffer: The uncluttered and the pristine hub-
Located at a distance of 55 kilometers from Kalimpong, Kaffer is a peaceful hamlet in the district of Darjeeling. It's a nature's paradise with fascinating landscapes abounding with lush green forests and tranquil valleys. The sunrise seen from Jhandi Dara in Kaffer is claimed to be far more beautiful than that is seen from Tiger Hill. Besides, the place offers mesmerizing vistas of the Kanchenjunga Ranges.
Major attractions: Hanging Bridges, canopy walk, Jhandi Dara for mesmerizing sunrise, Eco-Park, breathtaking viewpoints, etc.
Places to stay: Kaffer Cottage, Resort Tree Fern, Kaafal Guest House, etc.
Best time to visit: October to May
How to reach: Via road trip.
So, these are the place that dwells beyond the hassles and pollutions of the boisterous cities. And it’s certainly worth packing your bags and loading up your camera for a worthwhile experience.
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