Offbeat Places near Darjeeling -Top 14 Unexplored Destinations

Explore the offbeat places near Darjeeling

 

If you are working 5 to 6 days a week in a metropolitan city, then you deserve a little time off for yourself away from the hustle-bustle and the chaos of the city. Offbeat places near Darjeeling are those places that have equally magnificent views of that of a popular tourist place minus the tourists. These Offbeat places near Darjeeling are sure to revive your soul and make you cherish these moments forever.

1. Makaibari Tea Estate:

   Established in 1859, Makaibari Tea Estate is one of the oldest and most talked about the Tea estate of Darjeeling. The Estate has been run by the Founder Family since 1859, although currently the 90% of the estate is sold to Luxmi Group. The current Owner Swaraj Kumar Banerjee, has introduced ‘Organic Farming’. Located in Kurseong, and the first to get “Fair Trade’ certification in the world, is just 1 and a half hours from NJP railway station or Bagdogra Airport. Makaibari Estate covers an area of 750 hectors, 65% of it is covered by forests. This beautiful blend of Forest and tea plantation is a beautiful sight.

Since 2005 villagers and tea workers have extended and renovated their homes and have started homestay for tourists. This initiative allows tourists to experience the tea gardens and its activity for a few days away from the chaotic city and it serves as an earning option for the locals. Tourists can take a tour of the factory and enjoy all steps of tea plucking, making, tasting, and packaging. The bookings are taken by ‘Volunteers in Makaibari’ or ViM. All details are available at the official site www.Makaibari.com. This is one of the most famous offbeat places near Darjeeling and is a must-visit.

Recommended stay: Newang Makaibari Homestay

Best time to visit: A visit during the summer months of April to June is a perfect time.

How to reach: The nearest airport is at Bagdogra. The Bagdogra airport is well connected to all major airports in India. Nearest Railways station is the New Jalpaiguri Station. From the Airport or NJP station, you would need to drive up to Makaibari Tea Estate.

2. Kolakham

   An adventurous and peaceful village Kolbong forest with Neora Valley. Only 8Km from Lava and 1:30 Hrs journey from Kalimpong, this is the perfect destination to experience the wilderness from a close distance. As it is located just beside Neora Valley National Park, you might even get to see some wild animals! The best experience of this place is the mesmerizing view of Kanchenjunga peaks during a clear sunrise with all different shades of golden and orange painting the snow-clad mountains. Tourists can enjoy many trek routes in and around this village or a day trip to Lava, Lolegaon, and Rishop. You can spend time bird watching, rock climbing, or just strolling along the path and just enjoy nature. Don’t forget to stargaze while in Kolakham!

Recommended stay: Hotel Kolakham Eco hut

Best time to visit: For a clear view of the mountains, October through April is a perfect time to visit the village.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Bagdogra. The Bagdogra airport is well connected to all major airports in India. Nearest Railways station is the New Jalpaiguri Station. From the Airport or NJP station, it is a 4 Hrs drive till Kolakham.

3. Icchey gaon

   Among the other offbeat places near Darjeeling Icchey Gaon is a very popular one. This little hamlet overlooking Darjeeling and Sikkim towns and with a majestic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga is a traveler’s paradise. If you are into trekking, Icchey Gaon has multiple trek routes which lead to different viewpoints such as, Ramitey Dara, Tenchule, Jalsa. Ramitey Dara offers a panoramic view of the Teesta river taking its legendary 14 turns along the mountain. From Tinchule you can have an unhindered view of Mt Kanchenjunga and parts of Sikkim. Jalsa’s viewpoint is famous for the British to build Jalsa bungalow and Cinchona plantation. Along with trekking, exploring the village is also an exciting adventure.

   

Day trips to Pedong, Aritar, Mankhim, Reshikhola, and Sillery Gaon are quite popular while visiting Icchey Gaon.

Recommended stay: The only stay options in this village is the local homestays.

Best time to visit: For a clear view of the mountains, October through December is a perfect time to visit the village.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Bagdogra. The Bagdogra airport is well connected to all major airports in India. Nearest Railways station is the New Jalpaiguri Station. From the Airport or NJP station, one can take a shared cab till Kalimpong and then take privet can till Icchey Gaon.

4. Chuikhim

   Located on the southern side of Kalimpong is the tiny village of Chuikhim. The little village has about 260 families and a place where you should head out if you want peace during your vacation. The Leesh Chu river flowing through the village only increasing the beauty. While in Chukhim, enjoy the beauty of the surrounding mountains, enjoy the many streams flowing through the valley, experience the magnificent sunrises, enjoy the vibrant Himalayan birds and orchids. You can also trek around the village and explore at your own pace or walk along the traveled path through the forest or just look at the wide night sky twinkling with stars with your loved ones.

   

Recommended stay: The only stay options in this village is the local homestays. Humor Home is a good place to stay at Chuikhim.

Best time to visit: October, November, March, and April are the perfect months to visit the village.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Bagdogra. The Bagdogra airport is well connected to all major airports in India. Nearest Railways station is the New Jalpaiguri Station. From the Airport or NJP station, one can take a shared cab till Kalimpong and then take privet can till Chuikhim.

5. Charkhole

   Located at a distance of 27Km from Kalimpong and winner of many awards like “Most Promising Offbeat destination”, Charkhole, also known as Charkol is indeed a little heaven on earth. This little Lepcha village offers a breath-taking view of the mountains, magnificent Rhododendrons and orchids, deep moist forest of Shal, Oak, Pine, and Cypress. This is also a haven for birdwatchers as there are many rare species of birds present in this area. There are short trek and excursion routes like Lava, Rishop, Pedong, Lolegaon, etc which you can enjoy for a day out. Do visit the famous canopy walk in Lolegaon while visiting Charkhole.

Recommended stay: Hotel Blue Pine Retreat is a good option to stay at.

Best time to visit: All year-round.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Bagdogra. The Bagdogra airport is well connected to all major airports in India. Nearest Railways station is the New Jalpaiguri Station. From the Airport or NJP station, one can take a shared cab till Kalimpong and then take privet can till Charkhole.

6. Bunkulung

   Dotted with lush green forest, tea garden, orange orchards, and the Balaton river, Bunkulung or Bungkulung is a relatively new entry to the list of Offbeat places. The most famous thing to do while in Bunkulung is to trek to Mirik and visit the iconic Bokar Monastery, walk through the tea gardens, sit by the river, and enjoy the nature or stargaze.

Recommended stay: Multiple modern hotels are available for stay.

Best time to visit: Winter months are the best time to visit.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Bagdogra. The Bagdogra airport is well connected to all major airports in India. Nearest Railways station is the New Jalpaiguri Station. From the Airport or NJP station, one can take a cab via the Siliguri-Mirik highway to reach Bunkulung.

7. Bijanbari

   A sleepy town not far from Darjeeling. A day trip to this little town is the most preferred option to explore this area. You would pass by mountains, waterfalls, gardens, streams, and forests to reach the destination. There are many hike routes from Bijanbari that you can enjoy. But it said that the journey is even better than the destination.

Recommended stay: There are no stay options in Bijanbari. The best option is to stay at Darjeeling and make a day trip.

Best time to visit: Winter months are the best time to visit.

How to reach: The best way to reach Bijanbari is with a privet cab from Darjeeling. There are also busses from Darjeeling to Bijanbari early in the morning.

8. Dawaipani

   Among the other offbeat places near Darjeeling, Dawaipani is a popular one. Just 15Km from Darjeeling is this peaceful little village which offers a 180⁰ View of Mt Kanchenjunga along with the snow-clad peaks. Trekking, excursion to nearby villages, bird watching, and farm visits are the main activity to do while at Dwaipani. This a perfect gateway for a leisurely trip to escape the madness of city life.

   

Recommended stay: There are many homestay and cottages available.

Best time to visit: All year round except the monsoon months.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Bagdogra. The Bagdogra airport is well connected to all major airports in India. Nearest Railways station is the New Jalpaiguri Station. From the Airport or NJP station, one can take a cab to reach Dawaipani.

9. Bidyang

   Just 15Km from Kalimpong is the jewel hamlet of Bidyang by the banks of river Reli. Tourists can enjoy the vast agricultural land, mountains surrounding the entire area, colorful birds and butterflies, beautiful flowers, Reli river. This is one of the places from where you can enjoy river Teesta in its full glory. The Bidyang viewpoint offers a breath-taking view of Darjeeling valley along with river Reli and Teesta.

Recommended stay: Bidyang Doon Valley Nature Resort is a good option to stay in.

Best time to visit: Winter months are the best time to visit.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Bagdogra. The Bagdogra airport is well connected to all major airports in India. Nearest Railways station is the New Jalpaiguri Station. From the Airport or NJP station, one can take a shared cab till Kalimpong and then take privet can till Bidyang.

10. Bagora

    Among The alpine forest and rhododendron trees I te little town of Bagora in Darjeeling District. This place is famous among the other offbeat places near Darjeeling for the herbal and medicinal plants, an ancient chimney built during the British era, orange orchards, and the river Teesta flowing below. There are also some nearby places tourist can visit, as, Ambootia temple, Batasia Loop, Ghoom monastery, Eagle’s Craig viewpoint, etc. Although a stroll in the village at own pace is the perfect way to enjoy Bagora one can also trek to nearby destinations such as Kurseong, Ghoom for a much adventure-filled day.

Recommended stay: The best place to stay at Bagora is the West Bengal Govt. Forest Bungalow.

Best time to visit: Winter months are the best time to visit.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Bagdogra. The Bagdogra airport is well connected to all major airports in India. Nearest Railways station is the New Jalpaiguri Station. From the Airport or NJP station, one can take a cab till Bagora.

11. Blukhopha

    A less trodden village in Kalimpong offering a beautiful view of Kanchenjunga. With several viewpoints to watch the perfect valley Bhalukhop is the destination for peace-loving tourists. Trekking, birdwatching, photography is the major activity when in Bhalukhop.

Recommended stay: There are many homestay options to stay at Bhalukhop.

Best time to visit: Winter months are the best time to visit.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Bagdogra. Nearest Railways station is the New Jalpaiguri Station. From the Airport or NJP station, one can take a cab to Bhalukhop village.

12. Yelbong

    I feel this is the best-hidden spot in North Bengal one can explore! With beautiful waterfalls, river canyon this hidden gem is the best offbeat destination one can visit. Just 3 hours from Siliguri Yelbong is a gen for explorers and trek enthusiasts! While in Yelbong, do a trek to the nearby waterfalls which are well hidden in the jungle and the rainbow waterfall. The best experience is the River Canyon, one of a kind experiences in India. The river is not too deep and is just perfect to walk in.

    

Recommended stay: There are few homestay options in Yelbong which offers basic amenities and a comfortable stay.

Best time to visit: Summer months are the best time to visit.

How to reach: The nearest airport is at Bagdogra. Nearest Railways station is the New Jalpaiguri Station. From the Airport or NJP station, one can take a cab till Yelbong.

13. Tarkhola

    A place with both the view of river Teesta and Mt. Kanchenjunga. There are a few monasteries, temples, museums to visit. The best way to explore is to trek or walk along the area. A day trip to Lava, Lolegaon, Darjeeling is also one of the options while in Tarkhola. Tourists can enjoy paragliding at Delo, horse riding at Delo park, and enjoy the beautiful view.

Recommended stay: There are few homestay options in Tarkhola which offers basic amenities and a comfortable stay.

Best time to visit: Summer and winter months are the best time to visit.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is well connected to all major airports of India. Nearest Railways station is the New Jalpaiguri Station. From the Airport or NJP station, one can take a cab till Tarkhola. Also, one can take a shared cab till Kalimpong and then take a cab till Tarkhola.

14. Takdah

    Takdah or Tukdah is a Lepcha word for mist or fog. This town is just like Darjeeling without the tourists. Takdah is one among the offbeat places near Darjeeling to visit. Below are the places one can visit in Takdah:

    

• Tea estates – Tourists can enjoy the multiple tea gardens and factories present in Takdah. A tea factory tour is also provided by some.
• Orchid center – Vibrant and rare species of orchids are found here. Asia’s best orchids are found here.
• Dechen Pema Tshoiling Monastery – Locally is known as the Takdah Monastery. A small and beautiful monstery to visit.
• Tourist spots such as Tinchule, Lamahata, Mongpu, Chota Mangwa are some places you can visit from Takdah.

Recommended staying: Although there are not many stay options, Saino Guesthouse is a preferable place to stay.

Best time to visit: October to March is the best time to visit.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Bagdogra. All major airports in India are well connected to Bagdogra airport. Nearest Railways station is the New Jalpaiguri Station. From the Airport or NJP station, one can take a cab till Takdah.

Written By: Payel Mukherjee (Travelofina Travel Stories).