8 Spectacular Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling For Short Trips

So, you are looking for a peaceful weekend destination. Traveling can be the best escape from our daily life if we are choosing an ideal place. Have you ever imagined your vacation in a small mountain village where you will be able to explore the enriched beauty of mother nature? Today, we will share such offbeat places near Darjeeling that can take you away from your stressful life. 

These offbeat destinations are quite popular among people of West Bengal, Sikkim, and Assam. In fact, most of them are choosing these amazing places over popular hill stations such as Gangtok, Darjeeling, or Pelling. If you are not from these states or haven’t heard about these offbeat destinations, then brace yourself. You are going to have a magical experience. 

Best Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling

Being one of the most visited hill stations in India, Darjeeling is a favorite tourist spot. However, if you are finding a quiet place where you can reconnect with nature, you need to visit an offbeat destination. Here’s our list of offbeat places near Darjeeling. Let’s explore. 

1. Tinchuley

Located at a distance of around 32 km from Darjeeling, Tinchuley is a popular offbeat site among locals. This scenic hamlet is situated in the West Bengal-Sikkim border with an altitude of 5550 ft. Besides the beautiful view, you can experience the abundant beauty of the Teesta and Ranjeet rivers.

You can reach Tinchuley from NJP railways station. It takes around 3 hours to reach this beautiful village. Usually, homestays are available in this village where you will get a fooding-lodging facility. Homestays are available from 800 to 1500 per person/per day.

2. Lepchajagat

Lepchajagat is a small hamlet that is situated at the height of 6,956 ft. This is one of the most visited offbeat places near Darjeeling. Many people include Lepchajagat when they are visiting Darjeeling as it’s only 19 km away from the hill station. 

The main attraction of this hamlet is the dense forests of oaks, pines, and rhododendrons. Make sure you are taking a walk into these forests. Watching Kanchenjunga peak in the early morning is another magical thing that everyone wants to experience.

Both homestays and hotels are available at Lepchajagat. You can reach this village from NJP railways station as it takes around 3 hours. It takes around 2.5 hours to reach Lepchajagat from Bagdogra airport. 

3. Mongpu

The first Government Quinine factory was set up in Mongpu in 1864

Famously known for Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore’s summer retreat, Mongpu’s has a splendid beauty. If you are looking for a small town near Darjeeling, this is the ideal place. Moreover, you can explore Rabindranath Tagore’s bungalow. 

It takes around 2 hours to reach Mongpu from NJP railway station. Darjeeling is around one hour away from this beautiful place. So, you can include Mongpu in your Darjeeling trip.

4. Rishikhola

Rishikhola is a scenic campsite that lies between Sikkim and West Bengal border. The main attraction of this place is the beautiful Reshi river. However, it’s a little far from Darjeeling at a distance of 70 km. The nearest town is Kalimpong. Many treks start from this picturesque hamlet.

This place is still not that popular. So, you will mostly find homestays here. You can reach Rishikhola via road from NJP as it takes about 3.5 hours. 

5. Lamahatta

Located at an altitude of 5,700 ft, Lamahatta is one of the most beautiful offbeat places near Darjeeling. Just like Lepchajagat, this hamlet also has dense dhupi and pine forests here. The main attraction of this place is the Lamahatta Eco Park, which was created in 2012.

It takes around 2.5 hours to reach Lamahatta from NJP railway station. On the other hand, you can reach this place from Bagdogra airport. Lepchajagat, Tinchuley, and Tukdah are other offbeat sensations near Lamahatta. 

6. Icchey Gaon

Icchey Gaon is another picturesque village that is located 17 km from Kalimpong. Just like other mountain villages, Icchey Gaon will give an exceptional village life experience. Watching snow-capped Kanchenjunga in the early morning is another thrilling experience you can have here.

This scenic village is about 65 km away from Darjeeling. However, you can take a cab from Darjeeling or NJP to reach this place. 

7. Chatakpur

When we are talking about the offbeat places near Darjeeling, Chatakpur deserves a mention. So, what’s so unique about this hamlet? Chatakpur is one of the best places to see Mt. Kanchenjunga. This place is located at an altitude of 7,888 ft. 

Chatakpur has located about 19 km from Darjeeling. This hamlet is easily reachable. However, this place is not yet developed to give tourists a luxury experience. Although you will get warm hospitality from villagers. 

8. Sitong

Sitong is popularly known as the ‘Orange Village’ of north Bengal.

Perched at an altitude of 4000 ft, Sitong is one of the best offbeat places near Darjeeling. This hamlet is surrounded by lush green forests and orange gardens. Sitong is around 60 km from Darjeeling.

Conclusion

Finally, you know about these unique offbeat destinations. North Bengal is enriched by various eco-villages. So, if you are not visiting these offbeat places, you will miss a lot of things. Before you plan a trip, make sure to contact homestay owners.