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Darjeeling is a town in West Bengal state in India known for its snow-capped mountains and lush green forests. This town falls specifically in the Northern part of West Bengal. There are many offbeat places near Darjeeling including the mountain peaks, tea gardens, orchards and widespread fields that offer a one-of-a-kind experience to the tourists. These ten lesser-known places of Darjeeling are away from the city crowd which makes it an ideal destination for those looking to feel relaxed in the hectic pace of daily lives.
10 Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling
Discover the hidden gems of the Himalayas with this guide to offbeat places near Darjeeling, where beautiful landscapes, quaint villages, and cultural experiences await.
1. Sandakphu Trek
Photo: Firojali.art / Wikimedia Commons
Sandakphu Peak is the highest peak in West Bengal and a standout among offbeat places near Darjeeling. Nestled near the Nepal border and Singalila National Park, it offers spectacular views of four of the world’s highest peaks, including Kanchenjunga. The 51 Km trek from Manebhanjan crosses many terrains. They have lush flora, such as rhododendrons and rare Himalayan Cobra Lilies. In winter, the trail transforms into a snow-covered wonderland. This trek blends natural beauty and rich Indo-Nepali culture which makes it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Suggested Read: Best Hill Stations Near Darjeeling For A Marvellous Staycation
2. Tinchuley
Photo: Nishant Rana / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Tinchuley, an offbeat hamlet about 32 Km from Darjeeling near the West Bengal-Sikkim border, is a hidden gem among places near Darjeeling and a must-visit attraction near Darjeeling.Tinchuley’s natural beauty is enriched by the nearby Teesta and Ranjeet rivers. Tinchuley is known for its serene tea plantations and fresh fruit orchards. It offers rock climbing, trekking, and sightseeing against a scenic green mountainscape.
Best Time To Visit: April to May
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 Days
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
3. Kurseong
Photo: Mayukh Ghosh / Wikimedia Commons
Kurseong is a hill station that is also known as the Land of White Orchids named after the flowers found in abundance on its hill-slopes. This is one of those places near Darjeeling that is located around 32 kilometres away from Darjeeling. This place is famous for its waterfalls, temples and Buddhist gompas that give excellent views. The Himalayan Railway or the Darjeeling toy train connects Kurseong to Darjeeling. During the monsoon season, the town receives non-stop rains that are much needed for the flora and fauna of the area.
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to December
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 Days
Nearest Railway: Kurseong- Jalpaiguri Railway Station
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling For Couples
4. Yuksom
Photo: Shubhamshukla585 / Wikimedia Commons
Yuksom is a historical town that is around 83 km from Darjeeling and just 40 km north of Gyalshing, Sikkim. Yuksom is situated near the Kanchenjunga National Park which is one of those beautiful places near Darjeeling which is covered by the heart of mountains with lush green vegetation. It also provides access to the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga. Yuksom is also an attractive tourist hotspot and the base camp for some of the most adventurous treks around Darjeeling. There are several interesting tourist attractions that you can see here and the local cuisine of the place is a must-try.
Best Time To Visit: March to June
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 5 Days
Nearest Railway: New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri
5. Mirik
Photo: Sujay25 / Wikimedia Commons
Mirik is located on the banks of a huge lake, nestled amidst the picturesque hills of Darjeeling district in West Bengal. This is one of those places near Darjeeling that has more to offer than just beautiful mountains and lakes. The terrain of Mirik is characterised by undulating hills, verdant hills, and shimmering lakes, offering visitors a refreshing escape into nature’s lap. Adventure enthusiasts can involve themselves in trekking expeditions to nearby viewpoints like Bokar Monastery and Tingling Viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the surrounding lake.
Best Time To Visit: March to July
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 Day
Nearest Railway: New Jalpaiguri, which is 56 Km away
Suggested Read: A Complete Guide For Rock Climbing In Darjeeling
6. Dooars
Photo: SoumalyaChakraborty / Wikimedia Commons
Dooars comprises several towns and districts in this region including Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Siliguri, etc. Dooar meaning ‘door’, rightly serves as the gateway of Bhutan. There are around 18 such gateways between the Indian plains & hills of Bhutan. Dooars is one of those places near Darjeeling that is blessed with such brilliance and relief where you can get the views of mighty ranges of mountains of the Eastern Himalayas in the backdrop, a band of thick forests rich in species of flora and fauna, continued with tea gardens which are dissected at various places by water bodies.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 Days
Nearest Railway: Bagdogra Airport
7. Lolegaon
Photo: Aranya449 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Lolegaon is a Lepcha village located at a distance of 24 Km from Lava, at an altitude of 1,675 metres. This comes under the Kalimpong district of West Bengal which is located about 120 Kms from Siliguri. The two unique beautiful villages Lava and Lolegaon are 25 Km apart. This is one of those places near Darjeeling that will take you by surprise with its wild and natural beauty. Lolegaon offers snow-covered mountains and ancient Buddhist monasteries which gives a special and natural experience making it the perfect getaway.
Best Time To Visit: October To June
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 Day
Nearest Railway: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) & New Mal Junction (NMZ)
Suggested Read: The Best Adventure Sports In Darjeeling For An Exciting Outing
8. Dawaipani
Photo: Madelyn Emery / Pexels / Image For representation Only
Dawaipani is located at an altitude of 6,500 feet which is only 15 kilometres from Darjeeling. Here, you can get views of Kanchenjunga wrapped in natural beauty along with the hilly villages in the lap of the Himalayas. Dawapani in the local language means “medicated water” which is derived from the local river (Khola) which passes through the village. Tea estates like Glenburn Tea Estate, Lamahatta Tea Estate, and Takdah Tea Estate surround this region.
Best Time To Visit: October to January
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 Days
9. Lamahatta
Photo: Soumen Maity / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Lamahatta is a small village located at a height of 5,600 feet, 23 Km away from Darjeeling which is located just above Pashok road. This village gives a view of the mighty Himalayan range at an altitude of 5000 ft. Lamahatta has a peaceful and calm ambience with majestic pine trees and the looming Mount Kanchenjunga in the forefront as the heart of this region. A trekking route has also been made through the lush garden that leads tourists through a maze of pine trees towards two beautiful ponds locally called JorePokhari (twin ponds).
Best Time To Visit: March To May, October To December
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 Days
Nearest Railway Station: Darjeeling
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Darjeeling For Your Next Summer Vacations
10. Takdah
Photo: Yugixel / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Takdah is a village located 28 km from Darjeeling at an altitude of 5100 feet at the foot of the Himalayan Forest trees. In one of the local folklores, Takdah literally means “always covered”. The centre is home to over 500 varieties of orchids and visitors can take a tour of the centre, and learn about the different types of orchids. Takdah offers various viewpoints that provide visitors with a beautiful view of the surrounding area, including the Himalayas and the tea gardens.
Best Time To Visit: March To June
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 Hour 20 Minutes
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri
By exploring the offbeat places near Darjeeling, you will get some unique experiences that will be different from famous places. From the adventurous Sandakphu Trek to the serene Lolegaon, there are a variety of places in Darjeeling for everyone that provide a refreshing perspective of the region. Exploring these offbeat destinations will also result in a deep connection to nature and regional culture. With TripXL, discover the charm of these hidden places.
