Offbeat Places Near Siliguri: A Picturesque Expedition

Siliguri is a bustling city in West Bengal, the stepping stone for your offbeat journey to your nomadic quest with so many offbeat places near Siliguri, you will get the best travel experience in this western Dooars. It is called the gateway of the East, offering many unexplored places hidden from the sight of tourists. It has many quaint villages and breathtaking sceneries with cool temperatures near Siliguri letting you cradle in the lap of nature and experience its scenic views, culture, and heritage.

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Ten Best Offbeat Places Near Siliguri

Here are ten offbeat places near Siliguri for a breathtaking adventure in West Bengal.

1. Kurseong

Kurseong town on the way to Darjeeling is one of the offbeat places near Siliguri

Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons

Nestled at 1500 meters high, this quaint town is one of the best offbeat places to visit. This place is also known as ‘The land of white Orchids’. The place attracts many visitors, has cool temperatures throughout the year and offers a pleasant stay anytime. This place at the foothills of the Himalayas overlooking the Kanchenjunga peak is filled with lush greenery, beautiful tea estates, breathtaking landscapes, and so many villages waiting for you to explore. This remote area has the most untouched villages fascinating you with their simple way of life, and beautiful culture. Not forgetting the place surrounded by white orchids makes it look ethereal.

Attractions: Forest Museum, Deer Park, Himalayan Railway Museum, Eagle’s Craig, tea gardens, waterfalls, temples
Best Time To Visit: March – June, September-December
Nearest Railway: Kurseong Station
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport

2. Sonada

A mesmerising waterfall forming a rainbow in one of the offbeat places near Siliguri

Photo: ParthVaghela19 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This place is 14 kilometres from Darjeeling which has one of the most beautiful waterfalls, Indreni waterfall, a hidden gem in Kalej Valley. The breathtaking waterfall forms a rainbow on sunny days, hence the name Indreni which means rainbow in Nepalese. This mesmerising view of the fall attracts nomadic travellers to look for it in this offbeat location. Aside from the captivating waterfall, this town is mainly significant for the Tibetans as this was one of the first places of refuge after their exile, making the town an interesting voyage for visitors.

Attractions: Monasteries, temples and trekking
Best Time To Visit: March – June, September-December
Nearest Railway: Sonata Station
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport

3. Jaldapara National Park

Visitors enjoying photography and safari in one of the offbeat places near Siliguri

Photo: Diganta Talukdar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This offbeat location is surrounded by vast grasslands with patches of riverine forest. It offers diverse wildlife where the elephants and leopards are still found here, it has the second largest population of one-horned rhinos after Kaziranga. It is just 120 kilometres from Siliguri and is in the Alipurduar district. The district lies on the Torso river banks in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. You can go sightseeing riding in the elephants which gives you the promise of showing its natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

Timings: 9 AM – 3 PM ( Closed on Thursdays)
Entry fees: Depends on the type of Safari
Best Time To Visit: October – March
Nearest Railway: Madarihat Station
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport

4. Jhalong

The breathtaking nature welcoming you to one of the offbeat places near Siliguri

Photo: Sudeshnapal / Wikimedia Commons

This offbeat location is situated on the India-Bhutan border, an interesting place to visit if you like to be surrounded by diverse cultures and love to camp in the river with the sounds of the gushing waters and thriving avian fauna. It is situated in the Kalimpong district just 100 kilometres from Siliguri and is often chosen by travellers looking for a pristine place with fewer crowds. Besides being an ideal place for camping and trekking, it offers a great shopping experience at the famous Jhalong Market.

Attractions: Birdwatching, views of the river, Bindu Dam
Best Time To Visit: October and November
Nearest Railway: New Mal Junction Station
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport

5. Tonglu

Tonglu’s huts are a favourite for staying in one of the offbeat places near Siliguri

Photo: solarshakti / Wikimedia Commons

Are you ready for some Nature’s aromatherapy in one of the offbeat places near Siliguri? If yes, head up to Tonglu village in the Darjeeling district known for its fragrant forest orchids that will soothe you as you trek. This offbeat place offers a breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga mountain from the trekker’s hut. This place also makes a peaceful stopover for meditation or relaxation. Tonglu is located at the Nepal-International border and has a dense forest full of diverse flora and fauna. It is one of the places where you will find the endangered red panda.

Attractions: Starry Night Views, Red Panda, birdwatching, Trekking, cardamom plantation
Best Time To Visit: October – April
Nearest Railway: New Jalpaiguri Station
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport

6. Ahal Dara

A picture of a valley with lush green mountains on both sides

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

At Ahal Dara, you will experience the amazing 360-degree viewpoints of the Himalayas and the breathtaking sunset and sunrise. Ahal Dara translated as “pathway of the souls,” was once a sacred place for the locals hence you will find prayer flags on the top. Many choose this heavenly paradise to have a quiet rendezvous with nature. The place is open 24 hours and allows visitors to stargaze too. There are many homestays around this region offering modern amenities.

Attractions: Mahanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Sunrise-sunset views, panoramic views, birdwatching
Best Time To Visit: October – April
Nearest Railway: New Jalpaiguri Station
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport

7. Takdah

A beautifully restored bungalow in Takdah, West Bengal

Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons

The once cantonment area of the Britishers is an offbeat destination near Siliguri. You will enjoy the historical significance of this place and the lovely tea estate giving you the historical roots of the British era with its beautiful bungalow in the middle of the estate. You will find the beautiful orchid centre which offers views of the scenic Teesta Valley and Himalayas ranges. This is one of the best offbeat locations near Siliguri. Takdah means always covered, hence this place is always covered in fog. It also has an orchid centre where the rare Himalayan Orchids grow.

Attractions: British Bungalow, Tea Estate, Orchid Center
Best Time To Visit: March – May, September – November
Nearest Railway: New Jalpaiguri Station
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport

8. Dewapani

An offbeat location offering you a picturesque destination near Siliguri

Photo: Tapas Biswas / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This pristine offbeat place is an ethereal getaway with scenic views and enchanting village culture that will charm you to the core. The location is 6000 metres high and famous for its medicinal spring waters. It is also ideal for nature trails, hiking, birdwatching, and picnics offering you a wanderlust adventure. The villages in this location have a unique charm and an experience with culture and heritage will leave you enchanted. You can also see beautiful views of Darjeeling town and Sikkim from this place.

Attractions: hiking, trekking, Tea Estate, Folk dance
Best Time To Visit: October – January, March – July
Nearest Railway: New Jalpaiguri Station
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport

9. Rangaroon

Beautiful Rhododendrons seen at an offbeat place near Siliguri

Photo: VaporInTheWind / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

During spring, this area is adorned with beautiful rhododendrons and magnolia flowers offering a pleasant welcome to this scenic paradise. The place is also surrounded by thriving wildlife and its quality tea which is renowned worldwide. The offbeat location also offers mesmerising landscapes and budget stays for its travellers. You will feel like a nomad wandering in its stunning hills and mountains. It is a must-visit, especially for all those tea lovers and those who love mountaineering. This place is emerging as a tourist destination.

Attractions: Mountaineering, Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, 18th Century Tea Estate
Best Time To Visit: March – mid June
Nearest Railway: New Jalpaiguri Station
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport

10. Rinchenpong

The majestic monastery in the Rinchenpong provides a calm meditation experience

Photo: Bodhisattwa / Wikimedia Commons

If you like visiting religious places at offbeat locations is your forte, Rinchenpong is an ideal place for you to visit. This offbeat location is 119 kilometres from Siliguri and is in west Sikkim. The place has the third oldest monastery in Sikkim and is historically significant for the Lepcha tribe. It is known for its quiet and scenic hamlet and is popularly called the Silent Valley offering the beautiful view of the Kanchenjunga. It is tucked away at 5000 feet and is emerging as one of the mystical offbeat locations to visit.

Attractions: Monastery, Poison Lake, hiking, bird watching, varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
Best Time To Visit: April – November
Nearest Railway: New Jalpaiguri Station
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport

These offbeat locations allow you a quiet and gentle authentic experience with the untamed nature hidden from the tourist sight. You must add these offbeat places to your next travel itinerary for a time of solitude and simplicity letting you savour each moment. So, if you are one of those nomads looking to wanderlust in this quaint village of unique charm and its people, book a trip with TripXL and experience the wilderness and rediscovery of yourself in these offbeat places near Siliguri.

Cover Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

What sort of lodging can be found?

There is a mix of homestays, eco-lodges, and small guesthouses that provide comfortable stays and home-cooked meals.

Are these places ideal for solo travellers?

Indeed, it is an ideal location for a solo traveller due to the availability of amazing homestays. However, one has to be careful about the roads, especially during the rainy season, and have emergency contact with them.

How good is the mobile network and the internet in these places?

You may experience erratic network coverage in a few places in the periphery. Airtel and Jio are known to have the best signal strength in the region, however, if you are particular about connectivity, especially the internet, it is good to consult your host.

What items should I take for the trip?

Easy to wear walking shoes, lightweight clothes for the daytime (since it may get warm), heavier clothes for the cold nights, a raincoat during the rainy season, sun tan cream, mosquito repellent, and a first-aid kit. A small day pack is useful for short walks and trips.

Are there specific behavioural norms that I should observe?

Yes, be sensitive to the local culture, in small villages. Wear appropriate clothing, do not throw trash all over the place, and be careful when taking pictures of people or places. If you are booking homestays, persist and maintain decorum towards the owners and be mindful of the quiet hours as these places tend to be peaceful.

Best Offbeat Places Near Siliguri: Exploring The Breathtaking Landscapes In The Gateway Of The East