Darjeeling has been topping the list of the most popular hill stations in India every year, but is the overcrowded tourist destination now worth the hype? Take a tour of Darjeeling’s beloved local sightseeing spots by all means but make sure to also explore nearby offbeat places that offer serenity, untouched beauty, and limited tourists.
5 PLACES TO VISIT NEAR DARJEELING
(1) CHATAKPUR (26 km from Darjeeling)
This small eco-village is located inside the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary. Tiger Hill is just 10 minutes away. Stunning views of the Himalayas and sightings of wildlife during treks from this village make Chatakpur an adventurer’s paradise. You can stay at one of the 2 eco cottages available.
Recommended: 360⁰ Darjeeling package
Chatakpur Village
(2) TAKDAH (28 km from Darjeeling)
This picturesque village, sprinkled with tea gardens, is just 28 km away from Darjeeling. Besides enjoying the tea garden views, you can experience staying at any one of its 15 heritage colonial bungalows built in the 1900s.
Takdah Village
(3) TINCHELEY (26 km from Darjeeling)
Just 3 km from Takdah, this small hamlet is surrounded by tea gardens and woods, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. It’s also known for community tourism. You get amazing views of the Khangchendzonga range and can also see Sikkim, Kalimpong, and Bhutan from here.
Tinchuley Village
(4) SITTONG (33 km from Darjeeling)
Famous for its orange orchards, it’s also known as the “Orange Valley” of Darjeeling. Set amid an alpine forest and in close to the Riyang River bank, it offers a relaxed atmosphere to go for nature walks. You can stay at its heritage buildings and enjoy the mountain views. Mainly inhabited by the Lepchas, you can explore their traditional lifestyle.
Sittong Village
(5) MUNGPOO (32 km from Darjeeling)
This absolutely stunning village is peppered with tea, orchid, and cinchona plantations. It was the summer residence of the poet Rabindranath Tagore. Attractions here are the Mungpoo Cymbidium Orchid Park, Kalijhora Waterfall, and Rabindra Bhavan.
Check these Darjeeling Tour Packages
Mungpoo Village