7 Alternatives To Darjeeling Where You Can Enjoy Nature At It's Best!

Darjeeling is one of the oldest hill stations in India and one of the most popular hill stations in West Bengal since the British Raj. The main attractions of Darjeeling are the cultural diversity, beautiful views (including the mesmerizing vista view of Kanchenjunga), variety of trekking options, and the opportunity to cool down after a stint in the plains. Being a world-famous toy train in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it attracts several tourists from every corner of India every year.

However, over the years, Darjeeling town has become very touristy. During the peak season, it becomes so overcrowded that people have to face chaotic conditions every year. Due to this, the old charm of 'Queen of Hills' has been lost. People are now looking for Alternatives to Darjeeling where they can enjoy nature to the fullest.

Here we will give you 7 alternatives locations near Darjeeling where you can stay and enjoy the vista view of Kanchenjunga. However, if you have an emotional bonding with Darjeeling town, you can visit that too from these places.

1. Bara Mangwa

If anybody wants to spend two days in the lap of nature where there will not be any hustle bustle, Bara Mangwa is an ideal place. It is located within 7 km from Teesta Bazar. It is a green village with step cultivation all around. One can see the unique cultivation practices and varied range of crops planted by the farmers of villages. As Bara Mangwa is not popular among the tourist, the virginity of nature is not yet destroyed. On a clear day, if you are lucky enough, you can see the peak of Kanchenjunga from the room of your home stays.

Bara Mangwa is famous for its orange orchard. During the orange season, the place becomes heaven for orange lovers. The trees full of orange will surely lure you. Moreover, one can pick the oranges of their choice at a moderate price from their orchard.

How to reach from NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport :

Bara Mangwa is around 62 km apart from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and 65 km from Bagdogra Airport. It will take approximately 2.5 hours to reach Bara Mangwa from NJP or Bagdogra. You can get ample numbers of taxis from both places. Alternatively, you can get a shared jeep up to Teesta Bazar. From there, you have to hire another car to reach Bara Mangwa.

Places to visit near Bara Mangwa :

There are many places around Bara Mangwa village where you can visit. Kalimpong is one such place which is located some 21 km from Bara Mangwa. In Kalimpong, you can explore Cactus nursey, Delo Hill, Morgan House etc. Other nearby places which can be covered during day trip are Chota Mangwa, Teesta Rangit Confluence, Takdah, Tinchuley, Lamahatta, Peshok Tea Garden, Rungli Rungliot Tea Garden etc.

Accommodation :

Bara Mangwa Farmhouse and Darjeeling blossom eco tourism is the famous name in Bara Mangwa. The location of both the resort is awesome. Darjeeling blossom ecotourism has their own resort in Chota Mangwa also. Contact Number for Darjeeling Blossom Eco-tourism is 9635925321. For Bara Mangwa Farmhouse you can contact in these numbers - 9434872520, 9474837676

2. Lepchajagat

Lepchajagat, the world of Lepchas, is a small village located in the wilderness at an altitude of 6,956 ft. Lepchajagat is only 19 km away from Darjeeling hill town and takes only 45 minutes by taxi. The entire area is surrounded by forests full of pine, oak, and rhododendrons. Along with these, the majestic views of the Kanchenjunga ranges will forever be in your memories. One can find various Himalayan birds in the forest of Lepchajagat. So, it is an ideal place for bird watchers also.

The village itself is quite small with a few houses. There are no local markets nearby. The nearest market is at Sukhiapokhri 4 km away. Completely secluded, Lepchajagat offers a perfect place to hide from the world and delve into your own thoughts.

How to reach from NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport :

Lepchajagat is around 75 km apart from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and 72 km from Bagdogra Airport. It will take approximately 2.5 hours to reach Lepchajagat from NJP or Bagdogra. You can get ample numbers of taxis from both places. Alternatively, you can get a shared jeep up to Ghoom. The sumos going towards Darjeeling will drop you at Ghoom. From there, you can take another shared jeep or hire a car.

Places to visit near Lepchajagat :

Once you are in Lepchajagat, you must visit Ghoom Monastery. Also, a toy train ride from Ghoom railway station is a must to do. You can check the rail museum at Ghoom Station. Jorpokhri is another small hamlet located over a hilltop at an altitude of 7400 feet, which you can cover with Lepchajagat. It is only 5 km from Lepchajagat. The place has been named after the most famous attraction of the village, the twin lakes. You can also visit Maneybhanjan, Mirik, Pasupati Market etc.

Accommodation :

You can stay at the West Bengal Forest Department Corporation (WBFDC) Lodge. This is a mid-range accommodation. Earlier it was a British Bungalow built around 1800s renovated for tourists by WBFDC. For Booking you can check WBFDC’s website.

You can also stay at Pakhrin Homestay. This homestay provides basic accommodation and food, and the people are very friendly. For booking, you can contact at 9051064510 / 8348924355.

3. Bijanbari

Bijanbari is a small town located in a valley and at an altitude of about 2500 ft. It is only 15 km from Darjeeling hill town. On the way towards Bijanbari, you will pass by some lovely mountain streams, waterfalls, prize-winning tea gardens, and unspoiled forests. You will get a breathtaking view of Darjeeling town and adjoining areas from several spots on the way. There is a trekking route from the Singalila range that ends at Bijanbari. It is a great place to do birdwatching. It is home to several Himalayan birds like Scarlet Minivet, Niltava, Thrushes, and many more.

The valley around Bijanbari is full of orchards of apples, oranges, pineapples, and others. There is greenery all around. Paddy fields, farms of potatoes, tomatoes, and other vegetables can also be found. This little picturesque town is a perfect place to enjoy nature. You can relax and rejuvenate here during the weekend. Most of the people visit Bijanbari as a day trip from Darjeeling. But spending two days in this less crowded, picturesque town is much worthy than staying at Darjeeling.

How to reach from NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport :

Bijanbari is around 88 km apart from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and 85 km from Bagdogra Airport. It will take approximately 3.5 hours to reach Bijanbari from NJP or Bagdogra. You can get ample numbers of taxis from both places. Alternatively, you can get a shared jeep up to Ghoom. From Ghoom, you will get shared jeeps or can hire a cab to Bijanbari from Gandhi Road or Chowk Bazar.

Places to visit near Bijanbari :

Hima Falls is a popular tourist spot near Bijanbari. You can cross the bridge over the stream and enjoy yourselves in the lap of nature. Tea gardens like Chontong, Rishihaat and Marybong will also fall enroute to Bijanbari.

About 2 km from Poolbazar, you will reach a Sericulture farm that makes products out of mulberry bushes and silkworms. You also can visit the Hydraulic power Plant located at a nearby place called Lodhoma. Here on one side, you will see a lovely orange orchard and on the other side is a steeply rising hill. As already mentioned, Darjeeling town is only a few km apart from this place. So, you can do a day trip to Darjeeling town from here.

Accommodation :

In Bijanbari, you can stay at Baasbari Farms. This eco-farm, a first-of-its-kind in the locality, is built completely with local materials. The property adheres to the core green principles including an on-site solid waste management system. Its bamboo cottages and tented camps boast gorgeous views of the surrounding hills, valleys, rivers, and natural forests. The Tariff for the Bamboo unit is Rs. 3500. For Reservation you can contact Dipesh Pradhan : 9932240537

4. Dawaipani

Dawaipani is an unexplored small rural hamlet of Darjeeling. Dawaipani, whose literal meaning is Medicated Water, is known for healing people's physical and mental wounds. The name is derived from the local river (Khola), which passes through the village. This local river quenches the thirst of villagers when they went downhill to the forest. The locals also believe that the river stream can heal our wounds too.

On a clear day, Dawaipani offers a spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjungha, a clear view of Samdruptse Monastery, and the “Queen of Hills” Darjeeling town. This village is surrounded by few renowned tea estates like Glenburn Tea estate, Lamahatta Tea estate, Takdah Tea Estate, and lush green pine trees. This is an ideal place to go for a hiking adventure through the mystic pine forest.

How to reach from NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport :

Dawaipani is around 78 km apart from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport. It will take approximately 3 hours to reach Dawaipani from NJP or Bagdogra. You can get ample numbers of taxis from both places.

Alternatively, you can get a shared jeep up to Jorebunglow. The sumos going towards Darjeeling will drop you at Jorebunglow. From there, you can hire a car.

Places to visit near Dawaipani:

From Dawaipani, you can have a trip to the tea estates like Glenburn Tea Estate, Lamahatta Tea Estate, Takdah Tea Estate to enjoy a serene view of the lush greenery everywhere. You can experience spectacular Sunrise and Sunset from Dawaipani. As Darjeeling town is only 16 km from Dawaipani, you can do a day trip to Darjeeling town from here. Dawaipani is also near to other towns like Lamahatta , Sittong, Kalimpong etc.

Accommodation :

In Dawaipani, you can stay at Rovers Eco Stay. This is located just beside a jungle where you will awake up by chirping of the birds. On a clear day, you can see Kanchenjunga from the rooms. All the rooms are well equipped and have Kanchenjunga facing Private Balcony. For tariff and reservation you can contact Mr. Sougata at his mobile number : 9007138504

5. Rangbull

Rangbull is a lesser-known destination located in North Bengal. Rangbull is surrounded by gorgeous tea gardens, pristine valleys, and majestic mountains. As it is not so popular among tourists, the virginity of nature is still untouched. The blue mountains, green valleys, white waterfalls, and colorful birds - you will get every color in this picturesque village. You can take long walks through the rows of manicured tea bushes, and enjoy magnificent views of the valley.

Only 8 km from Ghoom Railway station, Rangbull has every element to surprise its nature buff guests. Just before Ghoom on the way towards Darjeeling, you would come across a village market named Rangbull Bazaar. If you leave the highway and take the left turn to the dirt tracks, and drive for another 6 km - you would reach Rangbull Village.

How to reach from NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport :

Rangbull is around 70 km apart from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and 65 km from Bagdogra Airport. It will take approximately 2.5 hours to reach Rangbull from NJP or Bagdogra. You can get ample numbers of taxis from both places. Alternatively, you can get a shared jeep up to Ghoom. The sumos going towards Darjeeling will drop you at Ghoom. From there, you can reach Rangbull on foot. Also, you can ask the resort manager to arrange a car up to the resort.

Places to visit near Rangbull :

You can do a day trip to Balasun River, Indrani Falls, or the nearby tea factory while you are in Rangbull. Ghoom is only 8 km, so you can take a toy train from Ghoom and go up to Darjeeling. You must be aware that UNESCO has declared Darjeeling Himalayan Railway as World Heritage Site. So, while you are in Rangbull, you must experience this. Tiger Hill is just 10 km from here, so you can take an early-morning trip to get a magical panoramic view of sunrise over the Mt. Kanchenjunga range.

Accommodation :

You can stay at Rainbow Valley Resort in Rangbull. Almost every room has a valley view. Fresh home cooked meals are available in this resort with veg and non-veg options. The tariff for the rooms varies from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 3500. For tariff and reservation, you can directly contact to the owner of Rainbow Valley Resort in his mobile number : 9832616970 (Mr. Simon Rai).

6. Tabakoshi

Nestled in nature’s lap in a scenic valley surrounded by tea gardens on the slopes of mountains, Tabakoshi is a virgin village near Mirik Bazaar. It is a part of Gopaldhara Tea Estate. In Tabakoshi, you can enjoy a fresh breeze with the chirping sound of birds, can enjoy a bath in the river. So, if you are looking for a quiet time among nature to assimilate the lovely scenic views of mountains, walk through tea gardens, sit on a rock on a river bed and play your feet in the water of a flowing stream, Tabakoshi will be a perfect gateway for you.

To know more about Tabakoshi, you can check this article.

How to reach from NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport :

Tabakoshi is about 62 km from both NJP station and Bagdogra Airport. It will take approximately 2.5 hours to reach Rangbull from NJP or Bagdogra. You can get ample numbers of taxis from both places. Alternatively, you can get a shared jeep up to Mirik. From Mirik you can get another shared taxi for Tabakoshi.

Places to visit near Tabakoshi:

Although Tabakoshi is part of Gopaldhara Tea Estate, there are several other famous tea gardens around. Some of them are Chamong, Thurbo, Nagri, etc. which produce the finest Darjeeling tea. There are eight tea gardens that surround Tabakoshi and most of the villagers are engaged in tea garden-related work. You can have a short trek through the Rangbhang river valley and along the river bank. If you have an interest in angling, you can do the same on the river. The villagers can guide you to the right fishing spot.

As Mirik is only 6 km, there is a number of attractions in and around Mirik viz. Sumendu Lake, Bokar Monastery, Mirik bazar etc. Also, you can visit Jorpokhri, Simana View Point, Pashupati market along with the others.

Accommodation :

There are lots of new homestays set up in Tabakoshi. Most of them are beside the river, but if you want to enjoy Tabakoshi, you should stay in Tea Village Homestay, which is situated in the village and surrounded by tea gardens. They also provide a camping and tenting facility near a waterfall. The host of the Homestay, Mr. Bijoy Subba, is very helpful and kind man. You may contact him at 9083111566.

7. Chatakpur

Chatakpur is a mountain village within Senchal Wild Life Sanctuary that came to traveler’s attention very recently. On the northern side, it is surrounded by Mt. Kanchenjunga. On the southern side, the rippling green valley and the meandering river gorge of Relly Khola reside. Due to its’ hilltop location just the opposite of Tiger Hill, Chatakpur offers an unobstructed view of the whole range of Kanchenjungha, which even Tiger Hill fails to offer sometimes.

In Chatakpur, there are several forest trails through lush greenery that are ideal for light treks. However, one should always take a trained guide with them for treks as wild lives like leopards, barking deer and several other animals live in the forest. If you are lucky, you can even find Red Panda. It is a great place for bird watchers as the forest is also home to a number of lovely colorful birds like Blue Magpie, Bulbul, Flycatcher, Pipit, and a lot more.

How to reach from NJP Railway Station / Bagdogra Airport :

Chatakpur is around 64 km apart from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and 60 km from Bagdogra Airport. It will take approximately 2.5 hours to reach Chatakpur from NJP or Bagdogra. You can get ample numbers of taxis from both places. Alternatively, you can get a shared jeep up to Sonada or Jorebunglow. Chatakpur is 7 km from Sonada and 16 km from Jorebunglow. You can hire another car from there to reach Chatakpur.

Places to visit near Chatakpur:

You can visit the Tiger Hill or other places that are situated nearby such as Jorebungalow, Ghoom and Sonada. As Darjeeling town is only 18 km from Chatakpur, you can do a day trip to Darjeeling town from here. You can enjoy a number of small treks to Tiger Hill, Rimbi village, Sixeen village, Labda.

Accommodation:

In Chatakpur, you can stay at Akriti Homestay. The rooms, washrooms and the whole property is very clean and well maintained. The host of this property Barsha Rai is very friendly in nature. She along with her husband and 2 kids runs this homestay. For tariff and reservation, you can directly call the host at 7029626697 / 9933104230 / 8207221164

It is correct that Darjeeling has its charm. But Darjeeling is on the list of almost everyone heading to the hills from West Bengal. When you want to get away from the hustle-bustle of a touristy town and spend few times in solitude, these places will be perfect for that.

If you have any further suggestions on alternatives to Darjeeling, tell us about it in the comments below. Or write about it here on Tripoto and earn Tripoto Credits!