Top 10 Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling

Anjali / September 30, 2024

Top 10 Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling You’ve Never Heard Of

The Eastern Himalayas mesmerizing foot hill Darjeeling is well-known as “Queen of the Hills” for her unique beauty and world famous tea. However, there’s a hidden side to this popular hill station—secret havens that promise peace, unique experiences, and breathtaking views, away from the tourist crowds. We are one of the best tour operators based in Kolkata — My Trip Navigator shared with top 10 Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling that offer solitude and untouched natural beauty.

1. Tinchuley

Tinchuley is Located just 32 km from Darjeeling, an eco-friendly village that offers panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range. The name "Tinchuley" means "Three" and "Oven" in the local language, and it got the name from the three big hills around the village. This serene hamlet is ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. Explore tea gardens, visit the Tinchuley Monastery, and enjoy the tranquility of the best offbeat places near darjeeling.

2. Sittong

Sittong Sitong is a quiet and isolated village famous for its orange orchards. Located about 35 km from Darjeeling in the Kurseong division.  The place is well-known among tourists because it is the center of orange farming in the Darjeeling hills. This village is perfect for nature lovers who are looking for relaxation and experience of the local culture. Sittong “Khasmahal” is a bunch of villages one of the offbeat places to visit near Darjeeling.

3. Chatakpur

Chatakpur, a picturesque village in the Senchal reserve forest, is well-known for its Wildlife Sanctuary and breathtaking view of snow-clad mountains and the Eastern Himalayan range. This area was converted into an ecovillage to save it from illegal wood cutting. Tourism department officials constructed cottages for tourists and a metalled steep 7 km road through the forest to allow visitors to see the dense forest and possibly some eagles and small wild animals. This village is a home to the Great Himalayan Black Bear family, leopards, barking deer, and antelopes. Chatakpur is an ultimate destination for nature lovers and will leave them with time enjoyed with their near and dear ones. Chatakpur should be included in your next Darjeeling trip as one of the Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling.

4. Lepchajagat

Lepchajagat is a picturesque village one of the Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling, which is well-known for rich natural diversity and lovely hills covered by the rhododendron and oak trees. The name of Lepchajagat is derived from 2 words “Lepcha” - referred to local residence and “Jagat” world or land. You can enjoy the magnificent view of the Himalayan Mountains and the thick pine forest, especially when the sun starts to rise. Also, exotic Himalayan birds like the Rufous Sibia and Fire-Tailed Sunbird make Lepchajagat a birding paradise. You also cover the by places like- a Buddhist religious site in Ghum, the serene Pashupati Market, and the charming Manebhanjan neighborhood, which serves as a base camp for trekkers heading to Sandakphu. 

5. Lamahatta

Lamahatta is one of best offbeat places near Darjeeling located around 23 km from Darjeeling town with pine trees and the forefront of  Mount Kanchenjunga. This  picturesque village has been known as an eco-tourism spot since 2012. Lamahatta offers a serene beauty and stunning views of the Himalayan range with a peaceful atmosphere. Here you can enjoy the serene beauty of the well-manicured garden at the hilltop, a lush garden trekking route, half-decade-old monastery and breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga peaks. The Lamahatta village's unique blend of nature and urban life makes it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and relaxation.

6. Rishop

Rishop is a small and tranquil village in Neora Valley, 32 km off Kalimpong. The entire village presents an open and wide view of the humongous mountain line Tin-Simana, along with the beautiful sites of Gangtok, Nathula Pass, and Kanchenjunga.  Rishop is a new offbeat place to visit near Darjeeling is covered by lush green forests of pine trees, birch, fir, rhododendron, and orchids. You can watch during the night the twinkling lights of Gangtok and the little town of Pedong. Its exquisiteness and natural charm thereby give the village a status of being visited by many to view the mountains of Sikkim, Bhutan, and Nepal.

7. Ramdhura


Ramdhura is a charming village about 15 kilometers from Kalimpong, one of the best offbeat places near darjeeling. This  picturesque village offers a stunning view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Teesta River. It is also ideal for short trekking and mountaineering tours. You can explore the British-built Jalsha Bungalow and local  pilgrimage sites like Mahadev Dham temple and Hanuman Tok. Also you can include nearby attractions on your Darjeeling tour Package like  Pedong Monastery, Sillery Gaon, Durpin Dara, Deolo hill, Algarah, Icchey Gaon, Ramitey Dara, Damsang Fort, and Tinchuley view point. 

8. Lava & Lolegaon: 

Lava and Lolegaon are picturesque small villages located in the Darjeeling district at 7200 and 5500 feet above sea level. One of the best offbeat places near Darjeeling which is  covered by the tall oaks and pine forest. Most tourists like this place because it is non-commercialized and peaceful and quiet. The famous Canopy Walk Lolegaon Forest is an experience in serenity away from bustling city. You can explore nearby places like Neora Valley National Park, Jelep La, Rechi La passes,Ratnarishi Gumpha, Neora Lake, Chhangey Falls, and Loleygaon Canopy Walk.

9. Dawaipani: 

Dawaipani is an Offbeat place in Darjeeling village with a population of 135 to 150 houses at a distance of 20 km from Darjeeling town. It offers mesmerizing views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Namchi, West Sikkim and Darjeeling town. This small village is covered by lush green tea estates. Tourists prefer day excursions from Darjeeling during sunrise and sunsets for colorful Himalayan birds. Also you can experience local traditional dance performances.

10. Mirik: 

Mirik is one of most popular offbeat places to visit near darjeeling. This small town is only  49 km away from Darjeeling and this place is famous for its serene environment and beautiful sights. Mirik is very close to the Nepal border and a favorite destination for honeymooners. In Mirik you can visit Sumendu Lake surrounded by  pine forests. People can amuse themselves with pony rides, boating, feeding fish, picnics, and paddle boat rides. There are many Outdoor activities in Mirik, visiting this well-known place - Sumendu Lake.

Conclusion

Darjeeling has much more to offer than its famous tourist spots. These offbeat places near Darjeeling provide a unique blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and cultural experiences that are sure to leave you enchanted. Whether you’re a nature lover, a peace seeker, or an adventure enthusiast, these hidden gems are worth adding to your travel itinerary.

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