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Offbeat Places near Darjeeling
12 Most Trending Offbeat Places to Visit Near Darjeeling
However, did you know that apart from these obvious tourist places, Darjeeling also boasts a number of hidden gems that might not be very popular but are equally enchanting and attractive to make your journey memorable?
In this blog, we bring you a list of some of the most beautiful offbeat places near Darjeeling that are worth your visit. If you like exploring the less-traveled roads, these hidden treasures are for you.
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Here’s the list of the best offbeat places to visit near Darjeeling.
Want to Visit Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling?
1. Lepchajagat
Location: Sukhipokhri, on Ghoom–Mirik Road
Distance from Darjeeling: 14 km
Highlights: Lepchajagat Pine Forest, Jorepokhari
You can discover a number of beautiful villages near Darjeeling, and another gem to add to the list is Lepcha Jagat. This tranquil forest area offers mesmerizing views of the snow-capped peaks. Visit this small village and stay in the Pine View Homestay, a cozy place located in the woods for a unique experience.
This quaint village is perfect for a quiet getaway with your beloved, with plenty of opportunities for nature walks and bird watching. You can even visit nearby tourist attractions including Durpani and Jorepokhari for breathtaking views of nature. The dense forests and scenic beauty make it one of the best offbeat places to visit near Darjeeling.
2. Chatakpur
Location: Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary
Distance from Darjeeling: 20 km
Highlights: Watchtower, Eco huts
Located within the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, Chatakpur is another hidden gem you must visit if nature is what you like the most. This eco-village offers stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range and is home to diverse flora and fauna.
Go to the watchtower, also known as Chatakpur Viewpoint, to watch breathtaking views of the Sandakphu range along with other beautiful surroundings. You can enjoy nature walks, bird watching, and even spot some wildlife. Its top highlights are its eco-friendly homestays, each offering a true sense of serenity. The experience of staying here is quite different from the best hotels in Darjeeling.
3. Dawaipani
Location: Rangli Rangliot Subdivision of Darjeeling
Distance from Darjeeling: 21 km
Highlights: Pine forests and tea gardens, breathtaking Kanchenjunga views
Surrounded by pine forests and expansive tea gardens, Dawaipani is another unique place to visit near Darjeeling. This quaint village offers a splendid views of Mount Kanchenjunga. Plus, you can watch and listen to Himalayan birds amid the dense pine forests, giving a therapeutic experience.
Dawaipani, meaning ‘medicinal water,’ got its name from the Khola river flowing nearby. From this village, you can even enjoy a clear view of Samdruptse Monastery in Sikkim. Thanks to its unparalleled beauty and surroundings, it is one of the must-visit offbeat places near Darjeeling, especially during the monsoon.
4. Manebhanjan
Location: Darjeeling Sadar Subdivision
Distance from Darjeeling: 25 km
Highlights: scenic view of Kanchenjunga and Sandakphu, gateway to Singalila National Park
The name Manebhanjan or Manebhanjyang means ‘the junction of stupas’. This small town, on the India-Nepal border, is the starting point for many popular treks including the treks to Sandakphu or Singalila Ridge.
It’s also the gateway to Singalila National Park. Manebhanjan offers scenic beauty with spectacular views of Sleeping Buddha — a range of Himalayas including Mount Kanchenjunga that appears as a reclining silhouette of Lord Buddha.
Here you can explore the local market, visit the monasteries, and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. If you are an adventurous person, visiting this place is one of the top offbeat things to do in Darjeeling.
5. Takdah
Location: Rangli Rangliot CD block, Darjeeling Sadar Subdivision
Distance from Darjeeling: 30 km
Highlights: Orchid Centre, tea gardens, Lov3ers’ Meet Viewpoint, Poomong Barbotey Hanging Bridge
If you want to walk on beautiful trails through fog with coniferous forests adorning both sides, Takdah is your destination. Started off as an old British cantonment area, this place is known for its colonial bungalows and cottages.
But its main charm is the tea estates and orchid centers. Visit the Rungli Rungliot Tea Estate, and the Orchid Center, and take a leisurely walk through the pine forests. Or you can hop to Lovers’ Meet Viewpoint to watch the beauty of Triveni–the confluence of Teesta and Rangit rivers.
Being one of the most beautiful offbeat places near Darjeeling, Takdah offers a quiet escape from the usual hustle and bustle, and its charm will transport you back in time.
6. Lamahatta
Location: Takdah, Tukdah Forest
Distance from Darjeeling: 20 km
Highlights: parks and gardens, Kanchenjunga views
Although Lamahatta is within Takdah, it deserves a separate mention as one of the best offbeat places to visit near Darjeeling. This serene village is surrounded by lush greenery, well-manicured gardens, and majestic pine forests, making it perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Take a stroll through the beautiful Lamahatta Eco Park, enjoy the stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range, and relax in the calm atmosphere. You can even trek here in nature and take some memorable pictures. Undoubtedly, Lamahatta is one of the most beautiful villages near Darjeeling.
7. Tinchuley
Location: Tukdah Forest, Lingding Khasmahal
Distance from Darjeeling: 27 km
Highlights: Tinchuley Sunrise Point, Tinchuley Monastery, cozy homestays
Tinchuley is another beautiful village near Darjeeling that’s located in Takdah. It’s especially known for its tea gardens, orange orchards, and breathtaking views. Visit the Tinchuley Monastery, explore the tea gardens, and trek to the nearby Gumbadara Viewpoint for panoramic views of the Himalayas.
You can even visit the Tinchuley Sunrise Viewpoint for breathtaking views of rivers Teesta and Rangit and surrounding mountains. One of the top highlights of this quaint village is its cozy homestays where you can experience homely hospitality and delicious bio-organic food. If you are looking for unique places to visit near Darjeeling, this is for you.
8. Mirik
Location: Mirik Subdivision
Distance from Darjeeling: 39 km
Highlights: Sumendu Lake, Orange Orchards, Mirik Church
Mirik is a picturesque town centered around the beautiful Sumendu Lake. One side of the lake has a beautiful garden, and on the other side is a pine forest. These two sides are connected by a Rainbow Bridge. You can enjoy boating on the lake or stroll around the 3.5 km long lake promenade with Kanchenjunga views.
Mirik is especially known for its pleasant climate and splendid natural beauty. There are a lot of things to do here. You can even visit the nearby tea gardens and orange orchards known for their high-quality oranges. The serene environment and pleasant climate make Mirik a delightful offbeat destination.
9. Kurseong
Location: Kurseong Subdivision
Distance from Darjeeling: 30 km
Highlights: Dowhill Deer Park, Eagle’s Craig Viewpoint, Forest Museum
Kurseong is popular as the "Land of White Orchids." This charming hill station is famous for its pleasant climate. It’s neither too cold in winter nor too hot in summer, making it a perfect getaway for a relaxing vacation. Its expansive tea estates, colonial heritage, and scenic beauty only add to its charm.
Visit this place if you love orchids. Once in Kurseong, you can explore the Dow Hill Deer Park to witness exotic flora and fauna, or hop to Eagle’s Craig—a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the town and surroundings.
Don’t miss the Ambotia Shiva Mandir, a beautifully located Shiva temple built in monastery style. The scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere make Kurseong one of the best offbeat places to visit near Darjeeling.
ALSO READ: Offbeat places to visit in Sikkim
10. Sittong
Location: Kurseong CD Block, Kuseong Subdivision
Distance from Darjeeling: 51 km
Highlights: Orange orchards, Ahaldara viewpoint, Jogighat bridge
Sittong is a cluster of beautiful villages near Darjeeling. It offers spectacular views of Mount Kanchenjunga in the mountains and the Teesta River in the plains. If you are into low-grade adventure, many low-altitude trekking trails can take you through splendid waterfalls, tea gardens, and forests.
One of the top attractions in Sittong is its expansive orange orchards. Visit the place in winter between November and January to see these juicy fruits in full bloom. For a picturesque view of the surrounding hills, hop to Ahaldara Viewpoint located on Shelphu Hills.
At the base of Ahaldara, you can discover Namthing Lake enclosed by pine forests, creating a postcard setting. Looking for more adventure? Visit the Jogikhola rock climbing spot and Jogighat Bridge over the Riyang River.
11. Kalimpong
Location: On a ridge above Teesta River
Distance from Darjeeling: 51 km
Highlights: Delo Park, Zang Dhok Palri Phodong, Kalimpong Science Centre
While Darjeeling is known for its aromatic tea and iconic toy train, Kalimpong is known for its colonial houses and beautiful nurseries. There are a lot of things to do in this scenic town, sometimes known as the ‘Land of Kings’. Its colonial bungalows and churches like St. Theresa Church give you vibes of the British era.
Hop to the highest point of Kalimpong, Deolo Hill, to witness the 360-degree view of the town and its surroundings of hills, valleys, villages, and lush greenery. Kalimpong is also known for its spectacular nurseries boasting exotic flora. Its Pine View Nursery has one of the largest collections of exotic cacti in the entire Asia.
12. Rimbick
Location: Darjeeling Pulbazar CD Block, Darjeeling Sadar Subdivision
Distance from Darjeeling: 56 km
Highlights: Scenic beauty, Namla Falls
Rimbik is a quaint village near Darjeeling known for its stunning landscapes and trekking routes. Although an unconventional destination, it’s popular among locals as a gateway for trekkers heading to the Singalila National Park. Visit here to witness breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Sandakphu.
Explore Rimbik with friends to enjoy quality time together in peaceful surroundings, and experience local culture and hospitality in a beautiful setting. Visit Namla Falls for its breathtaking surroundings. This is a perfect destination if you are looking to spend some quality time with loved ones while exploring offbeat places to visit in Darjeeling.
Want to Visit Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling?
Darjeeling is a charming hill station that boasts numerous attractions you must explore for a therapeutic experience. But the adventure is not just limited to the town itself. You can discover many beautiful villages near Darjeeling to enjoy nature in a new light. You should also explore several offbeat places to visit near Darjeeling for an unforgettable experience.
To explore the unexplored and spend some memorable time amid beautiful valleys, exotic flora and fauna, dense forests, and cozy cottages, book your Darjeeling tour package today. Discover the hidden gems of nature you might not have heard of before but will love to uncover as they offer picturesque views and pleasant weather.