Enticing Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling for a Rejuvenating Weekend Trip

Sandakphu Peak (11,941 Feet) is the highest peak in West Bengal. The highest peak of Singalila Ridge in Darjeeling district, almost near the border of Nepal, it is located very close to Singalila National Park. Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal, gives you a spectacular view of four out of five highest peaks in the world. The best view possible is of mountain Kanchendzonga. You can reach the peak either by car or trekking.

Distance from Darjeeling: 82 km

At a distance of about 32 km from Darjeeling, Tinchuley is an offbeat hamlet situated close to the West Bengal-Sikkim border. With an altitude of 5550 ft, the name of the place derives from the words ‘tin’ and ‘chula’, which translates as ‘three ovens’ because the trio of hills constituting the hill station resembles mud ovens. Amazingly, the geographical diversity of the village is not exhausted by this: the rivers Teesta and Ranjeet also intersect quite close to it. All of this contributes to Tinchuley’s abundant natural beauty.

Distance from Darjeeling: 27 km

Known For : Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Museum Ambotia Shiva Mandir Tea Gardens in Kurseong

Also known as the 'Land of White Orchids', Kurseong is a hill station located close to Darjeeling famous for its waterfalls, temples and Buddhist gompas apart from the excellent view that the place provides. Perched on the Siliguri-Darjeeling highway, Kurseong is a quiet hill station. Kurseong enjoys milder and pleasant weather most times of the year. During the monsoon season the rain-gods are more than generous as the town receives non-stop rains for days.

Distance from Darjeeling: 30 km

Best Time: April to May, August to October

9 Kurseong Attractions

Yuksom is a beautiful place located in the Western region of Sikkim and the village is well known for its natural beauty. Situated near the Kanchenjunga National Park, the village of Yuksom is in the heart of mountains covered with lush green vegetation. The village provides access to the base camp of Mount Kanchenjunga. Yuksom is, hence, also an attractive tourist hotspot and the base camp for some of the most adventurous treks in Sikkim. There are several interesting tourist attractions that you can see here and the local cuisine of the place are a must try.

Distance from Darjeeling: 86 km

Known For : Mirik Lake Pashupati Nagar Orange Orchards

Located on the banks of a huge lake, the hill town of Mirik adds to North Bengal's bounty. Amidst the Himalayan Valley, Mirik has more to offer than just beautiful mountains and lakes. From boating experiences for your romantic getaway to temples for the faithful to orchids and gardens for the nature's child, West Bengal tourism is incomplete without Mirik.

Distance from Darjeeling: 59 km

Best Time: March to July

9 Mirik Attractions

Known For : Mahanada Wildlife Sanctuary Sumsing and Suntalekhola Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary

Starting from river Teesta in the East to river Sankoshi in the west, Dooars is a local name given to the floodplains of North-East India around Bhutan. The name 'Dooars' has emerged from 'door' as Dooars is the gateway to Bhutan. Dooars comprises of several towns and districts in this region including Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Siliguri, etc. Somewhere in the middle of all this is Dooars. The gateway you wouldn't want to cross heartlessly.

Distance from Darjeeling: 140 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

4 Dooars Attractions

Known For : Rishyap Canopy Walk lo Lolegaon Viewpoint

Located about 120 Kms from Siliguri, Lava and Lolegaon are merely 25 kms apart. These two pristine villages offer beautiful snow-capped mountains and ancient Buddhist monasteries, among other enthralling sights. If you want to experience nature as nature intended, this is your perfect getaway. The diverse territory of West Bengal has countless places to offer, from the commotion of the metros to the tranquillity of the sleepy towns. Two other unique, yet equally beautiful places are the villages of Lolegaon and Lava.

Distance from Darjeeling: 78 km

Best Time: October to June

10 Lolegaon Attractions

Known For : Baranti Reservoir or Murardi Lake Ajodhya Rakab Forest

Purulia is slowly becoming a popular tourist spot amongst national tourists, the township is well connected with the rest of the country and gifts a breakaway from the monotonous routines of the day to day city lives. The serenity in the air gets onto you and in a mere moment, you are relieved from your stress. Its not the air which is magical, it is the majestic landscape which does it for you. Hills, lush greenery, clear water, fresh air, warm hospitality. You will like it.

Distance from Darjeeling: 594 km

Best Time: October to March

7 Purulia Attractions

Lamahatta is a scenic village in West Bengal, 23km from Darjeeling. To showcase the magnificent views of peaks & rivers and the dhupi & pine forests here, the Lamahatta Eco Park was created in 2012. Lamahatta means Monk's Hermitage and so, this place promises an environment that feels as tranquil as a monk - a measure of balance between nature & man. At an altitude of 5,700 ft., this eco-park has a lot to offer.

Distance from Darjeeling: 20 km

Lepchajagat is a small village around 19km from Darjeeling. At a height of 6,956 ft, this vilage is considered a haven for nature lovers and honeymooners. Amidst dense forests of pines, oaks and rhododendrons, this village gives you tranquility. Viewing the Kanchenjunga peaks from here is a serene experience. It is now part of a reserved forest area.

Distance from Darjeeling: 13 km

Rishikhola or Reshi Khola is a riverside camp site that lies between Kalimpong, West Bengal and the Sikkim border. The main Kalimpong town is 36km from here. River Reshi meanders through this picturesque spot where the Himalayan Bulbul and White Capped Water Redstart are often spotted. It is also a starting point for many famous treks. You can spot blooming rhododendrons here in the summer.

Distance from Darjeeling: 69 km

Ramdhura is a small village around 15km from Kalimpong, West Bengal. A scenic getaway, one can see the Kanchenjunga peaks, the Teesta River, pine foresrs and Cinconha plantations here. There is also a large variety of birds and butterflies that engulf this mesmerising town. Known for its tranquility, people often come here to stay in a local home-stay to enjoy nature at its best. It is also ideal for short trekking or mountaineering trips.

Distance from Darjeeling: 63 km

Sukhiapokhri or Sukhis Pokhari is a small, hilly town in West Bengal near Nepal's eastern border. It is around 18km away from Darjeeling. At 7,198ft., it is a nice getaway during spring where one can see blooming rhododendrons. The region is also filled with slopes of silver fir, hemlock and magnolia. It has recently become famous because of the neighbouring Gurashey Forest Resort which promises mesmerising views of the Kanchenjunga range.