Darjeeling is a famous hill station that many tourists like to visit. It’s known for its nice views and peaceful feeling. But did you know there are some less-known places near Darjeeling too? These quiet spots are great for people who want to relax on a weekend trip without lots of other tourists around.
Instead of going to the usual tourist places, you can check out these hidden spots near Darjeeling. They’re quiet and peaceful, so you can enjoy nature and feel refreshed. Let’s look at some of these special places near Darjeeling that give you a different and nice experience.
Sandakphu Trek
Sandakphu is the highest peak in West Bengal, at 11,941 feet. It’s near Singalila National Park and gives people a chance to see amazing views of nature. Many folks like to visit this place because it’s so special.
When you get to the top of Sandakphu, you can see something really nice. You can look at four of the world’s five tallest mountains all at once. The big mountains Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu are all there to see. It’s a view that will make you feel very happy.
You can get to Sandakphu in two ways. You can walk there, which is a bit hard but fun. Or you can take a car from a place called Manebhanjan. Both ways let you enjoy the pretty sights around you.
Trek Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Trekking distance | 77 km (round trip) |
| Base Camp | Jaubhari |
| Difficulty | Moderate Gradient |
Best Time to Visit
The best time to go to Sandakphu is from April to May or September to November. The sky is clear and the weather is nice during these months, which makes walking easier. Try not to go from June to August because it rains a lot then. The paths can get slippery and it’s hard to see far.
Tinchuley
Tinchuley is a small village in the hills near Darjeeling. Not many people know about it, which makes it a quiet place to visit. If you go Darjeeling, you’ll see lots of pretty nature and meet friendly people.
The name “Tinchuley” means something special. In the local language, it means “three ovens”. This is because there are three hills that look like the stoves people use for cooking. This makes the village feel cozy and safe.
Tinchuley does things in a way that’s good for nature. They grow food without using chemicals and let visitors stay in local homes. This helps keep the place clean and lets people see how locals live.
Activities in Tinchuley
- Go for walks in the forests and tea gardens
- Try growing food with the local people
- Look for birds in the early morning when it’s misty
How to Reach Tinchuley
Getting to Tinchuley is part of the fun. You can fly to Bagdogra Airport or take a train to New Jalpaiguri Station. Then, you need to take a taxi for about 3 hours. The road goes up and down the mountains, and you can see the big Himalaya mountains as you go.
Kurseong
Kurseong is a nice town in the hills near Darjeeling. People call it the “Land of White Orchids” because of the pretty flowers that grow there. It’s not as high up as Darjeeling, so the weather is a bit warmer. This makes it good for people who don’t like very cold places.
When you visit Kurseong, you’ll see green hills with tea gardens and forests. The weather is nice in summer and cool in winter. Sometimes it rains, which makes everything look fresh. The air smells good because of the tea leaves and flowers.
As you walk around Kurseong, you’ll see old buildings from when the British were in India. There are small churches with tall tops and old schools. These old buildings make Kurseong feel special and remind us of old times.
Attractions in Kurseong
- Eagle’s Crag: A high place where you can see far into the valleys
- Dow Hill: There’s an old school here from long ago, and people tell stories about it
- Makaibari Tea Estate: One of the oldest tea gardens that grows tea without chemicals
Yuksom
Yuksom is a small town in Sikkim near in Darjeeling with a lot of history. It’s not just any place – it’s where Sikkim first became a kingdom. You can see many things about Buddhism here, like colorful flags and old temples with the big Himalaya mountains behind them.
Think about going back to 1642 when Yuksom was the first main city of Sikkim. People still feel excited here because of all the important things that happened long ago. For people from Sikkim, Yuksom is very important because it helps them remember their old stories.
But Yuksom isn’t just about old things. It’s also where people start long walks to see Mt. Khangchendzonga. Here, you can see both old and new things, which makes it a special place to visit in the Darjeeling area.
Historical Sites in Yuksom
- Dubdi Monastery: The oldest temple in Sikkim, on top of a hill
- Norbugang Chorten: Where the first king of Sikkim was made king
- Kathok Lake: A quiet lake where people tell old stories
Trekking from Yuksom
Near Darjeeling, Yuksom is where you start if you want to walk in the wild parts of Sikkim. The path to Khangchendzonga National Park begins here. It goes through forests with pink flowers and grassy areas high up in the mountains. If you like walking in nature, whether you’ve done it a lot or just a little, you’ll see amazing views and nature from Yuksom.
Purulia
Purulia is a special place in the west part of West Bengal also it is near Darjeeling. It has both hills and flat lands, which makes it look different from other places. Here, you can see nature’s beauty and learn about old traditions.
This area is like a door between Bengal and the states next to it. Because of where it is, Purulia has mixed ideas from Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha. This makes it a place with many different cultures that people who like to learn new things will enjoy.
The best things about Purulia are its natural sights. You can see green forests, quiet lakes, and fast-moving waterfalls. The Ajodhya Hills stand tall here, and from them, you can see very nice views that you’ll remember for a long time.
Tourist Attractions in Purulia
- Ayodhya Hills: A good place for walking in nature, with hidden waterfalls and pretty views
- Pakhi Pahar: A hill with pictures carved in rocks that tell old stories
- Murguma Dam: Nice for boat rides and picnics in a pretty place
Purulia’s Cultural Heritage
Purulia has many old songs and dances. The Jhumur songs and Chhau dance tell stories about love and life. These are not just shows – they show how people in Purulia live and think.
Also Read : West Bengal Top 6 Wonderful Offbeat Visiting Places for Tourists
Lepchajagat
Near Darjeeling, there’s a small village called Lepchajagat that not many people know about. It’s a quiet place where you can enjoy nature without many other tourists around. If you want to go somewhere peaceful, either alone or with someone special, Lepchajagat is a good choice.
When you wake up in Lepchajagat, you’ll see lots of trees all around. The village has many pine, oak, and rhododendron trees. The air is clean and you can hear birds singing and leaves moving. It’s like being in a very natural place that people haven’t changed much.
But the best thing to see is the Kanchenjunga mountains. When the sky is clear in the morning, you can see the sun make the snowy mountain tops look gold and pink. It’s so pretty that it might make you feel very happy and alive.
Things to Do in Lepchajagat
- Walk in the forest: Being in nature can make you feel good
- Watch the sunrise: See the first light of day on the big mountains
- Look at the stars: See many stars in the sky because it’s far from city lights
Conclusion
The places we talked about near Darjeeling are really nice to visit. They’re not just places to go, but places where you can have special times. From the big views at Sandakphu to the quiet forests in Lepchajagat, each place has something different that makes it special. You can see pretty nature, learn about how people live, and find out about old stories in all these places.
Instead of going where everyone else goes, you can try these new places. They give you a chance to have your own special trip. You’ll make memories that are just yours, away from lots of other people, and get to know what makes this area really special.
When you plan to go, remember to be nice to these pretty places. Walk carefully, be kind to how people there live, and do things that are good for nature. If you’re careful, other people can enjoy these nice places later too. So get ready for your trip, be excited, and go on a journey that will make you happy and is good for the world too.