Snigdha TiwariBejeweled by snow-capped mountains, green landscapes, gushing waterfall, eye-catching sunrise viewpoint, cascading river stream, rich flora & fauna, Darjeeling – ‘Queen of the Hills’ is an enduring hill station in the state of West Bengal located at the foothills of Himalayas.
Amidst the green-grey hills, the serene vegetation and scenic vistas guarantee a trip to cherish forever.
The untouched beauty of this hill town attracts travelers from across the world to take a break from the bustling city life.
Darjeeling has everything in its stock. However, there are many places situated around Darjeeling, which are quite unknown to many nature lovers.
So, take a plunge into this list of the serene offbeat places in Darjeeling that you might not want to miss on your trip.
Here are the 9 Serene Offbeat Places To Visit In Darjeeling:
1. Tiger Hill
At an altitude of 2590 meters and 13 km away from Darjeeling, Tiger Hill offers a magnificent view of the mountains.
Tiger Hill is eminently known for its splendid sights of the early morning sunrise where you can witness a panoramic view of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga together.
The place has earned worldwide fame for the breathtaking view of the sunrise over the “Kanchenjunga” and the great eastern Himalayan Mountains. The world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, can also be viewed from here.
The first shot of sunlight at dawn shading upon the twin peaks painting the snow-clad mountains in pale orange is something you just can’t miss. It is perhaps the most splendid experience you can have, while in Darjeeling.
The wonderful view of snow-capped mountains sitting among cotton clouds draws in travelers to Tiger Hill from throughout the world that you would not like to miss at any cost.
2. Tinchuley
Located at a distance of about 32 km from Darjeeling, Tinchuley is an offbeat hamlet situated close to the West Bengal-Sikkim border.
Tinchuley attracts off-beat nature lovers and it is the latest secret eco-friendly travel destination in Darjeeling.
This eco-friendly destination with tea Gardens, Orange Orchard, and majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga makes it the most promising eco-village and one of the key destinations in village tourism in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
Tinchuley lies on the laps of nature and has a variety of sightseeing to offer where you can take a walk through the jungle trail or can dip your feet into the cool Teesta water.
If you are a bird lover you could sit in the jungle and listen to the soft chirping of birds. Not only the Mt. Kanchenjunga but also the Teesta running amidst the forest is a great view for photography lovers.
Tinchuley is the dream destination for those who are looking for something spiritual out of their travel. Its gorgeous mountainscape and serene cultivated lands attest to that.
So if you’re seeking something of exactly that nature, then you know where to be!
3. Sandakphu Peak
Sandakphu Peak (11,941 Feet) is the highest peak in West Bengal, near the Indo-Nepal border.
Sandakphu epitomizes the wild elemental grandeur of the snows. Nature here is at its pristine best, and the vista at the top is worth all the hardship endured on the way.
The best view possible is of mountain Kanchendzonga where you can reach the peak either by car or trekking. The trek is a beautiful 51 km long way up the hill, starting from Manebhanjan.
Aptly called the Paradise of Trekkers, the peak is a vantage point from where you can see four of the world’s five highest peaks – Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Lhotse – in a continuous snow-clad arc.
Sandakphu is not only the most popular trek in West Bengal but it is also one of the best treks in Eastern India. So, don’t miss trekking to this amazing peak because this place is a paradise for nature lovers.
4. Lepchajagat
Lepchajagat is a small village around 19 km from Darjeeling. At an altitude of 6959 ft., this serene hamlet is free of tourists and is considered a haven for nature lovers.
As nature is full-blown here, so roaming in nature with the company of wild forest, numerous birds, a sea of mountains, and silver glazing Kanchenjunga can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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.
Lepchajagat is an ideal place for nature lovers to stay in an offbeat place with a blend of nature and peace.
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5. Batasia Loop
Located at a distance of 4 km from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Batasia Loop is a railway loop in Darjeeling of West Bengal that is situated below the Ghoom station which is one of the mesmerizing places to visit in Darjeeling.
The unique design of this magnificent attraction allows the track to wrap around itself through a hilltop tunnel.
One of the most enchanting aspects of the Batasia Loop is its unmatched natural beauty which is a wonderful sight to behold. It is one of the best places to get a bird’s eye view of Darjeeling’s landscape.
You will be amazed to see the snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. The mighty Kanchenjunga can also be seen from here. The loop is around a beautiful flowering garden which adds to the charm of the place.
The view of the train tearing past the white of the clouds and deeper into the green beauty of the terrain is a refreshing and enchanting journey that should not be missed while you’re in Darjeeling.
6. Rimbik Village
Situated around 56 Km from Darjeeling town, Rimbik is a small town located in the Singalila National Park area in Darjeeling.
The small town is a tourist hub for trekkers traveling to the Singalila National Park area including Sandakphu. In the recent past, there has been some interest from offbeat travelers who want to explore the region beyond traditional travel destinations.
But there are not too many tourist attractions that you may be able to see in this small hill hamlet. However, this small hill hamlet is a paradise for the trekkers.
If you’re an adventure affectionate then Rimbik is a perfect place for you to be.
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7. Tenzing Rock
Tenzing Rock is a popular tourist place and is one of the only natural rock climbing sites in Darjeeling.
This gigantic rock is named after the mountaineer Tenzing Norgay who climbed Mount Everest with Edmund Hillary in 1953 and it has his name inscribed on it.
This place is a paradise for trekking and adventure enthusiasts. You will find a board on top of the rock that reads “HMI Rock Climbing Training Area”.
Tenzing Rock comprises two sides from where the trekking can be done among which the left side of the rock is for the training of the rock climbers while the right side is testing for the rock climbing skills.
So, as you climb, you can have a look at the beautiful surroundings with lush greenery and fresh air which will leave you with a unique feeling of happiness.
8. Observatory Hill
Located around 2 km from the Darjeeling Himalaya railway station, just above the Mall Road in the picturesque hill town of Darjeeling, Observatory Hill is a rising hill situated above Chowrasta Square.
Marked by several shrines, a flurry of colorful prayer flags, and ringing notes from numerous devotional bells, Observatory Hill in Darjeeling’s most ancient and sacred site.
It offers a panoramic view of the mountains along with the presence of various Hindu and Buddhist temples including Kanchenjunga Temple, Mahakal temple, and Tibetian Memorial Shrine.
If you’re an adventure seeker who wants to enjoy a mesmerizing view of the mountains after trekking along with people having religious beliefs then Observatory Hill of Darjeeling is a must-visit place for you.
9. Chatakpur
Situated at an altitude of about 7,800 feet, Chatakpur is one of the highest villages in the Darjeeling district that is located within the Senchal forest area.
This pristine village is bounded by the Kanchenjunga Mountain Range in the North and the river gorge Relly Khola in the south.
This village is a paradise for nature lovers as one can get a spectacular view of the imposing mountain range of Kanchenjunga and at the same time experience the overwhelming lush green forest.
If you’re tired of the busy schedules of city life, worried about the rising pollution and congestion, annoyed about the routines and deadlines then Chatakpur is surely your own heaven.
It husks all the ingredients of picture-perfect scenery, adventures for the nature lover or who thrive to enjoy simple living.
In short, Chatakpur is not a place for sightseeing. It is a place to enjoy nature and the view of a beautiful mountain range.
