A trip through the northern belt of West Bengal will take you from the plains of “Dooars” to the rolling hills of Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills that offer excellent views of the meandering Teesta River and the majestic range of Kanchenjungha. While Dooars is a prime destination for wildlife lovers, the charm of enjoying a warm cup of Darjeeling tea with the sun rising over Kanchenjungha massif is a special experience for nature lovers. The region has some of the densest pine forests in India and in the right season, the brilliant colours of orange orchards and the blooming rhododendron trees make the scenery alluring.

The small villages tucked away in the shades of green forests or bordered by century-old tea gardens are perfect spots for enjoying the local culture and cuisine. The touch of colonial heritage adds a distinct flavour to the small towns that make them a delight for photographers. For travellers seeking pristine settings close to nature, North Bengal is a delightful destination that offers numerous untouched gems as travel destinations. The staying options range from hotels to homestays and further to colonial bungalows with royal settings.

The region can be divided into three distinct zones that include the Himalayan foothills called the Dooars, the Kalimpong district and the Darjeeling district. While enjoying all three belts in detail will take at least a fortnight, a week’s break can take you to some of the best places in any one zone. If you are new to the charm of the tourist spots in North Bengal, here are six off-the-beaten-track spots, which are in the Darjeeling district, which will perfectly meet the requirements of those bitten by the travel bug.

While many villages in and around Kalimpong and Darjeeling were not frequented by tourists a decade back, the scenario has changed now. Destinations like Chatakpur, Dawaipani, Lamahatta, etc. are relatively common spots highlighted in top travel blogs. So, in this travel post, we will cover some truly offbeat spots in North Bengal that are worth visiting.

Tabakoshi

Close to the town of Mirik and located at the bank of the youthful Rangbhang River the village of Tabakoshi is a lovely destination for nature lovers. The peaceful village is bordered by tea gardens on one side and orange orchards on the other. Go for long walks across the tea gardens or spend a lazy afternoon beside the rocky bed of the Rangbhang Khola while it murmurs ahead through the forest. The staying option is in homestays which offer simple facilities that are made special by the warmth and hospitality of the hosts. Long walks through the green carpet of tea gardens are a great option to enjoy the ambiance of an eco-village.

Kalij valley

Just a few kilometres away from Darjeeling and near the small town of Rangbull, Kalij Valley is a paradise for solitude seekers. The area is divided into lower and upper sections and the lower zone is more close to nature. You can spend the day watching the clouds hovering around the green mountains and casting their shadows on the tea gardens. The occasional Kalij peasant, that gives the area its name, can head out from the nearest undergrowth and disappear again without giving you a chance to focus your camera. The Rainbow Waterfalls is another destination that is worth the two-kilometre downhill trek through the dense greenery. The path is well constructed, though the steepness would not make it an ideal choice for the aged.

Raimatang

While most tourists visit the Dooars area for a trip to the reserve forests, there are offbeat destinations like Raimatang that are worth spending a few days. Located close to the Buxa Tiger Reserve and near the Bhutan border the area around this forest village has a diverse range of flora and fauna. The only thing to enjoy here is the serene ambiance and the beauty of the lush hills. If you are lucky, you may get to spot a few wild animals near the banks of the Raimatang River. Another great activity is to spot the colorful butterflies around the river. You can also go for short forest treks to the nearby villages. There are only a few homestays in the area, so make sure to book in advance. Raimatang can be reached from New Jalpaiguri or from Alipurduar

Simana Dara

This small Himalayan village is a hidden gem that is perfect for travellers looking for a silent retreat in the Himalayas. Simana Dara is just a few kilometres from Kalimpong and around 88 kilometres from New Jalpaiguri and offers great views of the Kanchenjunga range on a clear day. The serenity of the village is only disturbed by the wind in the branches and the twittering of birds. One can spend hours sitting across the windows, watching the wavy mountains stretching and the colors of sunset warming up the clouds. There is nothing to disturb the tranquil setting and long walks through the forest-laden paths are extremely rewarding. The homestays are warm and comfortable and offer the right rustic touch to make the stay memorable.

Bhalukhop

Bhalukhop is a small village around 10 kilometres from Kalimpong that offers the twin views of Mount Kanchenjunga and river Teesta. This less-known destination is perfect for enjoying the silence of the mountains, bird watching, and just strolling through the village trails. Otherwise, you can simply sip a cup of Darjeeling tea while enjoying the panoramic view of the play of clouds on the green mountains. That makes it a great spot to visit during the late monsoons. If you want to enjoy some adventures go for a paragliding trip from Deolo or a rafting journey on the River Teesta. When it comes to accommodation, there are a few homestays and a resort to choose from.

Gahunbari

Gahunbari or Gaobari is a North Bengal offbeat village located in Dooars and close to the Bhutan border. You can spend a couple of days in the Himalayan foothills surrounded by lush green tea gardens while a nearby viewpoint offers excellent viewpoints of the Jaldhaka River. The forested slopes are home to plenty of birds and on a clear day, you can get views of Mount Kanchenjunga from the region. Gahundari can be reached easily from Siliguri and the beautiful road travels through the Gorumara and Chapramari reserve forests. Accommodation is available in the form of homestays and a few resorts. You can also visit spots like Paren and Bindu from here.

Kashone

Around 15 kilometres away from Kalimpong, Kashone or Kahyone is a tranquil valley that is perfectly located to provide you splendid views of green valleys, terraced fields, and mountains. As night falls, you can enjoy the beauty of distant lights on the dark mountains. There are some homestays in the area that offer a splendid view of the Himalayan ranges when the weather is clear. The layers of fog passing through the forest create a dreamy environment that will definitely appeal to the romantics. The homestays around the village are The other option is to visit the banks of the Rangpo River flowing a few kilometres downhill. You can reach the village via Kalimpong and combine the trip to Kasone with a journey to the old Silk Route trail in Sikkim.

Linsebong

Located a few kilometers away from the borders of the Singalila National Park, Linsebong is a sleepy hamlet in the Darjeeling district and a perfect off-beat destination. Surrounded by farmlands, dense jungles, and hills the quaint village is not a standard touristy destination. Away from civilizations, it is perfect for nature lovers, birders, and solitude-seekers. You can take long hikes through the forests or just relax and enjoy the clouds moving across the hillside. Climb up towards the upper regions of the village to enjoy the view of the snow-capped peaks including Kanchenjunga. There is a single homestay in the village that offers all the basic facilities at a reasonable price.

If you are looking for the right touch of serenity in your busy life, these off-beat places of North Bengal are the perfect spots to relax and rejuvenate while enjoying the feel of life in Himalayan villages. Besides, these are also great spots to relax your tired muscles after an adventurous trekking trip in the Sikkim Himalayas.

Time for you to pack your bags and get going.

By Suvajit Banerjee

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