Travel & Places Other - Destinations

Darjeeling - Nearby Beautiful Towns

There are many beautiful towns in Darjeeling area which can be visited if one is on a long vacation to this area.
Kalimpong is the beautiful hill town in West Bengal which can be reached from either Siliguri or Darjeeling. The name, which is a Bhutanese word, means kings' minister's strong hold.
Pedong is a picturesque hamlet surrounded by pine forests, situated 20 km from Kalimpong in West Bengal. The place commands magnificent views of the Mount Kanchenjunga. It falls on the ancient Silk Route that connected Tibet to India. Several short treks originate from Pedong and lead to the Damsangdugi Fort. This is a historical site that witnessed a long ethnic war between the Lepchas and Bhutias.
Mirik is one of West Bengal's popular hill resort situated at an altitude of 1767 meters. It is 49 km from Darjeeling. Trekking from Mirik to Sandakphu, Phalut is very popular.
Sandakphu situated at a height of 3636 m above sea level is more famous among adventure lovers. The highest point on this hill station gives the awesome views of the Himalayan Range starting from Bhutan till Mt. Everest. River Teesta flows through Sandakphu which offers a great option for adventure sports especially river rafting. Here one can see Rhododendron and Silver fir forests. Maneybhanjan is the gateway to Sandakphu. From here one can reach Sandakphu by nearly 12 hour trek or can also hire a Landrover.
Jorapokhri, a town of untouched natural beauty, lies on the way from Mirik to Darjeeling. It is only 16 kms from Darjeeling. The town has a couple of lakes which give it the name Jorpokhri and also the main attraction here. In and around the lake one can get to see the Himalayan Salamander, an endangered reptile.
Lava is a place situated 32 km from Kalimpong at an altitude of 7200 ft. It commands panoramic views of Jelep La and Rechi La passes. A short drive through dense forests from Kalimpong takes one to Lava which is the gateway to the Neora National Park.
Lolaygaon is 56 km from Kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 5500ft. Panoramic view of Kanchenjunga and fabulous Sunrise over Kanchenjunga can seen from Jhandi Dara here.
Rishyap is situated on a four km walk uphill from Lava through the deep silent forest of Pines, Rhododendrons and Orchids or through the 10 km motor-able route from Lava. The enthralling views of the Kanchenjunga Nathu-La and Jelap-La passes are the main attraction here.
Lepchajagat is a Lepcha Village situated 15km from Darjeeling on the Ghoom-Mirik road. A 6 room forest bungalow, located on hill slopes and covered with rhododendron and oaks is the only accommodation available in this area. This nice peaceful location is ideal for honeymooners.


Leave a reply