Offbeat Darjeeling Tour

GroovyPlanet offers an offbeat Darjeeling trip that takes you beyond the typical tourist attractions, allowing you to experience the region’s hidden gems and local culture. This unique itinerary includes visits to lesser-known tea estates, interactions with local artisans, and explorations of serene villages nestled in the hills. The trip is designed for travelers seeking an authentic and immersive experience in Darjeeling.

Read all about “Unique activities can be done in Darjeeling” here: https://groovyplanet.org/2020/12/08/things-to-see-and-do-when-visiting-sikkim/

Day Wise Itinerary

1st Day: Bagdogra Airport/NJP Railway Station to Sittong – Pickup & Sightseeing

Approx Distance: 43 Km • Est. Travel Time: 3 hours

Meet & Greet on arrival at IXB Airport/NJP Railway Station and transfer to Sittong. The drive is parallel to the Zigzag road of Rohini. After reaching Sittong do visit Ahaldara Viewpoint, House of Rabindranath Tagore and Sittong monastery (Upper Ghaylear Longho Lepcha Buddhist monastery), Namthing Lake. Overnight stay at Sittong.

Stay: Gurung Homestay
Meal Plan:  AP

2nd Day: Sittong to Darjeeling – Transfer & sightseeing

Approx Distance: 70Km • Est. Travel Time: 4 hours

After breakfast leave for Darjeeling and after reaching Darjeeling do visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, P.N. Zoological Park, Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop, Tibetan Refugee self-help Centre (Sunday closed), Tea Garden (outer view), Ropeway and Japanese Temple. Evening free for shopping or leisure. Overnight stay at Darjeeling.

Stay: Deoja Forest Farmstay
Meal Plan:  AP

3rd Day : Darjeeling – Sightseeing’s of Mirik & Maney Bhanjyang – Darjeeling

Approx Distance: 50 Km • Est. Travel Time: 3 hours

Wake up early and leave for Maney Bhanjyang  for Land Rover heritage photography. Maney Bhanjyang is well-known as the starting point for the Sandakphu trek, and it has a rich history with vintage Land Rovers, which are iconic for their ruggedness in navigating the steep terrain of the Singalila Ridge. For Land Rover heritage photography Maney Bhanjyang is a great place to capture the rustic charm of these 1950s-60s vehicles against the backdrop of a traditional Himalayan village which is the primary base for Sandakphu treks, where you’ll often see rows of vintage Land Rovers waiting for passengers. Shots of Land Rovers parked in the early morning or evening light can give a nostalgic, classic feel. After Maney Bhanjyang leave for Mirik, which is located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, is a beautiful hill station known for its scenic views, tea gardens, and serene lake. Visit Sumendu Lake (Mirik Lake) The centerpiece of Mirik, this lake is perfect for a leisurely stroll or boat ride. A beautiful footbridge called the Indreni Pull connects one side of the lake to the other, after these visit Tea Gardens and other pl ces on the way. Overnight stay at Darjeeling.

Stay: Peace Valley German Heritage Cottage

Meal Plan:  CP

4th Day : Darjeeling Full Day Offbeat Sightseeing’s (Mungpo, Lamahatta, Tinchuley, Takdah Cantoment)

Approx Distance: 40 Km • Est. Travel Time: 4 hours

Post breakfast, start for a full day offbeat tour covering first cinchona factory in India (Quinine Factory), Mungpoo View Point, Dichen Choyling Monastry, Cymbidium Orchid Centre, Kalijhora Waterfall, Rabindra Museum, Tinchuley Gumbadara ,Tinchuley View Point, Tinchuley Monastery is also worth visit, Chota Mongwa, Rangli Rangliot Tea Garden, Takdah Cantonment  & Lamahatta Park. After sightseeing, return to Darjeeling. Evening is leisure time. Overnight stay at Darjeeling.

Stay: Peace Valley German Heritage Cottage

Meal Plan:  CP

5th Day (Sun 15th September) : Darjeeling  to Bagdogra Airport/NJP Railway Station – Drop

Approx Distance: 75 Km • Est. Travel Time: 2.5 hours

After breakfast, Check-out from hotel on time & transfer to NJP Railway station/IXB Airport for your onward journey.