14 Off-Beat Destinations in North Bengal for Wanderlust Travelers (2024)
The Northern part of West Bengal is often known as North Bengal, and it comprises eight distinct districts. These districts include Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, Alipurduar, Malda, Uttar Dinajpur, and Dakshin Dinajpur. Among the said districts, some of the most popular West Bengal tourist spots are located in the Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and Jalpaiguri districts. Places like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik, or even Lava garner a significant volume of tourism traffic from all over the world. But the beauty of North Bengal does not rely upon the said few places. There are so many underrated and off-beat sites in the said region of Bengal that your thirst for mesmerizingly beautiful places will genuinely be quenched.
In this blog, we will get to know about the hidden treasures of North Bengal. These sites might not have gained much attention from travelers across the world, but they are all exquisitely beautiful. A positive point of being underrated is the absence of a massive number of tourists. The lack of tourists helps these sites stay well-maintained and clean. Some of these sites are surrounded by majestic mountains, while the lush greenery of spectacular forests covers the others. Even though the places mentioned in this blog are not mainstream, they have beautiful homestays that allow tourists to spend a few days in the lap of nature.
Some of these off-beat destinations in North Bengal are a paradise for adventure enthusiasts. By traveling there, you will get to explore different remote yet splendid regions by trekking. Apart from all the points mentioned above, most of these sites can be visited over the weekend. Reaching these places is relatively easy. By traveling to Bagdogra by flight or NJP by train, you will get to start your journey pretty quickly. You will not have any problem finding cars from the said two sites to explore the given locations. So, without wasting any more time, let us get lost into the wilderness and serenity of North Bengal right now!
14 Off-Beat Destinations in North Bengal for Wanderlust Travelers
The destinations mentioned in this blog are breathtaking. Apart from their natural ambiance, a significant part of their divine nature is the absence of crowded spots and many hotels.
1. Samsing
Located in the Dooars region of West Bengal, Samsing is still considered to be an exquisite off-beat location. With a height of 3000 feet, Samsing is one of the few places in Bengal that offers a comfortable climate throughout the year. Due to its nominal height, hiking along the routes of Samsing will not be a problem for anyone. Breathtakingly beautiful tea gardens surround the entire region of Samsing. You will genuinely get bewildered by the general ambiance of the site. The pristine nature, the breathtakingly beautiful scenery, and the quietude will make Samsing one of the best-visited places in your life.
There are many adjacent sites to Samsing that can be reached by hiking or trekking. As most of the trekking pathways from Samsing include the majestic Murti river, you will get to see even more spectacular scenery while hiking. Moreover, Neora Valley National Park’s proximity to this site makes it even best for trekkers and wildlife lovers.
Distance from Bagdogra airport: 93 km.
Time to reach: It would take you approximately two and a half hours to get Samsing from Bagdogra airport.
Places to visit: Neora Valley National Park, Khasmahal, Zurantee Tea Garden, Chalsa Tea Garden, and others.
Best time to visit: October to February.
2. Sillery Gaon
Among the several alluring sites in Kalimpong, Sillery Gaon is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting ones. Located at an altitude of 6000 feet, this hamlet has become a paradise for tourists who seek solace and pure natural beauty in their vacation. Surrounded by coniferous forests and majestic mountains, Sillery Gaon is undoubted one of the best off-beat tourist destinations in North Bengal. The location of Sillery Gaon helps tourists in finding it pretty quickly. One of the major attractions of this magical village is the view of the enchanting Mount Kanchenjungha that it offers. If the weather is, you will even get to see some parts of Sikkim and Nathu La pass.
Sillery Gaon has an exciting history, and it makes the site even more unique. Trekking amid the wilderness of the surrounding forests in the area is another one of its signature attraction. The homestays in this village allow tourists to have a comfortable stay and get a glimpse into the lives of the local people.
Distance from Bagdogra airport: 98 km.
Time to reach: It would not take you more than three and a half hours to get Sillery Gaon from Bagdogra airport.
Places to visit: Aritar, ZulukmPedong, Rishi Khola, and others.
Best time to visit: October to December, and March to May.
3. Lamhatta
Soon becoming a popular tourist spot in the Darjeeling district, Lamhatta is a spectacular tourist destination in North Bengal. Many tourists visit this site as a sightseeing spot from Darjeeling, and not many people spend a weekend for vacations. Still, this site is relatively untouched by the massive crowd of tourists, unlike Darjeeling or Kalimpong.
This tiny hamlet is extraordinarily quaint and full of natural beauty. Surrounded by the green forests consisting Pine and Dhupi trees, Lamhatta is perfect for those who are planning for a romantic getaway. The breathtakingly beautiful views of the surrounding mountains you will get from this village will stay in your mind for the rest of your life.
At the height of 5,700 feet, the panoramic view offered by this town is genuinely admirable. The homestays available at Lamhattas might not provide you the most incredible luxury of modern life. Still, they will make you feel at home and offer mesmerizing scenery of the surroundings.
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Distance from Bagdogra airport: 75 km.
Time to reach: It would take you approximately two and a half hours to get Lamhatta from Bagdogra airport.
Places to visit: Lamhatta Eco Park, Tiger Hill, Rangeet River, Namchi, and others.
Best time to visit: October to March.
4. Tinchuley
Located at an altitude of 5,800 feet, Tinchuley is one of the most beautiful places in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Surrounded by the Kalimpong hills, this tiny hamlet is a fantastic site to find yourself amid the vast nature of nature genuinely. Till now, most visitors visiting Tinchuley prefer to return to Darjeeling. But if you genuinely want to have an off-beat vacation, spend a few days in the cozy homestays of Tinchuley. The experience that you will have staying in the homes of the village’s hospitable residents will remain with you for a long time. With six different tea gardens, monasteries, beautiful viewpoints, nature trails, and others, Tinchuley is a complete package.
The lush greenery of the surrounding tea gardens and other mountains will rejuvenate you. Strolling in this village’s hilly roads and exploring its nooks and corners will offer you a new perspective on your life.
Distance from Bagdogra airport: 77 km.
Time to reach: It would not take you more than three hours to get Tinchuley from Bagdogra airport.
Places to visit: Orange Orchards, RungliEunglikot, Tinchuley Viewpoint, Lover’s Meet Viewpoint, etc.
Best time to visit: October to April.
5. Lepchajagat
Lepchajagat is one of the lesser-known regions in the Darjeeling district that is extremely beautiful. Located at the height of approximately 7000 feet, this hill station is a paradise for nature lovers. Surrounded by the enchanting Mount Kanchenjungha, Lepchajagat is the place for anyone who is a genuine lover of mountains. As the entire region is devoid of any modern amenities, you will be able to connect to the beautiful nature of North Bengal quite easily. The orchids that you will see throughout this hamlet will genuinely amaze you. Along with the colorful flowers, the beautiful rare birds of the region make Lepchajagat even more alluring.
Pic Credit: Joydip Sengupta Image Source
There are some fantastic sites near this village that you can visit by trekking or renting a car. Spending the entire day exploring the town and curling up by the fireplace in your room in Lepchajagat will be a great way to spend a day in Lepchajagat. By staying a few days in Lepchajagat, you will genuinely feel great to rejoin your daily life in the city.
Distance from Bagdogra airport: 69 km.
Time to reach: It would take you approximately two and a half hours to get Lepchajagat from Bagdogra airport.
Places to visit: Ghum Monastery, Manebhanjan, Jhorphokri, Ghum Rock, and others.
Best time to visit: October to April.
6. Kolakham
Situated too close to Neora Valley National Park, Kolakham is one of the most underrated yet magnificent West Bengal places. With a height of 6100 feet, this tiny hill station in North Bengal is surrounded by the breathtakingly beautiful Kolbong forest. One of India’s most important wildlife sanctuaries, the Neora Valley National Park, is also located close to the village. As this site is situated pretty close to Lava, a majestic hill station in Bengal, people often treat it as a sightseeing spot. That is why many tourists still do not consider it the site for vacationing, but staying a few days in Kolakham is an excellent idea for those who love solitude and nature.
You can spend a few days thereby camping or in the homestays of the village. As many hiking trails are available around Kolakham, many adventure-enthusiast tourists prefer this village as their starting point. The surrounding mountains and the magical forests will make you forget about your hectic life.
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Distance from Bagdogra airport: 123 km.
Time to reach: It would not take you more than three hours to get Kolakham from Bagdogra airport.
Places to visit: Lava, Rishop, Neora Valley National Park, and others.
Best time to visit: October to May.
7. Jaldhaka
Jaldhaka river valley is the perfect destination for you if you love wildlife, nature, and greenery. You will notice the lush greenery of thick forests throughout this region that make the Dooars region of Bengal so popular. Most of the woods located around this valley are part of the Chapramari forests. The alluring beauty of the area will make you never leave this site. Apart from the green forests, the Jaldhaka river is another reason why this site is mesmerizingly beautiful. The babbling of the river, surrounding hills, and the woods make spending a few days in the region so magical.
The Jaldhaka Hydel Powe project on the river amid the vast wilderness creates a contradicting yet mystical view. If you want, you can spend your days trekking to Tangta from Jaldhaka. The scenic view that you will witness while hiking to different routes from Jaldhaka will be some of the best sceneries that you will ever see in your life.
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Distance from Bagdogra airport: 112 km.
Time to reach: It would take you approximately two and a half hours to get Jaldhaka from Bagdogra airport.
Places to visit: Today, Chapramari, Jhalong, Tangte, and others.
Best time to visit: October to February.
8. Latpanchar
Latpanchar is one of the most beautiful and serene off-beat locations in North Bengal, located in the Dooars region. As this site is situated inside the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, you will notice lush forests surround the entire area. Despite being so mesmerizing, this site is still pretty unknown to tourists. That is why spending a few days in solace in Latpanchar is so easy. There will be no massive crowd of people or a multitude of shops that would break your mental peace and hinder you from enjoying the true glory of nature. There is a trekking trail available from Latpanchar that every tourist loves to participate in while visiting there.
Even though this trek only comprises 8 km of unbridled natural beauty, it will overwhelm you. You will get to see a wide variety of orchids, birds, and exotic trees while hiking in the region. Some of the rare species of birds that you will witness while exploring Latpanchar include Rufous Necked Hornbill, Spotted Eagles, Burns Swallow, Himalayan Salamander, and others.
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Distance from Bagdogra airport: 50 km.
Time to reach: It would not take you more than two hours to get Latpanchar from Bagdogra airport.
Places to visit: Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Raja Rani Hills, Sunrise Point, and others.
Best time to visit: October to April.
9. Raimatang
Located inside Buxa Tiger Reserve’s premises, Raimatang is an underrated place in North Bengal that is exceptionally beautiful. This village is located well inside the Buxa forests and offers tourists a magnificent opportunity to spend some days in the real wilderness. Surrounding this region, you will notice a wide variety of plants and even animals. Many tourists have encountered wild animals right by their window while staying in Raimatang. With more than 284 species of birds, Raimatang is genuinely a paradise for bird watchers. Some of the most alluring birds you can witness in this region include migratory goosander, black-necked crane, pied hornbill, sizeable whistling teal, etc.
Apart from the wildlife cover, Raimatang is surrounded by Bhutan hills that make this site even more enchanting. Even though there are not many places to stay in Raimatang, spending a few days in Raimatang is a great idea to get away from the stress of your life.
Distance from Bagdogra airport: 171 km.
Time to reach: It would take you approximately four and a half hours to get Raimatang from Bagdogra airport.
Places to visit: Buxa National Park, Lepchakla Village, and others.
Best time to visit: November to January.
10. Suntalekhola
Situated pretty close to Samsing, Suntalekhola is another magnificent yet off-beat tourist spot in the Northern part of West Bengal. Surrounded by alpine forests, the beauty of Suntalekhola is genuinely unparalleled. This site is located pretty close to Neora Valley National Park, like many other tourist spots mentioned in this list. The majestic mountains, alluring Murti river, and the forests’ freshness make Suntalekhola one of the must-see sites in India. Mouchuki is a site located near Suntalekhola that can be reached by trekking. Even though the trek will not take you more than two hours, you will get to explore the region quite thoroughly.
The views of the majestic Himalayas are even more vivid from Mouchuki. The Government-run guest house is the only place to stay in Suntalekhola. By visiting there for a few days, you will get to explore the beauty of North Bengal like never before.
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Distance from Bagdogra airport: 91 km.
Time to reach: It would not take you more than two and a half hours to get Suntalekhola from Bagdogra airport.
Places to visit: Murti river, Mouchuki village, and others.
Best time to visit: October to May.
11. Mongpong
Located by the alluring Teesta riverbank, Mongpong is a spectacular site to visit in North Bengal. As this site is situated pretty close to Siliguri, reaching it is relatively easy. Many people treat it as a sightseeing or picnic spot, but you could have a fantastic getaway by staying there for a few days as well. If you go there in clear weather, you will get to see the mesmerizingly beautiful views of Mount Kanchenjungha. The entire scenery surrounding this village is so spectacular that leaving it after a few days will be difficult for you.
The Coronation Bridge located in the region is one of the most beautiful spots. Overlooking the roaring Teesta river, this bridge allows you to witness this site even more closely. Many people start their Dooars trip from Mongpong due to its proximity.
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Distance from Bagdogra airport: 36 km.
Time to reach: It would take you approximately one hour to get Mongpong from Bagdogra airport.
Places to visit: Gorumara National Park, Chapramari forest, Washabari, and others.
Best time to visit: October to December.
12. Takdah
Takdah is a tiny hamlet that is hidden behind the beautiful forests and mountains of North Bengal. Located not that far away from Darjeeling, this site is for those who hate crowds and loud noise. By staying in Takdah for a few days, you will be able to genuinely a few days in peace. With a height of only 4000 feet, exploring Takdah for anyone is pretty straightforward. The roads are not that steep, and the climate is not that harsh as the other hill stations in North Bengal. Surrounded by alluring mountains, beautiful tea gardens, and swirling roads, Takdah is a perfect site to appreciate the true beauty of North Bengal.
An orchid center is located around this village that allows you to witness the beautiful Himalayan orchids without any hindrance. Apart from the said facts, Takdah has some other sightseeing spots that make this region a great yet underrated tourist spot.
Distance from Bagdogra airport: 81 km.
Time to reach: It would not take you more than three hours to get Takdah from Bagdogra airport.
Places to visit: Takdah Orchid Center, Tinchuley, Lamhatta, Mongpu, and others.
Best time to visit: October to March.
13. Jorpokhri
Located at an altitude of 7,400 feet, Jorpokhri is an off-beat yet spectacular tourist spot located in the Darjeeling district of the Northern part of Bengal. Even though this site is located a few kilometers from Darjeeling, the difference between the two sites’ ambiance is genuinely jarring. Where Darjeeling is known for its vibrant city life and shops, Jorpokhri is quaint and mesmerizingly beautiful. Mostly known for a lake, this site allows you to get panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas quite quickly. Moreover, the adjacent forests of this region make this site even more enchanting.
With only two guest houses, getting a reservation to stay at Jorphokri can get tricky. That is why it is always a good idea to book the rooms in any one of the guest houses in Jorphokri from beforehand.
Photo Credit: duttaapurba Image Source
Distance from Bagdogra airport: 19 km.
Time to reach: It would take you approximately half an hour to get Jorpokhri from Bagdogra airport.
Places to visit: Jorpokhri viewpoint, Jorphokri lake, and others.
Best time to visit: October to December.
14. Sitong
Mostly known for its beautiful orchards, Sitong is a lovely site in North Bengal. This village is located pretty close to Darjeeling. With an altitude of 4000 feet, navigating your way around Sitong is not a big deal. You will see several orange trees throughout the town, and the view of those colorful fruits in the green forests is stunning.
Photo By Arnab Sarkar Image Source
There is not much to do in Sitong other than soak in the beauty of nature. By only taking a stroll in this alluring hamlet is a great experience. The mesmerizing vista of the charming mountains in Sitong makes the setting even more memorable.
Distance from Bagdogra airport: 35 km.
Time to reach: It would not take you more than one and a half hours to get Sitong from Bagdogra airport.
Places to visit: Mungpoo, Dilaram, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, and others.
Best time to visit: October to February.
The places mentioned in this blog might not be insanely popular among tourists but be assured that they are magnificent in every way. Tourists who have visited the destinations have expressed immense pleasure. According to them, these sites’ natural splendor is way more significant than any other popular hill station in India. These off-beat locations will help you spend a few days amid the wilderness and magnificence of nature.
