Location: Darjeeling
Top Things to do in Darjeeling
Countries
Top 6 Lookouts in Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling, nestled among rolling mountains, is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular places to visit include Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop and the War Memorial, and the Himalayan Zoological Park and Snow Leopard Breeding Center. What should you bring home? Tea, tea, and more tea—and beautiful local handicrafts.
Restaurants in Darjeeling
1. Ghanti Dara
2. Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point
3. Ahal Dara View Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By ziniatalks - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Me and my husband are nature lover and were critically looking for an off-beat spot on low budget (within Rs 10,000/-) to rejuvenate ourselves from our daily stressed lifestyle. Our search yield Latpanchar and we made a very short trip this January (19th to 22nd Jan 2018). What we have experienced is more than our expectation. Latpanchar is a small hamlet among the East Himalayan Range, only 13 kilometers from Kalijhora, a popular picnic spot beside National Highway - 31A, this highway connects Siliguri with Kalimpong and Sikkim. We reached Siliguri via NJP on 19th morning in Darjeeling Mail from Kolkata and completed our office work and stayed overnight in Siliguri. 19th morning we took the bus (going to Kalimpong ) from Panitanki crossing at 7 am. This is the cheapest way, cost only Rs 40 in private bus or Rs 47 in NBSTC bus per head. Otherwise you may take shared SUV from Check post (Rs 100 per head). From Siliguri Junction or NJP station you have the same arrangements or may book your own vehicle to Latpanchar at Rs 1800/-. On the way you will be able to enjoy the wide basin of river Teesta. At Kalijhora, the pick-up car arranged by Hornbil Nest (Cost Rs 700/-) taken us to the homestay of Mr Padam Gurung. Please note there is no public communication from Kalijhora to Latpanchar, so you have to depend on them. It is approximately 13 km and takes 1 hour due to road condition. Self driven car is okay if you are confident and using SUV type vehicle. The surrounding is green, serene and on the way you might be lucky to watch birds and wild animals (like we have seen Peacock, monkeys and other birds). We reached the Hornbil Nest before noon and warm welcome was given by Mr Premchand Rai, partner of Mr Padam Gurung who owns the home stay. They have some more properties in the vicinity and a blockbuster property at Ahal Dara; these are three cottages, named Humro Home, best suited for friends group, honeymooners and people who all are looking for isolation in the midst of nature. The Ahal Dara needs special annotations. This is the highest point of Mahananda Wildlife sanctuary, approximately 7 kilometers from the village of Latpanchar; much colder than the village. The most popular view point to get the 360 degree aerial view of the East Himalayan Range including Tiger Hill, Kurseong Hill, Mongpu Hill, Darjeeling Hill, Chattakpur Hill and other hills with the spread of river Teesta. Besides, as a backdrop you can view the mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga. In October- November you get the best view but all through the year (except monsoon) it is visible. The place itself is enchanting; at the time of sunrise it is even more appealing. After the sunrise, you need to find out your own means to spend time as there is no other entertainment/shop/bar etc. The tents are also available and the property can arrange for “bonfire” at extra cost. The room facilities are basic but clean. Food is good and tasty. Staffs are polite and friendly. Though we only have enjoyed a cup of strong coffee and omelet at the canteen after viewing the sunrise on 21st as we stayed at Hornbill Nest. For couple like us, the home stay is better as you get the homely feeling; Mrs Gurung is an excellent host; the rent is less costly (Rs 900 per head per night including meals, breakfast and evening snacks) and watching the sunrise and the Mt. Kanchenjunga from the balcony is bonus. The view from the balcony (even from inside our room) can be envied by the best of the star hotels. Travel to surrounding places were arranged by the home stay and we got an excellent driver Pranay and Rahul from the village was our guide. On first day (20th) we have been to the Sirsari Dara view point, Namkhil Pokhri Lake, 150 years old Buddhist monastery and Sittong Orange Orchard. Second day (21st) after the sunrise at Ahal Dara, we have been to Chattakpur, another small eco village in the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary in Darjeeling District, the village hosts only 18 houses with 88 inhabitants, appx 28 kilometers from Latpanchar. The village Mukhiya offered us a cup of coffee with boiled sweet potato(Sakar Konda) as we were there to visit his house and village (so courteous!). He has home stay in his house (1 room only) with again welcoming view of Mt Kanchenjunga, but with very basic facilities and scarcity of water. You hardly need water except biological need as in the third week of January the temperature was 5-6 degree centigrade at noon and came to know that after sunset, the water was freezing. For less considerate people, they have accommodation in Chattakpur Eco Village Hut with more facilities. Nearby we have visited the view point and a temple with lake. On 22nd we were supposed to visit Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary (appx 5 km from hotel); but dropped the idea as the other bird watcher boarders were coming back from the forest with no success; instead we enjoyed the view from our balcony. Backpacked to our regular life after lunch (extra paid @120 per head) to Kalijhora and bus to NJP to catch train to Sealdah, Kolkata. We have plan to go to Latpanchar again and again to rejuvenate us. Some important points if you plan to visit the place: Do not expect much of tourism activities as the nature is captivating here The spot is popular among bird-watchers for the Ruffneck Hornbill and other species; non-bird watchers (like us) are suggested to go if they are nature lovers' Except BSNL & Jio, in some specific spots Vodaphone and Airtel Network are available. No other network provider is available. Please carry your medicine, hard-drinks and warm clothing. Nearby a medicine shop and few stationary shops are there Besides Camera, carry a binocular to enjoy the birds, the distant hills and the hidden folds of Teesta in the hazy canvas drawn by God's own hand Honeymooners please book Humro Home at Ahal Dara, as in the home stay rooms there is lack of privacy (due to wooden partitions between rooms and glass window pane) Special Note: The food taste is good. If you are interested for local cuisine, please ask for it. Like we have asked for "Bongur ko Masu" (Pork curry cooked in local way); and Mr Rai himself made the excellent curry with Rai leaves(local leafy vegetable) Hope my review helps you to understand the place and the property. Please post your queries and comments.
4. Tiger Hill
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,790 reviews
Reviewed By FARHANA128 - Gangtok, India
Tiger hill is famous for sunrise view, as on your right hand side there is sunrise hue is coming up in sky and its first rays touches Kachenjunga mountain on your left side gives you different shades. Very mesmerising view as one side is golden above horizon and below Darjeeling still in dark with glittering night lights. But for getting this experience one has to leave his bed very early in morning and lucky enough to have get crystal clear weather.
5. Dudia
6. Kawlay Dara View Point
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
