The Best Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling: 7+ Must Visits

Darjeeling has always been the land of Tiger Hill, Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop, Toy Train, and other heritage sites. But despite thriving tourism in this West Bengal district, much of its landscape is still unexplored.

Especially the quaint villages like Sitong are the hidden gems or the best offbeat places near Darjeeling. Sittong is home to the Lepchas. It is great to know about their values, philosophies and ways of living.

Pokhriabong is another such hamlet near Darjeeling, and it is the habitat of the Gorkha people. It is also a birder’s paradise with various species of birds.

Furthermore, you will see a lot of craze around these offbeat places on social media. For example, #Lamahatta has 22.2k posts, and #Lepchajagat has 17.3k posts on Instagram. It shows the interest of millennial and Gen Z tourists in these lesser-known attractions near Darjeeling.

Moreover, the rising interest in these off-beat locations has made homestay business more viable in Darjeeling.

So, do you want to visit new places in Darjeeling and indulge in local cultures by spending your vacation in homestays? Let’s explore the options we have.

Best Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling (With Practical Tips From Dream And Travel Team)

The concept of homestays and the interest in the offbeat places near Darjeeling have opened new doors for the local tourism industry.

In fact, these hidden gems near Darjeeling, working on sustainability, community connections, and economic boosts through tourism, can be the best case studies for other hill stations in India. Dawaipani, Tinchuley, and Takdah are some of the best examples in this regard.

You will get to know about more such offbeat places near Darjeeling, adapting to the future of tourism in Darjeeling in the upcoming sections.

⁍ Takdah

Best Homestay In Takdah: Thangbal Homes (Phone Number: 084471 28503)

Best Time to Visit Takdah: March to May and September to November

Takdah in Lepcha means mist or fog in English. So, if you talk about the mystery of Darjeeling and its hills, Takdah will be your go-to destination.

As one of the best offbeat places near Darjeeling, Takdah also stands out thanks to its association with British colonialism.

Moreover, you will love the lush green tea gardens here.

‣ Dream and Travel Note

Don’t forget to visit the Takdah Orchid Center to see the rarest collections. Further, with the veil of mist, Takdah is a place where time stands still.

⁍ Tinchuley

Best Homestay In Tinchuley: Noryang Homestay (Phone Number: 082503 59894)

Best Time to Visit Tinchuley: September to February

Tinchuley, one of the best offbeat places near Darjeeling, has many points of attraction. The views of Rangit and Teesta Rivers against the backdrop of the Himalayas look surreal. Further, you must explore the following hotspots here.

Orange Orchards
Tea Gardens
Tinchuley Monastery
Gumbadara Viewpoint
Tinchuley Sunrise Viewpoint

‣ Dream and Travel Notes

Along with its natural abundance, Tinchuley stands out because of the hospitality of the local homestays. These homestays offer comfortable lodging, and they serve bio-organic food.

Moreover, Tinchuley, as a tourism destination, is trying to uplift its community with sustainability practices. This can be a model tourism village for practicing the 5Rs of sustainability, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Respect, and Renew.”

So, interacting with organic farmers and participating in other eco-friendly practices are among the favorite tourist activities here.

⁍ Lamahatta

Best Homestay In Lamahatta: Yolmo Homestay & Resort (Phone No: 062974 47499, 097359 67178, 093821 86544, 078723 41696)

Best Time to Visit: March to May and October to December

Lamahatta stands out with its pine and dhupi forests and manicured gardens. The Lamahatta National Park, built in 2012, is the biggest draw to this place.

However, for me, its beauty lies in its tranquility. The name Lamahatta roughly translates to the hermitage of a monk, and here, you will experience that peace.

‣ Dream And Travel Note:

Lamahatta is a great place if you want to restore balance in your thoughts and life. It also helps us understand the importance of nature in our lives.

⁍ Rimbick

Best Homestay In Rimbick: Tashi Homestay Rimbick (Phone Number: 91 9971392477)

Best Time to Visit: October to May

One of the best offbeat places near Darjeeling, Rimbick, is the starting point of the Singalila Park trekking. You will get the best views of Sandakphu and Kanchenjunga from Rimbick.

Namla Falls, with its picturesque surroundings, is another big draw to this peaceful land of Rimbick. The homestays here are also hospitable, allowing you to indulge in local food and culture.

‣ Dream and Travel Note

Rimbick is the place to explore untouched forests. You can also relax by the streams. It is a place where the experience is more immersive than a series of outdoor pursuits or adventures.

⁍ Lepchajagat

Best Homestay In Lepchajagat: Sumnima Homestays (Phone Number: 098715 58434)

Best Time To Visit: April-June, October-March

Just 19 Km away from Darjeeling, Lepchajagat has still maintained its quaint charm as a village. You will love the amazing view of Mount Kanchenjunga from Lepchajagat. Also, its proximity to culturally significant locations makes it one of the best offbeat places near Darjeeling.

When in Lepchajagat, you can visit the following destinations.

Pashupati – Located along the Indo-Nepal border, it is a Nepalese settlement.
Sukiapokhar – If you want to buy souvenirs, you must visit Sukiapokhar along the Indo-Bhutan border.
Manebhanjan – It is the starting point of the Sandakhphu trek, and it’s a beautiful woodland settlement.
Jorepokhari – It is famous for the Senchel Wildlife Sanctuary and being the home to endangered salamanders. Also, you will get amazing views of Mount Kanchenjunga from here.

‣ Dream and Travel Note

Manebhanjan has the greatest vintage Land Rovers collection in the world. Many people take Land Rover safaris to Sandakphu from Manebhanjan.

⁍ Rishikhola

Best Homestay In Rishikhola: Yes Homes Chain Homestays (Phone Number: +91 72-2188-2188 / + 91 98745-20005 / + 86172-23638, Whatsapp: Whatsapp: +91 91635-96075)

Best Time to Visit: April to May

Reshi Khola or Rishi Khola is less than 70 Kms away from Darjeeling. Located on the Sikkim and West Bengal border, Rishikhola is also easily accessible from Kalimpong.

You can spend some time here near Reshi River and feel relaxed. Also, Himalayan Bulbul and many other Himalayan bird varieties will charm you with their visits.

Do you want to see rhododendrons in full bloom? Visit Rishikhola in the summer.

⁍ Sittong

Best Homestay In Sittong: Khee Homestays (Phone Number: 9382095962 / 8637017495)

Best Time To Visit: November To May

Sittong was once known as the “Orange Basket of India,” and the orange orchids around this Darjeeling village are a treat to the eyes.

Further, it is one of the most picturesque places in Kurseong, with beautiful vistas of the Eastern Himalayas. You can visit the following places of attractions in Sittong.

Namthing Pokhri
Shelpu Hills
Ahaldara Viewpoint
Sittong Orange Orchards
Sittong Monastery
Mahaldiram Tea Garden
Jogikhola Waterfall
Nambung Waterfall

Are you off to Sittong? You can contact Lat-Sittong Adventure Tourism Organization at 8101563712)

So, as one of the best offbeat places near Darjeeling, Sittong is now getting a handsome inflow of tourists year-round. No wonder the homestays got an occupancy of around 80% in 2023.

⁍ Pokhriabong

Best Homestay In Pokhriabong: Langdak Homestay (Phone Number: 070018 18418)

Pokhribong, a small hamlet at a 30 Km distance from Darjeeling, is one of the best offbeat places near Darjeeling.

You can take a bus or car from Mirik, Ghoom, or Batasia Loop to visit Pokhriabong. So it is easily accessible. The best places to visit near Pokhriabong are:

Pokhriabong Lepcha Monastery or the Boudha Terda Pema Lingpa Lepcha Community Gompa
Simana View Point
Dudia

Further, Pokhriabong is the best for birdwatchers. You will meet flycatchers, sunbirds, treepies, and many other Himalayan birds here.

Offbeat Places Near Darjeeling And The Popularity Of Homestays: A Dream And Travel Note

The concept of homestays and the eagerness to explore offbeat places go hand in hand. When you avoid staying in conventional resorts and hotels and choose homestays, you allow yourself to soak in the local culture.

As you enjoy the hospitality of local people, you also observe their daily lives closely. Further, you get to know about their philosophies and lesser-known local places important for their religions or livelihood.

Thus, you discover the lesser-known places and may feel like returning there with your friends and family.

Moreover, today, many tourists look for a meaningful experience. So, they prefer these off-beat locations over the main hotspots bustling with tourists. This is the future of tourism in Darjeeling and many other places in India.

In addition, thanks to off-beat tourism and homestay businesses supporting each other, the local economy is also experiencing a major boost.

Today, investors are putting their money into buying lands, and many businesses are also giving their homestays on a lease to local people. So, there is a certain stir (in a good way) in the employment and business landscape of Darjeeling.