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Top Offbeat Hill Destinations Near Siliguri You Should Definitely Visit

Siliguri, located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, is a gateway to some of the most beautiful hill stations in North Bengal and nearby states. While popular tourist destinations like Darjeeling and Kalimpong attract large crowds, there are many offbeat hill destinations near Siliguri that offer serene landscapes, tranquility, and the charm of less-explored places. These destinations are perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of tourist-heavy spots and immerse themselves in nature and local culture.

Here are some top offbeat hill destinations near Siliguri that you should definitely consider visiting:

1. Rishop

• • Distance from Siliguri: Approximately 60 km

• • Why Visit: Rishop is a small, serene village located in the Kalimpong district, known for its panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas, including Kanchenjunga. Rishop offers a peaceful environment, lush green surroundings, and is perfect for trekking and nature walks.

• • Key Attractions:
    
    • • Tiffindara Viewpoint: A popular viewpoint that offers sweeping views of the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas.
    • • Rishop Village: Ideal for a tranquil retreat, this village is less commercialized, allowing visitors to experience the true beauty of rural life.
    • • Lamahatta: A nearby area that is famous for its rich biodiversity and tranquil walks through pine forests.

2. Munsong

• • Distance from Siliguri: Approximately 45 km

• • Why Visit: Munsong is a quaint, lesser-known hill station located near the Nepal border in the Darjeeling district. With its misty mornings, tea gardens, and majestic views of the Kanchenjunga range, Munsong is an offbeat destination for those looking to explore untouched beauty.

• • Key Attractions:
    
    • • Munsong Viewpoint: Offers fantastic views of the Kanchenjunga range, especially during sunrise and sunset.
    • • Tea Gardens: The tea plantations in Munsong offer an opportunity to enjoy a walk through lush greenery and experience the local tea-making process.
    • • Trekking Trails: Several offbeat trekking routes lead through dense forests and serene landscapes, perfect for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

3. Kalimpong

• • Distance from Siliguri: Approximately 50 km

• • Why Visit: While Kalimpong is known to be a popular destination, it’s often less crowded than Darjeeling, making it an ideal offbeat hill station. The town is famous for its beautiful churches, monasteries, lush greenery, and scenic vistas.

• • Key Attractions:
    
    • • Durpin Dara Hill: One of the highest points in Kalimpong, offering panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range and the town below.
    • • Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery: A Buddhist monastery that offers a peaceful atmosphere and stunning views.
    • • Kalimpong Cactus Nursery: A unique spot for nature enthusiasts, this nursery showcases a vast collection of cacti and succulents.
    • • Gumpha Dara: A peaceful spot perfect for picnics with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.

4. Lamahatta

• • Distance from Siliguri: Approximately 40 km

• • Why Visit: Lamahatta is a charming little village located in the Darjeeling district. Known for its clean air, lush forests, and pristine environment, Lamahatta is perfect for nature lovers who seek solace away from the crowds.

• • Key Attractions:
    
    • • Lamahatta Eco Park: A beautifully maintained eco-park with walking trails, lush greenery, and serene views of the hills and valleys.
    • • Trekking Routes: Lamahatta offers several offbeat trekking routes through dense forests and tea gardens, ideal for nature walks.
    • • Peaceful Ambiance: This village is perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway with its tranquil atmosphere and fresh mountain air.

5. Tinchuley

• • Distance from Siliguri: Approximately 35 km

• • Why Visit: Tinchuley is a small hamlet located near Kalimpong, known for its breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range, beautiful gardens, and the famous Tinchuley village, which has recently gained popularity among tourists.

• • Key Attractions:
    
    • • Tinchuley Viewpoint: A peaceful spot offering panoramic views of the entire Darjeeling and Kalimpong region, as well as Kanchenjunga.
    • • Tea Gardens: Tinchuley is surrounded by numerous tea gardens where visitors can take walks through lush plantations.
    • • Trekking & Nature Trails: The area offers beautiful trekking routes through forests, ideal for exploring the untouched beauty of the region.

6. Sittong

• • Distance from Siliguri: Approximately 25 km

• • Why Visit: Sittong is a small, picturesque village located in the Darjeeling district, famous for its tea estates, orange orchards, and clear, unpolluted surroundings. It’s an offbeat destination for those who love rural tourism and nature exploration.

• • Key Attractions:
    
    • • Sittong Tea Gardens: The tea estates offer a chance to walk through the plantations and enjoy the views of the Kanchenjunga.
    • • Sittong Orange Orchards: Sittong is known for its sweet oranges, and visitors can explore the orchards during the orange season (October to December).
    • • Bamboo Groves and Forests: Ideal for nature walks, the bamboo groves and surrounding forests are perfect for trekking and photography.

7. Sukhia Pokhri

• • Distance from Siliguri: Approximately 45 km

• • Why Visit: Sukhia Pokhri is a hidden gem located between Darjeeling and Kalimpong. It is less crowded and offers beautiful views of the Himalayas, peaceful tea gardens, and numerous trekking routes.

• • Key Attractions:
    
    • • Sukhia Pokhri Viewpoint: Offers scenic views of the Kanchenjunga range and the surrounding valleys.
    • • Trekking Trails: Sukhia Pokhri is surrounded by beautiful forests and tea estates, making it an ideal location for short treks and nature walks.
    • • Teesta River: The nearby Teesta River offers opportunities for river rafting and enjoying the serene surroundings.

8. Rimbik

• • Distance from Siliguri: Approximately 70 km

• • Why Visit: Rimbik is a small village located in the Darjeeling district, known for its natural beauty and peaceful ambiance. It is a base for trekkers heading towards Sandakphu, but also a great offbeat destination in itself.

• • Key Attractions:
    
    • • Sandakphu Trek: Rimbik is the starting point for the famous Sandakphu trek, one of the most popular trekking routes in West Bengal.
    • • Views of Kanchenjunga: The village offers stunning views of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding mountains.
    • • Rimbik Village: A peaceful, quiet village where you can experience local life and enjoy simple pleasures in a tranquil environment.

9. Kurseong

• • Distance from Siliguri: Approximately 30 km

• • Why Visit: Known as the ‘Land of White Orchids’, Kurseong is a small hill station located near Darjeeling, offering a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to its bustling neighbor. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, colonial-era architecture, and serene tea estates.

• • Key Attractions:
    
    • • Eagle’s Crag: A popular viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Darjeeling hills, Kanchenjunga, and the surrounding tea estates.
    • • Kurseong Railway Station: A charming station on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train), offering an old-world charm and a view of the scenic landscapes.
    • • Makaibari Tea Estate: Known for its organic tea, this estate offers tours where visitors can learn about tea production and enjoy fresh tea tasting.

10. Jorpukhuri

• • Distance from Siliguri: Approximately 40 km

• • Why Visit: Jorpukhuri is a lesser-known, peaceful destination located near the town of Siliguri. The village offers a peaceful retreat amidst the hills and is perfect for unwinding in nature.

• Key Attractions:
  
  • • Tea Gardens and Greenery: Walk through the lush tea gardens that surround the village, offering both tranquility and natural beauty.
  • • Jorpukhuri Lake: A beautiful, serene lake surrounded by hills, perfect for a quiet picnic or just relaxing by the water.
  • Trekking Routes: The area offers short treks that take visitors through dense forests and hilltops with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

These offbeat hill destinations near Siliguri offer the perfect escape for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and anyone looking to unwind amidst serene surroundings. Whether you prefer hiking, tea garden walks, exploring remote villages, or simply soaking in the beauty of the Himalayas, these lesser-known destinations promise a memorable and peaceful retreat. So, pack your bags and embark.