D' Pine Crest - Haridas Hatta at Darjeeling  

This beautiful heritage building is situated in a peaceful residential area called Haridas Hatta. It is away from noise pollution of Darjeeling town center. It is quite close to the main Vehicle stand and walking distance from Chowrasta, the main tourist attraction and 1.5 kilometres or 15 minutes walk from main motor stand. The main aim of the resort renovation is to provide a homely and friendly atmosphere for guest truly making it a home away from home in the lap of nature. Currently we have 3 rooms on offer (1 suite and 2 double bedrooms) and each of them are decent.

D’Pine Crest welcomes you to the Queen of Hills. It is one of the few heritage houses in Darjeeling built during the British regime and is more than 150 years old. The beautiful design of the wooden house with its attic and chimney is mesmerizing and demonstrates the prowess of the architectural capability of the bygone years. Though the woods used in the house is more than 150 years yet there are no signs of degradation. The House originally belonged to late Rai Sahib Hari Prasad Pradhan, the then famous lawyer during the British rule in India which was bought by another Pradhan’s family twenty-five years ago. Now the Pradhan’s have finally opened the doors of their house to the tourists so that they can marvel the beauty of their Heritage Cottage and enrich their stay in Darjeeling by experiencing comfort stay in one of the most antic and architecturally beautiful house. D’Pine Crest offers 2 double bedroom and a suite fully furnished consisting of two double bed rooms: Daffodil 150 square feet and Marigold 250 square feet drawing-room with chimney, small balcony, dining room and bathroom. The entire suite amounts to 800 square feet. Its wooden decor, hot water bags in bed makes it a suitable place to stay even during winters along with its homely environment making it truly a home away from home. This suite can accommodate four people comfortably and is suitable for family, couple or sole traveller with complete privacy. You can rent this cottage for a brief stay or for longer duration.  It is short walking distance or taxi ride to many tourist destinations like the town centre, Happy Valley Tea Garden, Raj Bhawan, Chowrasta, Darjeeling Ropeway, Lloyd Botanical Garden, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute Museum, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Shrubbery Nightingale Park etc. Amenities includes on prior booking beauty treatments (only for ladies). Taxi on demand, Laundry facilities, home cooked food on demand (Indian, Chinese and Nepali).For the more adventurous a full day trek can be done to Happy Valley Tea Estate. The trek passes through tea garden and small hamlets. Trekkers get to experience the varying vegetation as the elevation changes. The view from the view point is great; Guest can enjoy the sight of Mount Kanchendzonga and its adjacent ranges,

Lamahatta

Lamahatta is located at an altitude of about 5700 feet and at a distance of 25 kilometres from Darjeeling town. A small village where farming and cattle rearing is the main source of livelihood; it's lies on the Darjeeling-Kalimpong state highway. Perfect Place for Eco tourism, nature enthusiast and those who are interested to feel the wild Himalayas. A chance to feel the culture of the local people more closely with fooding, and home stay facilities available. Options of trekking in Lamahatta are four they are a short nature trail that leads to a small lake on a hill top. The villagers consider this to be a sacred lake or a Jungle trek of around 8 kilometres from Lamahatta to Takdah that goes through a maze of pine and dhupi trees - Next trek to Takdah Orchid Center nearly 5 kilometres. The Orchid center is however open usually during the season of February through April and the last one is a short trek to Gari Danda - an old fort on top of a hill which is nearly 3 kilometres away. There are ethnic shades around the garden and some meant for meditation. One can climb the watch tower and enjoy the excellent views on a clear day. Activities may include visit the tea gardens nearby i.e. nearly 1.5 kilometres. Some of the well known tea estates nearby are Takdha Tea Estate, Glenburn Tea Estate, Rongli Rangliot Tea Estate etc or visiting viewpoints like the Teesta Rangit junction nearly 8 kilometres to see the confluence of Teesta and Rangit rivers. Visit the cave temple nearly 2 kilometres or visit the Lamahatta village Monastery / Gumpa. Lamahatta word derived from people wearing Bukhus similar to Buddhist Monks as lamas. So place name known as Lamahatta from the British Time. At an altitude of 6800 Ft. Lamahatta is a calm and peaceful place with Pine trees standing majestically with the looming Mount Kanchenjunga in the fore front. The Budhhist Prayer Flags fluttering at the slight breeze were 500 years old Buddhist Monastery is situated just 20 minutes walk. The inhabitants are mostly tribal Buddhist people like Dukpas, Sherpa, Yalmoos.The majestic river Teesta famous for river rafting is just 15 Kms with Sikkim on the background . Scenic Tea garden is at walking distance plus jungle trek for the adventure loving folks. Places to visit near Lamahatta are Gari Danda in Hill top old Fort, the distance is around 3 kilometres from Lamahatta, Takdah Cantonment, a small hamlet located around 28 kilometres from Darjeeling and around 40 kilometres from Kalimpong. It is an upcoming tourist destination. This little unknown hamlet has a very pleasant weather all the year round. Takdah Orchid Centre (Usually open in Feb, March and April) Teesta Valley Durbin, around half an hour by Road, this view point is a must see Rongli Rangliot Tea Estate is a beautiful tea estates are on the way to Teesta Valley Durbin Geil Tea Estate. These tea estates are on the way to Teesta Valley. Borbatey Heritage Bridge is a hanging bridge and attracts lot of tourists. Visit to Tea Estates. Visit to tea estates like Takdah Tea Estate, Glenburg Tea Estate, Rangli Ranglist Tea Estate are also possible and is worth it. Road Side Garden - On of the main attractions of Lamahatta is the Road side Garden spread over a vast expanse. An open garden displayed with variety of seasonal flowers along with vast display of wide variety of Orchids. The watch tower and garden benches add to the beauty of garden where one can enjoy the nature at close quarters. The view of the Kanchendzonga, Sikkim Hills, river Teesta and Rangit can be enjoyed from this garden. An ideal place to relax and forget all your worries. Dense Dhupi Plantations - Small walks and treks are possible from Lamahatta. Walking amidst the Dhupi plantations with lush green flora all around provides a thrilling experience. Hill Top Water Bodies - Small trek leads to two small ponds over the hill. These ponds are considered sacred by the locals. Short Trekking for nature lovers can be organised with prior notice. Monastry - There are few monasteries in and around the village.Interested tourists can visit the place. Jungle Trek - Around 8 kilometres jungle trek from Lamahatta to Takdah. Peshok View Point - A nice view point, which is around 6 kilometres from Lamahatta. Distance in and around Lamahatta: The distance from Lamahatta to various places are Jorebanglow - 15 kilometres, Darjeeling Town - 24 kilometres, Teesta Bazar - 15 kilometres, Kalimpong - 25, kilometres,Gangtok - 77 kilometres, Siliguri NJP - 65 kilometres, Bagdogra - 75 kilometres, To reach Lamahatta three approach road and distance are as follows - From Siliguri the road distance to Lamahatta is about 75 kilometres and will take nearly 3 ½ - 4 hours. One can also drive via Jorebunglow near Ghoom and then take the road for Lamahatta. Easiest is to take a taxi from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) or from Teesta Bazaaar. From Darjeeling the distance is nearly 25 kilometres. Best is to take an hour’s drive. If you are coming from Kalimpong, the distance is 43 kilometres nearly 2 hours drive.

 

Gorkey is a beautiful Place to stay from the way to Falut to Ribdhi or Ramam. The stream is known as the Gorkhey Khola actually this is the source of river Ramam. Two stram joins here. It is a valley by the side of stream dividing Sikkim and Bengal by this stream. It is a place to stay and enjoy nature rather a treat to stay in this beautiful village. It is a small Hamlet with 20 families on the way from Phalut to Ramam. One has to actually descend all the way to reach Gorkay, a valley worth spending a couple of days – From Gorkay or even by pass Gorkay to reach Ramam a trek of nearly 1 - 1 ½ hours or one can enter Hilley in Sikkim, close to Uttarey and Varsey, nearly 1 ½ Hours trek. Samadien is nearly 30 minutes trek and is also a valley in a raised platform.

 

Surrounded by forested area Gorkey is known for its scenic beauty. Activities during your stay here would include life style exploration in the village, village walks, Jungle walks, visit to houses of different ethnic groups, walks and hikes along the river, visit waterfalls and places of scenic beauty. Traditional festival when they do occur in the village is worth attending. Short trip to nearby places of interest is limited. Other activity may include observing village life and seeing how villagers perform their everyday chores - milking cows, churning butter, weeding and harvesting cardamom / ginger / oranges / paddy /tomato / peas / pumpkin / beans / radish / carrot / squash / chilly, etc. One can walk in to any of the two home stay in Gorkay. Actually it’s more of a trekkers hut but we enjoyed our stay at Gorkay and would always try to go back. A guide is necessary and entry from Darjeeling is preferable by trek.

 

 

 

Tinchuley is an offbeat destination for nature lover nearly 100 kilometres from Siliguri. The stay will be on the leeward side of the mountain range covered with cloud most of the day. Tinchuley is a beautiful settlement with picturesque houses among the tall pine trees. Each house has beautiful flowers garden or arrangement. A school, a post Office and a ration shop are the only places where one can see people. Tinchuley offers the visitors a historic and a religious site. Attraction includes hospitality and one can join in cooking or even learn making the dumplings or Momo. The food is from bio - organic vegetables grown in the village. This beautiful village is situated on the leeward side of the mountain between Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Close to Takdah this place is serene and has scenic beauty seen to be believed. Tinchuley literally means three chullas or ovens. It came to limelight after the villager’s effort of developing community tourism. The lead effort comes from the Gurung family who have developed the model of home stay to suit their condition. This is the only home stay at Tinchuley. A forest guest house at Takdah is the alternate place to stay. Staying at Gurung's home is something to be enjoyed. World Wide Fund for Nature - India or WWF - India the organization has made its presence felt through a sustained effort not only towards nature and wildlife conservation, but sensitizing people by creating awareness through capacity building and enviro - legal activism, Tinchuley is an example of that. W W F has declared Tinchuley as a model village for its effort in the improvement of environment of its adjoining areas.

 

The people of Tinchuley has undertaken eco-friendly projects including building of forest nursery, floriculture project, home stay, bio compost manure projects, produces bio - organic food, vermin - compost projects and many other such projects. The main places of interest are the Tinchuley Sunrise Point with views of the surrounding mountains including the Teesta valley and the hills of Kalimpong. A monastery revered by the locals and the cave which is said was home to a monk who meditated here for 17 years. Activities during your stay here would include life style exploration in the village, village walks, Jungle walks, visit to houses of different ethnic groups, walks and hikes along the river, visit waterfalls and places of scenic beauty. Traditional festival when they do occur in the village is worth attending.

 

 

Chuikhim is just a peaceful hamlet in the lap of the mountain. It is quiet & calm and visitors away from the crown will definitely feel the overwhelming sense of calmness or say numbness. Silence is golden and we learnt in School here one can feel it. Fragrant breeze, the silence, occasional chirping birds breaking the silence and the nature will impress one and all. One can reach Bagrakote nearly 45 kilometres from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport. From Bagracote Chuikhim is only 15 kilometres. Guest from New Jalpaiguri railway station / Bagdogra Airport / Siliguri drive through national Highway number 31 and reach Bagrakote tea garden on the left. Crossing the railway track the road becomes rough. Either side of the road is the tea garden undulating fields interspersed with shed trees. The road reaches the bank of River Leesh. Tourist to Chukhim has to turn right turn from Chunabhati and drive through chel forest along the stone - paved track terrain. Chuikhim is situated at an elevation of nearly 3500 feet. Once reaching there the tiring drive will just leave you stunned. Guest will feel the freshness and energy from nature will help you to go around the place. Even the drive is picturesque.

 

The best time to visit is in October - November and February - April. Activities are there to be done. One can idle there for weekends or can visitors can go around in the village trail and in the forest. It is good for birding and nature study.  Lolaygaon is nearly 25 kilometres and a beautiful valley of Samthahar is 25 kilometres from here. Folk dance and other cultural show are held annually. The home stay is situated in the eastern end of the village on a hillock with a cluster of pine trees as the backdrop. Surrounded by the mountain, one can see the whole village on the sloping mountain and the adjoining valley with terraced cultivation. The valley slopes down west to meet the Leesh River along with its bed. The setting and rising sun is brilliant to watch similar to the one from Samthar. Home stays allow visitors to experience the traditional way of living through an exchange of culture and one can engage in local activities, learn how to cook local cuisine or take part in agricultural activities like gardening, etc.

 

 

 

 

This is nearly 3 hours drive from Siliguri / Bagdogra Airport / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. Popularly known as the Darjeeling Blossom Ecotourism Complex at Bara Mangwa is a offbeat destination and very few know about it. It is a ecotourism center established ten years earlier. Excellent view, lush green surrounding and nice services is the main attractions of the region. The fascinating land, people and culture is attraction to tourist. Resting in the arms of our gracious mountains with butterflies fluttering is a destination for leisure holidays. Nature Walk and participate in cultivating and harvesting activities and learn of the different herbs and plants. The setting and rising sun is brilliant to watch similar to the one from Samthar. Home stays allow visitors to experience the traditional way of living through an exchange of culture and one can engage in local activities, learn how to cook local cuisine or take part in agricultural activities like gardening, etc. Activities during your stay here would include life style exploration in the village, village walks, Jungle walks, visit to houses of different ethnic groups, walks and hikes along the river, visit waterfalls and places of scenic beauty.

 

There are a variety of birds and butterflies. Amidst this peaceful environment, the only sound you will hear is the chirping of the birds and sound of crickets. The road is one of the most scenic routes in this part of the region passing through beautiful forests of oak, magnolia and beautiful ferns. These are ablaze with color along with the steeply ascending road to Baramangua. Terrace farming produce beans and orange orchard in between the thick pine forest is a treat to watch. Staying at Baramangua one can still enjoy the local sightseeing of Darjeeling to Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop / Ghoom Monastery / War Memorial, Museum of Natural History, Ava Art Gallery, Rock Garden and Ganga Maiya Park, Japanese temple (Peace Pagoda), Bhutia Busty Monastery, Lloyd Botanical garden, Step Aside, The Lebong Race Track, Himalaya Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. White water rafting at Chitrey is a day’s excursion, angling, birdings are some of the activities one can enjoy from here. Chotta Mangwa is a very small village, peaceful, where the people seem to lead an idle life surrounded by peaceful surroundings. No use of electricity but they are self sufficient with solar panels that will provide energy. View from Chotta Mangwa is awe inspiring of the great Kanchanjanga. A place of complete solitude in this offbeat destination is worth visiting. Bara Mangwa to Chotta Mangwa transfer is taken care by the host. Impressive is the beauty of the river and mountains surrounding people.

 

Lepchajagat is well connected with Darjeeling and Siliguri/ Bagdogra Airport / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station close to 95 kilometres by road. Some of the places of interest near Darjeeling are Lepcha Jagat, Sukhiapokhori, Tinchuley, Takdah, Peshok, Mirik, etc. Lepchajagat is situated very close to Sukhipokhri near Darjeeling. It is on the road from Ghoom - Mirik road. This is situated on a hill slope covered with rhododendron and Oaks forests. The only bungalow offers a magnificent view of Kunchenjunga and the Himalayan Range over the forested hills. It is a nice peaceful location and is ideal for honeymooners. The bungalow has 6 rooms and provides excellent food. An ideal place to explore the tranquility of the unknown Darjeeling hills is worth visiting. Places of attractions around Lepchajagat are Darjeeling Town nearly 20 kilometres.

 

The other places of interest are Ghoom nearly 12 kilometres, Jorepokhri Salamandar Project close to 5 kilometres, Mirik nearly 30 Kilometres, Maneybhanjan over 25 Kilometres, Sandakphu close to55 Kilometres.Staying at Lepcha Jagat one can still enjoy the local sightseeing of Darjeeling to Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop / Ghoom Monastery / War Memorial, Museum of Natural History, Ava Art Gallery, Rock Garden and Ganga Maiya Park, Japanese temple (Peace Pagoda), Bhutia Busty Monastery, Lloyd Botanical garden, Step Aside, The Lebong Race Track, Himalaya Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Angling, birding is a day’s excursion and some of the activities one can enjoy from here. Places of interest or the activities one can indulge in are the viewing of the magnificent Sunrise and sunset and the view of mount Kanchenjunga and the Himalayan range, Forest & Nature trek, birding and butterfly watching, Village excursions, participating in cooking with the locals and learning dishes. Amidst this peaceful environment, the only sound you will hear is the chirping of the birds and sound of crickets. The road is one of the most scenic routes in this part of the region passing through beautiful forests of oak, magnolia and beautiful ferns. Excellent view, lush green surrounding and nice services is the main attractions of the region. The fascinating land, people and culture is attraction to tourist. Resting in the arms of our gracious mountains with butterflies fluttering is a destination for leisure holidays.

 

(Hum Tera) – It is one of the finest tea garden of the region. Run and managed by dynamic Mr. R Banerjee. His initiatives have created a positive striking difference to the region. Preservation of ecology, developing Tea, develops the local tourism industries along with the development of the local community are worth mentioning. This tea estate is ideally located on the way to Darjeeling from Siliguri. This is situated just a few kilometres from Kurseong and is nearly 1 to ½ hour’s drive from Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. Guest can also use the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to come from New Jalpaiguri and get down at Kurseong station and either drive the three kilometres or hike to Makaibari home stay. Activities are many stay here would include life style exploration in the tea estate, village walks, Jungle walks, visit to houses of different ethnic groups, walks and hikes along the garden, historical sites, places of scenic beauty, local market, Walk to temples and Monastery, traditional festival when they do occur in the village, local market day, Short trip to nearby places of interest, Buddhist Monastery, day trip out or picnic, etc. Other activity may include observing village life and seeing how villagers perform their everyday chores - milking cows, churning butter, weeding and harvesting tea. Visit to watch tea manufacturing is a lifetime experience one can observe. Participate in Tea tasting and knowing how tea is graded and tasted are lifetime experience. Stay is in Cottages run by the Tea workers family and is one of the hunting places for foreigners. Activities during your stay here would include life style exploration in the village, village walks, Jungle walks, visit to houses of different ethnic groups, walks and hikes along the river, visit waterfalls and places of scenic beauty. Places of interest or the activities one can indulge in are the viewing of the magnificent Sunrise and sunset and the view of mount Kanchenjunga and the Himalayan range, Forest & Nature trek, birding and butterfly watching, Village excursions, participating in cooking with the locals and learning dishes.

 

Mr. Raja Banerjee popularly known in this region is the brain child of developing this tea estate into a tourism hub of Kurseong, options are many but ultimately the charm is enjoying the stay in the valley. He started and created infrastructure for village tourism based on the home stay concept, with philanthropic assistance, to provide earnings from tourism.

We recommend a 3 Night stay to a maximum of 5 night stay. Guest will reach only after Noon hence practically for the guest it will be two and half day in the three Nights stay. You are reaching Pelling on 12th Noon. So basically you have 2.5 days there General Features of the stay include sightseeing, Trek, village walk, enjoying local drink. Visit to waterfalls like Changay and Nawley fall or angling at Khalj River is really exciting. Other options are tour package, traditional folk music, cultural show, learning local dishes and joining in kitchen is a treat. Village traditional drinks organic (Liquor) is available and one can enjoy a few sips like Tungba (Bamboo vessel) at Indian Rupee (INR) 50 per Tungba or the second option is Chanwa (Local Wine) at Indian Rupee (INR) 50 per fill and the last option is Vatiat Indian Rupee (INR) 50 per kilogram. Traditional cultural show at extra pay for booking is charged but its nominal. It is more of their entertainment to deliver their culture to the guest. Nepali folk dance, Limbo traditional including Dhan Nach and Chabrung Nach is enjoyable, Lepcha traditional folk culture will enrich you and its includes conservation of nature which we now hold seminars etc existed three hundred years ago, etc. The best part that one can enjoy is the visit to Witch doctor.

Activities during your stay here would include life style exploration in the village like Gipang an Gullung Villages in the vicinity of Rhododendron Sanctuary, village walks, Jungle walks, visit to houses of different ethnic groups, walks and hikes along the river, visit lakes, waterfalls, historical sites, places of scenic beauty, local market, Walk to temples and Monastery, traditional festival when they do occur in the village, local market day, Short trip to nearby places of interest, boat lake at Hee, Rinchenpong Buddhist Monastery, day trip out / picnic, visit ruins, etc. Other activity may include observing village life and seeing how villagers perform their everyday chores - milking cows, churning butter, weeding and harvesting cardamom / ginger / oranges / paddy /tomato / peas / pumpkin / beans / radish / carrot / squash / chilly, etc. Places of interest or the activities one can indulge in are the viewing of the magnificent Sunrise and sunset and the view of mount Kanchenjunga and the Himalayan range, Forest & Nature trek, birding and butterfly watching, Village excursions, visit to Lepcha Gumpa or monastery, participating in cooking with the locals and learning dishes. Going around Khalej Valley for sightseeing all alone is also enjoyable. Visit Sangachoeling Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake, Singshore Bridge (2nd highest bridge in Asia) and Khalej river and do all the local sightseeing that they have which includes so many waterfalls, other village monasteries and places of Interest. Other destinations one can visit from here are Rinchenpong, Pelling, Kaluk,etc. Ravangla, Yuksom are some more places of interest. Swiz cheese factory, Rock garden at Heepool, Chayatal  (boating and beautiful views), Somdara dentam valley view, Uttrey monastery, Uttrey bazaar,Fishiries, Dentam bazaar, etc are some more places of interest.

 

Latpanchor

On a top of a hill, in a mountain area in Darjeeling district in West Bengal in India, is the scenic settlement called Latpanchor situated at nearly 4300 feet.Latpanchar is a destination of natural beauty covered with forests and Cinconha Plantation. It is the highest point in the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary with fabulous views of Teesta River, deep gorges and greenery all around. The place is serene. Surrounded by dark, deep forest adds to the mystery of the place. The atmosphere remains heavy with overwhelming fragrance of flowers. The activities and attractions include treks through Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary, visit to sunrise point just 3 kilometres away and discovering the natural habitat of the endangered Himalayan Salamander. There are few settlements scattered in the region. Jholi Basti is ideal for an encounter with wildlife. Don't forget your binocular and camera. Herds of deer and elephants often drift towards the area. They are all covered with lush and lavish greenery. Accommodation facility at Latpanchar is in wood cottage home stay. There are three triple bedrooms in the cottage. The rooms come with wall to wall carpet, electricity, hot water and western attached toilet facilities.The destination is basically for leisure holidays. Latkothi that was once a British residence that the British set up in 1920 is now converted to Forest Department bungalow. The house is surrounded by the vast stretch of Cinchona plantation. Places nearby are Sittong, Mungpoo, etc

Perfect Place for Eco tourism, nature enthusiast and those who are interested to feel the wild Himalayas. One can enjoy the chance to feel the culture of the local people more closely with fooding and home stay facilities available. The food is essentially Indian, home cooked and the ingredients are mostly locally sourced and freshly plucked from local farm. The forest around is worth enjoying. The place in short is one of the best leisure holiday destinations. Nearby attractions is Mongpoo, one would visit the famous house of Rabindranath Tagore just 35 kilometres via Sitong and 45 kilometres via Rambhi. Sitong is another nearby settlement of Latpanchar famous for its orange orchards and natural beauty. One can continue further to Chatakpur near Sonada and further to Kurseong through the lush green Tea estate.
Other places to visit or enjoy are Gulma Hill (Mahananda wildlife), Salamander Namthing pond and Aahal sunrise point. There is a Lord Shiva temple at the peak of Raja Rani Hill.  Ahal View Point is locally called Sansaridara View Point. From New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB) one has to drive towards Sikkim by jeep via national highway 31 A and after about one and half hours one has to take a left turn and take a steep hill road, in one and a half hour more one can reach Latpanchar. From Siliguri Latpanchor is nearly 48 kilometres, one have to reach Kalijhora 5 kilometres away from Sevoke and take left turn and can reach Latpanchar.

 

 

We too arrange jeeps for site seen etc too. Booking of the house can be done through mail or phone to Dreamway Destinations.

Tags: Home stay, Near pelling, Homestay in Darjeeling, activities in homestay, homestay with adventure activities