Sittong is a small hamlet in the Kurseong division and in the district of Darjeeling. It's a group of villages scattered in a large area. The place has developed due to its serenity, Forested area, and its scenic beauty. Orange Orchard is among the attraction here. Nature is at its pristine best and offers Sittong with its bounty. It is also a nice location for birding and short treks. Sittong is nearly 02 hours drive from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) and Bagdogra Airport (IXB). It is approximately 65 kilometers and can be reached by National Highway 10 i.e. one needs to take the Sevoke road and up the hills from Kalijhora to and then drive further to Rambhi a distance of nearly 12 kilometers. It is best to travel via Mungpoo. Mungpoo is 15 kilometers from Rambhi and Sittong is further 12 kilometers and the road is decent and scenic. It is also better to visit Latpanchar via this Road for a smooth drive.
Latpanchar is the highest part of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary at an altitude of about 4200 feet. It is a part of the sanctuary hence one can come across wildlife if lucky here like deer, barking deer, wild boars, and sometimes even leopards and a herd of elephants. It is also a nice location for birding and short treks. Latpanchar is nearly 02 hours drive from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) and Bagdogra Airport (IXB). It is approximately 50 kilometers and can be reached by National Highway 10 i.e. one needs to take the Sevoke road and up the hills from Kalijhora. From Kalijhora it is a steep climb and Latpanchar is only 15 kilometers. There is hardly any traffic on this narrow road, and not well maintained with potholes particularly during monsoon.
Ahaldhara is 10 kilometers from Sittong. Rather Ahaldhara is part of Sittong. The place is calm, clean, and quiet best for idling there for a couple of days. The place offers a viewpoint to get the whole range of Himalayan peaks. It is a beautiful view of the Himalayan Range including Tiger Hill, Kurseong Hill, Mungpoo Hill, Darjeeling Hill, Chattakpur Hills. The approach road via National Highway 10 i.e. from Kalijhora to Latpanchar road is rough due to boulders but the viewpoint at Latpanchar & Ahaldara is excellent. Homestay is nice with great hospitality. It is better to book the stay through Dreamway Destinations. We have our set of people in most of the places in the region. Early booking confirms the best rooms and destinations. Rooms are limited hence in peak season one has to book early. Calm, clean, and quiet place. One can spend several days in the village and explore all the tourist destinations in and around from here. The views around are amazing with views of Mount Kanchenjunga and the Teesta river at one go.
Ranju Valley is close to Mungpoo. The forest Check post or Ahaldhara Phatak is nearly 05 kilometers. Then its further 12 kilometers is the left turn road to the valley. The mountain view i.e. the length of the Himalayan range and the snow-capped peaks. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. Short treks / Hiking are the best options. There are quite a number of waterfalls surrounding the valley. Nights was really enjoyable and it lights up with a campfire and guitar. The homestay cottages are spacious and beautiful. There are arrangements of tents including western toilet tents. This quiet valley is ideal for trekking, wildlife watching, and discovering under-explored hill villages. There’s also the option of doing absolutely nothing as one can relax among the trees in the valley. It is the endpoint of the cinchona plantation of Mungpoo cinchona plantation. Down to the valley is Manager's Bungalow. It is en-route to Mungpoo -3rd mile-Darjeeling road.
Sittong
Latpanchar
Ahaldhara
Ranju Valley
Mungpoo
Runglee Rungliot Tea Estate
Chatakpur, Buggura
Kurseong
Mungpoo Cincona plantation
Tinchuley
Takdah
Peshok
Lamahatta
Sittong, Latpanchar, Ahaldhara & Ranju Valley are all within 02 hours of drive from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus (Junction), Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT), Siliguri, and Bagdogra Airport (IXB). The distance is approximately 55 to 70 kilometers. Each destination is 10 - 15 kilometers apart. The road is straight via National Highway 31 connecting to National Highway 10 along the River Teesta. The ride is scenic and Sevoke Kali Temple & Coronation bridge is worth visiting en route. The area is sparsely populated and best for leisure holidays. Mungpoo, the cinchona village made famous by Rabindranath Tagore is just 10 kilometers from Sittong. Latpanchar is about 08 kilometers, Chatakpur is about 25 kilometers away and Kurseong is also about 24 kilometers drive via Baggura.
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