Darjeeling is one of the most popular hill destinations in West Bengal, but there is more to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. If you want a quieter mountain trip, consider visiting some of the lesser-known villages and hill destinations around Darjeeling.
Places such as Sittong and Dawaipani offer a different kind of hill holiday, with peaceful surroundings and a slower pace. These destinations can be a good choice for travellers who want to spend more time enjoying the surroundings instead of following a busy sightseeing schedule.
Here are some offbeat places near Darjeeling that you can consider for your next trip.
1. Sittong
Sittong is a good option if you want to stay away from the busy tourist areas of Darjeeling. The area is known for its village setting, green surroundings and peaceful atmosphere.
Sittong is also known for its orange orchards. Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy the landscape around the orchards while exploring the local area.
The destination works well for travellers who prefer a relaxed trip. Instead of trying to cover many attractions in one day, you can spend time exploring the village and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Best for: Quiet stays, village experiences, nature and a slower holiday.
2. Dawaipani
Located away from the busy centre of Darjeeling, Dawaipani is another option for travellers looking for offbeat Darjeeling places.
The area is surrounded by hills and greenery and is suited to travellers who prefer peaceful stays. It can also be included in a longer Darjeeling-area itinerary along with other nearby destinations.
Dawaipani is particularly suitable if your idea of a holiday involves relaxing, enjoying the mountain surroundings and taking a break from crowded tourist locations.
Best for: Peaceful stays, nature and a relaxed hill holiday.
3. Takdah
Takdah is another hill destination that can be considered when exploring the quieter side of the Darjeeling region.
The area has a calm environment and is a suitable choice for travellers who want to explore beyond the standard Darjeeling itinerary. It can be combined with other nearby offbeat destinations to create a more relaxed trip.
Before visiting, check the current road and accommodation conditions, especially during the monsoon or other periods when travel conditions can change.
Best for: Slow travel, nature and exploring less-crowded areas.
4. Lamahatta
Lamahatta is another destination that can be added to a Darjeeling-area trip. It is known for its landscaped garden and mountain surroundings.
It is easy to include Lamahatta as part of a wider sightseeing plan rather than treating it as a standalone destination. If you want to cover both popular and quieter places, it can fit into a mixed itinerary.
Best for: Short visits, gardens, photography and relaxed sightseeing.
5. Lepchajagat
Lepchajagat is a forested destination near Darjeeling that offers a quieter setting away from the main tourist areas.
It can be a good choice for travellers who want to spend some time surrounded by nature and include a peaceful stop in their Darjeeling itinerary.
As with other hill destinations, it is useful to check accommodation availability and road conditions before travelling.
Best for: Nature lovers and travellers looking for a quiet stay.
Sittong or Dawaipani: Which One Should You Choose?
Both destinations are suitable for travellers who want a quieter alternative to staying only in Darjeeling, but your choice can depend on what kind of trip you prefer.
Choose Sittong if you are interested in village surroundings, orange orchards and a more rural setting.
Choose Dawaipani if you want a peaceful hill stay away from the busier tourist areas.
If you have enough time, you can also include both in the same itinerary. This gives you the chance to experience two different offbeat destinations instead of spending the entire trip in one location.
When Should You Visit These Offbeat Places?
The best time depends on the type of experience you want and the specific destination. Before booking, check the current weather, road conditions and accommodation availability.
Hill travel can be affected by weather, so keeping some flexibility in your itinerary is useful. If you are travelling with family or older travellers, it is also worth checking the road conditions and travel time before finalising your stay.
How to Plan an Offbeat Darjeeling Trip
An offbeat trip does not have to mean skipping Darjeeling completely. You can combine the popular town with quieter destinations nearby.
For example, you can spend part of your trip exploring Darjeeling and then move to places such as Sittong or Dawaipani for a more relaxed stay.
When planning your trip, consider:
- How many nights you want to spend in each location
- Road and weather conditions
- Availability of accommodation
- Travel time between destinations
- Whether you want sightseeing or a slower holiday
- The needs of children, older family members or other travellers in your group
Planning fewer places properly can often make the trip more comfortable than trying to cover too many destinations.
Explore Sittong and Dawaipani with Miles to Go
If you want to explore both destinations in one trip, Miles to Go offers a Sittong–Dawaipani 5 Days 4 Nights trip.
Trip: Sittong – Dawaipani
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Most choose: ₹7,750–₹13,250 per person
This option can be considered if you want to explore these two offbeat destinations together rather than planning every part of the trip separately.
Before booking, confirm the current inclusions, accommodation details, travel arrangements and availability with Miles to Go.
Final Thoughts
If you have already visited the main attractions of Darjeeling or simply want a quieter mountain holiday, exploring the surrounding areas can be a good choice.
Sittong and Dawaipani are two destinations to consider, while places such as Takdah, Lamahatta and Lepchajagat can add more variety to your itinerary.
The key is to choose destinations that match your travel style and leave enough time to enjoy each place instead of rushing from one location to another.
