Jaldapara National Park
In the foothills of the eastern Himalayas lies the lush Jaldapara National Park, teeming with exotic wildlife. Visitors from all corners of the globe come to see the majestic one-horned rhinoceros. The park is also the dwelling place of dozens of other species, including the Indian leopard, Indian elephant, sambar, barking deer, spotted deer, hog deer, wild boar, and the gaur. You might see (at a safe distance) pythons, monitor lizards, cobras, and more! Jaldapara is also a bird watcher’s paradise, where you can listen to the calls of rare, colorful lowland avifauna. Take an elephant-back safari ride or a jungle walk through the forests and tall grasses. Get an up-close view of the unique wildlife grazing in the grasslands and cooling off on the banks of the Torsha River. The amazing Jaldapara National Park takes about 4 hours to reach from Siliguri, or 5-6 hours from Darjeeling. The place is like nowhere else in India! we at Ashmita Trek and Tours offer you the Jaldapara National Park Safari tours please visit our Adventure Tours in Darjeeling package section page.
Kalimpong
Sitauted on a ridge above the Teesta River, Kalimpong is a gorgeous little hill town with lots to offer. The city itself is a melting pot of hilly region ethnic groups. See and experience the lifestyle of Nepalese, Indians, Tibetans, Sikkimese, and learn about the British colonial influence on the area. Wander the main Market Square and try the scrumptious local foods and beverages. In fact, the town is known for its local, organic produce and spices, including rice, corn, millet, vegetables, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, and more! The freshness is real. Like Darjeeling, Kalimpong is exceptionally friendly towards walkers. You can go anywhere in the city at the convenience of your own two feet. Driving any direction from Kalimpong, you get splendid mountain views. More so, check out the abundant flowering plants – over 4,000 of them can be found in the Kalimpong district. After exploring the cityscape of Kalimpong, discover the allurethat lies in the hillsides surrounding it!
Mirik Lake
The appeal of Mirik comes from its great weather, lovely natural landscapes, and convenient accessibility. We recommend cutting out a day or two from your itinerary to spend here before or after spending some time in Darjeeling. Located about halfway between Siliguri and Darjeeling, the charming town could not have a better location. The route is not the typical one from Siliguri to Darjeeling, though it is the more scenic one. Situated about 2,000 feet below Darjeeling, the weather is much milder. Though it is lower in elevation, you still get the amazing mountain views (including Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world!) and picturesque sloped tea gardens. A central attraction of the town is Mirik Lake, surrounded by Dhupi trees on the western shoreline and a dazzling garden on the eastern side. There are a handful of hotels and guesthouses, as well as highly acclaimed homestays for a more authentic experience. Stop by Mirik on your next visit to Darjeeling!
Lava & Loleygaon
The two neighboring scenic villages of Lava and Loleygaon are almost completely off the tourist path. Lying on top of a ridge at the far end of a Himalayan ridge, Loleygaon is a perfect spot for a day trip. The village lies at an altitude 5,520 feet and offers sensational views of Kanchenjunga and surrounding peaks at several different points. Traverse the “Canopy Walk” – a wobbly 180-meter long bridge through a lush jungle. After that, check out Jhandi Dara Viewpoint, a perfect spot to watch the sunrise or sunset with a Himalayan backdrop. Lava is an equally impressive mountain hamlet, lying at about 7,000 feet. The time between the two is about 1 hour. There are several gorgeous treks and day hikes that embark from Lava, as it is the gateway to the Neora Valley National Park. If you aren’t into trekking, visit the delightful bazaar (market) and the Lava Monastery – a beyond-serene place with spectacular views. Make a stop at both these laidback villages while in Darjeeling!
Kurseong
Even from the name, Kurseong (‘the place of white orchids’) sounds inviting. Despite the fact that the town sits on the congested Hill Cart Road – the main way to get from Siliguri to Darjeeling – Kurseong has its own charm. Get away from the main drag and discover the treasures that lies in the hilly roads and alleyways throughout the town. Climb to Eagle’s Crag, which offers amazing views of the rippling hills and sloped tea gardens. Beyond this, the looming peaks of Kanchenjunga, Kabru and Jannu make their presence known. Tour the mosques, churches, temples, and gompas – a testament to the inspiring religious coexistence and rich personality of Kurseong. It has gained the likes of several famous historical figures, including Mark Twain who spent some time here in 1885! Don’t be put off by your first impression of Kurseong while driving through! The city gets more charming and alluring the more you explore it!
