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W98H+8R, Selpu Khasmahal, West Bengal 73...
Sittong or Sitong is a newly added destination on the traveller's bucket list who loves to spend their holidays in the Himalayan region. It is a beautiful village in Kalimpong district, West Bengal. This place has been popular within a very short time for its heart-touching natural beauty. You will be amazed at the loveliness of the place and the local people. If you come here from your busy metropolis lifestyle, you will be fascinated by the local people who are in no rush, whatever the situation is. As it is a small village, quite a few homestays are run mainly by local individuals. Sittong is also famous for its orange cultivation. Many people find themselves drawn to this serene location instead of Darjeeling, captivated by the peaceful surroundings and the fascinating orange gardens just a stone's throw away. Every year, the local association arranges the Orange Festival between November and December.
Tribal Primary Ground, Sittong, organized by the Directorate of Cinchona and Other Medicinal Plants under G.T.A., Govt. of West Bengal, aimed to educate farmers and orange growers on scientific techniques for reviving Darjeeling Mandarin Orange production. The event featured seminars and demonstrations highlighting modern cultivation methods. Beyond agriculture, the festival celebrated local culture with performances. By fostering knowledge exchange and showcasing innovative approaches, the festival played a vital role in supporting the region's orange farming community and ensuring a sustainable future for Darjeeling Mandarin Orange cultivation.
You can also see Mt. Khanchendzonga from the room of some of the homestays. Also, this hilly village provides excellent biodiversity, and animal spotting and bird watching are significant tourist attractions. Where you will find nature and a small trekking trail, you can contact your hotel owner for a great trekking experience.
There are several other less discovered but mesmerizing destinations that are only a few kilometres away, like Mangpu is 8 km, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is 20 km, and Darjeeling is 43 km from Sittong
How to reach Sittong:
Nearest Airport: From Bagdogra Airport (IXB) 1 hr 27 min (44.7 km) via NH110, 1 hr 56 min (58.9 km) via Bagdogra - Panighata Main Rd
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) time needed to reach Sittong is approx 3 hr to 3 hr 30 min depending on road conditions, and the approximate distance is (40 km - 45 km) via NH110 depending on your homestay location. Because sittong is divided into three parts, sittong 1, 2, and 3 so, please take help from Google Baba to get the distance, but please ignore the time because whatever time he predicts to reach your destination adds up to a minimum of one hour with that.
The fast route you will take will be Sevoke Road (NH10), heading towards Coronation Bridge. After crossing Coronation Bridge, you must continue on NH10 for about 15 km until you reach Kalijhora.
From Kalijhora, you have to take a left turn to Rambi and Latpanchar. Follow the roads through the green forest and tea garden until you reach Shelpu. From Shelpu, continue upwards towards Sittong.
These are popular trains to reach New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), such as Darjeeling Mail, Padatik Express, and Kanchan Kanya Express, which frequently depart from Sealdah to NJP.
Darjeeling Mail (12343): Departs from Sealdah at 10:05 PM and reaches NJP around 8:00 AM.
Padatik Express (12377): Departs from Sealdah at 11:15 PM and reaches NJP by 9:15 AM.
Kanchan Kanya Express (13149): It departs from Sealdah at 8:30 PM and reaches NJP by 6:30 AM
. Please cross-check it with the irctc website.
Do your Early morning breakfast and start your sightseeing around Sittong where you can visit Ahaldara View Point, Jogighat Bridge, Sittong Monestry, Sittong Orange Orchard, Mongpu, Latpanchar, Lepcha Falls etc.
Well-known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas, Ahaldara View Point is a must-visit spot. Witness stunning sunrises and sunsets while absorbing the serene climate. It's a perfect escape for nature lovers. There are a lot of cinchona plantations and small tea gardens in this region.
Spanning the Riyang River, this iconic bridge unites Sittong to the surrounding areas. The scenic beauty and the sound of flowing water make it a perfect spot for photography and quiet reflection. In the months of November, December and January, you will find many locals to enjoy with their friends and families.
Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Sittong Monastery. This serene retreat offers a glimpse into Buddhist culture, making it a favourite for those curious in history and spirituality.
See the sprawling orange orchards during harvest season to get a glimpse of the vibrant hues of ripe oranges. These orchards are panoramic and allow one to relish fresh, organic produce from the farmhouses.
Situated at an elevation of 3700 feet, the weather in Mongpu is mild and comfortable throughout the year. Explore the quaint charm of Mongpu, which is well-known for its association with Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The serene landscapes and cultural significance make it a must-visit for history lovers.
Mongpu is renowned for the production of quinine used in the treatment of malaria. Although modern synthetic quinine production has reduced its demand, it remains an active income source for this area. The extensive surrounding region of Mongpu is filled with cinchona plantations. Quinine is extracted from the dried bark of cinchona trees.
Known for its rich biodiversity, Latpanchar is a haven for birdwatchers. The beautiful trails and the chance to spot rare species, including the Rufous-necked Hornbill, make it a heaven for nature lovers.
This fascinating waterfall is a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery. The cascading water and peaceful surroundings make it an ideal spot for picnics and relaxation.
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