EXPLORE NEW DARJEELING (OFFBEAT) PROG CUM TRAINING -2024 (By West Bengal State)

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM:

RESONATE YOUR HEARTBEAT

with DARJEELING OFFBEAT……

 Queen of the Hills’, DARJEELING, is an enduring hill station in the State of West Bengal. ornamented by snow-capped mountains, lush green landscapes, a gushing waterfall, spectacular sunrise views, flowing river streams, rich flora & fauna, Darjeeling has it all. However, there are many places near Darjeeling, which are less well known to many nature lovers. These spots are not very popular but have endless beauty that can’t be missed by anyone. Let us have a look at some of the offbeat destinations of Darjeeling.

Sittong- The orange village blessed with natural bounty:

Sittong, the Land of Orange Orchards, one of the most impressive settlements on the banks of the Riyang River and is surrounded by lush and fruitful gardens inhabited mostly by Lepchas.

Apart from Orange Orchar14ds, Sittong is blessed with natural bounty. The rustic lifestyle of Himalayan people, open stretch of vistas and above all the culture of the place. On a clear day enjoy the view of mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga from your bed. Covered with dense forests, it has also become a Bird Watchers’ paradise. It hosts to some exotic and rare Himalayan birds and animals, like Rufous necked Hornbill, Hodgson Frogmouth, Sultan Tit, Black Baza, Hornbills, Orioles, Himalayan Salamander besides a variety of woodpeckers, thrushes, finches, babblers, shrikes, owls, eagles and many more. How about waking up at dawn not with the alarm but with the chirping of birds.

Located on around 4,500 ft above the sea level, Sittong also offers some short hikes in and around. Mungpo, which is famous for Cinchona Farm land also blessed by Rabindranath Tagore because he stayed a long time here.

Tinchuley- the valley of clouds:

At a distance of about 32 km from Darjeeling, Tinchuley is a tiny hamlet tucked in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. Sprawled across vast stretches of mountains and tea gardens, the lush pastoral landscape of this place makes this a pristine locale and a destination with endless natural beauty.

With an altitude of 5550 ft, the name of the place derives from the words ‘tin’ and ‘chula’, which translates as ‘three ovens’ because the trio of hills constituting the hill station resembles mud ovens. Amazingly, the geographical diversity of the village is not exhausted by this: the rivers Teesta and Rangeet also intersect quite close to it. All of this contributes to Tinchuley’s abundant natural beauty.

Tinchuley is the dream destination for those who are looking something spiritual out of their travel. Its gorgeous mountain scape and serene cultivated lands attest to that. So if you're seeking something of exactly that nature, then you know where to be!

Rampuria- the forest village:

Rampuria is a forest village located within the lush green vegetation of Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary. It has risen in popularity as a tourist destination in recent years due to its picturesque landscape and tranquil setting. The lush green landscape of the Runglee Rungliot Tea garden would undoubtedly soothe your eyes from here.

The major attraction surrounding the village is the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the oldest sanctuaries in India (declared in 1915) and home to varied temperate flora and fauna. Flowering species of Rhododendron, Magnolias, Primula and Wild Orchids, among others are found in abundance. Other dominant plant varieties include various species of Ferns, Conifer, Bamboo, Oak. Common mammal species include Barking deer, Common leopard, Asiatic black bear, Wild Boar, Yellow throated marten. Common birds that can be sighted are Treepie, Magpie, Drongo, Tit, Babbler, Thrush species among many others. Additionally, many snakes, frogs, insects are also are found in abundance here.

DARJEELING- Queen of the Hills:

The previous summer capital of India under the British Raj, Darjeeling has come off age as one of the most sought after hill stations in India. Located in West Bengal, this scenic hill station is the perfect getaway for a romantic honeymoon. Nestled amidst acres of tea plantations, Darjeeling stands at the height of 2,050 meters above sea level, thus boasting a cool climate all year round.

The toy train established back in 1881 is conferred the title of World Heritage Status by UNESCO. The train begins its journey from the plains and rises to over 2000 metres above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the mountains as it chugs along.Over 86 tea estates in Darjeeling are responsible for producing the worldwide famous 'Darjeeling Tea'. Have a cup of locally brewed chai at the tea estate, or get down amidst the plantations to pluck a few tea leaves yourself; you are free to take your pick!Darjeeling is situated on a long, narrow mountain ridge of the Sikkim Himalayas that descends abruptly to the bed of the Great Rangit River. On a clear day the city affords a magnificent view of Kanchenjunga and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the peak. Some of Darjeeling's most popular attractions include monasteries, botanical gardens, a zoo, and the Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway cable car, which is the longest Asian cable car. Tiger Hill is a fantastic spot to see the sunrise over the mountains in all its fiery glory.

DAY WISE SCHEDULE:

Day 1- Reporting at SILIGURI Dabgram Youth Hostel , Near Siliguri Mahila Maha Vidyalay,P.O-Rabindra Sarani,Siliguri,Pin-734406  after 3pm,  documentation and at evening orientation

Day 2 - Siliguri to Sittong, via Sevoke, Coronation Bridge, Birikdara View Point. Check in and lunch. Afternoon walk around the place leisurely. Stay at Sittong.

Day 3 - Local sightseeing, visit Ahaldara View Point, Namthing Pokhri, Mahaldiram Tea Garden, Lepcha Monastery. Stay at Sittong.

Day 4 - Move towards Tinchuley, via Jogighat, Mungpo(Rabindrnath Tagore bunglow/museum), 3rd Mile. Check in and lunch. Afternoon walk around the place leisurely, enjoy the beautiful sunset. Stay at Tinchuley.

Day 5 - Drive towards Rampuria, via visit Gumbadara View Point, Peshok Tea Garden, Triveni View Point, Lamahatta Eco Park, Takdah Colonial Village. Check in and lunch. Later the day will free for leisure. Stay at Rampuria.

Day 6 - Proceed towards Darjeeling, via Sixth Mile Bazar, Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop. Check in and lunch. Afternoon visit Darjeeling Mall. Evening valedictory session. Stay at Darjeeling Youth Hostel

Day 7 -After breakfast group breaks at Darjeeling Youth Hostel

Note: The route and schedule of the program may change without prior notice based on the local condition

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? Only YHAI Member can be participated.

HOW TO REACH THE BASE CAMP:

The nearest airport is in Bagdogra near Siliguri,. The closest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri, on the outskirts of Siliguri, which is connected with almost all major cities of the country

HOW TO JOIN: Online booking is available through Schedule & Seats of the program. (www.yhaindia.org )