Mongpong
Mongpong, a small Bengal village located on the banks of the River Teesta. The Teesta Basin and the Mahananda Sanctuary are two of the most important tourist destinations here. The scenic beauty of Mongpong allures the tourists. The place has vast forest reserves, little shops selling the bare essentials and a check post by the forest department. Sevok Bazaar, on the bank of the river Teesta is a small market place. Wildlife Bird and animal lovers will not be let down by Mongpong as one can get a glimpse of the Brahminy and Pintail Ducks, Bear Headed Geese and others. Some birds migrate here during the winters from Ladakh and other places in Asia.
How To Reach:
The buses going towards Dooars (that is the buses going to Malbazar, Chalsa, Alipurduar), pass over Mongpong. But it is better to hire a private car from New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri. Journey time from Siliguri to Mongpong is about 45 minutes.
By Rail : Nearest railway station to Mongpong is New Jalpaiguri.
Takdah
Takdah is located at an altitude of about 4,000 ft and close to Darjeeling (about 28kms away), yet far enough to be isolated, quiet and serene. Although the altitude is much lower than Darjeeling town, the place is cooler compared to its surrounding area. Takdah started as a military cantonment during the British colonial days in early 1900s. During those days,
many senior British officers frequently visited this place. And therefore many bungalows and houses came up here for their accommodations. Those houses were built in traditional British architecture with slanted roofs.
Some of the finest tea gardens of Darjeeling district are located in Takdah. The main tea estates in Takdah are Rungli Rungliot, Gielle, Namring, Jinglam, Poomong, and Teesta Valley estate.
Further down from Rungli Rungliot is the Gielle Bhanjyang Bazaar, also known as Gandhi Chowk. This is the border point of Jinglam Tea Estate and Gielle Tea Estate.
Takdah has a great Orchid Center spread across vast stretch of area where different kinds of unusual and colorful Himalayan Orchids are cultivated and grown.. It’s about half a kilometer from the market area towards 6th mile. Many tourists come to Takdah particularly to visit the Orchid Center.
There is a small monastery in Takdah whose actual name is Dechhen Pema Tshoiling Monastery, locally known as Takdah Monastery. From here panoramic view of Rungli Rungliot Tea Gardens, Teesta Valley Tea Estate and Durpin Dara View Point, Kalimpong etc can be seen.
How to reach :
It takes about 2.5-3 hours to reach Takdah by car from NJP or Bagdogra. Siliguri, the nearest town is about 52kms from Takdah, Darjeeling is 28kms away (about 1.5 hours by car) and Kalimpong about 40kms (2 hours).
Makaibari
The Makaibari Tea Estate is probably the most talked about and fabled tea garden in Darjeeling area. And there are reasons for that. This is one of the oldest tea gardens in
How to reach :
Makaibari is located in Kurseong area and about midway between Bagdogra airport and Darjeeling town center. It takes about 1 and half hours to reach Makaibari from Bagdogra airport or Siliguri and about the same time from Darjeeling town.