{"id":705285,"date":"2024-05-08T14:31:38","date_gmt":"2024-05-08T09:01:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/traveltriangle.com\/blog\/?p=705285"},"modified":"2024-05-08T14:58:49","modified_gmt":"2024-05-08T09:28:49","slug":"5-offbeat-places-near-kurseong-a-guide-to-the-best-of-the-best","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/traveltriangle.com\/blog\/offbeat-places-near-kurseong\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Offbeat Places Near Kurseong: A Guide To The Best Of The Best"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kurseong is a foothill near the Himalayas in West Bengal. It is at a height of 1500 meters and its name is a modification of the Lepcha language \u2018Kharsang\u2019 which translates to the \u2018land of the white orchids\u2019. The lush green trees, whimsical views, serene surroundings, and top-notch air quality make Kurseong a must-visit destination. The areas surrounding this place are extensions of Kurseong. These offbeat places near Kurseong<\/strong> are untouched and so they remain true to their natural evolution.<\/em><\/p>\n

5 Offbeat Places Near Kurseong You Must Visit<\/h2>\n

1. Ambotia<\/h3>\n
\"Perched<\/div>\n

Image Source: Shutterstock<\/a><\/p>\n

Ambotia is among the best offbeat places near Kurseong for family. It is beautifully perched between tea gardens giving you the view of tea plantations. The smell of tea leaves and the view of workers plucking leaves will leave you spellbound. The tranquillity of the place along with the nearby mountains will give you the calm that city life cannot offer. Ambootia Shiva Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a must-see place. It is best if you travel during Mahashivratri when the place comes alive with devotees of Shiva and rhododendrons in full bloom.<\/p>\n

Distance from Kurseong:<\/strong> 8 km<\/p>\n

Best known for:<\/strong> Ambootia Shiva Temple, Ambootia tea garden<\/p>\n

Best time to visit:<\/strong> March to May, September to December, festival season (to visit Shiva temple)<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> Cochrane Place Hotel, Mukhiya Homestay, Himalayan Homestay, Hill Grove Homestay, Traditional Homestay, Aama Homestay<\/p>\n

Must Read:<\/strong> Weekend Getaways From Kolkata<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Chimney<\/h3>\n
\"Built<\/div>\n

Image Source: Shutterstock<\/a><\/p>\n

Chimney is a forest village close to Kurseong. It got its name from a chimney that was part of a dak-bungalow built for the British to reside during the First World War. The chimney is 24 feet long and it is the major attraction of the village even today. You can catch phenomenal views of the Kanchenjunga peaks from Chimney and the widespread tea estates that provide lush to the place. Breathing in the fresh air and spotting some rare birds makes this one of the best offbeat places near Kurseong. It is ideal for solo travellers who want to connect with nature and love history.<\/p>\n

Distance from Kurseong:<\/strong> 1 km<\/p>\n

Best known for:<\/strong> Its history, forest village, birdwatching, and view of Kanchenjunga peaks<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> Chimney Farmstay, Family Homestay, Hillside Homestay, Meghamala Himalayan Homestay, Pine Tree Homestay, Gorkhali Homestay<\/p>\n

Best time to visit:<\/strong> October to May<\/p>\n

3. Sittong<\/h3>\n
\"<\/div>\n

Image Source: Sumit Surai for wikimedia commons <\/a><\/p>\n

Sittong is one of the offbeat places near Kurseong for friends as it offers lots of activities. Sittong is a group of villages; Sittong-I, Sittong-II, and Sittong-III. Sittong-I is the upper Sittong area known for tea gardens, dense forests, and sightseeing. Sittong-II sits at 6,000 feet, which is the highest point among the three groups. Sittong-III is the second-highest point in Sittong at 4,200 feet. When you combine a trip to the three, you and your friends will realise adventure awaits you as there is something to do in every area.<\/p>\n

You must set aside a few days or more to travel to every nook and corner of Sittong. The Lepcha Monastery is over 3 centuries old and has all the historical artefacts of the place. You can revel in the sight of Jogighat Bridge which gives you a view of the famous Riyang River. The Jogikhola Rock Climbing Spot has a waterfall that flows with force over a bed of rocks. This is best visible after monsoon. If you want to see more waterfalls, you can head to Lepcha Falls, where you can see all the waterfalls in a pool. This is why it is among the top offbeat places near Kurseong for friends.<\/p>\n

Distance from Kurseong:<\/strong> 24 km<\/p>\n

Best known for:<\/strong> Riyang River, Mahaldiram Tea Garden, Cinchona Plantations, Lepcha Monastery, Jogikhola Rock Climbing Spot, Lepcha Falls, Rabindra Bhavan, Jogighat Bridge<\/p>\n

Best time to visit:<\/strong> March to June, October and November, November to January (for oranges)<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong> Sittong Valley Homestay, Rishaan Cottages Homestay, Bishesh Homestay, Sunrise Homestay, Kamal\u2019s Homestay<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Offbeat Places In South India<\/a><\/p>\n

4. Ahal Dara<\/h3>\n
\"Ahal<\/div>\n

Image Source: Shutterstock<\/a><\/p>\n

Ahal Dara is situated on Shelpu Hill and is popularly known for its orange orchards. If you want to enjoy a picnic day with your friends or family, this can easily become your favourite of all the offbeat places near Kurseong. A place to forget about your worries and tension, this is the best weekend spot for many. You can enjoy the hiking trail of Ahal Dara to rejuvenate your senses and visit the tea plantations known for their aromatic perfection. You are in for a charming, gorgeous, and appealing visual fest at this place.<\/p>\n

Distance from Kurseong:<\/strong> 38 km
\nBest known for: <\/strong>Shelpu Hill, views of valleys nearby, orange orchards, birdwatching, Namthing Pokhari, hiking trail
\nBest time to visit:<\/strong> March to May (perfect weather and flower season), June to September (greenery), November to February (clear views of snow-capped mountains and clear sky)
\nWhere to stay:<\/strong> Humro Home, Sunrise View Point Homestay, Blessing Homestay, Himal Luxury Homestay, Ahaldara Ritzy Velly Homestay<\/p>\n

5. Beltar<\/h3>\n
\"Offbeat<\/div>\n

Image Source: Rangan Datta Wiki for wikimedia commons <\/a><\/p>\n

Beltar Eco Resort has brought the spotlight to this location which was often overlooked in the past. It offers a luxurious stay with a camping option whereby you can stay in a tent. It has a large swimming pool in the centre that takes up the aesthetics of the place even further. Margaret\u2019s Deck is an outstanding tourist attraction; you can view the sunset and sunrise here. Beltar is one of the top serene offbeat places near Kurseong for family. Your family will enjoy the sound of nature and spending quality time with one another will make the experience even better.<\/p>\n

Distance from Kurseong:<\/strong> 12 km
\nBest known for:<\/strong> Margaret\u2019s Deck, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum, tea gardens, eco-tourism, hiking
\nBest time to visit:<\/strong> March end to May, August end to October
\nWhere to stay:<\/strong> Beltar Resort, Beltar Riverside Homestay, La Das Treetops, Ecopulse, Namgyal Homestay, Pahauna Ghar Homestay<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Offbeat Destinations In India In December<\/a><\/p>\n

Tips When Travelling To Offbeat Places Near Kurseong<\/h2>\n