If you’re looking for a dreamy, misty, and laidback hill station to unwind with your family and friends, you must consider going to Takdah.
This hill station situated near Darjeeling is known for its panoramic views, lush tea gardens, and blooming orchids.
The small hill station has remnants of the British colonial era that’ve blended well with the modern buildings here.
The vibe?
A vacation-worthy atmosphere in the hills that’s laidback, comforting, and straight away enchanting!
Takdah: An Underexplored Hill Station With Colonial Heritage
Significance Of Takdah
Takdah falls in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal with the Takdah to Darjeeling distance being 30.5 kilometers (km).
It is situated at an average elevation of about 4000 feet above sea level, guaranteeing you scenic views of the Eastern Himalayas.
Takdah is known for being a former British cantonment in the colonial era. As it was a significant hill station in the British colonial era, you’ll see plenty of buildings here from this time period.
We’re talking about British-style cathedrals, offices, and home that beautifully adorn the hill station.
How To Reach Takdah
Air Route
The Bagdogra Airport is the closest airport to reach Takdah. It is located about 71 km away from the hill station.
Bagdogra Airport enjoys decent connectivity to other airports in India such as those in Guwahati, Kolkata, Patna, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, etc.
Once you land at the airport, your best option is to rent a cab outside the airport to reach Takdah.
Rail Route
If you decide to travel by train, you must get down at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, which is the nearest railway station to Takdah.
There are regular trains from Howrah and Sealdah stations that you can alight to reach New Jalpaiguri.
From the railway station, you can rent a cab to reach Takdah.
Road Route
You can reach Takdah from various cities in West Bengal such as New Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Bagdogra, as well as Kalimpong.
Take the National Highway 10 (Sevoke Road) and then travel via Rambi Bazaar and Chota Mangwa to reach Takdah.
You can get buses from Darjeeling to Takdah, and while they are reliable, we recommend renting a cab. That way, you’ll be able to make convenient stops and explore different places on your way to Takdah.
Sightseeing And Attractions: Some Of The Best Takdah Tourist Places
Lamahatta Eco Park
This park in Takdah is known for its diverse floral arrangements, trees, and gardens that make for a blissful picnic spot nestled in the hill station. You’ll have to hike a little to reach the park, but trust us – it’s all worth it.
Along with stunning displays of flowering plants, there is also a lake in the upper part of the park. With cobbled pathways and attractive floral arrangements, the Lamahatta Eco Park is a must-visit attraction in Takdah
Takdah Orchid Center
How can you not take a look at orchids when you’re in Takdah?
The Takdah Orchid Center is a paradise for those interested in flowers, especially orchids. Once the largest orchid garden in Asia, it is home to a variety of orchids today, including the rare black orchid.
Also, with its stunning orchid gardens, you must stop here for a quick photo-op with your friends and family.
Takdah Monastery
A major spiritual place in Takdah is the Takdah Monastery. It is also known as the Dechhen Pema Tshoiling Monastery. It is a great place to unwind and soak all the spiritual energies here.
From the monastery, you’ll get panoramic views of the Teesta Valley, Rungli Rungliot Tea Gardens, and sometimes, even Kalimpong City.
Tinchuley Viewpoint
Many travelers visiting Takdah make it a point to visit this famous viewpoint on the hill station. The Tinchuley Viewpoint is where you’ll witness some of the most breathtaking views of lush green mountains, sprawling tea gardens, and views of the Tinchuley Monastery.
If you’re a morning person (and even if you’re not), we highly recommend that you visit the viewpoint for a sunrise. After all, the hill stations in Northern West Bengal are famous for their sunrise views!
Rungli Rungliot Tea Garden
Visiting Northern West Bengal and not exploring the world-famous tea gardens here? Well, that would be a major crime! The Rungli Rungliot Tea Garden is one of the oldest tea gardens in the Darjeeling district.
Local legends say that a monk once visited this tea garden looking for good-quality tea. Overcome by the aroma of the tea here, he uttered two words: “Rungli Rungliot” – translating to “thus far and no further”.
Make sure to stroll through the tea gardens, try sipping the authentic tea, and accompany it with local snacks!
Stays And Heritage Bungalows In Takdah
Owing to its colonial heritage, you’ll find plenty of bungalows in Takdah that are a testament to the British grandeur of the bygone era.
The detailed, intricately carved frescos, use of wood panelling, and other design elements are what make these colonial buildings truly distinct.
Some of these heritage buildings have been converted into schools and offices while others have been converted into homestays.
One of them is the iconic Takdah Heritage Bungalow 12. It is a property that is more than 100 years old and despite the age, it is a well-functioning bungalow.
Bungalow no. 12 has six rooms, including a standard room, deluxe room, and lavish suites. If you wish to stay here amidst dense pine forests and a laidback atmosphere away from the main town of Takdah, you can contact the owners for a stay.
Contact: 90026 77779
There are plenty of Takdah homestay options as well as luxurious hotels and heritage bungalows. Here are some of these heritage bungalows and hotels in and around Takdah that make for a comfortable accommodation option:
- Darjeeling Hillside Inn
Price: INR 2000 onwards usually
Address: Hill Cart Rd, West Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102
- Rose Villa Heritage Bungalow
Price: INR 3000 onwards usually
Address: Forest Club side, Takdah, West Bengal 734222
- The Bougainvillea House
Price: INR 3200 onwards usually
Address: Namring Tea Garden, West Bengal 734226
- Rongong Farms
Price: INR 4000 onwards usually
Address: Girja Gaon Chota mangwa Tilchule, Rangli Ranglot Tea Garden, West Bengal 734222
- Himalayan Cloud’s Homestay
Price: INR 3000 onwards usually
Address: Lamahatta Busty, School Dara Lamahatta, West Bengal 734213
- The English Cottage
Price: INR 11,500 onwards usually
Address: Hermitage, 19/1, Road, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Summing Up
Takdah is an underrated retreat tucked away in the misty hills of the Eastern Himalayas. With stunning views, a laidback local life, and plenty of things to do, this hill station is a must-visit if you’re looking for a much-needed break.
The colonial heritage of this hill station adds another layer of mystique to its history and significance – and the colonial buildings are a testament to the same.
So, while you might be a fan of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, why not also visit this quaint and underexplored hill station?
FAQs
What Is Takdah Famous For?
Takdah is famous for its sprawling, lush green tea gardens, views of the Himalayas, and British-era architecture.
Can I See Kanchenjunga From Takdah?
Yes, indeed! On a clear day, you can get a glimpse of the mighty Kanchenjunga ranges from Takdah.
Does It Snow In Takdah?
While it snows very little in Takdah, you can visit the hill station to get stunning views of the snow-clad Himalayan ranges.
