Love Darjeeling? 8 Other Places In West Bengal & Beyond With A Similar Vibe

Located in the eastern part of India, this hill town sits right above the ridge of the Teesta River. Its location alone promises sweeping, 360-degree views of the Himalayas, but there’s more. You’ll also catch a glimpse of Tibet here, with monasteries and sacred Buddhist scriptures to explore. Unlike Darjeeling’s tea gardens, this town is known more for its orchids. And all thanks to its rich culture, you’ll find amazing local handicrafts to shop for.

Best Time To Visit: March — May & October — December

Top Attractions: Delo Park, Pine View Nursery, Durpin Monastery, Morgan House

Must-Do Activities: Paragliding, cafe-hopping, monastery visits, orchid nursery walks

Best Suited For: Writers, slow travellers, couples

Distance From Bagdogra Airport: 2 hr 30 min (77.8 km)

What are the chances of finding an eco-friendly village in India? Pretty slim, but Chatakpur is one of them. Situated inside the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, this quaint village might not have a lot to discover, but it’s still worth a visit. It has everything you probably think of when planning a Darjeeling trip, like quiet forests, no city noise, and good AQI. Stay in a wooden cottage for a secluded, therapeutic experience, and you’ll be rewarded with the nicest view of Kanchenjunga!

Best Time To Visit: October — May

Top Attractions: Watchtower Viewpoint, Senchal Forest Trails

Must-Do Activities: Hiking, birdwatching, staying in eco-huts

Best Suited For: Nature lovers, photographers

Distance From Bagdogra Airport: 2 hr 17 min (60.5 km) 

Another village in the Darjeeling district that truly deserves its own fan base is Bara Mangwa. It’s a mix of valley views and an organic lifestyle. While it doesn’t sit at a dramatically higher altitude like Darjeeling, what sets it apart is its agrarian (farm) setting. Think: rows and rows of orange orchards and tea gardens lining riverside trails. You’ll also get to taste the homegrown food that’s superb for both the body and the soul.

Best Time To Visit: October — March

Top Attractions: Teesta Valley, orange orchards, Tinchuley Viewpoint

Must-Do Activities: Orchard walks, village stays, farm-to-table meals

Best Suited For: Families, rural retreat seekers

Distance From Bagdogra Airport: 2 hr 12 min (66.6 km)

Lepchajagat (literally meaning “the place of the Lepcha people”) is a sleepy little hamlet. If you’re wondering who the Lepcha are, they’re the people originally from Sikkim, now also found across Bhutan, Nepal, Darjeeling, and Tibet. The village is enveloped in mist and mossy hills. It’s clean, quiet, and gives you a true glimpse (well, a lot of it actually) into what slow, simple living really looks like.

Best Time To Visit: October — April

Top Attractions: Kanchenjunga Viewpoint, Jorepokhri, Ghoom Monastery (~ 10 km away)

Must-Do Activities: Long walks, stargazing, forest picnics

Best Suited For: Solo travellers, artists, couples

Distance From Bagdogra Airport: 2 hr 27 min (71.4 km)

While not exactly in West Bengal, Tabakoshi is close to both Darjeeling and the nearest airport. This small hamlet, located in the Gopaldhara tea region at an altitude of 3,800 feet, gives a slice of Darjeeling-style tea culture sans the crowds. It’s slowly emerging as an offbeat destination for lovers of sustainability and those who want to experience the blend of both tea gardens and riverside beauty. There’s no tourist rush here, just quietude, so much so that it’ll feel like the only thing making noise is your own mind.

Best Time To Visit: October — March

Top Attractions: Rangbhang River, Gopaldhara Tea Estate

Must-Do Activities: Tea tasting, riverside strolls, plantation walks

Best Suited For: Tea lovers, offbeat destination seekers

Distance From Bagdogra Airport: 1 hr 57 min (54.5 km)

Zuluk offers an experience and elevation that is beyond what Darjeeling offers. You can see Kanchenjunga from here too, and its iconic zigzag roads turn the long drive from the airport to your stay into a journey worth remembering. There’s no toy train here, but the sunrises, the historic Silk Route connection between Tibet and India, and the military-border energy will definitely leave a deep-rooted impression.

Best Time To Visit: April — June & September — November

Top Attractions: Thambi Viewpoint, Kupup Lake, Nathang Valley

Must-Do Activities: Road-tripping, mountain photography, heritage trail

Best Suited For: Adventure lovers, bikers, photographers

Nearest Airport: Pakyong Airport (2 hr 19 min)

Darjeeling’s cousin with a southern accent, Coonoor, has a surprisingly Darjeeling-like landscape. It’s swamped with Nilgiri tea estates, antique(y) colonial cottages, and greenery, all without a single honk to remind you of city life. The town has a sprawling garden full of rhododendrons, roses, and eucalyptus trees. While you’re there, be sure to stock up on delicious Nilgiri White Tea, Nilgiri First Flush, and Silver Tips.

Best Time To Visit: October — March

Top Attractions: Sim’s Park, Lamb’s Rock, Nilgiri Mountain Railway

Must-Do Activities: Tea estate walks, vintage stays, cafe hopping

Best Suited For: Tea lovers, writers, heritage travellers

Nearest Airport: Coimbatore Airport (2 hr 15 min)

If you're an enthu cutlet about Darjeeling monasteries, then Tawang is another place in India where you can truly experience Tibetan Buddhist culture. Well, you won’t find tea estates here, but what you will find are a spiritual calm that envelops the town, friendly locals, and culture without bustle. Just make sure to plan your trip carefully, check the weather forecast and avoid the monsoon and winter months, as landslides and road blockages are pretty common during those times.

Best Time To Visit: March — May & September — October

Top Attractions: Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Madhuri Lake

Must-Do Activities: Scenic drives, monastery visits, shopping

Best Suited For: Spiritual travellers, culture explorers

Nearest Airport: Salonibari Airport (8 hr 15 min)