If you are tired of crowded hill stations like Manali, Shimla, or even Darjeeling town, then Sittong is exactly where you should go next. Nestled in the Kurseong subdivision of Darjeeling district, West Bengal, Sittong is a peaceful Himalayan hamlet famous for its orange orchards, misty mountains, forest trails, and authentic village life. Many travelers now call it “The Orange Village of North Bengal.”
Unlike commercial tourist destinations, Sittong offers calmness, fresh air, and real nature. Here, you won’t find traffic noise, big hotels, or shopping malls. Instead, you will wake up to birdsong, see clouds floating below your balcony, and sip organic tea grown nearby.
In this guide, you will discover the best places to visit in Sittong, along with tips that help you plan a perfect trip.
1. Sittong Orange Orchards
Your Sittong trip begins with its biggest attraction — the orange gardens. Between December and February, the entire village turns bright orange as thousands of trees get covered with ripe oranges. The hills literally glow during sunrise and sunset.
You can walk through the orchards, interact with farmers, and even pluck oranges yourself (with permission). Local families happily explain how they grow the fruit without chemicals. The oranges taste sweeter and juicier than market ones because they grow in natural mountain soil.
Why you should visit:
- Unique rural farming experience
- Best photography spot in Sittong
- Taste fresh organic oranges
This is also the best time for couples and honeymoon travelers because the weather stays pleasant and romantic.
2. Ahaldara View Point
Ahaldara View Point is one of the most stunning viewpoints near Sittong. Located about 5 km away, this hilltop offers a panoramic view of Mount Kanchenjunga, especially during clear winter mornings.
From here, you can also see:
- Teesta River valley
- Pine forests
- Rolling tea gardens
- Kalimpong hills
Early morning sunrise here feels magical. Clouds float below the mountain range, and golden light touches the snow peaks. Many photographers visit Sittong only for Ahaldara.
Travel Tip: Start early (around 5:30 AM in winter) to catch the clearest Kanchenjunga view.
3. Riyang River (Riyang Khola)
If you love rivers, you must visit Riyang River, locally called Riyang Khola. It flows quietly through forested valleys and offers a refreshing break from village sightseeing.
You can:
- Sit on smooth river stones
- Enjoy a picnic
- Dip your feet in crystal-clear cold water
- Listen to natural river sounds
Unlike crowded rivers in other tourist spots, this place stays peaceful and untouched. Many homestay owners arrange guided walks to the river.
This location is perfect for travelers who want mental relaxation and nature therapy.
4. Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Located near Sittong, the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. The sanctuary spreads across dense forests and hills, providing habitat to many rare animals.
You may spot:
- Barking deer
- Himalayan black bear
- Wild elephants (rare sightings)
- Leopards (very rare)
- Over 300 species of birds
Even if you don’t see animals, the jungle walk itself feels refreshing. Tall sal trees, bamboo clusters, and cool air create a jungle adventure experience.
Carry binoculars because Sittong is a bird-watching hotspot.
5. Jogighat Bridge
Jogighat Bridge connects Sittong to nearby villages and stands over a scenic mountain stream. It is not a typical tourist monument, but travelers love it for photography and peaceful views.
The hanging bridge, green hills, and flowing water create a cinematic landscape. Many vloggers shoot reels here.
Visit during late afternoon when sunlight reflects beautifully on the water.
6. Mangpu (Rabindranath Tagore’s House)
Just 12 km from Sittong lies Mangpu, a culturally important destination. Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore stayed here several times, and his residence is now a museum.
Inside the house you can see:
- Tagore’s photographs
- Personal belongings
- Manuscripts and letters
- His writing desk
The surrounding area also offers tea gardens and mountain views. Literature lovers should never miss this place.
7. Latpanchar
Close to Sittong, Latpanchar is another beautiful offbeat destination. It sits at a slightly higher altitude and provides a wider Himalayan view.
This place is especially famous for:
- Orchid gardens
- Rare birds like Rufous-necked Hornbill
- Trekking trails
Adventure lovers often combine Sittong and Latpanchar in one trip.
8. Namthing Pokhri (Salamander Lake)
One of the most unique places near Sittong is Namthing Pokhri, a small high-altitude pond. It is famous for the rare Himalayan Salamander, an endangered amphibian species.
You can visit between July and September, when salamanders appear around the pond after rain.
Even otherwise, the forest walk to reach the lake feels peaceful and refreshing.
9. Tea Gardens Near Sittong
North Bengal means tea, and Sittong is no exception. You will find many small tea estates around the village. Unlike Darjeeling’s crowded tea gardens, these remain quiet and authentic.
You can:
- Watch tea plucking
- Taste fresh Darjeeling tea
- Learn processing methods
- Take aesthetic photos
Many homestays serve tea grown just a few kilometers away.
Best Time to Visit Sittong
Each season offers a different experience:
Winter (Dec – Feb): Best time. Orange season + clear Kanchenjunga view
Spring (Mar – Apr): Blooming flowers and pleasant weather
Monsoon (Jul – Sep): Greenest landscapes, misty clouds (but roads slippery)
Autumn (Oct – Nov): Clear mountain views and cool climate
For most travelers, January is the perfect month.
How to Reach Sittong
- Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (around 35–40 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
- From NJP/Bagdogra, hire a shared car or private cab to Sittong (2.5–3 hours drive)
Road journey passes through forests, tea gardens, and mountain roads — the trip itself becomes part of the experience.
Where to Stay in Sittong
Sittong mainly offers homestays, not luxury hotels. That is actually its biggest charm. Local families host tourists and provide:
- Homemade Nepali/Bengali food
- Organic vegetables
- Firewood heating
- Cultural interaction
You will eat fresh rice, dal, chicken curry, local greens, and sometimes bamboo shoot dishes.
Final Thoughts
Sittong is not a place for nightlife, shopping, or luxury resorts. It is a destination for peace, nature, slow travel, and mountain culture. If you want to detox from city stress, hear silence, and watch clouds drift across valleys, Sittong will not disappoint you. For travelers searching for the best places to visit in India beyond crowded hill stations, this quiet Himalayan village offers an experience that feels raw, authentic, and deeply refreshing.
The real beauty of Sittong lies in its simplicity — orange trees, smiling villagers, fresh air, and Himalayan sunrises. Visit once, and you will understand why many travelers now call it one of the best offbeat places in North Bengal.
So pack warm clothes, carry a camera, and give yourself a break. The mountains of Sittong are waiting.
