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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
+91 70017 24300


If you are someone wanting to break free from the tourist overdose, water shortages and unusual weather conditions, which are common these days in Darjeeling, even during the autumn season, you can trust us to escape into one of the closer exotic locations, which is surrounded by splendid mountain views and is an exotic location.
Altitude
3,800 feet
Region
Darjeeling
Min temp
4°C to 6°C
Max temp
22°C to 26°C
This stunning hamlet is slowly gaining popularity as one of the top picks for tourists in search of an offbeat location near Darjeeling. It is a thrilling visit to Chota Mangwa, as here you can expect the vibrant, picturesque orange orchards, the roads winding through the lush green pine forests with lofty mountain ranges surrounding these forests and on a clear day, it is an ethereal sight for visitors to capture the brilliant glimpse of the majestic Kanchenjunga. You can also visit the nearby monastery located in Tackling, Rungliot Tea Estate in Takdah and the splendid orange juice-making factory located at Lopchu.
I enjoyed my trip to Chota Mangwa which felt magical while I drank homemade delicious orange squash and saw sunrise over the snow peaks right from the balcony of my homestay. I got to wake up to the sweet chirping of birds which was a pure surreal experience for me.
Chota Mangwa is surrounded by lush green hills of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim on all sides, which is located approximately 35 km away from Darjeeling and takes about 1 a half hours drive, on the Mangwa hilltop.
Let me share with you a simple roadmap to reach Chota Mangwa. Drive for about 2 hours from Darjeeling via Teesta Bazaar from Bagdogra or NJP. It is then about 45 minutes from Darjeeling to reach and cross Ghoom, and you need to make a left turn from Jorebunglow. You can wait for about 20 minutes for a tea break. You need to drive up to the 6th mile and turn right to reach Takdah. You can wait for another short break here. Then, you can proceed 3 km from Takdah to reach Tinchuley. From here, you just need to go forward on a 20-minute drive to reach a diversion, and in just about 1.5 km, you will reach your destination, Chota Mangwa. This quaint hamlet is surrounded by a spectacular view of the mountains and tall coniferous trees.
Chota Mangwa experiences pleasant weather conditions throughout the year, as it is situated close to the Queen of Hills, Darjeeling. However, there is a seasonal variation of weather in Chota Mangwa, which is a pleasure for visitors to experience different weather conditions/temperatures during different times of their visit.
| Season | Temperature | Weather | Best activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | 10–20 °C | blooming and pleasant | village tours and nature walks |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 15–25 °C | misty and warm | birdwatching and tea garden visits |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 8–18 °C | clear skies and crisp air | sunrise views and hiking |
| Winter (December to February) | 2–12 °C | foggy and cold | mountain photography and bonfire stays. |
All through the year, you can find pleasure in Chota Mangwa’s pleasant weather, where the temperature of this quaint settlement. However, if you are seeking to experience catching the view of vibrant and freshly ripped oranges all across the valleys, with a clear backdrop of the splendid view of the majestic Kanchenjunga with slight snow dusted on its peak, then the best time to visit Chota Mangwa is anywhere between October and February, which also has excellent weather conditions.
I went on a trip to Chota Mangwa in spring, where I stayed at a beautiful;l homestay surrounded by warm hospitality and enjoyed walking around orange blossoms, the clear skies added to the charm of my trip.
| Months | Weather | Footfall | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | blooming and pleasant | High | Peak Season | village stays, nature walks and orchgard visits. |
| Monsoon (June-August) | misty and rainy | Low | Off-Season | solitary relaxations. |
| Autumn (September-November) | crisp and clear | High | Peak-season | clear views, photography and birdwatching. |
| Winter (December-February) | foggy and cold | Low to Moderate | Shoulder Season | peaceful retreats |
Chota Mangwa is a serene village that offers some of the most splendid views of lush greenery and the majestic Himalayas, adding charm. To experience this place better, you must visit these few places to capture the authentic experience of Chota Mangwa.
I enjoyed uninterrupted walks around the orange orchards of Chota Mangwa and the quiet forest trails while sipping refreshing local tea with the friendly locals.
River Rafting at Teesta or Rangeet River
If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can immerse yourself in the thrilling river rafting activity on the Teesta or Rangeet River, where you can also enjoy the picturesque scenery.
Takling Village
You will enjoy a relaxing walk to the nearby village of Takling, where you can explore a very old monastery. It has an amazing view of the surrounding mountain range, especially in the morning with the rising sun, which casts a magical spell and hue on the mountain edges. This village is also an ideal place for trek lovers.
Lopchu
This is another small, quaint settlement, very close to Chota Mangwa. Lopchu is a fascinating place to explore and experience the fun of watching the juice-making process in a factory setting.
Rungli Rungliot Tea Garden
Don’t miss out on exploring and tasting the fantastic and finest Darjeeling tea here in Rungli Rungliot Tea Garden, which is also a magnificent destination with picturesque views.
Bara Mangwa
Another charming village located near Chota Mangwa is Bara Mangwa which is popular for its scenic orange orchards and terrace farming, which also offers some of the most spectacular sceneries of the Teesta Valley. This place makes it a perfect getaway place for visitors who seek tranquillity.
I reached Chopta Mangwa in a scenic winding uphill drive of 1.5 hours from Darjeeling amid lush villages and a peaceful ambience. The tea garden views were especially mesmerising.
Here is your guide on how to reach Chota Mangwa, which is easily accessible from Bagdogra and NJP (Siliguri).
By Air
The nearest airport to Chota Mangwa is the Bagdogra Airport, which is located at an estimated distance of 69 km, which is an easy drive of nearly 3 hours, via NH 10, including a small tea break.
By Train
The nearest railway station is the new Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP), located at an estimated distance of 65 kilometres from Chota Mangwa, nearly 3 hours by car from NJP to Chota Mangwa. NJP has a great train service with almost all major cities being well-connected to it, be it Kolkata, Mumbai or Delhi. It takes nearly 10 to 12 hours to travel from Kolkata to NJP on Kanchankanya Express or Darjeeling Mail. After arriving at the NJP station, you can either hire a taxi or get on a shared jeep to travel from NJP to Chota Mangwa, which will take around 3 hours to cover this distance, via NH 10.
By Road
The distance between Siliguri and Chota Mangwa is approximately 60 kilometres, and you can either hire a taxi or get on a shared jeep to travel from Siliguri to Chota Mangwa. It will take you around 3 hours to cover this distance. This journey from Siliguri to Chota Mangwa is one of the most memorable car experiences, driving through the lush green alpine forests and surrounded by the majestic Himalayan terrain. This is a sure-shot, exciting experience on the road. The distance between Darjeeling and Chota Mangwa is approximately 35 kilometres; it will take you around 1.3 hours to cover this distance via Peshok/Rishi Road.
There are numerous local food options in Chota Mangwa, which offer a delightful mix of regional and traditional flavours, showcasing their local dishes, including Momo, Thukpa, Dhindo, Gundruk, Sel Roti, and even fresh, organic products that are locally sourced. You can try out the following cultural experiences in Chota Mangwa
Tasting traditional Cuisine
You can join the locals in their cooking sessions to be able to witness their way of cooking local savoury dishes made with organic produce and natural herbs over a woodfire.
Interacting with the Locals
You can take a stroll around the village to interact with the friendly locals and learn about their traditional way of living.
Visiting the Organic Farms
You can learn about sustainable farming practices by participating with the locals.
Local Handicrafts
You can witness the local artisan while they expertly make handicrafts and bamboo crafts.
There are affordable and comfortable accommodation options available across Chota Mangwa for a nice and comfortable stay during the night, with friends and family. The homestays in Chota Mangwa are run by local families, with almost all major amenities available for guests, from running hot water, sanitised rooms, electricity and attached western bathrooms.
I stayed at the cosy Lungchok homestay in Chota Mangwa, where I enjoyed the breathtaking valley view and stunning sunrise from the window of my room and stayed peacefully surrounded by warm hospitality.
| Category | Best stay | Price range | Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Abir’s Homestay | ₹1,200 – ₹1,800 | village vibes, basic rooms | budget and solo travellers. |
| Mid-Range | Deki Lodge Homestay | ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 | Kanchenjunga and garden views | couples |
| Mid-Range | Teesta View Homestay | ₹1,500 – ₹2,200 | Teesta valley views | Nature lovers and families |
| Premium | Lungchok Homestay | ₹1,800 – ₹2,500 | Balcony views, peaceful setting and orange orchards | Photographers |
| Backpacker | Mangwa View Homestay | ₹1,400 – ₹1,800 | wooden interiors and community vibes | group stays |
Homestays
The homestays of Chota Mangwa are located near serene landscapes, which offer organic local food, the best Kanchenjunga views and warm hospitality along with basic modern amenities.
You will get a soul-soothing experience in Chota Mangwa surrounded by the beautiful views of the Kanchenjunga range, misty hills and golden orange orchards. It is an ideal place for some digital detox and relaxation away from the city's chaos.
Where is Chota Mangwa located?
Chota Mangwa is situated in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India, near Takdah.
What is the altitude of Chota Mangwa?
The altitude of Chota Mangwa is around 1,550 meters
What is Chota Mangwa known for?
Chota Mangwa is known for organic farming, tea gardens, peaceful stays and Kanchenjunga views.
When is the best time for a trip to Chota Mangwa?
The best time for a trip to Chota Mangwa is between October to April for outdoor activities, pleasant weather and clear views.
Can I find good accomodation optins in Chota Mangwa?
Yes, you can find some good eco-resorts and peaceful homestays in Chota Mangwa.
How can I reach Chota Mangwa?
You can reach Chota Mangwa from Siliguri via Takdah and Teesta.
Is Padamchen an ideal destination for couple stays or family getaways?
Yes, Chota Mangwa is ideal for quiet escapes, romantic getaways or offbeat family holidays.
What activities can I do in Chota Mangwa?
Birdwatching, village walks, cultural interactions, stargazing and tea garden visits.
Is Chota Mangwa a crowded destination?
No, Chota Mangwa is a peaceful destination away from the tourist rush, ideal for solitude seekers.
Can I see Kanchenjunga from Chota Mangwa?
Yes, you can witness clear views of Kanchenjunga from here.