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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
+91 70017 24300
One of the tranquil villages, which is considered an amazing offbeat location by tourists to enjoy their escape from the bustles, Shittong is increasingly catching up with the pace of rising tourism in this location, which is popular for its untouched and pristine natural beauty. This village is nothing glamorous with great options for eateries and fancy hotels, rather, if you wish to find that city-like glimmer, you shall see that almost a 2 hours distance from Sittong, by car.
Altitude
4,000 feet
Region
Darjeeling
Min temp
7°C and 9°C
Max temp
27°C to 35°C
Sittong is an offbeat travel location situated close to Darjeeling and is gaining popularity for its magnificent views, scenic beauty of nature and the lush emerald green sprawling tea gardens. This location is perched at an altitude of around 5000 ft, which is a peaceful escape for visitors, away from the hustling tourist hubspots. The serenity in its ambience is the right dose for visitors seeking a space to immerse themselves completely in nature. Here, you can enjoy the view and a leisurely walk through the vibrant orange orchards, and the excellent mountain views from nearby locations like Ahaldara viewpoint. You can experience a serene walk through the Jogighat Bridge on the cascading Riyan River, explore the local monasteries and temples, get first-hand experience of activities like rock climbing and experience the local dishes from the region.
You can expect slow travel bliss, organic food, homestay warmth and orange orchards from Sittong. I was taught the art of simple living in Sittong during my trip, where I connected deeply with nature and disconnected from city chaos.
Sittong is just a 2-and-a-half-hour drive away from Darjeeling, a nearly 45 km drive, which is a small village cluster, under the Kurseong sub-division, and is now gaining popularity for its splendid and sprawling tea garden and expansive mountain views, from approximately 4000 ft altitude. This tourist destination is often considered offbeat, as it is devoid of the glimmer of city life. Sittong is also popular as the “Orange Valley of North Bengal”. The approximate distance between Siliguri and Shittong via road (NH 110) is 32 km, which will take you around 1 and a half hours, considering a small tea break.
Shittong experiences pleasant weather conditions across the year, as it is situated close to the Queen of Hills, Darjeeling. However, there is a seasonal variation of weather in Sittong, 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) | Day: 15-25°C, Night: 9-13°C | Kanchenjunga visibility in early spring,blooming rhododendrons, mild to warm days, pleasant | Kanchenjunga viewing, exploring tea gardens, sightseeing, enjoying flowers |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Day: 20-28°C, Night: 15-22°C (potentially higher "feels like" temp due to humidity). | rain starts late June, transitioning towards monsoon, cooler nights, warm days, high humidity | tea garden visits, exploring nearby areas, sightseeing, treeking |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Day: 20-25°C, Night: 14-20°C | best Kanchenjunga views, cool and comfortable, pleasant, post-monsoon freshness | tea garden tours, festivals, Kanchenjunga views |
| Winter (December to February) | Day: 7-15°C, Night: 0-9°C | orange orchards in full bloom, cold, potential for snowfall | orange-picking sessions, orange orchards in full bloom, cosy stays, Kanchenjunga views |
For most of the year, the weather conditions and temperature remain pleasant, which ensures easy travel for tourists to Sittong and enjoy the scenic beauty of this offbeat location. However, it all depends on the preferences of tourists. Now, if you are someone seeking to cherish a fantastic view of the majestic Kanchenjunga, then it must be a planned trip to Sittong. Then, the Spring season, which falls between March and April, is the ideal time, when one can catch the best glimpses of this majestic mountain peak with slight snow dust and the azure blue sky in the backdrop. This site is indeed wonderful! Also, the autumn season from October to November is considered similarly ideal, as this is the orange season, with vibrant orange colour, oranges blooming all across the orchards with fresh fruity fragrance
I went on a trip to Sittong in winter, where the orchards appeared golden with glistening sunlight, just like a golden light lighting up the hills.
| Months | Weather | Footfall | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | blooming rhododendrons & wildflowers. mild to warm, pleasant | Moderate | Peak Season | exploring tea gardens, enjoying flowers, Kanchenjunga views, nature walks |
| Monsoon (June-August) | landslides possible, heavy rainfall, roads can be slippery/closed, misty views, high humidity, heavy rainfall | Low | Off-Season | Enjoying lush green landscapes, experiencing the unique charm of mist-covered hills. |
| Autumn (September-November) | best Kanchenjunga views, cool and comfortable, pleasant | High | Peak-season | tea-garden tours, Kanchenjunga views |
| Winter (December-February) | clear views possible, orange orchards in full bloom, cold, potential for snowfall | Low to Moderate | Shoulder Season | avoiding crowds, cozy stays,witnessing orange orchards in full bloom, orange picking sessions |
This tranquil hamlet located near Darjeeling is increasingly becoming a celebrated tourist destination for its calming monastery ambience, the vibrant orange orchards and splendid vistas of the great Himalayan range. Here is an exciting list of nearby attractions and places to visit in Sittong to explore this place to its fullest.
I felt like exploring the hidden treasures of Bengal while taking a walk among the lush orange plantations of Sittong and had a heartfelt conversation with the locals.
Ambotia Shiv Mandir
This temple is revered by locals and tourists equally and is situated amidst Kurseong’s Ambotia Tea Estate area, which is nearly 7 km away from the city centre of Kurseong. The highlight of this temple is its tranquillity stirred into its surrounding atmosphere, alongside the luscious tea gardens, which is a soothing experience for tourists of the hill temple, surrounded by so much scenic beauty.
Saint Paul Church
This church in Sittong is located close to Kurseong's main town and is about 5 km away from Kurseong’s railway station. The highlight of this place is its colonial-era charm in its architecture, alongside the quaint feel which exudes serenity and reflects the rich British heritage of this place.
Giddapahar Viewpoint
This viewpoint in Sittong is perched on a hilltop, which is about just 3 km from Kurseong’s main town. The amazing fact about this place, which attracts masses, is its excellent 360°panoramic view, which is captured by tourists of the surrounding valleys and the lush emerald green tea gardens, which is a perfect setting for photographers to capture those magnificent moments of sunrise and sunset.
Ahaldara Viewpoint
This viewpoint in Sittong is another popular point of attraction among tourists, which is just a short drive away from the centre of Sittong, nearly 3 km. Ahaldara viewpoint is situated at Shelpu Hill’s highest point, whereby, while walking to this viewpoint, you will pass the ticket counter to enter the viewpoint premises. This viewpoint is celebrated among visitors for its amazing wide-angle view of the mountain range and the Himalayan vista, especially the glamorous Kanchenjunga, which is a must-visit for tourists during sunrise.
Namthing Pokhri
This offbeat location is almost 7 km away from Sittong and is located near Latpanchar, which is getting its due popularity among tourists for the small seasonal lake, which is famous for the endangered species, the Himalayan Salamander, whose population in this lake increases during monsoon with the beaming lake and bushy forest setting.
Sittong Orange Orchard
The orange orchards in Sittong are popular in the entire Darjeeling district and are spread throughout the hilly terrain. You can take a leisurely walk during sunset through these vibrant and fresh fragrances of the ripe oranges, which is one of the popular attractions of Sittong. This place also got its nickname as “Orange Village” for its flourishing orange cultivation, which is also an interesting hub for tourists, as they get the chance to learn about local orange farming practices and get to taste the fresh oranges here.
Sittong Monastery
The famous Sittong Monastery is located right at the heart of this quaint hamlet, which is easily accessible by tourists on foot. You can also avail yourself of the local ride to reach the monastery. This monastery in Shittong is popular for the serenity felt in its ambience, alongside the panoramic and spectacular vista of the surrounding hills. This is indeed a perfect place to experience a meditation space.
Mahaldiram Tea Garden
This sprawling tea garden is situated near Sittong, rather between Kurseong and Sittong and is approximately 12 km away from each of these towns. The highlight of this nearby attraction is the panoramic view of the lush tea gardens, with rolling green slopes. Tourists visiting this tea garden are greeted with the opportunity to observe the tea processing activities, besides enjoying the freshness in the mountain air and getting their hands on the second-best tea from Mahaldiram Tea Garden.
Jogikhola and Nambung Waterfall
This waterfall in Sittong is one of the excellent waterfalls witnessed when exploring Sittong. The Jogikhola and Nambung waterfalls are considered the best from these collections. The Jogikhola waterfall also has an exciting activity located near it, which is the popular Jogikhola Rock Climbing spot, located in the Latpanchar area. The Jogikhola Waterfall is just 5km from Namthing Pokhri. Don’t miss out on this waterfall and rock-climbing activity at Jogikhola.
Jogighat Bridge and Riyan River
The Jogighat Bridge spans over the Riyan River, which, for tourists, serves as a peaceful escape near Sittong. The gentle and expansive hills surrounding the area and the peacefully flowing river have become a popular picnic spot and leisurely walks for visitors, who also enjoy the tranquil scenery of the ambience and the river, indeed a great place for photography and relaxation.
Latpanchar
This nearby attraction is situated approximately 10 km away from Shittong and is also considered a part of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, and is popular as one of the biodiversity hotspots among tourists. This spot is also popular among birdwatchers, especially for watching Rufous-necked Hornbill, and is also an abode to a wide variety of medicinal plants.
Here is your guide on how to reach Sittong, which is easily accessible from Bagdogra and NJP (Siliguri).
I enjoyed an adventurous ride to Sittong, surrounded by misty valleys and winding mountain roads from Siliguri, which was a memorable scenic hillside drive.
By Air
The nearest airport to Sittong is the Bagdogra Airport, which is located at an estimated distance of 64 km, which is an easy drive of nearly 2 hours and 40 minutes, via NH 110, and Siliguri Road by car.
By Train
The nearest railway station is the New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP), located at an estimated distance of 64 kilometres from Shittong, nearly 3 hours by car from NJP to Shittong, including a short tea break, via NH 110. 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 the 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 Sittong, through Hill Cart Road.
By Road
The distance between Siliguri and Sittong is approximately 60 kilometres, and you can either hire a taxi or get on a shared jeep to travel from Siliguri to Sittong. It will take you around 3 hours to cover this distance. This journey from Siliguri to Sittong 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 Sittong is approximately 35 kilometres; it will take you around 1.3 hours to cover this distance via Peshok/Rishi Road.
The local cuisines of Sittong reflect the blended traditions of the rural Himalayan, Nepali, and Lepcha communities. Some of the savoury dishes of Shittong include- Dal Bhat Tarkari, Thukpa, Aloo Dum & Bamboo Shoot Curry, Churpi with Ningro and Sel Roti. You can get an immersive cultural experience in Sittong by doing the following activities-
Homestay Experience
You can find out about the daily lifestyle of the Nepali and Lepcha communities by sharing a meal prepared by them in the warm rooms of the homestays.
Storytelling and Folk Music
You can request the host of your homestay to share with you their thrilling folklore and stories of the mountains, along with lively folk music, by sitting around the warm bonfire.
Although you won’t find any luxury hotels to stay during the night, you will find some ordinary yet comfortable homestays, which will give you an authentic feel of the Himalayas, within a budget. That, too, you can get home-cooked meals! Isn’t that great? A few of the homestays also have barbecue and bonfire facilities; however, they come with extra charges. Here are the names of a few of the homestays in Shittong: Bisesh Homestay Panch Pokhari Homestay Salamander Jungle Camp
I felt like living with a new family surrounded by nature in a cosy and beautiful homestay in Sittong, which was surrounded by orange trees, and the hosts offered delicious meals to me every day.
| Category | Best stay | Price range | Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homestay | Orchard Homestay, Sittong Valley Homestay, Bisesh Homestay, Lamas Homestay | ₹1200 - ₹3000 (often includes meals) | local organic food, Kanchenjunga views, basic amenities, Located amidst nature (pine forests, tea gardens, orange orchards) | trekkers, local culture & hospitality, nature lovers |
| Other (Scattered) | Mount View Homestay Sittong,Chettri homestay sittong,Sittong Choden Home stay | Variable | focus on hospitality and location,variable amenities, some with views, basic rooms | Budget travellers |
Homestays
You can enjoy warm hospitality and immerse yourself in the local culture of the region in the homestays of Sittong.
A Sittong trip is more than just a simple journey; it is a bundle of peaceful memories that will stay with you forever. The vibrantly painted landscapes with golden oranges are a sight to behold, which will keep you awe-struck throughout your trip.
Where is Sittong located?
Sittong is situated in the Kurseong sub-division of the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
What is the elevation of Sittong?
Sittong is situated at an elevation of around 4,000 to 5,000 feet
What is Sittong known for?
Sittong is known for its serene nature trails, orange orchards, panoramic views, rich Lepcha culture and biodiversity and birdwatching.
What are the things to do in Sittong?
You can enjoy several activities here, such as exploring orange orchards, Ahaldara viewpoint, Namthing Pokhri, Shittong Monastery, Jogighat bridge, birdwatching, trekking and nature walks. You can also explore nearby places such as Mungpoo and Latpanchar.
When is the best time for a Sittong trip?
The best time for a trip to Sittong is considered to be its orange season, which is between November to January, where you can also enjoy clear views of Kanchenjunga along with blooming orange orchards.
How can I reach Sittong?
You can reach Sittong by road from NJP/Siliguri via Dilaram, Mungpo or Latpanchar.
What are the accomodation options available in Shittong?
The accommodation in Sittong is mostly in the form of eco-friendly guesthouses and homestays.
What are the food options available in Shittong?
The local cuisine of Sittong is inspired by Lepcha and Nepali flavours, where you can enjoy fresh meals in the homestays. The local meals here include rice, vegetables, thukpa, momo and meat.
Can I find internet connectivity in Shittong?
Sittong has very inconsistent and limited internet connectivity with partial mobile network coverage.
Is Sittong safe for travelers?
Sittong is a peaceful and safe destination with welcoming locals.
What are the main local festivals that are celebrated in Shittong?
Different festivals are celebrated by the indigenous community of Sittong all year round. One of such enthusiastically celebrated festivals here is the Orabge festival, which is celebrated every year in December.
Can I enjoy tea garden visits in Shittong?
Yes, you can visit tea gardens near Sittong and appreciate the stunning scenery, interact with the tea garden workers and also observe the plantation activities.
Can I enjoy orange picking in Shittong?
If you visit during the orange season, which is typically between November to January, you can pick oranges by taking permission from the farmers with a small fee and also take fresh samples as souvenirs.
What are the unique natural festures of Shittong?
Sittong has a serene waterfall known as the Lepcha Falls, located between Jogighat Bridge and Lower Sittong and also houses the endangered Himalayan Salamander near the Namthing Pokhri (Lake).