Sittong, a picturesque hill station, is renowned for its vibrant Orange Gardens. Nestled in the Darjeeling district, it offers stunning views of rolling hills, the Teesta River, and lush tea gardens. The closest city, Siliguri, is a mere 30 kilometres away, while New Jalpaiguri (NJP), a major railway hub in India and West Bengal, is just 35 kilometres distant. For those seeking a tranquil retreat amidst nature, Sittong is an ideal destination. Additionally, visiting during winter rewards you with the delightful experience of seeing and tasting fresh oranges.
TOURIST PLACES OF SITTONG
AHALDARA VIEWPOINT: Sittong, nestled atop Selphu Hills, is a breathtaking locale. On a clear day, one can behold the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga from this vantage point. The area is adorned with a picturesque tea garden and a cinchona plantation, the latter being instrumental in malaria medication production. Additionally, homestay options are available for those wishing to extend their stay.
JOGIGHAT BRIDGE: This bridge is a picturesque landmark in Sittong, connecting Mungpoo to Upper Ghalaytar. It is 74 meters long and 5 meters wide and was inaugurated by Baba Ramdev in 2015. Tourists often pause here to capture the stunning scenery and the River Riyang that flows under the bridge.
NAMTHING POKRI (LAKE): The lake is not only beautiful but also holds sacred significance for the locals. In the rainy season and winter, it brims with water, and the reflections of the encircling trees enhance its scenic charm. Additionally, it is home to a rare and endangered species of Salamander.
MANGPOO RABINDRA MUSEUM: Here you can see the Quinine Medicine Factory (Entry Restricted) and beside it, the Rabindra Museum, where the great author Rabindranath Tagore used to visit. Here, you can see art and artifacts related to his visits.
ORANGE GARDEN: Sittong is renowned for its lush orange gardens, with the best time to experience the vibrant fruit being from December to January. During this period, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the orchards and the abundance of ripe oranges.
LATPANCHAR: Near Sittong, there’s a new tourist spot renowned for bird sightings, nestled within the Mahananda Forest. This area is home to a variety of animals, including the rare mountain goat, leopards, gaurs, wild boars, deer, and numerous bird species.
HOW TO REACH SITTONG
The nearest airport is Bagdogra, and the closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP). Reserved cabs are available directly from NJP or Bagdogra, with fares ranging from Rs 2500 to Rs 3000, depending on the season. Shared cabs can be found at Salughara in Siliguri, although the number of shared options is quite limited.
Sittong is accessible by two routes: via Sevoke Road and via Kurseong. The Kurseong route is longer, approximately 54 KM, while the Sevoke Road route is shorter, about 35 KM. Choosing the Kurseong route offers the advantage of exploring the scenic spots in Kurseong.
SITTONG, 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS TOUR PLAN
DAY 1: Arrive at NJP/Bagdogra, then take a cab to your homestay. After some rest and lunch, enjoy a stroll through the village of Sittong. Experience the local lifestyle, explore the hilly terrain, and visit the orange gardens. Alternatively, you can visit the nearby area of Latpanchar, renowned for its bird-watching opportunities.
DAY 2: Book a cab and embark on a sightseeing adventure in Sittong, where you can explore various tourist attractions. If you’re planning a 2-day, 1-night tour to Sittong, you can complete the sightseeing on Day 1
- AHALDARA VIEWPOINT
- JOGIGHAT BRIDGE
- NAMTHING POKRI (LAKE)
- MANGPOO RABINDRA MUSEUM
- ORANGE GARDEN
DAY 3: You can take a cab back to NJP/Bagdogra for your journey home, or explore nearby destinations such as Darjeeling, Tinchuley, Takdah, Kalimpong, and others.
Bong Travels made my trip to India unforgettable! The recommendations were spot-on and the stories brought the culture alive.
Very informative and to the point no unnecessary write