For travelers seeking a quiet, serene hill station away from the usual crowds, Takdah is an ideal destination. This picturesque spot offers stunning scenic beauty, lush tea gardens, and vibrant orchids, making it a perfect getaway.
Formerly a British cantonment, Takdah still has remnants of its colonial past, with several historical structures still standing today.
One such example is the old club located about 1 km from the main town, nestled among cedar trees, which serves as a reminder of Takdah’s British history. Just 28 km from Darjeeling, Takdah sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet.
The name “Takdah” comes from the Lepcha word ‘Tukdah,’ meaning mist or fog, which is fitting as the area is often shrouded in a peaceful mist.
With the sounds of gurgling streams, chirping birds, foggy winding roads, and forest trails, Takdah offers a warm and inviting environment for visitors looking for tranquility and natural beauty.
Takdah is surrounded by several wonderful places to visit. Some of the finest tea gardens in the Darjeeling district can be found here, each with its unique charm.
One of the most notable is the RungliRungliot tea garden, whose name, meaning “Thus far and no further,” comes from a local legend about a monk who coined the phrase.
This tea garden is known for its scenic beauty, making it a must-visit spot. Other nearby tea estates include Gielle, Namring, and Pubang. Near the Pubang tea garden, you can also visit an old cable-stayed hanging bridge, built in 1916.
The bridge, with a plaque that amusingly states, “Weight limit – Not more than 10 ponies,” reflects its origins in the British colonial era, when it was constructed to provide a shorter route to Siliguri from Takdah.
Another highlight is the Teesta Valley tea garden, where you’ll find DurpinDnara, a viewpoint known for its panoramic views of the Teesta River.
On a clear day, the sight of the river’s entire stretch from Rambhi to Sevoke is breathtaking. The view from this spot is so striking that it may remind you of satellite images from Google Earth.
Takdah is also home to an Orchid Centre, which was once one of the best in Asia. Although it was neglected for many years, efforts have been made recently to restore it, making it an interesting spot for nature lovers to visit.
For those interested in local culture, a visit to the DechenPemaChoeling Monastery, built in 1985, is recommended. This monastery offers not only spiritual insights but also a mesmerizing view of the nearby rolling tea gardens.
Another noteworthy monastery is the Taquleen Monastery, which is located near Soreng and dates back 107 years.
This monastery belongs to the Ningma sect of Tibetan Buddhism and holds an intriguing story. In 2004, after the morning prayers, when the monastery was locked, the sound of trumpets began to emanate from the building.
Monks and locals rushed to the scene, only to find no one inside. The trumpets remained in place, untouched, leading many to believe that this was a divine event. This mysterious occurrence continues to add to the local lore of the region.
A short 3 km drive from Takdah brings you to Tinchuley, a small village that offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains. One of the main attractions here is the Tinchuley Viewpoint, known for its spectacular sunrise. The peaceful beauty of the Tinchuley Monastery will also leave visitors awestruck.
In addition, the local market in Takdah, known as Dokan Dara, is held every Thursday and gives tourists a unique glimpse into the local lifestyle.
Lamahatta, located just 12 km from Takdah, is another nearby village that offers splendid views of the Kanchenjunga peak and a serene Eco Park, making it worth a visit.
Takdah can be visited at any time of the year, though the best months to visit are from October to March. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the sky remains clear, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
The lush greenery of the area becomes even more vibrant during the monsoon season, making the village even more beautiful. However, many travelers prefer to avoid visiting Takdah during the monsoon due to muddy roads and the risk of landslides.
Takdah is still relatively underdeveloped as a tourist destination, so accommodation options are limited. However, you can find some charming homestays run by local villagers.
These homestays offer all the basic amenities such as attached Western-style bathrooms, electricity, and geysers for hot water, ensuring a comfortable stay.
For a unique experience, you can also stay at one of the heritage bungalows from the British colonial era that have been converted into guest houses.
These bungalows offer all modern conveniences while retaining their old-world charm, providing a memorable experience for visitors. Other accommdation here is Glenmarie Resort.
The colonial atmosphere of these bungalows adds a special appeal for those interested in history and architecture.
Takdah is easily accessible by train, air, and road. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, about 65 km away, and from there, a car ride to Takdah takes around 3 hours.
If you’re flying, the closest airport is Bagdogra, about 70 km from Takdah, and a car journey from the airport will also take roughly 3 hours.
By road, Takdah can be reached from NJP, Darjeeling, Bagdogra, or Kalimpong, with the route passing through NH 10 and continuing via Rambi Bazaar, Teesta Bazaar, Bara Mangwa, and Chota Mangwa.
