Sittong: A Orange Village near Darjeeling
Sittong is a village in the kurseong division of Darjeeling district. The distance from Darjeeling to Sittong is only 52 kilometers.
The place has become famous among tourists as it is the center of orange cultivation in the Darjeeling hills. Orange trees can be seen in almost every house in this hill village.
The reason for naming this Orange village is that it gets filled with oranges in November-December. And here in the Darjeeling district, most of the oranges are cultivated here.
These offbeat destinations in the hills of North Bengal offer a variety of natural beauties like Mount Kanchenjunga, rivers, waterfalls, orange gardens, mysterious pine forests, organic farms, etc.
This destination is also a hotspot due to the visit of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
How to Reach Sittong
There are two ways to reach Sittong. The best route for going from Siliguri to Sittong is along with the Teesta river site and for those coming from Darjeeling, the best route is along with hill cart road via Bagora.
If one wants to come along the Teesta side, then two roads can be taken, one is Kalijhhora via Latpanchar and the other is via Birikdara. These two roads meet Ahaldara And Sittong Village has started from there.
If anyone wants to get along hill cart road, you can reach there via Dilaram, Bagora, and Mahaldiram. Sittong can also be reached from Darjeeling by Jorebunglow and the 3rd mile through Mongpoo and Jogighat bridge.
The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri and the nearest airport is Bagdogra. Many small and large cars are available for direct to sittong from outside the airport and railway station.
Those who want to come by shared car can either reach Birikdara via the Teesta site or reach Kerseong and from there can reach Sittong by hiring a private car.
Best Time to visit Sittong
Sittong is famous for its orange gardens. The best time to come here is from November to December because from this time oranges start ripening.
Moreover, from October to January, many tourists visit here because Kanchenjunga can be seen clearly due to clear skies during this time.
Due to the cold weather throughout the year, it is also a popular tourist destination from March to May.
Activitices in this place
Camping– This place is ideal for those who like camping. There are small camping facilities in different places.
Trekking-There are small trekking arrangements here. So those who like trekking can come here and enjoy trekking.
Bird watching-Many different species of birds can be seen here. So the place is ideal for those who like to see birds.
Village tour-You can explore Sittong, which is full of natural beauty and known as the Village of Oranges.
Relaxing-Away from the hustle and bustle of the city one can come to this small village to relax. You can’t understand how two or three days will pass by staying here.
Sightseeing from Sittong
Ahaldara’s viewpoint-Sittong’s most famous tourist spot is Ahaldara View Point. From here you can enjoy a 180-degree panoramic view.
Namthing Pukuri lake-Located on Selpu Hill, Namthing Pukuri lake is one of the famous tourist spots in Sittong.
Jogighat Bridge-A place called Jogighat is located very close to Sittong. The main attraction here is the Jogighat Bridge which is located on the river Riyang.The 75-meter long bridge connects this place with Sittong and Mongpoo village. This bridge is called the entrance gate of Sittong.
Mongpoo (Rabindranath Tagore house)-Another very popular tourist spot in Sittong is Mongpoo. It has become popular as the house of Rabindranath Tagore called Rabindra Bhavan.
Orange garden-Sittong has many small and large orange groves that you can visit. Moreover, every house here has an orange orchard.
Buddhist monastery-Here is a 200-year-old Lepchadar monastery that you can visit.
Tempature
In winter it has an average temperature of 2 to 10 degrees Celsius and in summer it has an average temperature of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Ideal Duration for Stay
2 to 3 days
Best Homestay in Sittong
C-TONG HOMESTAY:-This homestead is surrounded by natural beauty and has gradually become very popular among tourists.
Contact No- 7908512232 / 9647824055
BISESH HOMESTAY:-This is a very popular homestay in upper Sittong. This homestead is beautifully decorated and colorful. Most of the tourists prefer to stay here for the quality of food and its location.
Contact No:- 7076060266 / 93820253128.
CHAMLING OR SUNRICE HOMESTAY:– This homestay is ideal for those who want to stay close to Ahaldara Viewpoint. Kanchenjunga can be seen very clearly from here if the sky is clear. Tent accommodation is also available here.
Contact No:- 9800637784.
PINE TREE HOMESTAY:– This homestay is a well-maintained and well-decorated homestay with a magnificent view of Mount Khanchendjonga in upper Sittong.
Contact No:- 8436106943.
MEGHOBITAN HOMESTAY:-Surrounded by a tea garden, this homestay is very nice and well decorated in Sittong.
Contact No:- 9831726078 / 9333473745.
WOODS ADVENTURE CAMP:– An ideal for those who like an adventure. This is a Swiss tent accommodation. It is located at the very top of Selpu Hill and just above Ahaldara View Pandit.
Contact No:- 6296308088 / 9102820286.
Important Travel Tips
The best time to come here is from October to February.
It would be better to bring a car with good ground clearance due to bad road conditions.
You may not be able to get a room during the seasonal times due to the low number of homestays here so it is a good idea to book in advance.
It would be good to have two to three days to visit Sittong village.
If possible try to book any homestay of upper sittong. Because Kanchenjunga can be seen very well from the upper sittong.