The North Bengal hills have some very beautiful and unique destinations amidst its beautiful hills. Dilaram is one such place near Kurseong that has all the charm and beauty that will make your spirits go high on a weekend trip. And if you happen to love Darjeeling tea, then Dilaram is just going to be perfect. The place is surrounded by a private forest on one side and tea gardens on the other. With picturesque landscape, lush green tranquility and the beauty of the tea gardens, the place has all the potential to become a weekend destination for the holidaymakers.
You can enjoy the vast tea gardens around Dilaram while enjoying a cup of fresh Darjeeling Tea. But the best thing that you can do here is to spend your time lazing around while you watch the clouds hover around the rolling hills. There are a few trek routes that can quench the thirst of your adventure seeking soul as well. You can also visit the Salamander Lake and make day trips to Kurseong. The place is thus a respite for the all the holiday seekers looking for some quaint moments in the Darjeeling Hills.
Things to do at Dilaram:
1. Go for a walk among the tea gardens
You can always visit the vast tea gardens. Watch the daily activities of the tea plantation workers. If you want, you can pluck some tea leaves as well. And do not forget to get yourself photographed amidst the tea gardens. Also visit the local tea factory to see the tea processing.
2. Go for trekking
There is a trek route towards Chatakpur from Dilaram. A full day trek can be done from Dilaram to Chatakpur view point. The sight of Mt. Kanchenjungha from the Chatakpur view point is simply mesmerizing. The trek route passes through dense forest route and it is going to be an ideal day activity for the adventurous souls.
3. Visit the nearby temple
There is a nearby Shiva temple that you can visit. This age old temple has an idol of Lord Shiva as well as a stone carving of Guru Rinpoche. The place is love and calm and you can find your inner peace here.
4. Visit the Bhanzang Salamander Lake
The Bhanzang Salamander Lake is the natural habitat for Himalayan salamander and the lake is within 10 km from Dilaram. The emerald green lake is tucked away within the forest and is a beautiful sight. Whether or not you are able to view salamanders, the sight of the lake is definitely going to please you.
5. Visit the Margaret’s Hope Tea Estate
All the tea aficionados can take a visit to Margaret’s Hope Tea Estate that produces some of the finest varieties of tea. While at the tea estate, taste some of the finest Darjeeling teas.
6. Visit the nearby places
Dilaram is also very near to Bagora, Chimeni and Kurseong. You can visit all these places on a day visit from Dilaram.
How to reach Dilaram:
The nearest airport is Bagdogra.
The nearest Railway Head is New Jalpaiguri.
Dilaram is about 45 km from Siliguri and 8 km from Kurseong. Private cars are available from NJP and Siliguri. If you want to travel by local transport, then you have take the local jeep to Kurseong from NJP or Siliguri. From Kurseong, you have to book a car to Dilaram.
Shared jeeps are available from Darjeeling to Dilaram.
Best Time to visit Dilaram:
Dilaram can be visited all through the year. But each season has its own charm. The winter season brings in a lot of birds and butterflies. Bird watchers can have a really good time during the winters. Also you will get a clear view of the mountain ranges in winter. In summers, the chill in the wind will give you the much needed respite from the hot and sunny plains.
Places to stay:
There is a luxury homestay at Dilaram where the rooms are quite spacious and have attached private balconies. The rooms have all the modern amenities. There are also a couple of homestays also with basic amenities.