Staying at a century old bungalow while sipping tea is the best thing you can do at Takdah

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Saino Heritage GuestHouse, Takdah

Photo of Staying at a century old bungalow while sipping tea is the best thing you can do at Takdah by Amrita

Holidays are always special, more so when we are taking a couple of days off from our busy hectic schedule. To overcome the mundane and stress of our daily life, we are always seeking some offbeat and unexplored places to visit. Takdah near Darjeeling is one such place, where we can spend a relaxed weekend.

And the holiday is even more bettered by the accommodation options at Takdah. The place was a cantonment area during the British era. So, there are a number of British bungalows in this area. The bungalows were built during 1905to 1915. Thus these bungalows are almost a century old. A few of these bungalows are used as establishments like the schools and post offices. While some are owned by the local people and they have converted these bungalows into very beautiful Guest houses for tourism. The Saino Guest House is one such bungalow that has been very beautifully converted into a guest house for tourists with perfect hospitality but not compromising with the heritage of the place.

Takdah is itself a very beautiful place located about 28 km from Darjeeling. The place is not yet commercialized and thus the scenic beauty of the place is exceptional. Takdah also means “the land of mist”, and so often you will find the mist descending and creating a rogged and romantic atmosphere.

Takdah - the land of mist

Photo of Takdah, West Bengal, India by Amrita

Saino Heritage Guest House:

The Guest house is owned by Mr. Pradhan. Overlooking the beautiful Teesta valley, the property is situated at the top of the hillock. The Takdah Monastery is just behind the guest house while you can see the stretches of tea gardens and the meandering Teesta river just from the garden of the bungalow.

Saino Heritage Guest House

Photo of Saino Heritage Guest House, Takdah, Hum Tukdah Khasmahal, West Bengal, India by Amrita

The Property:

The bungalow originally belonged to the British cantonment in Darjeeling. it was built in 1907. There are four double bedded rooms. These rooms are the part of the heritage bungalows still having the old fireplaces. The rooms are now renovated keeping modern taste in mind. The bathrooms are well fitted having western toilets and geysers.

Rooms at the Heritage Wing

Photo of Staying at a century old bungalow while sipping tea is the best thing you can do at Takdah by Amrita

A new building has also been built just beside the old bungalow. This building has two triple bedded rooms.

The guest house has a large verandah with a lovely view of the gardens. The gardens are full of beautiful seasonal flowers and lush green grass. The garden also has two vintage fountains that were set up during the British period. You will get wonderful view of the sunrise through the windows of the rooms in the heritage wing of the building. Mr. and Mrs. Pradhan are the perfect hosts for this wonderful place of stay.

Photo of Staying at a century old bungalow while sipping tea is the best thing you can do at Takdah by Amrita
Photo of Saino Heritage Guest House, Takdah, Hum Tukdah Khasmahal, West Bengal, India by Amrita
Photo of Saino Heritage Guest House, Takdah, Hum Tukdah Khasmahal, West Bengal, India by Amrita

Food:

The food served here is mostly procured from the garden and local farms. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all prepared at the guest house. They can also make very tasty pakoras. Though the food is simple, but the cook is quite adept at preparing tasty meals. On special request, Nepali fare can also be cooked.

Cost:

The double bedded room rent is Rs.1800/- per day. The triple bedded ones are at Rs.2200/- per day.

Food cost is Rs.500/- per day per head. The food includes breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner.

The charm of the Saino Guest House lies in thehospitality of the Pradhan family and their staff. They are always smiling and ready to help. The long verandahs in front of the rooms are also reminiscent of the colonial past. You can simply sit there and relax having a cup of the famous Darjeeling tea with the view of the valley before you.

How to reach:

Once you reach Takdah, the Saino Heritage Guset House is just by the main market.

The nearest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and the nearest airport is Bagdogra. Takdah is about 60 km from Siliguri and Darjeeling is only 27 km away. You can get reserved cabs from NJP, Siliguri, Bagdogra and Darjeeling to Takdah.

Best Time to Visit:

Takdah is an all season destination. You can visit the place at any time during the year.

Things to do at Takdah:

Way to the Takdah Monastery

Photo of Takdah, West Bengal, India by Amrita

1. Visit the Takdah Monastery:

The monastery is just behind the Saino Heritage Guest House. Standing atop a hillock, the Dechhen Pema Tsholing Monastery is a place of serenity. The place is considered holy by the locals.

2. Take a tour of the famous tea gardens

While at Darjeeling, it is a sin not to visit the tea gardens! Some of the best tea gardens of Darjeeling Hills are all nearby Takdah. The famous tea gardens of the area are the Rungli Rungliot, Giselle, Namring and the Takdah tea Estate. Get to know how the tea leaves finally ends up into such a refreshing beverage.

Takdah Tea Estate

Photo of Runglee Rungliot Tea Factory, Rangli Rangliot, West Bengal, India by Amrita

3. Visit the Takdah Orchid centre

Takdah is famous for its orchids. There is a orchid centre that houses rare and beautiful orchids. For the nature lovers the place is a must visit.

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Photo of Takdah Orchid Centre, Takdah Club, Takdah, West Bengal, India by Amrita

4. Visit the Durpin View Point

The Durpin View point offers amazing views of the hills and the valleys. Also there is a century old suspension bridge named Barbatey Bridge where you can take a visit.

Enjoy the nature at Takdah, go for nature walks and explore the place. And do not forget to enjoy the hospitality of the Saino Heritage Guest house.