In today’s busy and stressful life, our hearts always seek some solace in nature. Whenever we get a chance to travel away from the hustle bustle of the city life, we seize the opportunity to spend some time away from the concrete jungle that has been such a part of our lives. Daragaon is such a place where we can easily find some respite from our busy lives.
Daragaon or Dara eco village is perched on a mountain slope amidst the orange orchards. Just imagine staying at a century old bungalow with the panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga ranges! All the stress and tiredness will simply vanish at such a beautiful place. Daragaon is a virgin and unexplored village near Kalimpong. The place is also known as “Upper Icchey” by the local people. This village is one of the upcoming eco-tourism destinations in West Bengal.
From the village, you can get magnificent views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the Kalimpong hills and the snaking Teesta River in the valley below. The village is full of orange orchards and surrounded by lush green forests. Flowers of many types are also seen at Daragaon. It is a perfect weekend getaway from Kolkata to relax and unwind.
Things to do at Daragaon:
1. Go for a village walk
You can always go for village walks in such beautiful places. The village is full of orange orchards and blooming flowers. Walk around the village at leisure, talk to the friendly locals and enjoy the beauty of the nature.
2. Go for trekking
There are a few short trek routes to various chortens from Daragaon. Take the forest trails for mild trekking. The chortens are usualy located at the hilltops. You can trek all the way up to the hill. From the hills, you will get a panoramic view of the valley.
3. Spend some time angling
The Teesta River is just 8 km from Daragaon. If you are fond of angling, you can visit the Teesta river. And even if you have never tried your hand at angling, you can always start here.
4. Find your inner Zen while meditating
Daragaon has many secluded spots. These spots are so serene that it seems no sound can ever reach at these places. These places are perfect to meditate and contemplate. At the end of your visit to Daragaon, you might as well evolve as a new person. At this place, you will surely find silence and peace.
5. Visit the nearby places
Kalimpong is very near to Daragaon. You can take a visit to Kalimpong, Durpin Dara Monastery and Delo view point while you are at Daragaon. If you want to tread the uncharted path, then visit the forests of Tinchuley and orange orchards of Chota Mangwa. A trip to nearby tea gardens like Lopchu and Peshok should also be on your cards.
How to reach Daragaon:
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra
Nearest Railway Head: New Jalpaiguri
Daragaon is about 80 km from New Jalpaiguri. Private cars are available from NJP and Siliguri. If you want ti travel by local transport, then you have take the local jeep to Kalimpong from NJP or Siliguri. From Kalimpong, you have to book a car to Daragaon.
Best time to visit Daragaon:
Daragaon can be visited all through the year. But each season has its own charm. In the winter season the orange orchards are full of oranges and the winter flowers are in bloom. 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 century old bungalow at Daragaon that has been renovated to cater to the needs of the tourists. This heritage bungalow still has the traditional local wood-works in the doors, windows, staircases and arches. There is a sprawling lawn in front of the bungalow and an orange orchard at the backyard, this heritage bungalow is quite different in structure and appearance from the colonial British bungalows spread across the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. You can get very panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga from the lawn of the bungalow.
There are also a few homestays at Daragaon that provides basic amenities.
