Takdah Travel Guide

For those who are looking for crowd-free sleepy hill destinations for them to spend a great holiday, the perfect answer is Takdah. Takdah with panoramic scenic beauty, lush green tea gardens, and blooming orchids will surely win your hearts. Takdah was a British cantonment during the pre-independence era. Even today many significant structures from the British era can still be found. For example, the old club situated 1 km away from the town amidst cedar trees is the witness of the British cantonment. Just about 28 km from Darjeeling Takdah is situated at an altitude of 4,000 ft. Takdah is derived from a Lepcha word 'Tukdah' which means mist or fog you can witness how appropriate is it once you visit Takdah. With gurgling fountains, singing of birds, fogy devious roads, and trails through the forest Takdah is ready to welcome you with warmth.

Takdah Sightseeing Attractions and Activities

In and around Takdah you can visit a few of Darjeeling's finest and most spectacular tea gardens. First to mention one of the most picturesque tea gardens in the district is the Rungli Rungliot tea garden. Rungli Rungliot means 'Thus far and no further' is named by a monk as per local legend. Further down don't forget to visit Gielle, Namring, and Pubang tea gardens. Just below the Pubang tea garden is a 100 years old cable-stayed hanging bridge built-in 1916. If you try to find out the capacity of this bridge you will be amused to find out a plaque on the top of the main pillar. No weight unit was mentioned there. On the metal plaque following words are inscribed. "Weight limit - Not more than 10 ponies". Think a bit and you will get a clue to walk down 100 years back. Takdah cantonment was established in the year 1911. The only transportation route to Siliguri was via Ghum. That was a lengthy road. For supplies, a shorter way was required. Thus this hanging bridge was built. If open witness tea processing while visiting tea factories.

In Teesta valley tea garden there is a viewpoint mentioned as Durpin Dnara by the locals is a must-visit place. Here you can witness the panoramic top view of Teesta which will take your breath out for sure. From Rambhi to Sevoke the entire course of river Teesta for this stretch will be beneath you on a clear day. You may get confused that whether you are watching Google earth. Once Asia's best Orchid Centre is situated in Takdah was neglected for over decades but now once again initiative has been taken to revive it. Dechen Pema Choeling monastery is not that old, built-in 1985, but worth paying a visit. The view of the rolling tea gardens from here is mesmerizing.

Take a drive towards Taquleen monastery via Soreng. This monastery is 107 years old and belongs to Ningma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Here you will find an interesting story. On a morning in 2004 after prayer was over everyone left the monastery. Then it was under lock and key. Suddenly a sound of trumpet started coming out from the monastery. Surprised monks and locals rushed to the monastery and opened it up but no one was there and trumpets were kept as usual. According to the belief of locals, it must have been played by the Lord himself.

Tinchuley is only 3 km away from Takdah. You can visit the place to witness snow-capped mountain ranges. The spectacular sunrise view from the Tinchuley Viewpoint and the beauty of the Tinchuley Monastery will make you spellbound for sure. The weekly market (local haat) of Takdah is known as Dokan Dnara. It will add another dimension to witnessing this market on Thursday. Lamahatta can also be visited from this village which is just 12 km driving distance away. The view of the Kanchenjunga Peak and the Eco Park of Lamahatta will bewitch you for sure.

Staying Options in the Village

Takdah is still in the developing stage and an offbeat destination. As a result, there are not many accommodation options available. There are some homestays being run by the local villagers. As a guest, you can expect all the basic amenities while staying in these homestays such as attached western bathrooms, electricity, geysers for hot running water, and more. Moreover, you can also stay at the heritage bungalow built during the British era which is now converted into a guest house. All the modern amenities will be there for the guest's convenience. The colounial aura is the added advantage for the tourists.

How to Reach Takdah

By Train: Takdah's nearest railway station is NJP which is located at a distance of around 65 km. From NJP it will take not more than 3 hours to reach Takdah by rented car.

By Air: Bagdogra is its nearest railway station at a distance of around 70 km. Once you land at Bagdogra Aiport, it will take not more than 3 hours to reach Takdah by a rented car.

By Road: Takdah can be reached from NJP, Darjeeling, Bagdogra and even from Kalimpong. If you are coming from NJP, Bagdogra, or Siliguri, you need to take NH 10 (Sevoke Road) and then via Rambi Baazar, Teesta Baazar, Bara Mangwa, and Chota Mangwa to finally reach Takdah.

Best Time to Visit Takdah

Takdah can be visited throughout the years. However, if we talk about the best time, it is during the months of October to March. During these months, the weather is soothing, the sky remains clear which means that you will get a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills and mountains. The lush greenery of Takdah gets even greener during the months of monsoon which enhance the beauty of the village even more. However, due to the muddy roads and frequent landslides, most of the tourists prefer not to visit Takdah in the season of monsoon.