Why Ahaldara View Point Should Be on Your Travel List

Are you searching for a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the Eastern Himalayas? If you’re craving an offbeat experience, Ahaldara View Point in Sittong offers just that. Far from the usual tourist hotspots, this quiet corner of North Bengal invites you to soak in nature and enjoy a relaxing break.

Ahaldara View Point, located in the serene village of Sittong, West Bengal, has emerged as one of the most captivating offbeat destinations in North Bengal. Surrounded by green hills, tea gardens, and small orange orchards, this viewpoint offers a raw, untouched charm.

If you’re seeking a break from the regular tourist crowd in Darjeeling, this is a perfect spot to relax and connect with nature. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.

How to Reach Ahaldara View Point

From Siliguri:

• Distance: 45 km (Approx. 2 hours)
• Travel Options: You can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep from Siliguri to Kurseong, and then another local vehicle to Ahaldara. The journey takes about 2 hours.

From NJP (New Jalpaiguri):

• Distance: About 51 kilometres.
• Travel Options: Similar to the route from Siliguri, you can take a taxi or shared jeep to Kurseong and then proceed to Ahaldara.

Taxi Fare: Taxis from Siliguri or NJP (New Jalpaiguri) railway station charge around ₹2,000 to ₹2,500.

Alternatively, you can take shared taxis or buses from Siliguri to Kurseong or Njp To Kurseong, then hire a local taxi to Sittong. This option is more economical, with a total cost of around ₹600–₹800 per person.

From Darjeeling:

• Distance: 46 km (Approx. 2.5 hours)
• Travel Options: Taxis and shared jeeps are available from Darjeeling to Kalijhora, followed by a steep uphill drive to Ahaldara. Alternatively, you can take a route via Peshok Road and Latpanchar-Mahaldiram Road, which is longer but smoother.
• Taxi Fare: Hiring a private taxi from Darjeeling to Sittong will cost around ₹1,500 to ₹2,000.

From Kalimpong:

• Distance: 56 km (Approx. 2.5 hours)
• Taxi Fare: A private taxi from Kalimpong can cost anywhere between ₹3,000 to ₹3,500, depending on the season and type of vehicle.

Why Visit Ahaldara?

Ahaldara View Point, unlike the bustling tourist spots in Darjeeling or Kalimpong, gives you a raw, unfiltered experience of the Eastern Himalayas. It’s a quiet escape with sweeping views, local culture, and nature at its finest. If you’re keen on exploring offbeat places, Ahaldara is an excellent choice.

Timing and Ticket Price

Ahaldara View Point is open to visitors throughout the day. There is Small Entry Fee for Parking for Bikes & Cars 20 & 50, making it an accessible destination for all.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to explore Ahaldara View Point is from October to April, when the weather is clear, and you can experience crisp skies. Winters offer a cool and pleasant atmosphere, while spring brings vibrant blossoms, making the area even more scenic.

Accommodation Options

• Homestays: The best way to experience the local culture is by staying in one of the many homestays in Sittong. These homestays provide comfortable lodging along with home-cooked meals. The cost per night is usually between ₹1,500 to ₹2,500.
• Resorts: A few eco-resorts around Sittong offer a more luxurious stay with modern amenities. These range from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per night.

Things to Do

1. View of Kanchenjunga: Ahaldara offers an excellent spot to view the majestic Kanchenjunga range, especially during the clear morning hours.
2. Bird Watching: The region is part of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, making it a great place for bird enthusiasts. Latpanchar, just 8 km away, is particularly famous for its exotic bird species, including the endangered Rufous-necked hornbill.
3. Orange Orchards: During the winter season (December to February), the landscape transforms with blooming orange orchards around Sittong, offering a scenic walk through local farms.
4. Other Activities: Besides enjoying the view, you can explore nearby tea gardens, take nature walks, and visit local attractions like the Latpanchar forest.

Nearby Places

• Latpanchar: A haven for bird watchers, just a 20-minute drive from Sittong.
• Kurseong: 23 km away, Kurseong offers its own charm with rolling tea gardens and colonial architecture.
• Mungpoo: 12 km from Sittong, Mungpoo is well-known for Rabindranath Tagore’s house, now a museum, offering an insightful visit into the life of the Nobel laureate.