Takdah: A misty offbeat amidst pine forests & tea gardens

Takdah, an offbeat for heritage tourism, tea tourism, and monsoon tourism

I have traveled to Takdah several times, but the first-time travel experience was very memorable, which is still fresh in my mind.
Breathtaking natural beauty, green carpets of tea gardens, blooming orchids at the Orchid Centre, British heritage colonial bungalows, staying as a guest in a beautifully decorated, cozy wooden homestay, and heartwarming hospitality of the homestay owner and his family—all in all, it was an unforgettable travel experience in Takdah.
My family and I spent only two nights there during the first week of June 2017. But our experience was so unique; that’s why I am sharing that old travel story in this blog post.

Why is Takdah known as the land of Fog or Mist?

The name Takdah comes from the Lepcha word Tukdah, which means Mist or Fog. In the reality, this offbeat destination is often covered in fog or mist. If you visit Takdah, you will easily realize the true significance of the naming.

A rich historical background of Takdah

Takdah was a British cantonment before India became independent; hence, the word CANTONMENT has historically been associated with Takdah. Takdah cantonment was established in the early 1900s during the British period.
This picturesque mountain village was a destination for high ranked British army officers at that time, so many British bungalows were constructed to accommodate them.
According to historical evidence, Takdah Orchid Centre used to function as a gathering place for British soldiers during the British period, and Takdah was home to the 2nd Battalion of British soldiers who fought in World War I.
Takdah gradually lost its significance as the British left India after India became independent, leaving behind their colonial structures in the Cantonment area.
But Takdah’s colonial heritage is still remembered by the old British architectural bungalows.
So undoubtedly, this heritage mountain village located very close to Darjeeling town has become known as an offbeat tourist destination.

What conditions are Takdah Heritage British bungalows currently in?

According to various sources, the British built the heritage bungalows (locally known as Kothis) of Takdah between 1905 and 1915.
The exact number of the old heritage bungalows of Takdah is a matter of debate. Some claim to have 12 bungalows, while others claim to have more.
After India became independent, the British abandoned the bungalows they had built here. The government acquired some heritage bungalows to set up offices, schools, and hospitals. Influential and wealthy individuals in the area acquired a number of bungalows. The rest were converted into Buddhist institutes and churches.
Today’s Green Shield Academy School in Takdah is a heritage bungalow from the British era known as Greenshields II. Similarly, a heritage bungalow currently houses a Buddhist institution known as Shri Diwakar Vihara. Rani Kothi, a famous heritage bungalow, was later transformed into a church.
To expand ECOTOURISM in the region, many bungalow owners have converted their heritage accommodations into homestays and guest houses. Most of the heritage bungalows in Takdah have been beautifully renovated with advanced modern amenities, which attracts a large number of tourists.
The West Bengal government has also taken many initiatives in this regard. The West Bengal Forest Department has converted the Heritage Bungalow Takdah Club into a guest house. The Takdah Club was in a dilapidated condition for long due to the local disturbances, and finally the state government made the Takdah Club very attractive with a complete renovation in 2012. This forest bungalow is accessible to tourists, and it will be a memorable experience for them.

Synopsis about Takdah heritage bungalows

So, no one wants to miss the unique opportunity to stay in heritage bungalows in Takdah, as these bungalows still represent the British colonial history to tourists. These heritage bungalows are now a favorite shooting location for the film industry. Heritage Tourism has considerable potential here. Obviously, it can be concluded that the Takdah British heritage bungalows that are over 100 years old continue to be preserved today.

Takdah with the enchanting & lush green tea gardens

Takdah is renowned for its mesmerizing tea gardens in the Darjeeling district, including Rungli Rungliot, Teesta Valley, Namring, Poomong, Gielle, Jinglam, and Peshok. Tea plantations gradually developed between 1860 and 1864 after the settlement in Takdah.
Rejuvenating yourself by exploring lush green tea garden, enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding hills and relaxing in the tea gardens. This kind of natural setting offers plenty of opportunities for nature photography and bird watching. Visit to a tea factory to witness the unique tea processing activities of Darjeeling Tea, known as the Champagne of Teas. However, be mindful that tea factories are closed during winter.
Sip on the elegance of unique-flavored Darjeeling tea that is produced in Takdah’s tea gardens, and this tourist attraction is an ideal place for Tea Tourism.

Where is Takdah or Tukdah Located?

Altitude: At around 4000 ft above the sea level.
Location: This offbeat destination is located in Rangli Rangliot CD block in the Darjeeling Sadar subdivision of Darjeeling district in the state of West Bengal, India.

Essential Information of  Takdah

Nearest Airport

International: Bagdogra Airport (IXB), WB

Nearest Town

• Darjeeling Town (Also known as Queen of the Hills)
• Kalimpong Town

Nearest Main Railway Stations

• New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
• Ghum Railway Station: This station of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is the highest railway station in India and is situated at an altitude of 7,407 feet. The famous Batasia Loop (a famous bend of the DHR) is located between Ghum and Darjeeling railway stations, which is the most scenic spot and attracts a lot of tourists.
  The railway station has a museum that portrays the history of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

Distance from Takdah (Approx. Measurement)

Local Medical Facilities

The Takdah Rural Hospital is located in Takdah. This popular offbeat destination is not too far from Darjeeling town, anyone can go there for any medical emergency, as the Darjeeling District Hospital and private health centers are there. Additionally, Kalimpong is a destination for locals for medical treatment.

Education

Takdah has some excellent educational institutions that have played a leading role in expanding education in the region.
GRIFFITH’S H S SCHOOL, Takdah, which was established in 1936, is among them.
Tiny Angels School in Takdah is a famous boarding school that was established in 1996. This school receives financial support from foreign teachers who visit and sponsor financially weak but talented students.
Apart from Griffith, Takdah’s other public and private schools are working together to enhance the education system in the region. Green Shield Academy (ICSE) is also one of the prominent schools here.

Local people, culture and their livelihood

The Nepalis are the majority in Takdah, where various ethnic groups live peacefully. Each of these ethnic groups has its own distinct culture, language, and traditions. Although, Nepali or Hindi have been the medium of communication between ethnic groups.
Agriculture and tea plantation-related work is the primary source of income for the people of Takdah. Honey production and animal husbandry are also important sources of income for locals. So, many houses in the area have chicken farms nearby.
Ecotourism is now a crucial source of income for locals, apart from traditional sources of income as Takdah has great potential in Monsoon Tourism, Tea tourism, Cultural Tourism, and Rural tourism.
Ecotourism is now a crucial source of income for locals, apart from traditional sources of income.
Holi, Durga puja, Dashain, Diwali, and Losar are the major festivals celebrated in Takdah.

How to Reach

By road, Takdah is well-connected to other adjoining areas in North Bengal and Sikkim.
Take the 27mile-Takdha route from Siliguri through the Sevok, passing through several tea gardens to reach the Takdah.
You can get a reserved car from NJP,Siliguri,Bagdogra,Darjeeling or Kalimpong. Also, you can request your homestay owner to arrange pickup service from your pickup point, but definitely in advance.
Shared taxis and Jeeps are available from Sevoke Road (behind Vishal Cinema Hall or Ranjit Garage) in Siliguri to Takdah, which will take you to this tea garden.
Since there is bus service on the Darjeeling-Takdah route in the afternoon, so you can come to this tea garden by bus. But check the latest timetable of the bus before traveling.
Also, there is a daily shared jeep service from Takdah Bazar to Darjeeling in the morning, and you can return to here by this jeep in the evening.

Stay and Food

Heritage Bungalow or Homestay?

Takdah has several homestays as well as some heritage British-era bungalows, which are one of the attractions here. The experience of staying in a traditional British bungalow surrounded by tea plantations and dense pine forests will stay with you forever. The colonial-era architecture of the British-era bungalows offers guests an authentic and nostalgic experience.
In the evening, you can either hang out with the host’s family if they agree or enjoy a delicious barbecue party around a bonfire with friends and family. It’s important to note that some bungalows and homestays have their own parking, so it’s best to verify with them before booking. Also, they arrange transportation to nearby attractions. Carry at least one original ID proof with you.

Food

The food served by homestays or traditional bungalows is a reflection of the local culture, which tastes fresh, delicious and homely. Indo-Nepali cuisine is commonly served. Fresh vegetables from their own farm or local market are used to make it. Additionally, some hosts offer English breakfast and selected continental dishes, which add a sense of royalty.
Most of the small food stalls here are located in the Takdah Bazar area, but they are mostly local dominated and very common. Although foodie tourists enjoy these places.
Dicky Restaurant in Takdah Bazaar is famous for its steamed chicken momos, a must visit.

Connect Hosts for staying 

You can easily get all the latest essential information from various popular online travel booking sites or by calling the phone numbers given below. Here are some homestay and heritage bungalows details for you.

• Pine Castle or Sonpur House or Takdah Palace
  Heritage Bungalow Number#12, Est. 1911
  One of the most captivating heritage bungalows in Takdah is this one. In 1911, the King of Sonpur (which belongs to the state of Bihar) constructed it in British colonial architecture for his summer retreat. This heritage bungalow is a peaceful haven away from the main area of Takdah, surrounded by pine forests. But the bungalow is near Takdah Club House and the Old British Post Office, so it is not difficult to find.
  Contact: +91 90026 77779, 97359 80085

• Takdah Club or Takdah Club Eco Tourism Centre
  Heritage Bungalow Number#7, Est. 1911
  Contact: +91 76040 44479
  Website: https://wbfdc.net/Darjeeling
• Rose Villa
  Heritage Bungalow Number#9, Est. 1912
  Contact: +91 70018 33826
• Takdah Heritage Bungalow Number#10, Est. 1911
  Just opposite to Takdah Rural Hospital
  Contact: +91 086178 21169
• Sambhala
  Heritage Bungalow Number#3, Est. 1911
  Contact: +91 82507 82188, 98320 92410
• Lama’s
  Heritage Bungalow Number#8, Est. 1911
  Host: Prawesh Lama and Ankit Tamang
  Contact: +91 7908120492, +91 6296992059
  Website: https://heritagebungalowno8.com

• Takdah Villa
  Contact: +91 8902232559
  Website: https://takdahvilla.com/

Click on the link below to contact homstays located in Takdah.
Website: https://www.wbfdc.com/takdah.html

My stay in Takdah in 2017

In 2017, I stayed with my family at the Pradhan Homestay, which was a beautifully decorated wooden homestay in the serene nature. The homecooked food served here had an amazing taste. The hospitality of Saran Pradhan and his family was excellent. It’s undoubtedly one of the best homestays in Takdah for family stays. The memory of our stay was truly sweet.

Pradhan Homestay
Near Griffith’s High secondary School,
Takdah Cantonment
Owner: Mr. Saran Pradhan

He is utterly a gentleman and well behaved. His deep knowledge about Takdah as well as ecotourism impressed me. It was very rewarding for me to walk around Takdah with him. Much of the information on this blogpost is the result of discussion with him during that time. He truly deserves credit for that. Even though I haven’t been in touch with him for a long time because of busyness, the memory of the Pradhan homestay is still fresh in my mind.

Saran Pradhanji, Thank You Very Much

I have only shared with you my memorable experiences with homestay or Hotel owners, drivers, or tour guides while traveling, but your experience may not be the same as mine. Hence, I have no responsibility in that case. I am just sharing information only. Additionally, there is no purpose for promotion here.

What to do & Attractions

Visit local rural market areas or villages within tea gardens by walking to interact with hospitable local communities. It will give you a glimpse of the lifestyle, traditions, and culture of the locals, which will make your trip more meaningful.
Go for nature trails and village roads surrounded by lush green tea gardens, as these trails or hill roads are perfect places for bird watching and listening to the melodious chirping of birds.
Spiritual tourism is becoming popular here due to the Buddhist monastery of Takdah being an ideal place for tourists to meditate in its peaceful natural surroundings.

Mingle with locals at meeting points

• Dokan Dara: It is the local weekly market, or haat, which is Takdah’s main junction and is held every Thursday. People from all the surrounding villages come to do their weekly shopping and sell their produce at the market; this large gathering creates a fair-like atmosphere. Plan your Takdah trip in such a way that you can stay there on Thursday and definitely visit this market.
• Gielle Bhanjyang Bazar (Market): This is one of the main attractions of Takdah. In the past, there was a Gandhi statue in front of this market; hence, it is also known as Gandhi Chowk. This is an important crossing point in this region, and from here you can see various points like Kalimpong Town, the 6th mile, Durpin Dara Monastery, Mungpoo’s Ranju Valley, and Rambi Khola, as well as the world-famous Tiger Hill. This point offers a stunning view of some mesmerizing tea gardens of Takdah.

Poomong Barbotey Hanging (Suspension) Bridge 

This abandoned suspension bridge is a British heritage landmark that dates back more than 100 years and is one of the attractions for tourists. In 1916, this bridge was built by a Calcutta-based company, CRODIC Pvt. Ltd., with the purpose of transporting tea leaves from one village to another in the Poomong Tea Garden. Actually, this bridge is part of the Poomong tea garden that crosses a mountain stream.

Due to the poor condition of the bridge, it is now abandoned, and a new Bailey bridge has been constructed next to it.
Today only memories of heritage remain. It’s a must-see tourist attraction in Takdah. To ensure you have a lifetime memory, make sure to take some stunning pictures of the old bridge and nearby waterfalls.

Takdah Monastery or Dechhen Pema Tshoiling Monastery 

This monastery is located next to Mata Durga Cave, and it is a short walk from Takda Bazar (Market area) on a steep of rocky stairs. In 1985, the monastery was constructed, and it follows the Buddhist Nyingma sect.
This monastery offers stunning views of tea gardens like Rungli Rungliot, Teesta Valley and others. Meditation enthusiasts will enjoy the serene atmosphere of Takdah Monastery, decorated with colorful prayer flags and resounding with the rhythmic chanting of Buddhist monks. Find a quiet corner here to immerse yourself in meditation.

Takdah Orchid Centre 

This Orchid Center was once considered the largest orchid research center in Asia. But due to various reasons this center was neglected for a long time and as a result it lost its old glory.
But now the state government and locals have realized its importance and taken steps to revive it to its lost glory.
The Orchid Center’s manicured gardens, greenhouses, and fountains in a tranquil environment with breathtaking views easily attract tourists.

As per the Takdah Orchid Center’s data, there are different types of seasonal Himalayan orchids (34 types of wild orchids and 26 types of hybrid orchids), and various medicinal plants are available. Other than orchids, there are a wide range of floral plants, and decorative succulents. From here, visitors can purchase a range of succulents and flowering plant seeds. This is the ideal location for those who are interested in botany.

Due to the lack of staff, the orchid center cannot maintain its fixed opening and closing times. Also, this park is not maintained regularly. As this orchid center is still rich in regional orchid collections, higher authorities should address these ongoing issues. The orchid center requires an entrance fee.

Daily Timings: 9am – 4pm (Monday to Saturday)
Sunday is Closed
Entry fee: INR 20/Per Person (it varies)

Some viewpoints offer breathtaking views

• Teesta Valley Durpin Dara Viewpoint: It is an observatory point located in the middle of the Teesta Valley Tea Estate, offering a panoramic 360-degree view. The stunning scenery of mountains, valleys, forests, and bends of the Teesta River is bound to impress. The views of Sikkim, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and parts of Siliguri from here are breathtaking.
  
• Gumbadara Viewpoint
• Peshok Tea Garden Viewpoint
  

Explore Nearby Offbeat Destinations

Takdah is closely located near some popular and offbeat tourist attractions like Tinchuley, Lamahatta, Gumbadara, Rungli Rungliot Tea Garden, Mungpoo, Dawaipani, Bara Mangwa, Chota Mangwa and so on.

Weather & Best Time to Visit

You can visit any time of the year. Nowadays, Tea Tourism is becoming more popular in Takdah. The picturesque tea gardens of Takdah have started various tourism activities, such as staying in heritage bungalows, visiting tea factories, and participating in cultural evenings. The state government is allowing tea garden owners to use unused land for tea tourism under the new rule.
October to March is the best time to travel here. At this time the weather is clear, so you can enjoy the winter cold.
During the rainy season, the tea gardens become dark green and more alive, and this offbeat is an ideal destination for Monsoon Tourism. So, you can visit during monsoon time to enjoy the beauty of the tea gardens.

You can see some selected stunning photos & videos by clicking on the blog’s Instagram, Facebook and X(Twitter). Also, click the Gallery Section of this blog for only photos. I hope you will like those.

The internationally renowned Sonepur Cattle Fair is held in Sonpur (officially named Sonepur), Bihar during Kartik Purnima, in November and December. This fair is the biggest cattle fair in Asia and usually lasts from 15 to 30 days. This cattle fair is also known as Harihar Kshetra Mela to locals.