{"id":5009,"date":"2024-10-14T00:30:15","date_gmt":"2024-10-14T00:30:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myoffbeatravelog.com\/?p=5009"},"modified":"2025-03-01T11:41:40","modified_gmt":"2025-03-01T11:41:40","slug":"takdah-a-misty-offbeat-amidst-pine-forests-tea-gardens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myoffbeatravelog.com\/?p=5009","title":{"rendered":"Takdah: A misty offbeat amidst pine forests & tea gardens"},"content":{"rendered":"

Takdah, an offbeat for heritage tourism, tea tourism, and monsoon tourism<\/strong><\/h2>\n

I have traveled to Takdah several times, but the first-time travel experience was very memorable, which is still fresh in my mind.
\nBreathtaking 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\u2014all in all, it was an unforgettable travel experience in Takdah.
\nMy 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.<\/p>\n

Why is Takdah known as the land of Fog or Mist?<\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/h3>\n

The name Takdah<\/strong> comes from the Lepcha word Tukdah<\/strong>, which means Mist<\/strong> or Fog<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

\"Takdah\"
There is no doubt that the nomenclature of Takdah is accurate.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A rich historical background of Takdah<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Takdah was a British cantonment before India became independent; hence, the word CANTONMENT<\/strong> has historically been associated with Takdah. Takdah cantonment<\/strong> was established in the early 1900s during the British period.
\nThis picturesque mountain village was a destination for high ranked British army officers at that time, so many British bungalows were constructed to accommodate them.
\nAccording to historical evidence, Takdah Orchid Centre<\/strong> 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<\/strong>.
\nTakdah gradually lost its significance as the British left India after India became independent, leaving behind their colonial structures in the Cantonment area.
\nBut Takdah’s colonial heritage is still remembered by the old British architectural bungalows.
\nSo undoubtedly, this heritage mountain village located very close to Darjeeling town has become known as an offbeat tourist destination.<\/p>\n

What conditions are Takdah Heritage British bungalows currently in?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

According to various sources, the British built the heritage bungalows (locally known as Kothis<\/strong>) of Takdah between 1905 and 1915.
\nThe 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.
\nAfter 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.
\nToday’s Green Shield Academy School<\/strong> in Takdah is a heritage bungalow from the British era known as Greenshields II<\/strong>. Similarly, a heritage bungalow currently houses a Buddhist institution known as Shri Diwakar Vihara<\/strong>. Rani Kothi<\/strong>, a famous heritage bungalow, was later transformed into a church.
\nTo expand ECOTOURISM<\/strong> 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.
\nThe West Bengal government has also taken many initiatives in this regard. The West Bengal Forest Department<\/strong> has converted the Heritage Bungalow Takdah Club<\/strong> 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<\/strong> very attractive with a complete renovation in 2012. This forest bungalow is accessible to tourists, and it will be a memorable experience for them.<\/p>\n

\"TakdahSynopsis about Takdah heritage bungalows<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n

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<\/strong> has considerable potential here.\u00a0<\/em>Obviously, it can be concluded that the Takdah British heritage bungalows that are over 100 years old continue to be preserved today.<\/em><\/p>\n

Takdah with the enchanting & lush green tea gardens
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Takdah is renowned for its mesmerizing tea gardens in the Darjeeling district, including Rungli Rungliot<\/strong>, Teesta Valley<\/strong>, Namring<\/strong>, Poomong<\/strong>, Gielle<\/strong>, Jinglam<\/strong>, and Peshok<\/strong>. Tea plantations gradually developed between 1860 and 1864 after the settlement in Takdah.
\nRejuvenating 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<\/strong> and bird watching<\/strong>. Visit to a tea factory to witness the unique tea processing activities of Darjeeling Tea, known as the Champagne of Teas<\/strong>. However, be mindful that tea factories are closed during winter.
\nSip 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Takdah<\/p>\n

Where is Takdah or Tukdah Located?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Altitude<\/strong>: At around 4000 ft above the sea level.
\nLocation<\/strong>: This offbeat destination is located in Rangli Rangliot<\/strong> CD block in the Darjeeling Sadar subdivision<\/strong> of Darjeeling district<\/strong> in the state of West Bengal, India.<\/p>\n

\"Takdah\"<\/p>\n

Essential Information of\u00a0 Takdah<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Nearest Airport<\/strong><\/h4>\n

International: Bagdogra Airport (IXB), WB<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nearest Town<\/strong><\/h4>\n