Singell Tea Garden

Just 3 km from the busy town of Kurseong lies the Singell Tea Garden surrounded by alpine villages and luxuriant tea plantations. Situated at an altitude of 5000 feet above sea level, this lesser known destination is quickly becoming a hotspot of tea tourism. At Singell, you will be surrounded by green tea plantations, lofty mountains and soul-soothing peace and serenity. You can visit the tea estate factory, take an inside tour and watch tea processing and plucking of leaves. If you feel too lazy, just sit in the balcony of your homestay and watch the panorama unfold in front of your eyes. On one side, there is the lush green tea estate and on the other side the mighty mountains. You can pass some time watching the usual busy stream of vehicles travelling on the Hill Cart Road at a distance. And when you hear a whistle, don't forget to behold the sight of a toy train chugging along the narrow gauge track.

Singell Tea Garden

Sightseeing and Activities

The prime attraction of Singell is undoubtedly the Singell Organic Tea Garden. A 10-minutes downhill walk will take you to the tea factory. You can stroll along the winding road, clicking photographs, resting on benches and enjoying the serene quietude, all while treating your eyes to the marvelous vistas. Singell also offers its visitors a spectacular view of sunset over the Eastern Himalayan mountains. Kurseong is 3 km from Singel Tea Garden. There are a lot of tourist spots in Kurseong including the Eagle's Craig View Point, Makaibari Tea Garden, Deer Park, Forest Museum, Ambotia Shiva Temple and Giddapahar. You can also visit the bank of the Balason River by trek or car ride.

Best Time to Visit

Singell Tea Garden can be visited all throughout the year. The place experiences pleasant climate round the year, even during the winter months.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah, Kolkata and Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. Kurseong is 40 km from New Jalpaiguri. You can reach Kurseong from New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri by either reserved car or local taxi service. Singell Tea Garden is 3 km from Kurseong.

Accommodation

Singell Homestay
Tariff: ₹1300-1800/- per room
Tel: 9832057237

Sanjeema Homestay
Tariff: ₹1500/- per room
Tel: 8759909225

Lamagaon

Lamagaon is a picturesque hamlet nestled amidst green foliage and lovely mountains. Located at a distance of 13 km from Bijanbari in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, the place is well known for the cultivation of Ishkus and cardamom. Also known as squash, Ishkus is a very popular vegetable in the hilly regions. The village of Lamagaon is idyllic, calm and peaceful. If you are looking to spend some time in solitude away from all rush and buzz, then Lamagaon is a place you should definitely visit. At an altitude of 5200 feet above sea level, the village offers its visitors some fabulous views of Mount Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan mountains. From Lamagaon, you can get a glimpse of the lush green tea gardens of Darjeeling. On a clear day, even the distant Darjeeling town and its adjoining areas are visible from this hamlet. At night, you can simply sit under the twinkling stars and watch the shimmering lights of the Darjeeling town. In the morning, you can lazily walk along the serpentine lanes of the village sniffing the fragrance of Himalayan orchids and flowers. At Lamagaon, you will always be accompanied by colourful birds and butterflies. The peace and tranquility together with the melodious singing of birds and fresh scent of flowers create a charming atmosphere that you will never forget.

Lamagaon

Sightseeing and Activities

While at Lamagaon, spend some quality time with yourself, your loved ones and mother nature. For the adventure lovers, there is plenty of scope for short treks and hikes through narrow trails and verdant forests. Lamagaon is home to a large number of species of birds. Whether you are a pro bird watcher or a novice, you will certainly enjoy the antics of these little creatures. You may also try your hands at barbecue in traditional village style by roasting your meat on log fire. Bijanbari is 12 km from Lamagaon. If you wish, you can go fishing in the Chhota Rangeet River at Bijanbari.

Best Time to Visit

Lamagaon can be visited all throughout the year except during the heavy monsoons. However, the best time to visit the place is September to November.

How to Reach

Trains are running from Sealdah, Kolkata and Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. You can reserve a car from New Jalpaiguri to reach Lamagaon via Kurseong, Ghum and Bijanbari. Lamagaon is around 102 km from New Jalpaiguri. Alternatively, you can reach Ghum from New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri by shared cars. From Ghum, you can get a car to get to Lamagaon.

Accommodation

Lamagaon Homestay
Tariff: ₹2100/- per person with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tel: 9832330100, 9434610510

Silent Valley Homestay
Tariff: ₹1600-2000/- per room
Tel: 9830190503