Upper Sittong Homestays, Kanchenjunga View Verified stays

Sittong

Sittong or Sitong is a newly added destination on the tourism map of the Eastern Himalayan Region. It is a beautiful village in Darjeeling district, West Bengal. For the heart-touching natural beauty, this place has been popular within a very short time duration. You will be amazed at the loveliness of the place as well as the local people. If you come here time here in your life, you will be definitely fascinated by the local people. As it is a small village, there are few homestays, run by local people only. From some of the homestays, you can also see Mt. Khanchendzonga from the room. Not only that, this hilly village is full of large numbers of Animals and birds. Sittong is also famous for its orange cultivation. Every year, in November, the local association arranges the orange festival, where you will find not only nature but also a small trekking trail. So, Sittong should be added to your next vacation trip.

How to reach Sittong

By Road: The distance between Siliguri to Sittong is about 70 km, which takes around 3–4 hours. The fast route for you to take will be Sevoke Road (NH10) and head towards Coronation Bridge. After crossing Coronation Bridge, you have to continue on NH10 for about 15 km until you reach Kalijhora.

From Kalijhora you have to take a left turn towards Rambi and Latpanchar. Follow the roads through the green forest and tea garden until you reach Shelpu. From Shelpu continue upwards towards Sittong.

By Train:

Popular trains such as Darjeeling Mail, Padatik Express, and Kanchan Kanya Express depart from Sealdah to NJP at frequent intervals. The timings are as follows:

Darjeeling Mail (12343): Departs from Sealdah at 10:05 PM and reaches NJP around 8:00 AM the next day.

Padatik Express (12377): Departs from Sealdah at 11:15 PM and reaches NJP by 9:15 AM.

Kanchan Kanya Express (13149): Departs from Sealdah at 8:30 PM and reaches NJP by 6:30 AM

What to see in Sittong / Places to visit near Sittong

Sittong Orange Orchards – The biggest attraction of Sittong, famous for its extensive orange plantations spread across the hillsides.
The village comes alive during the orange harvesting season from November to January.
Ahaldara View Point – One of the finest viewpoints in the Darjeeling hills overlooking Kanchenjunga, Teesta Valley and surrounding mountains.
A popular sunrise destination near Sittong.
Namthing Pokhri – Small natural lake famous for the rare Himalayan Salamander.
It is one of the few places in the region where this endangered species can be found.
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary – Protected forest area surrounding parts of the Sittong region.
Known for rich biodiversity, birdlife and scenic forest landscapes.
Jogighat Hanging Bridge – Suspension bridge across the Riyang River surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.
A popular photography and sightseeing spot.
Riyang River (Riang Khola) – Mountain river flowing through the valley below Sittong.
Creates beautiful landscapes and picnic spots around the village.
Latpanchar (12 km away) – Famous birdwatching destination located on the fringes of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary.
Known for Himalayan bird species and panoramic mountain views.
Ahal Dara Pine Forest – Scenic pine-covered forest area surrounding Ahaldara.
Offers peaceful walks and beautiful Himalayan landscapes.
Mungpoo (15 km away) – Historic hill destination associated with Rabindranath Tagore.
Known for cinchona plantations and colonial heritage.
Rabindra Museum, Mungpoo – Former residence of Rabindranath Tagore converted into a museum.
Displays photographs, manuscripts and memorabilia related to the poet.
Cinchona Plantation, Mungpoo – Historic plantation established during the British era for quinine production.
One of the oldest cinchona-growing regions in India.
Kalijhora View Point – Scenic viewpoint overlooking the Teesta River and surrounding hills.
A popular stop for travelers exploring the region.
Teesta River View Points – Several viewpoints around the route offer spectacular views of the Teesta Valley.
Particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
Lamahatta (20 km away) – Scenic eco-tourism destination known for pine forests, prayer flags and landscaped gardens.
Often combined with Sittong sightseeing.
Lamahatta Eco Park – Popular park featuring flower gardens, pine forests and a sacred lake.
One of the most visited attractions near Sittong.
Tinchuley (18 km away) – Offbeat Himalayan village known for orange orchards and mountain views.
Offers peaceful village experiences and scenic landscapes.
Takdah (20 km away) – Historic British-era cantonment town surrounded by tea gardens and pine forests.
Known for colonial bungalows and quiet surroundings.
Takdah Orchid Centre – Government orchid centre displaying Himalayan orchid species.
Popular among nature lovers and flower enthusiasts.
Rungli Rungliot Tea Estate – Historic tea estate near Takdah.
Known for beautiful tea gardens and premium Darjeeling tea.
Peshok Tea Garden – Scenic tea estate overlooking the Teesta Valley.
One of the most photographed tea gardens in the region.
Peshok View Point – Famous viewpoint offering panoramic views of tea gardens, valleys and the Teesta River.
A major sightseeing stop in the area.
Kurseong (25 km away) – Historic hill station known for tea gardens, viewpoints and colonial heritage.
Popular for day excursions from Sittong.
Dow Hill, Kurseong – Pine-covered forest area famous for scenic beauty and colonial-era charm.
One of the most visited attractions near Kurseong.
Rohini View Point – Scenic viewpoint on the route connecting the hills with the plains.
Offers panoramic views of the Terai region and surrounding mountains.
Shelpu Hills – Scenic mountain slopes surrounding parts of the Sittong region.
Known for orange orchards and picturesque Himalayan landscapes.
Mahaldiram Village – Beautiful mountain village near Sittong known for tea gardens and valley views.
A peaceful offbeat destination for nature lovers.
Khasmahal View Point – Scenic viewpoint overlooking the valleys and forests around Sittong.
Popular among visitors exploring the orange villages of the region.

Month-wise Temperature (Average)

January: 5°C – 14°C (Cool and pleasant)

February: 7°C – 17°C (Mild and comfortable)

March: 10°C – 20°C (Pleasant with blooming greenery)

April: 13°C – 23°C (Comfortable and fresh)

May: 16°C – 25°C (Warm but enjoyable)

June: 18°C – 27°C (Humid with light rain)

July: 20°C – 26°C (Heavy rainfall and misty)

August: 20°C – 26°C (Wet and cloudy)

September: 19°C – 25°C (Rain reduces gradually)

October: 14°C – 22°C (Clear skies and pleasant)

November: 10°C – 18°C (Cool and crisp)

December: 6°C – 15°C (Cool with clear views)

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Sittong is from October to April, when the weather remains pleasant and the surroundings are clear. Winter is the highlight season, as the region becomes famous for its vibrant orange orchards, earning it the nickname “Orange Village.” Visitors can also enjoy scenic views of Kanchenjunga, peaceful village life, and nearby monasteries. Spring adds fresh greenery and blooming landscapes, while monsoon enhances the lush environment but brings frequent rainfall.