Takdah, a little-known mountainous terrain near Darjeeling was once a British cantonment. The place remains covered most of the time by mist and fog that creates an envelope that the Lepchas, the local inhabitants, lovingly called Tukdah, meaning fog and mist.
The idyllic destination where the sun plays hide and seek and loads of mist descend upon the mountains covered with vast tracts of greenery creates sheer magic with its serene beauty. The amazing beauty of the meandering roads, nature trails passing through the deep forests, the chirping birds among the tall trees, and the vast tea gardens along the hill slopes make Takdah an irresistible tourist attraction.
The British legacy is still very much visible across this area, which has many houses and bungalows in the colonial area. Many of these houses have local ownership or converted into schools and other establishments.
Takdah – The location
Takdah is located at an altitude of 4,000 feet and is reachable from Darjeeling, about 28 kilometers away. Despite its proximity to Darjeeling, Takdah is a sparsely crowded village where you can enjoy nature at its best. The quiet and peaceful environment among the laps of nature allows busy souls to refresh and rejuvenate for a few days filling the heart with happiness.
The temperature is lower than in the surrounding areas, mainly Darjeeling. The destination is ideal for those who want to escape from the tiring city life and take a deep breath of fresh air while soaking in the beauty of the rich flora and fauna that gives a sense of endless joy.
Reaching Takdah
Takdah is about 60 kilometers drive from the Bagdogra airport and New Jalpaiguri railway station (NJP). The average travel time varies between 2.5 and 3 hours. The distance from Siliguri town is 52 kilometers, and to reach Takdah from Darjeeling, you have to drive 28 kilometers which take about an hour and a half. From Kalimpong, it takes about 2 hours to cover 40 kilometers to reach Takdah. Regardless of where you approach Takdah, you have to reserve a cab for an exclusive ride or go for a ride-share if you want to save some money.
Where to stay
Options for staying in here are limited because there aren’t many hotels. A few guest houses and homestays that were once British bungalows are excellent for spending a day or two in the heritage buildings while enjoying all the modern amenities.
It can be a wonderful experience to spend time in the bungalows with sprawling lawns while getting a flavor of the grand Victorian architecture. Unless you are an avid nature lover keen to explore the locales, a day trip is considered most suitable for tourists.
There are several homestay options available in Takdah that offer a more authentic and immersive experience of the local culture and lifestyle.
Places to see
Since this is a small village, a day is enough to go around and visit some of the landmarks dotted by the picturesque tea garden. Takdah is home to the world-famous tea brand RungleeRungliot, and you can see the tea gardens of the company.
The Orchid Center is one of the main attractions besides the Takdah monastery and the adjoining Tinchuley and Lamahatta villages.