Vacationing at pristine beaches may sound great; however, there is something magical about the far-flung mountains, their unexplored corners, and the untrodden trails. Imagine waking up to the birds' songs and the golden sun rays beaming through the windows! It would be great to stand on top of a mountain and feel the unsurpassable joy and peace. For those who want to get away from the soul-tiring monotony, here are some handpicked remote and serene destinations. One such option is Ahal Dara, a pocket-friendly option to vacation amidst the unexplored hills.
Location and Overview
Ahal Dara is located in Shelpu Hills in Sittong, which is a base region of Kurseong under the district of Darjeeling. Ahal Dara is everything that a nature lover would want to call home. For travel fanatics, it is a rejuvenating spot. It is a blissful escapade for nature lovers. For adventure lovers, it offers a joyful hiking trail. For the locals, it is an ideal picnic spot. The luxuriant valley, lush green tea gardens, cinchona plantation, and uncluttered forests of Ahal Dara not only offer a visual treat but also provide a much-needed retreat and peace to the soul. The sight of mountain rivers Ryang and Teesta crisscrossing the vales adds more to its charm.
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At around 5,000 ft in the Mahananda wildlife sanctuary near Kurseong, Latpanchar is a birdwatcher's paradise — home to the Rufous-necked Hornbill and over 240 bird species, set amid serene hills, homestays, and panoramic views of the Teesta.
The local name "Ahal Dara" means "Hill Ridge on a puddle of water" in English. Ahal Dara, though not known to many, stands as one of the must-visit offbeat destinations in Darjeeling. Due to its nature-bound appeal, Ahal Dara offers an ideal escapade to nature lovers and adventure seekers. This natural hilltop provides a 360-degree view of the sunrise, sunset, Teesta River, Kanchenjunga Peak, and the adjoining Himalayan peaks.
Things to Do in Ahal Dara
Enjoy a Mesmerizing Sunrise and Sunset
Ahal Dara offers a breathtaking view of the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga Peaks. On a clear day, one can get a clear view of the valleys and hill towns like Kalimpong, Gangtok, Bagora, and Algarah. Visitors can enjoy an unobstructed view of the famous Tinchuley Hills from this viewpoint.
Visit the Orange Orchards in Sittong
The orange orchards in Sittong are surreal, especially during the fruit-bearing season. During this time, the orange trees bend over, almost touching the ground, with heavily laden and fully-ripened oranges. Sittong, located just 1 km away, is easily accessible and offers a great opportunity to rejuvenate. Do not miss the chance to explore the orange orchards while there. To watch the fruit-laden orange orchards, plan a visit in October-November.
Get a Closer Look at the Rare Bird Species in Latpanchar
For avid bird watchers who love wildlife photography, Ahal Dara offers a great opportunity. As Latpanchar is located in proximity, one can spend a day or two tracing the rarest kind of feathered species. Common species found in the region are the Red-headed Trogon, Rufous Hornbill, Sultan Tit, Orient Hornbill, Long-tailed Hornbill, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Common Green Magpie, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Black-throated Sunbird, and Oriental Cuckoo.
Delve a Bit Deeper into Nature with Bengal Safari
Bengal Safari is located within the forested area of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Detach from the city rush and enjoy the blissful nature amidst the greens. One can catch a glimpse of tigers, leopards, wild cats, deer, alligators, and a wide variety of birds here.
Nearby Attractions in Ahal Dara
Shelpu Hill
From the untrodden landscapes to the bewitching sight of the valleys and lush green tea gardens, the fresh mountain air, and the serene aura, Shelpu Hills offer it all at once. The dense cinchona plantation and the green woods cater to the call of wanderlusts, nature lovers, and ardent photographers.
Sittong
The base region to the land of white orchids, Sittong is a dream come true for anyone seeking to break free from urban monotony. This tiny mountainous village offers an ideal getaway throughout the year. From the cozy homestays to the delightful orange orchards, the docile people, and the natural surroundings, Sittong should not be skipped from any travel bucket list.
Namthing Pokhari
The sole breeding site for the endangered Himalayan Salamander, Namthing Pokhari is located at Selphu Hills. It remains dry during the winters and turns into a thriving aquatic ecosystem during the monsoon season. During the dry season, the bed of the lake remains blanketed under grass. Generally, about 4-5 species of grasses thrive in the bed, which provides protection and shade to salamanders that remain in a state of hibernation during dry seasons.
Best Time to Visit Ahal Dara
Summertime in Ahal Dara offers a chilling getaway from the blistering summer of the plains and the metropolises. Although heavy rainfall during the monsoon season can cause chaos in many areas, Ahal Dara's location at a lower elevation compared to other high-altitude regions makes it a viable option for travel during this season.
Here, each season creates its own magic. However, to visit the orange orchards and get a clear view of the sunrise, sunsets, mountains, and dales, October-November would be the ideal time. To witness the snow-clad peaks and the clear starlit nights, plan a trip from November to February. During spring, one can see delightful colors of bloom and relish pleasant weather.
How to Go to Ahal Dara
Getting There by Road
Ahal Dara is well connected with the road networks. Also, roadways are the only option to get there. Starting from Siliguri, the drive is about 4-5 hours through NH31. However, it takes less time, about 2-3 hours, from the adjoining hilly regions like Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Kurseong, or Gangtok. One can either hire a guide or use Google Maps for help.
Note: A trip to Ahal Dara can be combined with a trip to the Darjeeling Hills or other destinations. For those planning a visit to Ahal Dara and the surrounding areas, it is worth adding some nature-bound activities to the itinerary. There are plenty of options to choose from, including visiting the orange orchards of Sittong, watching the sunrise and sunset from Ahal Dara itself, going on birdwatching and nature hikes, and more. And for those intrigued by the diverse culture of the region, taking some time to interact with the locals and learn about their community is well worth it.
Cradled in the Riyang River Valley at 4,000 feet, Sittong is the orange-growing hub of the Darjeeling Hills — a cluster of Lepcha hamlets offering orange orchards, Namthing Pokhari, Ahal Dara sunrises, birding at Latpanchar, and warm homestays.
