Sittong - The Breathtaking Orange Orchards of North Bengal
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The base region to the land of white orchids, Sittong offers a soul-soothing experience in its purest form. Located in the Riyang River Valley, it lies in proximity to Mangpu (20 km), the former residence of poet Rabindranath Tagore. The famous Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is just 13 km away. Serene trails lead to this unspoiled natural beauty. The lush green forests guard its tranquil territory. The perennial rivulets adorn its picturesque valley with a silver gleam. Known as the orange-growing region of the Hill Queen Darjeeling, Sittong has everything to replenish the quest of a wanderlust explorer.
Inhabited by one of the oldest tribes, the Lepchas, it is a go-to destination for nature lovers. Visitors can bask in nature, get an adrenaline rush while traversing the remote trails, climb a hilltop and be rewarded with jaw-dropping backdrops, witness the unobstructed view of mighty mountain ranges, hike alongside the banks of River Riyang, or take the easier stroll on empty mountain roads meandering through the far-flung hamlets.
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Despite all, the orange orchards of Sittong are something that makes it more enticing. Every alternate house one comes across in Sittong has an orange orchard. During the orange ripening season, Sittong turns into an orange alcove! The snow-capped mountain backdrop adds more charm to it. Visitors can even meet and interact with the cheerful and hard-working farmers. For those whom gardening delights, there are valuable insights to gain on orange cultivation for free. Besides, this quaint domain is preparing for mass kiwi cultivation on its slopes.
Location
Sittong falls under the district of Darjeeling. It is a cluster of mountain hamlets known as Sittong Khasmahal. The entire khasmahal is divided into three sections — upper, middle, and lower Sittong. This offbeat mountain destination stands at an elevation of 4000 feet above sea level. Known as the orange-growing hub of Darjeeling, it is just 30 km away from Kurseong. The Riyang River separates Sittong from Mangpu, the cinchona plantation hub of Darjeeling. A lofty steel bridge at Jogighat (the transit base) interlinks the entire region with Mangpu.
Major Attractions and Things To Do in Sittong
Sittong wraps every natural splendor in its serene domain. It offers more than any crafted itinerary — a place to explore, unwind, and rejuvenate, immersing oneself in a rustic experience amidst the hills. Here is a list of attractions in and around Sittong.
Namthing Pokhari
Home to the world's rarest species of Himalayan Salamander, Namthing Pokhari is a seasonal lake that dries up in winter. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant greenery that adorns the surrounding region of Namthing Lake. During the monsoon, the lake turns into a vibrant aquatic ecosystem and becomes a hibernating ground for the salamanders during winter. One can plan a day's trip to enjoy nature or to witness the breeding ground of the rarest species of Himalayan Salamanders.
Ahal Dara
A hilltop that is worth the climb. It gives the eyes a visual treat with a 360-degree view of mountains, hills, and green valleys. Breathe in the tranquil air while admiring the spell-binding sights of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga peak and the range of Himalayan grandeur. One can even plan a picnic at this soul-soothing locale with picture-perfect backdrops. Likewise, Ahal Dara is well known for its sunrise and sunset views. Watch the sun rise, gleaming its golden hues on the Kanchenjunga peaks, and capture the golden hour during the sunset.
Latpanchar
For those who love nature and wildlife, Latpanchar offers an ideal reason to ditch the urban rush. Abode to the rufous-necked hornbill, Latpanchar is located 5000 feet above sea level. It is renowned as a bird watcher's paradise and a haven for nature lovers. Go birding, meet the adept local guides for assistance throughout, and connect with locals to learn more about the regional and migratory bird species. Spot the rarest bird species, butterflies, and the Himalayan fauna.
Jogighat Steel Bridge
This bridge connects Sittong with the cinchona plantation hub, Mungpu. Jogighat has its own scenic appeal. The rustling sound of the Riyang River soothes the peace-craving soul. The hilly backdrop offers a great setting for photographs. The lush green forest and the valley have serene and secluded trails for easy hiking. So, do not forget to carry a camera.
Sittong Orange Orchards
This is unmissable! Wintertime, starting from October to January, is when the orange ripens, with cultivation beginning in mid-December. Enjoy the surreal beauty of the quaint orange orchards. The fruit-laden trees turn appealing in an eye-soothing yellow color. Make sure to relish the sweet, citrusy oranges! Likewise, one can learn about orange cultivation from the cheerful farmers.
Nature Trails
For those who love adventure, Sittong has everything in store to feed the wanderlust soul. One can explore the remote and serene trails amidst unexploited nature. During the trek, there are chances to catch a glimpse of rare species of birds, butterflies, and the exotic Himalayan fauna. Keep a camera handy, and make sure to enjoy every bit of the trip.
Best Time to Visit Sittong
Sittong is a year-round destination. Each season brings with it its own unique charm. From the cloud-kissed green mountains during the monsoon to the aromatic citrusy orange blossoms during spring, Sittong has it all. Despite the rarity of seasons, the best time to visit Sittong is during winter, when the orange orchards turn surreal in their yellowish golden glory. The orange ripening and harvesting season falls between October and January.
Make sure to carry warm clothes, as during these months the weather remains cold and chilly. Besides the orange orchards, visitors can witness a clear view of Mount Kanchenjunga and the adjoining peaks. One can even plan a picnic at Ahal Dara or enjoy the calmness of nature by going on a hike. During the nighttime, a bonfire outside the homestay and stargazing add to the experience.
Where to Stay
There are a good number of homestays in Sittong. The cost of the stay starts from 1500 rupees per head per day, including meals. Atithi Retreat, Orange Cottage, Pine Tree Retreat, and Sonam Homestay are some of the popular homestays in Sittong. Homestays in Sittong offer the basic amenities for a comfortable stay. The intriguing fact is that visitors can relish authentic Nepali cuisine prepared from fresh organic produce from the local farms.
NJP Railway Station is located 56 km away from Sittong. Siliguri Junction (the main city) is 48 km away. The actual journey starts once one arrives in Siliguri, which is the transit base to the hilly regions.
By Roadways
The only option to get to Sittong is via roadways through Siliguri. One can either book a taxi or get into a shared vehicle from Siliguri Junction. It takes 2 hours by vehicle to reach there.
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.
