Takdah Heritage Bungalow 12: Luxury Escape or Overpriced Relic? (Unbiased Review)

North Bengal is one of the travel destinations for mountain lovers. The off-beat villages of North Bengal are ideal for a couple of days off from busy daily life. A popular name among them is Takdah.

How to go to Takdah? How long does it take to plan a tour? Where to stay? How much will it cost? You can find all the information in this blog here. Takdah was a British cantonment before independence. It was an important travel destination for British government officers. Takdah was abandoned, like many other British colonies, after India became independent. Today, when you go here, you can see the historical architecture and the bungalows of the British officers.

How To Reach Takdah Darjeeling ?

Takdah Tea Garden
Takdah Tea Garden

You can take any North Bengal-bound train to reach Takda. There are several trains from Howrah or Sealdah station. Out of this, Padatik Express and Kanchankanya Express leave from Sealdah station. Padatik Express leaves Sealdah station at 11:20 PM and reaches New Jalpaiguri Station at 9:15 AM.

Sleeper class fare from Rs 360. There is also Darjeeling Mail. The distance from New Jalpaiguri to Takdah is 90 km. Reserve car can be booked from Siliguri Junction to Takdah. Also, if you tell the homestay where you will stay in Takdah hotels, they will send the car to New Jalpaiguri station.

NJP to Takdah Car Fare / Takdah to Darjeeling distance

The fare from the New Jalpaiguri to the Takdah homestay Reserve vehicle will be Rs 3500 to 4000. This rent increases or decreases at different times of the year. There are also many cars outside New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri stations, from which you can book a car.

Takdah homestay can be reached by shared car from Siliguri. Share vehicles come from Siliguri to Takda Bazar. 7-8 cars are available throughout the day. The fare is Rs. 210 per person.

What to See at Takdah West Bengal?

Hanging Bridge Takdah
Hanging Bridge Takdah

After reaching the homestay on the first day, you can explore the village of Tagda. If you ask the owner of the homestay you will stay in, he will show you around the village and take a small amount of money in return.

You can go through the forest to the tea garden. The road through the forest with various herbs is lovely. There is also a big football field. The forest of pine trees and the sounds of various unknown birds create a great feeling.

A tea garden is just after passing through the forest Rongli Tea Garden. On one side is a tea garden and on the other is a forest of large pine trees. On the opposite side of the tea garden is Takdah Forest.

Takdah Sightseeing Places Nearby

Two types of sites can be viewed from Takdah: a local site scene, Tinchuley, Lamahata, and Takdah. If one wants to see Darjeeling from this Takdahhomestay, it is also possible to do that.

Lovers View Point

Wake up early on the second day and head out for sightseeing. If you reserve the car, the rent is Rs 3000. First, you have to go to Lover’s View Point. The view of the river Teesta from here is excellent, and the valley is also lovely.

Teesta Barrage and Coronation Bridge can also be seen from a distance. There are several food shops. This Lover’s View Point is later on the road from Darjeeling to Gangtok. Peshak Tea Garden is in front.

Lamahatta Eco Park

Lamahatta Park
Lamahatta Park

The next destination is Lamahatta Ecopark. Lamahatta Park opens at eight in the morning and closes at five in the afternoon. The entry fee is Rs 20. There are big pine trees here. Numerous flowering plants. And a lake in the upper part of the park.

To reach the lake, one has to trek quite a bit. It takes about 40 minutes to trek up. Cobbled walkways. But it is not at all suitable for older adults or those with foot problems. There is a sacred lake. Locals come here and worship.

Tinchuley

Views at Tinchuley
Views at Tinchuley

The next destination is Tinchuley. There is Tin Chuley viewpoint

Hanging Bridge Takda

Takda has an old hanging bridge that is more than 100 years old. After settlement in 1864, the British started tea plantations here, which is how the tea garden Rangli Rangliat was established.

Rangli Rangliat Tea Garden

Rongli Tea Garden
Rongli Tea Garden

Rangli Rangliot Tea Garden is nearby. There are also many homestays to stay in.

Takdah Orchid Centre

Then Takdah Orchid Center. There are many types of flowering plants inside. Those who love flowering plants find themselves in the dreamland. Takda Orchid Garden opens from 9:30am. The ticket price is 20 rupees per person. It was once the largest orchid garden in Asia. The rare black orchid was also available. There are also some orange trees here.

Takdah Orchid Center is also a historical landmark. The entry fee is twenty rupees. During World War II, it was the soldiers’ quarters. Later, the British built the Orchid Center here, Asia’s largest orchid centre. Now, only 34 types of orchids are available here.

Gumbadara View Point

Gumpadara View Point can be visited staying at Takdah village

Homestay at Takdah

Takdah Heritage Bungalow
Takdah Heritage Bungalow

In Tagda, between 1905 and 1915, the British built many houses, schools, clubs and many other things.
Here is the ‘Ranikuthi‘. At one time, the Britishers and their officials also stayed here. Today, ‘Ranikuthi’ remains the only history. There is a new church next to the ‘Ranikuthi’. The British left Taghda long ago, but their architecture remains intact after independence.

The hill people have integrated their heritage with these architectures. One such architecture is Takdah Monastery. From a distance, clouds can be seen hovering over the Kalimpong hills. Twelve villas remain in Takdah of British architecture.

Some are building schools, and some are homestays. Takdah Club House was built in 1911. It is now the property of the West Bengal Tourism Department. Online booking can be done. Go up a bit and see Colonial Building One and Colonial Building Two. These are the two current schools: a CBSE school and a Buddhist school.

Heritage Bungalow Takdah

A British Army officer built the bungalow in 1911, so it is about 110 years old. All around, there is a silent silence; only the calls of unknown birds and animals of the forest and the sound of drifting over the trees can be heard.

It looks a little spookyβ€”colourful flowers in front of the bungalow. Takdah was a British cantonment before independence. It was an important travel destination for British government officers. Takdah was abandoned, like many other British colonies, after the country became independent.

Today, when you go here, you can see the historical architecture and the bungalows of the British officers.

Takdah Heritage Colonial Bungalow No. 12 / Takdah Heritage Bungalow 15

TAKDAH Heritage colonial Bungalow No.12
TAKDAH Heritage Colonial Bungalow No.12

As told A British Army officer built the bungalow in 1911, so it is about 110 years old. All around, there is a silent silence; only the calls of unknown birds and animals of the forest and the sound of drifting over the trees can be heard. It looks a little spooky. There are colourful flowers in front of the bungalow.

There are a total of six rooms in this bungalow. Standard, Deluxe, Super Deluxe and Suite rooms are available here. The experience of staying in these old heritage buildings of the British era is simply exceptional.

Outside the window or balcony is a row of pine trees. The stairs are made of wood. Wake up in the morning and take a walk in the pine forest. Every room has a fireplace.

Takdah Heritage Colonial Bungalow No.12 / Takdah Heritage Colonial Bungalow No 12

Room TypeNo. of RoomsTariff
Standard Room13000
Deluxe Room34000
Super Deluxe Room15000
Suite Room17000
Takdah Heritage Colonial Bungalow No.12 Tariff

Takdah Heritage Bungalow 12 Contact Number

Takdah Heritage Colonial Bungalow Contact no.- 9002677779 (Norbu G Lama)

Takdah Villa / Hotels at Takdah / Takdah Hotels

Takdah Villa
Takdah Villa

Website: www.takdahvilla.com Contact No 08902232559

Takdah Homestay / Takdah Hotels / Hotels in Takdah

La Nature Homestay (Takdah) Contact No. 9830018619 , 8617295657

Takdah Villa: 8902232559 Website: www.takdahvilla.com

Conclusion

A magical world near Darjeeling, just like the pictorial hill village of Takdah. “Takdah” means shrouded in mist covered with clouds. This is why fog descends here now and then. Takdah’s Rangli Rangliot tea garden cannot be explained without seeing it with your own eyes. With Orchid House, Tinchuley, Lover’s View Point, and an outstanding view of river Teesta

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Q.1: What makes North Bengal, particularly Takdah, a great travel destination?

Ans: North Bengal is ideal for mountain lovers, offering off-beat villages perfect for a short getaway. Takdah is notable for its historical British architecture and serene tea gardens.

Q.2: How can I reach Takdah?

Ans: You can take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) from Sealdah Station, such as the Padatik Express or Kanchankanya Express. From NJP, you can hire a reserved car or take a shared vehicle to Takdah.

Q.3: What is the travel cost from NJP to Takdah?

Ans: A reserved vehicle from NJP to Takdah costs around Rs 3500 to 4000. Shared vehicles from Siliguri to Takdah cost Rs 210 per person.

Q.4: What are the accommodation options in Takdah?

Ans: Takdah offers various homestays and heritage bungalows. Some options include: La Nature Homestay (Contact: 9830018619, 8617295657)
Takdah Villa (Website: www.takdahvilla.com, Contact: 08902232559)
Takdah Heritage Colonial Bungalow No. 12 (Contact: 9002677779)

Q.5: What are the main attractions in Takdah?

Ans: Key attractions include: 1. Lover’s View Point
2. Lamahatta Eco Park
3. Tinchuley View Point
4. Rongli Tea Garden
5.Takdah Orchid Centre
6.Gumbadara View Point
7. Historical British bungalows and architecture

Q.6: What activities can I do in Takdah?

Ans: You can explore tea gardens, hike through pine forests, visit historical sites, and enjoy local sightseeing tours. Takdah offers a peaceful retreat with plenty of natural beauty and historical significance.

Q.7: What is the best time to visit Takdah?

Ans: Takdah can be visited year-round, but the weather is particularly pleasant in the spring and autumn months. The misty atmosphere adds to its charm.

Q.8: Is Takdah suitable for a family trip?

Ans: Yes, Takdah is family-friendly with various activities and scenic spots suitable for all ages. However, some treks and walks might be challenging for older adults or those with mobility issues.

Q.9: How long should I plan my trip to Takdah?

Ans: A 2-3 day trip is ideal to explore Takdah and its nearby attractions.

Q.10: Is Takdah accessible for older adults?

Ans: While Takdah offers many scenic spots, some areas like the Lamahatta Eco Park require trekking, which might be difficult for older adults. However, there are plenty of accessible spots and comfortable homestays for a relaxing visit.

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North Bengal's offbeat magic is my muse. I find adventure in whispering waterfalls, vibrant village life, and breathtaking Himalayan vistas. Join me as I delve deeper, seeking stories and experiences beyond the mainstream, from Darjeeling's tea havens to the unexplored corners of this incredible region

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