Dawaipani is a beautiful hill village at 6500 feet above sea level. Located just twenty kilometres from Darjeeling city, Kanchenjunga can be seen from this village.
The word ‘Dawai’ means ‘Medicine’, and the phrase ‘Pani’ implies ‘Water’. Thus, Dawaipani means ‘medicinal water’. It is said that drinking the water of the river flowing through here cures people’s diseases, which is where the name Dawaipani came from.
How to Reach Dawaipani?
By Train: The nearest railway stations to reach Dawai Pani are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. The distance from Siliguri to Dawai Pani is about 75 km, and from New Jalpaiguri, it is 80 km.
So you can book a car from any major railway station in India to New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri station and reach Dawaipani within three hours.
By Air: If you want to come by aeroplane, the nearest airport is Bagdogra. You can book a car from Bagdogra airport and get to this offbeat hill village in three hours.
By Road: There are two ways to reach Dawai Pani from Siliguri; the first road is the road to Sikkim, which is National Highway 10, and the other road is the road from Siliguri to Darjeeling, which is also National Highway 110.
If you go through Sikkim Road, you have to come to Teesta Bazar first. From Teesta Bazar, you have to go up to 6 miles along Peshok Road. If you arrive by Darjeeling Road, you have to reach Peshok Road via Jor Bungalow. Dawaipani village is higher up from here.
What to see in Dawaipani?
- Dawaipani has a pure nature. This hilly village is surrounded by dense green pine forest.
- The village is surrounded by several tea estates including Glenburn Tea Estate, Lamahatta Tea Estate, and Takdah Tea Estate are famous tea estates. I don’t know if any other part of Darjeeling has such a good view of what you can see from this unique village of Kanchenjunga.
- And if the sky is clear, Namchi Chardham in Sikkim and Darjeeling city can be seen from here.
Activities in Dawaipani
- Currently, Dawai-pani is at the peak of popularity among the offbeat places in Darjeeling. The place is famous for its spectacular Kanchenjunga view. Apart from this, there are several activities you can do here. such as
- Trekking: One can come to Dawai Pani to enjoy short-distance trekking. Talk to the homestay owner about trekking routes. Of course, trekking should be done only with a skilled guide with the necessary equipment.
- Bird watching: Offbeat places like Dawai Pani are not wrong to say bird watchers paradise. Go out with your camera and binoculars and watch different birds. If you already have an idea about birds, then it will be great for you. Can’t finish taking pictures.
- In the evening, the bonfire, along with the singing and dancing of the local people, will enthral you. You can also visit the local garden, where various vegetables are grown organically.
- Besides, when you come to Dawai Pani, you can see Gopal Dhara Tea Estate, Simana View Point, Sukhia Bazar, Mim Tea Garden, Lepcha Jagat, and Jor Bangla.
- You can explore the entire village on foot or trek through the Sinchal Forest.
- The hill to the left of Dawai Pani is Darjeeling. In the evening, the mountains of Darjeeling will be illuminated like numerous bonfires.
- And straight hill that is Namchi of Sikkim. On the right will be Lamahata and Takdah Tea Garden.
- Wake up early in the morning and see all the famous peaks of the Himalayas. The sounds of unknown birds around will create a charming atmosphere. From here, you can see Takdah, Lamahata, Tinchuley, and Teesta viewpoints.
Where to stay in Dawaipani
There are several Homestays here but can’t have Hotels like other places in Darjeeling Town
| Homestay Name | Contact |
|---|---|
| Rovers Stay Homestay | +919007138504 |
| Hill Castle Home Stay | +919749026516 |
| Adda Hut | +919836499678 |
| Rovers Stay Homestay | +919007138504 |
| Biren’s Homestay | +919641452718 |
Nearby Places to Visit Dawaipani
From Dawaipani, you can explore many nearby places, including Tiger Hill, Lamahatta, Sikkim, Kalimpong, Kurseong, etc.
Along with the Dawai Pani tour, you can visit the popular places of Darjeeling, such as the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Rock Garden, Japanese Temple, Peace Pagoda, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Ganga Maya Park, Batasia Loop, Ghum Monastery, Darjeeling and Ghum Railway Station, and Botanical Garden.
Best Time to Visit Dawaipani
Due to the altitude, it is cold here throughout the year, so Dawaipani can be visited at any time. Although people visit Dawaipani all year round now, the best times are October to November and February to May.
Since monsoon rains are heavy and hilly areas are prone to landslides, it is suitable to travel throughout the year except during monsoon season. If you want to come here during winter, you have to bring suitable woollen clothes, boots, and hats.
Dawaipani Temperature
To know more about the temperature in Dawaipani Click Here
Conclusion
Dawaipani emerges as a picturesque hill village offering breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga, situated just a short distance from Darjeeling. Its name, meaning ‘medicinal water,’ reflects local beliefs about the healing properties of its river water.
Accessible by train, air, or road from nearby cities, Dawaipani is a charming destination for nature enthusiasts, especially during the recommended months of October to November and February to May, avoiding the monsoon season due to heavy rains and potential landslides.
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Q.1: What is the Dawaipani famous for?
Ans: Dawai Pani is famous for its excellent view of Kanchenjunga, and the sunrise is awesome here. This is also a birdwatcher’s paradise
Q.2: Which is the nearest railway station to Dawaipani?
Ans: New Jalpaiguri is the Nearest Railway Station, situated about 80 km away from Dawai-pani
Q.3: What is the altitude of Dawaipani?
Ans: The altitude of Dawai-pani is 6500 ft, and located at a distance of about 16 km from the main town of Darjeeling.
Q.4: Where does the name Dawaipani come from?
Ans: The name Dawai-pani came from the ‘Dawai’ meaning Medicated ‘Pani’ means water, i.e. Dawaipani means Medicated water. A river flows through Dawai Pani. Local people believe that this water is healthy.
Q.5: How to reach Dawaipani from New Jalpaiguri?
Ans: The distance from New Jalpaiguri to Dawai Pani is 80 km. You can hire a personal car or a shared car from NJP station or Siliguri Junction and Book up to Jorebunglaw.
Q.6: How to go to Siliguri to Darjeeling?
Ans: DHR is the oldest transportation to go from Siliguri to Darjeeling. It takes about 6-7 hours to reach. But this is the slowest route to go to Darjeeling. Alternatively, you may book a car or shared taxi or bus from Sili9guri Bus Terminal to Darjeeling. It will take around 3 hours to reach and cost around Rs. 3000/-
Q.7: Which hill station is directly connected with Train?
Ans: Darjeeling, the famous hill station, is directly connected by train, and it takes about 6-7 hours to reach Darjeeling through green hills.
Q.8: What is Dawaipani known for?
Ans: Dawaipani offers stunning views of Kanchenjunga and is surrounded by lush pine forests and tea estates like Glenburn, Lamahatta, and Takdah.
Q.9: What activities can be done in Dawaipani?
Ans: Trekking: Enjoy short treks with a guide.
Bird Watching: Explore the area’s diverse birdlife.
Sightseeing: Visit nearby attractions like Tiger Hill, Lamahatta, Sikkim, Kalimpong, and Kurseong.
Q.10: When is the best time to visit Dawaipani?
Ans: Ideal times are October to November and February to May due to pleasant weather.
Avoid monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rains and potential landslides.
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