This blog is about Sitong Tour Plan.The Orange Village, a small hill village located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, which is located in the lap of the Himalayas, is called Sitong, which is also spelled Sittong. Sittong consists of three panchayats, namely Sittong 1, Sittong 2, Sittong 3, each of which has a village full of attractive natural beauty. It is called Sittong Khasmahal in the local language, which is part of the Kurseng sub-division.
Know Sitong Height or Sittong Altitude for Sitong Tour Plan
In Sittong, tourists can enjoy the off-beat hilly region along with adventure activities. It is also an ideal place for bird lovers. Businessmen have not yet been able to set foot here, so the serene environment here is still maintained. Maybe the hotel business will gradually expand here. So until that system is fully operational, Sittong is an attraction for nature lovers.
The current homestays here have good homely food facilities. But those who are looking for luxury in this remote hilly region will be disappointed by this village. The residents here are mainly from the Lepcha community, who mainly make a living from this tourism business. Staying in these homestays brings a different feeling because it is a part of their home, so there is an opportunity to get in touch with their culture and lifestyle.
Sitong Tour Plan: Best Time to Visit Sittong
Sittong has pleasant weather all year round so it is suitable for travel at any time of the year although each season has its own characteristics and their own charm.
However, October to December is the ideal time to enjoy the beauty of this place so consider it in your Sitong Tour Plan. During this time of winter, the orange orchards of Sittong are filled with fruits and you can see an orange glow when you look around.
This is the time to pick ripe fruits in the orange orchards so if you want oranges from the orchard, this is the time to get them here. Although the weather here is pleasant, it is quite cold. Since the weather is clear, you can see Kanchenjunga clearly from here. The average temperature of Sittong in September is 62Β°F during the day and 42Β°F at night.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is also beautiful here. The weather is pleasant. Moreover, during this time, various schools in West Bengal have summer vacations. So tourists flock to the hills during this time. The Rhododendron trees on the hills are full of flowers.
Monsoon (June to September)
During the rainy season, the mountains turn green. The trees seem to get new life in the rain water. But at this time, the mountain roads become slippery and muddy again. At any time, the road can be closed due to landslides on the road. Sudden heavy rains can cause the river water to rise and cause flooding.So this time may no0t be included in your Sitong Tour Plan. In August, the average temperature in Sittong is 70Β°F during the day and 48Β°F at night.
How to Reach Sittong? Sitong to njp distance
There are various options to reach Sitong.They are..
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport.
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway stations to Sitong are New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri. And the nearest DHR railway station is Kurseong. DHR i.e. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
By Road: You can rent a car from Bagdogra and New Jalpaiguri stations to reach SITONG directly. Or if you want to come from other parts of India, the nearest big city is Siliguri. And Siliguri is connected to the big cities of the country through highways.
The ways to reach Sitong from Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra are discussed below
Option 1: This road is the shortest road. Which reaches Sitong from Siliguri via Sevak, Kalijhora, Latpanchar and Ahaldara. The distance to reach Sitong on this route is 56 kilometers.
Siliguri β Sevoke β Kalijhora β Latpanchar β Ahaldara β Sittong
Option 2: To reach Sitong on this route, you have to cross a 78 kilometer road. This road reaches Sitong from Siliguri via Rambhi, Mongpoo.
Siliguri β Rambhi β Mungpoo β Sittong
Option 3: This road to reach Sitong is 75 kilometers long. From Siliguri, you reach Sitong via Kurseong, Dilaram, Bagora, Ghareytar.
Siliguri β Kurseong β Dilaram β Bagora β Ghareytar β Sittong
The distance from Siliguri to Sitong can vary depending on the road conditions. There is no direct bus service from New Jalpaiguri station to Sitong, so you can book a car directly from New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri bus stand or from Bagdogra airport to reach Sitong.
How to Reach Sitong from Burdwan?
For those tourists who are not travelling from Kolkata or Howrah but from Burdwan station to Sitong. There are several trains that stop at Burdwan station. From Burdwan station to Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri, it is easy to travel by train.
Several trains run daily and weekly from Burdwan Junction to New Jalpaiguri Junction or to Siliguri Junction. Depending on the train, it takes 8 hrs to 10 hrs. The train ticket fare can start from Rs 280 to Rs 1800. These trains include Saraighat Express, Darjeeling Mail, Kanchanakanya Express. There is also Vande Bharat Express from . The time table of these trains is given below which should be considered in Sitong Tour Plan
Daily Trains from Burdwan to Siliguri/NJP for Sitong tour plan
| Train Name (No.) | Departure Time (BWN) | Arrival Time (NJP/SGUJ) | Duration | Minimum Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PADATIK EXPRESS (12377) | 00:44 | 09:05 (NJP) | 08h 21m | βΉ310 (SL) |
| DBRG VIVEK EXP (22503) | 15:28 | 23:45 (NJP) | 08h 17m | βΉ310 (SL) |
| SARAIGHAT EXP (12345) | 17:00 | 01:05 (NJP) | 08h 05m | βΉ310 (SL) |
| UTTAR BANGA EXP (13147) | 21:12 | 06:15 (NJP) | 09h 03m | βΉ280 (SL) |
| KANCHAN KANYA (13149) | 22:07 | 08:05 (SGUJ) | 09h 58m | βΉ290 (SL) |
| DARJEELING MAIL (12343) | 23:28 | 08:05 (NJP) | 08h 37m | βΉ310 (SL) |
Where to Stay at Sitong in Your Sitong Tour Plan?
The accommodation in Sitong is Homestay-centric. To get to know the hospitality of the people here and their lifestyle, you have to stay in a homestay. The organic vegetables from the local garden and their cuisine, although of ordinary quality, win the hearts of tourists. Sitong’s Offbeat Travel Destination is becoming increasingly popular.
Accommodation Options & Pricing Sitong Darjeeling
There are different quality homestays in Sitong. The cost of staying and eating here varies at different times of the year. The cost here is between 1200 and 1800 rupees per day per head. The cost depends on the type of homestay you book. Some homestays have cottages and balconies.
For example, Sitong Nature Homestay. The balcony of this homestay offers a beautiful view of the Himalayas. The rooms have geysers and bathrooms with modern amenities. There is a car access to the front of the homestay. Another homestay is Meghbitan Homestay.
It has wooden cottages and two-story houses. Some rooms of the homestay offer a 180-degree view of Kanchenjunga along with distant tea gardens. The dishes cooked with vegetables from their own garden and the delicious dishes win the hearts of tourists.
Best Mobile Network in Sittong West Bengal
The best mobile network here is Jio. 4G and services are available here. Those who want to do some office work while traveling will get internet here. Many homestays here also provide WiFi service.
Despite being an off-beat travel destination, tourists can do their various tasks with the help of internet and can stay connected with the outside world. You can also know this while booking a room in a homestay. Because emergency internet service may be required.
Attractions & Activities in Sitong Darjeeling
Sitong is a small hill town full of pristine natural beauty with a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy. Nature lovers, bird lovers, and those who love trekking have something to offer.
Key Attractions within Citong Darjeeling
- Orange Garden– Currently, the main attraction of Sitong is the orange garden here. From November to January, oranges are ripe here. So during this time, tourists flock here to see this natural beauty.
- Lepcha Monastery– Lepcha Monastery located in Sittong 1 is a Buddhist Monastery that is about 350 years old. Initially, it was made of mud and bamboo. It was damaged in a strong earthquake in 2011. The view from this Monastery is amazing and the Kanchenjunga range can be seen clearly from here. The real name of this ancient Buddhist monastery is UPPER GHALEY TAR LONGO LEPCHA
- Sittong Church– There is a Christian church here which was initially made of bamboo and mud but is now made of bricks. The view of nature from here is also beautiful.
- Namthing Pokhri – This natural lake is surrounded by pine trees. There is a peaceful and quiet environment around. Namthing Pokhri is famous for Himalayan Salamander is aendangered animal. This lake dries up completely during winter and fills up again during monsoon.
- Ahaldara View Point: Ahaldara View Point is famous for its extraordinary natural scenery. From here, one can see the peak of Kanchenjunga on one side and Teesta Valley on the other. There is cinchona cultivation here. Currently, a rock formation resembling Rabindranath Tagore has been seen here, which makes the trip here more interesting.
Nearby Attractions in Sittong Sightseeing
As there is a lot to see in Sitong, there are also several nearby tourist destinations that can be easily visited from Sittong. Among these tourist destinations in the Eastern Himalayas, the first one comes
Mongpoo
Mongpoo, located just 8 km from Sitong, is a memorial to Rabindranath Tagore. It is known to everyone that the famous poet and writer Rabindranath Tagore received the Nobel Prize. But many do not know that Rabindranath Tagore wrote several popular stories and poems while staying in this Mongpoo located near Sitong. Rabindranath’s memorial ‘Rabindra Bhavan’ is very popular here. There is also cinchona plantation. Cinchona is a medicinal plant and an endangered plant.
Latpanchar
Latpanchar, located about 7 km from Sittong, is a relatively less popular tourist destination. Located within the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Latpanchar is known as a bird paradise. Its height is about 5000 feet above sea level. Many rare species of birds are seen here. One of the popular bird species here is the Rufos necked hornbill.
Mahaldiram
The highest village in Sitong is Mahaldiram. Its height is 6000 feet above sea level. There are green tea gardens stretching across the horizon. There are homestays to stay in the middle of the tea gardens.
Tingling view point
The view of Mirik Lake, Mirik Valley, and tea gardens from the Tingling View Point is breathtaking.
Mahananda Wildlife
Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is 25 km from Sitong. Permission is required to enter it. There are various types of birds, butterflies and unknown animals.
Shelpu Hills
There are many unknown animals here. This place is ideal for those who want to go trekking.
Trekking Routes in Sittong
There are many trekking routes from Sitong. The highest peak of Shelpu Hill, Ahaldara, can be reached from here. Tourist places like Lat Panchar, Chatakpur, Bagora, Kurseong etc. can be reached by trekking through the hilly routes from Sitong.
To go to Kurseong from Sitong, one has to go through Majua. Panoramic 360 degree view can be seen from Latpanchar. On one side there is the plains of Dooars and on the other side the hilly regions of Kurseong, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim. Along with this, Mount Kanchenjunga, Bhutan and Nepal can be seen from here.
Activities in Sitong
- Orange picking: The trees here are full of oranges during the winter season. You can pick fresh and ripe oranges from the orange orchard of the homestay where you will stay. And you can bring them home.
- Bird watching: Sitong is home to a lot of unknown birds, so this place is ideal for those who love to take pictures. The endangered bird rufos necked hornbill is found here. This bird is mainly seen in Latpanchar and Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Trekking: There are many trekking routes from here, which have been discussed earlier.
- Picnic: Sitong is an ideal place for picnics.
Local Festivals in Sittong
Sitong hosts various festivals at different times of the year.
Orange Festival: The Orange Festival is held here in December under the initiative of the West Bengal government.
Lepcha Festival: The residents here are mostly from the Lepcha community. The Lepcha community holds some of its own festivals. These include tendong lho rum faat, Namsoong,
Maghe Sankranti: The White Orchid Festival is also held in the nearby city of Kurseong.
Essential travel information and safety in Sitong Tour Plan
Some precautions and information are necessary for a comfortable and safe trip.
Medical Facilities:
Since it is an off-beat area, there is no advanced medical service here. Minimal treatment is available at the primary health center. The nearby city of Kurseong offers better medical services.
For better services, you will have to go to Darjeeling or Siliguri. There are various major hospitals in Siliguri, such as Desun Hospital, Medica Super Specialty Hospital.
Tourists should therefore carry a basic medical kit with them when traveling to Sitong. They should also carry some necessary emergency medicines.
Permits and Original Documents:
Many areas here are under sanctuaries, so before entering, you must take permits where necessary. You must carry your original Aadhar card or Voter ID card. There is a nearby Bhutan border and Nepal border, so it is mandatory to carry original documents.
Packing Essentials for Sitong Tour Plan
- You should bring clothes suitable for traveling in the mountainous region, shoes, raincoats, etc.
- The type of national clothing you wear and take with you will depend on the time of year you are going.
- Those who love to take photos must bring a camera, mobile phone, and their charger and battery.
- A power bank is a must.
- Those who want to do office work in peace and quiet need a laptop and a good internet connection.
Safety Tips in Your Sitong Tour Plan
The following safety tips should be followed for traveling to Sitong
- Talk to the local people and find out what the customs are there
- Do not roam anywhere in the forest without the advice of the guide.
- Do not tease wild animals.
- Keep the environment clean, do not throw plastic, polythene anywhere or light a fire in the forest
- Keep the necessary cash with you for traveling to Sitong. Because you will not get the facility of ATM here
- Talk to the homestay how it is convenient to travel to this place.
- Choose precautions and clothing according to the time of year you are traveling
- Take the necessary medicines with you.
- If there are elderly people, select the homestay accordingly. So that the car must reach the homestay.
5-Day Sitong Tour Plan
Day 1
Arrive at New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri or Bagdogra Airport in the morning. From there, rent a car and enjoy the beauty of the mountains via Siliguri and reach Sitong. It is about 60 to 65 km of road. There will be several tea gardens on the road.
After reaching the homestay, take a break and go out to visit the local village. See the beauty of the orange garden and various unknown mountain flowers. Keep this day for here. Return in the evening and enjoy barbecue or bonfire. Have dinner at night and go to bed early.
Day 2
Then come to Sitong Church. Then to Namthing Pokhri. It is a holy lake as beautiful as the picture. Here you can see the famous Himalayan salamander. In the afternoon, return to the homestay.
Day 3
In the morning, visit Ahaldara View Point. From here, you can get a 360 degree view of Mount Kanchenjunga. You can see the Teesta River and the distant Dooars region and the hilly areas. In a clear sky, you can see distant Nepal and Bhutan. From here, visit Latpanchar. This place is famous for bird watching. Many types of extinct birds can still be seen here. Take a guide with you and keep taking pictures of birds with your camera. You will spend a lot of time here. Return to the homestay.
Day 4
Come to Mongpoo, located just 8 kilometers away from Sitong. Here is Rabindra Bhavan, which is associated with the memory of Rabindranath Tagore. He wrote many famous poems and stories here. Mongpoo is also famous for the cultivation of Cinchona. From here, come to Mahaldiram. Mahaldiram, located at an altitude of 6000 feet above sea level, is the highest here. There are tea gardens with a wide horizon. If you want, you can stay at the homestay. If you want, you can also spend this day by having a picnic on the banks of the Reang River.
Day 5
Today is the time to say goodbye. Wake up a little late and take a good look at the place once again. Come to Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri, of course, check out the tourist places on the way. This is reference Sitong Tour Plan
Conclusion
Forget the usual tourist traps and discover Sitong, the “Orange Village” hidden away in the stunning Darjeeling Hills. It’s the perfect escape if you’re looking for something authentic and peaceful. What makes Sitong so special? Think vibrant orange orchards bursting with color and the warm, welcoming spirit of the Lepcha community.
Staying in a homestay here isn’t just about finding a place to sleep; it’s your ticket to truly living like a local. You’ll get to connect directly with the community, share stories, and really soak in their culture. Plus, this kind of tourism directly supports the people who live here, making your visit a truly sustainable and responsible experience.
FAQ
Q.1: What is Sitong and where is it located?
Ans: Sitong, also spelled Sittong, is a small, serene hill village situated in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, in the lap of the Himalayas. It is part of the Kurseng sub-division and is locally known as Sitong Khasmahal. The area comprises three panchayats: Sittong 1, Sittong 2, and Sittong 3
Q.2: Why is Sitong called ‘The Orange Village’?
Ans: Sitong has earned the nickname ‘Orange Village’ or ‘Orange Valley’ due to the abundance of orange trees. In the winter, the orchards are laden with a large produce of oranges, creating an orange glow across the landscape
Q.3: What is the best time to visit Sitong?
Ans: While Sitong has pleasant weather year-round, the ideal time to visit is from October to December. During this period, the orange orchards are full of ripe fruit, the weather is clear offering excellent views of the Kanchenjunga, though it can be quite cold. Spring (March to May) is also a beautiful time to visit with pleasant weather and blooming rhododendrons
Q.4: How can I travel to Sitong from Burdwan?
Ans: You can take a train from Burdwan Junction to New Jalpaiguri Junction or Siliguri Junction. Several daily and weekly trains like the Saraighat Express, Darjeeling Mail, and Kanchanakanya Express operate on this route, with a travel time of 8 to 10 hours. From NJP or Siliguri, you can then hire a car to reach Sitong.
Q.5: What are the accommodation options in Sitong?
Ans: Accommodation in Sitong is primarily in homestays. These offer a chance to experience the local Lepcha culture and lifestyle, along with homely food made from organic vegetables. They are not luxurious but provide a comfortable stay. The cost typically ranges from βΉ1200 to βΉ1800 per person per day, including food. Some homestays like Sitong Nature Homestay and Meghbitan Homestay offer modern amenities and excellent views.
Q.6: Is it advisable to travel to Sitong during the monsoon?
Ans: Travel during the monsoon (June to September) can be challenging. While the mountains are lush and green, the roads can become slippery, muddy, and prone to landslides. Sudden heavy rains can also cause river levels to rise.
Q.7: What is the mobile network connectivity like in Sitong?
Ans: The best mobile network in Sitong is Jio, which offers 4G services. Many homestays also provide WiFi, making it possible to work remotely or stay connected.
Q.8: What kind of traveler is Sitong suitable for?
Ans: Sitong is ideal for tourists seeking a peaceful, off-beat hill destination away from commercialized tourist spots. It is perfect for nature lovers, bird watchers, and those who enjoy adventure activities and cultural experiences. Travelers looking for luxury hotels and bustling markets may be disappointed
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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