Sonada

Explore the Spectacular Rainbow Waterfalls of Sonada in North Bengal

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Sonada is an offbeat place in Darjeeling just 55 km from NJP Railway station. If you want, you can take a day trip from Sonada on the way to Darjeeling or on the way back from Darjeeling. Sonada can be reached by shared car from NJP or Siliguri Junction to Darjeeling.

Sonada’s blog will describe a beautiful tea garden and a beautiful waterfall. Many more offbeat places are hidden around Sonada

How to Reach Sonada

Sath Bigha tea garden_
Sath Bigha Tea Garden_

As told above Sonada can be reached from New Jalpaiguri Jn by booking a car or by shared car. Sonada to Darjeeling distance is 16.5 km via NH110 i.e Hilkart Road and time will be taken more than 1 hour by toy train 1.30 hr.

If you want to go to Darjeeling from Sonada by shared car, you can get a shared car from the petrol pump in front of the monastery for a per het fare of Rs. 60. This road is Hilkart Road, the famous national highway of Darjeeling

Way to Sonada:

On the way you will find Rohini Water Falls and many more places

What to See at Sonada

  1. Samdrup Monastery:
Samdup monastery
Samdup monastery

Samdrup Monastery or Samdrup Dorjay Choeling Monastery built in 1952 will be on the way. Adjacent to this monastery is a Buddhist institute called Big Temple by ( Boro Mandir) local people.

These two places are within walking distance from the Sonada homestays. Very good sunset and sunrise can be seen from the monastery and Buddhist institute.

2. Rainbow / Indrani waterfalls:

Indrani Fall
Indrani Fall

The next destination is Rainbow Water Falls or Indrani Falls. Distance from Samdrup Monastery is 11 km. It will take half an hour. The condition of this road is very bad. After the monsoons, it also got worse. Although the natural beauty on both sides of the road is extraordinary.

There is a small wooden bridge at Indrani Falls. But the road to him is very impassable and may be dangerous at any time.

You will reach Indrani Falls by taking a narrow footpath. The rainbow is formed when the sun shines on the water, hence the name Rainbow Falls. The word “Indrani” means “Rainbow” in the Nepali language.

So the other name of Indrani Falls is Rainbow Falls. During the rainy season, this waterfall has so much water that it will fill your mind and you will feel like spending the whole day here.

3. Sath Bigha Tea Garden:

Then I will go to Sath Bigha Tea Garden. A large tea garden. The way towards the tea garden is so beautiful that you can’t ignore it.

4. Nalichour Grotto View Point:

Grotto View Point
Grotto View Point

The next destination is Nalichour Grotto View Point, a Christian holy place in Shonada. It is a kind of church. Various events in the life of Jesus Christ have been presented in a very beautiful step-by-step manner. You will see different events from birth to death before your eyes. Kurseong city can be seen from here.

All these Sonada Sightseeing will cost 1000 rupees

Where to Stay at Sonada

Samdup monastery_
Samdup monastery_

There is no such accommodation in Sonada. One or Two of such homestays:

Jasmine Homestay: 8101420178

Rishikesh Home Stay, Sonada, Darjeeling
Srijana Gurung
9614126972/7908355849

The homestay facilities are good. The view from the rooftop is as good as the food. The cost is roughly twelve hundred taka per head per day. Children under five years of age are completely free.

They live downstairs. And on the roof, seven people can stay in such a house for the homestay. Even if you go alone they will leave you in this big room. Although there can be 7 to 8 people comfortably

Rainbow Waterfalls sonada
Rainbow Waterfalls Sonada

Nearby Places of Sonada

There are many places to visit in Sonada, Darjeeling, including:
Tiger Hill: Popular for Sunrise
Chatakpur View Point: Beautiful Offbeat place in Darjeeling
Sunrise View Point: From Samdrup Monastery
Rambi Forest Rest House: Forest Bungalow
Batasia Loop: Beautiful view from here
Ghoom Monastery: An old monastery in Darjeeling
Dali Monastery: Big monastery in Darjeeling
Yiga Choeling Monastery: This is also an old monastery here
Gidhapahar Mandir Temple:
Tiger Hill Observation Deck:
Senchal Lake:

Sonada: Darjeeling Offbeat Place

Conclusion

So we have discussed an offbeat place in Darjeeling Sonada where you can stay or visit in time of going to Darjeeling. So this is a must-visit place in your North Bengal tour

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Q.1: How do I reach Sonada from NJP Railway Station?

Ans: Sonada can be reached from NJP Railway Station by booking a car or taking a shared car. Shared cars are available from NJP or Siliguri Junction to Darjeeling, passing through Sonada.

Q.2: What are the main attractions in Sonada?

Ans: Samdrup Monastery: Built-in 1952, adjacent to a Buddhist institute known as Big Temple.
Rainbow/Indrani Waterfalls: About 11 km from Samdrup Monastery, accessible by a half-hour journey. The road conditions may be challenging, especially after the monsoons.
Sath Bigha Tea Garden: A large tea garden with a picturesque route leading to it.
Nalichour Grotto View Point: A Christian holy place offering a beautiful depiction of events in Jesus Christ’s life. It provides a panoramic view of Kurseong city.

Q.3: Is there accommodation available in Sonada?

Ans: There are limited homestay options in Sonada, such as Jasmine Homestay and Rishikesh Home Stay. These homestays offer good facilities, and scenic views, and typically cost around twelve hundred taka per head per day. Contact details for booking are available.

Q.4: What other nearby attractions can be visited from Sonada?

Ans: Nearby places include Tiger Hill, Chatakpur View Point, Sunrise View Point, Rambi Forest Rest House, Batasia Loop, Ghoom Monastery, Dali Monastery, Yiga Choeling Monastery, Gidhapahar Mandir Temple, Tiger Hill Observation Deck, and Senchal Lake.

Q.5: How can I explore Sonada and its surroundings?

Ans: Traveling by shared car or booking a car from NJP is a common way to explore Sonada. Additionally, walking to nearby attractions like Samdrup Monastery and Indrani Falls is feasible.

Q.6: Are there any precautions for visiting Indrani Falls?

Ans: The road to Indrani Falls is challenging and potentially dangerous. Accessing the falls involves navigating a narrow footpath. It’s advisable to proceed with caution, especially during and after the rainy season when the water flow can be intense.

Q.7: Can children stay at the homestays in Sonada?

Ans: Yes, most homestays accommodate children, typically allowing children under five years old to stay for free. However, it’s advisable to confirm details with the respective homestay owners.

Q.8: Are there any notable viewpoints offering scenic vistas near Sonada?

Ans: Yes, several viewpoints like Tiger Hill, Chatakpur, and Nalichour Grotto View Point offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including sunrise views and panoramic vistas of nearby cities like Kurseong.

Q.9: What’s the best time to visit Sonada?

Ans: hared cars or private car hires are the primary means of transportation within Sonada and to nearby attractions. However, walking is also feasible for exploring some nearby places like the Samdrup Monastery and Indrani Falls.

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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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