Ahaldhara at Shittong
About Ahaldhara
Ahaldara is the famous spot in Sittong III which is located in Kurseong Subdivision at Darjeeling Dist. As well as it is also fomous for Orange Garden as Sittong. It’s an elevation of 4500 feet above sea level, it is barely 7 kms from Latpanchar and 48 kms from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.
its mainly known for its astonishing view of both sunrise and sunset at the backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga. This village lines up with the banks of the Teesta River across the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, and its surrounding area is a bird watchers paradise. Sultan Tit is a beautiful bird that draws people from all over the country to this village.
How to Reach : Nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) located around 45 km and nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB) located around 55 km from Ahaldhara. You can reach here from Siliguri through Sevoke – Kalijhora on NH 31/A, it may take around 2:30 hrs. to reach. Reserve car will take Rs. 2800/ to Rs. 3000/ for direct drop.
Where to Stay : There are so many homestays all across Ahaldara. Some homestays are famous for Kanchenjunga view, some are for river view and some are for their sunset view. We recommended for try to stay at Ahaldhara Hill Top Cottage, It is the best one as 360° view available here.
What to See : You can see the Mt. Kanchenjunga, the Sikkim Hills, the Teesta River, Rangit, and other monumental places in Ahaldara. The Best point of Ahaldhara is Hill Top View point, here you can see beautiful 360-degree view of the surrounding hills which ranges from Gangtok to Kalimpong. Also the River Teesta flowing below and the surrounding greenery from the Ahal Dara viewpoint makes you feel heavenly. Ahaldara is also famous for its astonishing view of sunrise over Kanchanjunga peaks.
The near by place Latpanture is famous for bird lovers so can find Necked Hornbill, Himalayan Vulture, Golden Fronnedted Leaf Bird and Himalayan Hornbill also here. If you a bird lover then you can go for Latpanchar and take a local guide and they will take you to the proper places where you can see good birds. Orange Garden at Ahaldhara as well as in Sittong is very famous. So many Orange Gardens are there, the best time to visit the orange garden is November & December.
Also visit Namthing Pokri Lake, Sittong Lapcha Monastery, Rock Climbing, Maheldiram Tea Garden & Jogighat Bridge.
