Mangwa:

Mangmaya or Magwa(colloquially known) is a beautiful Himalayan destination, located(around 7km & 9km) above the Teesta Bazaar overlooking the unwrinkled convergence of river Teesta and Rangeet and Kalimpong Hills, facing each other. Mangmaya or Mangwa consists of two villages (can be called as twin sister villages), one is called Chota Mangwa(situated above) and the other is Bara Mangwa(situated below). 2kilometers of lush greenery, dense pine forest and orange orchards separates these two villages from one another. Oranges are mainly cultivated here, covering the entire village with an orange hue during the blooming season(October to February), besides oranges, lemons are also cultivated here. For nature lovers, the vista is one of the best places to enjoy the rural life in the Himalayan Kingdom. The spectacular view of the river Teesta encircled by Kalimpong and Sikkim hills will certainly make you spellbound. The orange orchards at Bara Mangwa are going to keep you engaged most of the time. The sight of different kinds of Himalayan birds, hiking and rock climbing are some popular activities available here, besides river rafting in the waters of Teesta. You can also engage yourself in fishing, angling and river rafting in the white waters of river Teesta and Rangeet. These two virgin offbeat destinations are gaining fame as a tourist hotspot along with Takdah and Tinchuley.

Bara Mangwa:

Bara Mangwa, is a small eco-friendly Himalayan hamlet, situated at an elevation of 4500ft(1371m), in Darjeeling District. The name, Bara Mangwa(Mangmaya) is derived from Lepcha language, which means “a big place for finger millet plantation”. The mountain valley and the quaint atmosphere offer a unique experience, the serpentine uphill road, guarded by pine trees, standing in a formation. And with the headway, the wide-open sky enthralling low land valley mixed with clueless white and shady clouds flocking at hand scratch distance, covering the peaks of the mountains, will make you surrender your soul to Mother nature. Although not being at a high altitude, it offers a wide panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga hills with the sun setting down at dusk. Some nearby places of attraction include Chota Mangwa, Tinchuley Sunrise Point, Peshok and Lopchu Tea Garden, Teesta and Rangit ViewPoint, Teesta and Rangit Confluence.

Chota Mangwa:

Chota mangwa is a relatively new destination yet you would find no difference except the weather, Chota Mangmaya is much colder than Bara Mangmaya. It is a small fairy tale village(for nature lovers) beautifully preserved between bara mangwa and Tadkah. The entire vegetation and forests area falls under the Sanchel Range, situated at an elevation of 5000ft(1524m) in Darjeeling. The rocky mountain trail is engulfed with tall Dhuppi trees(Cryptomeria). The heartwarming nature of the natives, who are very friendly and down to earth, is no doubt an added asset of this beautiful Himalayan hamlet. Chota Mangmaya offers a quaint atmosphere, the picturesque green forest with a variety of birds and flora including some rare species of wildlife and majestic views of river Teesta and mighty Kanchenjunga,(on a clear day). You can also take a leisure stroll to the Orange Garden or a nearby tea Garden or can also go for a day trip to Malley for River rafting or to visit Takdah, Tinchuley or Darjeeling for a full day sightseeing. a view to see an age-old monastery, the Tea Estate at Takdah, Orange Juice making factory are some of the popular tourists you can visit here.

Takdah

Takdah one of the impeccable and extraordinary offbeat destinations in the Queen of the Hills. The name Takdah is originally called as ‘Tukdah’ is a Lepcha word for ‘mists’ and ‘fog’. As this place remains concealed by the mists most of the year. It is located at an altitude of about 4700ft(1432m). Situated 25km away from Darjeeling and 16 km away from Bara Mangwa. This place offers a majestic visual representation of nature, some spectacular tea gardens which are one of the finest in this district along with the beautiful Orchid Centre. The British cantonment initiated here in the 1900s as it is Secluded from noisy gatherings with the mix of fascinating ambience . It was the destination for many British officers of high rank from all over India. Historical evidence affirms that Takdah was home to the 2nd Battalion British troops that were drawn to fight in World War I. Tales about World War I are articulated from the generation who testified that aeon. Though the Britishers are long gone, we can still find the beautiful structures erected during the British era. The marvel of Takdah lies in the old, abandoned clubhouse which is just a km away from the town. In comparison to its surrounding, the town is on a higher altitude giving way to cedar trees and is much colder than the towns surrounding it.

These trio destinations are the perfect answer to your offbeat destination query. Uncrowded, bracing climate with fresh mountain air, organic food, and plenty of opportunities to exercise outdoors, these places can be an ideal getaway in these distressing times, if you are looking for a destination that would help the mind and body ease out of the pandemic fears.