Tour Location: Sittong, Chatakpur, and Takdah/Tinchuley
Pickup Location: NJP (New Jalpaiguri Railway Station) or Bagdogra Airport
Tour Durations: 3 Nights / 4 Days
Here’s a detailed overview of the itinerary covering Sittong, Chatakpur, and Takdah/Tinchuley, including descriptions of each location and suggestions for activities:
Sittong
Overview: Sittong is a picturesque village located in the Darjeeling district, famous for its lush orange orchards and beautiful landscapes. It offers a peaceful environment, making it ideal for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
Activities:
- Orange Orchard Visits: Explore the vibrant orange orchards, especially during the harvest season (November to January), and experience the process of picking oranges.
- Village Walks: Stroll through the village to appreciate local architecture and interact with the friendly residents.
- Photography: Capture the stunning views of the surrounding hills and fields, particularly at sunrise or sunset.
Chatakpur
Overview: Chatakpur is a serene village located near Sittong, known for its pristine natural beauty and panoramic views of the Himalayas. It is less commercialized, making it a perfect spot for peace and quiet.
Activities:
- Trekking and Hiking: Explore various trekking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints, providing stunning vistas of the mountains and valleys.
- Birdwatching: The area is rich in biodiversity, making it a great place for birdwatchers to spot various species.
- Visit the Local Monastery: Experience the peaceful ambiance of the local monastery and engage with monks or participate in meditation sessions.
Takdah/Tinchuley
Overview: Both Takdah and Tinchuley are charming destinations known for their tea gardens and serene surroundings. They offer breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range and a chance to experience local culture.
Takdah
Activities:
- Tea Garden Tours: Visit the Takdah Tea Estate to learn about tea production and enjoy some fresh local tea.
- Local Market Exploration: Wander through the local market to experience the daily life of the villagers and purchase handmade crafts and local produce.
Tinchuley
Activities:
- Ahaldhara Viewpoint: Visit this famous viewpoint for panoramic views of the Himalayas and the surrounding valleys.
- Nature Walks: Enjoy peaceful walks through tea gardens and forests, soaking in the tranquility of the area.
- Monastery Visits: Explore nearby monasteries to experience the spiritual atmosphere and scenic beauty.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Sittong
- Arrive at NJP or Bagdogra Airport.
- Pickup and transfer to Sittong (approx. 3 hours).
- Check into a homestay and relax.
- Evening village walk and dinner at the homestay.
Day 2: Sittong to Chatakpur
- Breakfast at the homestay.
- Depart for Chatakpur (approx. 1 hour).
- Explore Chatakpur: trekking, birdwatching, and visiting the monastery.
- Enjoy lunch at a local eatery or packed picnic.
- Return to Sittong for the night.
Day 3: Sittong to Takdah/Tinchuley
- Breakfast at the homestay.
- Depart for Takdah or Tinchuley (approx. 1-1.5 hours).
- Explore Takdah Tea Estate or Tinchuley viewpoints.
- Enjoy lunch at a local homestay or tea garden.
- Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
- Overnight stay in Takdah or Tinchuley.
Day 4: Departure
- Breakfast at the homestay.
- Morning stroll or last-minute sightseeing.
- Check out and head back to NJP or Bagdogra for departure.
Conclusion
This itinerary offers a blend of natural beauty, local culture, and peaceful retreats, making it ideal for travelers seeking to explore the tranquil villages of Sittong, Chatakpur, and Takdah/Tinchuley. You can customize the itinerary based on guest preferences, ensuring a memorable experience!
Here’s a 3-night, 4-day itinerary for exploring Sittong, Chatakpur, and Takdah/Tinchuley, offering a blend of relaxation, nature, and cultural experiences:
3-Night, 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Sittong
- Morning:
- Arrive at NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport.
- Pickup and transfer to Sittong (approx. 3 hours drive).
- Check into your homestay and freshen up.
- Afternoon:
- Enjoy lunch at the homestay, featuring local cuisine.
- Explore the village on foot, visiting local orange orchards and interacting with villagers.
- Evening:
- Take a leisurely walk to enjoy the stunning sunset views.
- Return to the homestay for dinner and share stories with your hosts.
Day 2: Sittong to Chatakpur
- Morning:
- Breakfast at the homestay.
- Depart for Chatakpur (approx. 1 hour drive).
- Check into a local homestay or eco-lodge in Chatakpur.
- Afternoon:
- Explore the beautiful landscapes through trekking or hiking along marked trails.
- Enjoy birdwatching and take in the panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- Evening:
- Visit a local monastery to experience its peaceful ambiance.
- Enjoy a dinner featuring traditional cuisine, surrounded by the tranquil environment.
Day 3: Chatakpur to Takdah/Tinchuley
- Morning:
- Breakfast at the homestay.
- Depart for Takdah or Tinchuley (approx. 1-1.5 hours drive).
- Check into your chosen homestay in Takdah or Tinchuley.
- Afternoon:
- Visit the Takdah Tea Estate for a guided tour and tea tasting.
- Explore the local area, visiting viewpoints like Ahaldhara in Tinchuley for stunning mountain vistas.
- Evening:
- Return to the homestay to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
- Dinner at the homestay, enjoying local flavors.
Day 4: Departure
- Morning:
- Breakfast at the homestay.
- Take a morning stroll or enjoy a last visit to nearby attractions, such as local markets or scenic spots.
- Afternoon:
- Check out from the homestay.
- Transfer back to NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport for departure.
Summary of Inclusions
- Accommodations: 3 nights at homestays in Sittong, Chatakpur, and Takdah/Tinchuley.
- Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the stay.
- Transportation: Private transfers between destinations.
- Activities: Guided tours, trekking, and tea estate visits.
Exclusions
- Entry charges for specific sites (if applicable).
- Camera charges.
- Train or airfare to/from the destination.
- Any personal expenses.
This itinerary provides a well-rounded experience of the beautiful landscapes and cultural richness of Sittong, Chatakpur, and Takdah/Tinchuley. You can adjust activities based on your guests’ interests or seasonal availability!
Here’s a set of policies that you can implement for the Sittong – Takdah – Tinchuley – Dawapani itinerary package. These policies can help ensure a smooth experience for both your guests and your homestay:
Booking Policies
- Advance Booking:
- Reservations should be made at least 7 days in advance to secure accommodations and arrangements.
- Confirmation:
- A confirmation email will be sent upon successful booking, detailing the itinerary, accommodations, and payment instructions.
- Payment:
- A deposit of 30% is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 3 days before arrival.
- Payments can be made via bank transfer, online payment methods, or cash upon arrival.
Cancellation Policies
- Cancellation by Guest:
- Cancellations made 14 days before the check-in date will receive a full refund of the deposit.
- Cancellations made between 7 to 13 days before check-in will incur a 50% cancellation fee of the deposit.
- Cancellations made less than 7 days before check-in will forfeit the entire deposit.
- Cancellation by Management:
- In case of unforeseen circumstances leading to cancellation by the management, guests will receive a full refund or an alternative arrangement.
Refund Policies
- Refunds will be processed within 7-10 business days after the cancellation request is approved.
Itinerary Changes
- Guest-Initiated Changes:
- Any changes to the itinerary requested by guests must be communicated at least 48 hours in advance and are subject to availability.
- Management-Initiated Changes:
- The management reserves the right to modify the itinerary due to weather conditions, road closures, or unforeseen circumstances, ensuring the safety and comfort of guests.
Inclusions and Exclusions
- Inclusions:
- Standard homestays at Sittong, Takdah, Tinchuley, and Dawapani.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Private sightseeing and guided tours.
- Pickup and drop from NJP/Bagdogra.
- Exclusions:
- Entry charges for specific tourist sites.
- Camera charges.
- Train or airfare.
- Room heater charges (if applicable).
- Porter charges.
