Bijanbari: The Peaceful Thorp Hidden In Darjeeling

There are trips that make you feel superhuman. A small getaway into this village grizzling with valleys and deep forests will save yourself from the harsh summer of the city. Hidden in the beauty of Darjeeling, this small village is reminiscent of a much larger marvel on the laps of lower Himalayas in India.

There is a euphemism which revolves around the roads to the high lands. A part of you looks back and wonders at what you left behind and another looks ahead and up, where the crown of the hills are. The mannerism of such a dilemma yet the beauty of the confusion atones what you might miss out at the pool party (perhaps?). In India, the Himalayas are that doorway to silence and peace wherein Darjeeling seems to be favourite escapade. The facade of trekking and swirling amidst the Himalayan gorges in this village.

Image Credits: darngooddigs.com

Crowned at an altitude of 2500 ft touching the feet of Darjeeling, Bijanbadi is hidden among the oyster shell of tropical forests, river beds, tea gardens and waterfall. It is about 30 Kms from main Darjeeling city, stretching far atop the lower exterior hills with thrilling crisscrossing roads throughout. There is no specific time to visit as the Northern winds make sure that the village is quite cold during all 365 days!

Image Credits: Wikimapia

The village of Bijanbadi displays a glittering medley of apple, orange and pineapple orchards alongside the shimmering waves of Chhota Rangeet river from the mouth of Himalayan caves. With paddy field and tea-estates proliferated across the hamlet, a lot of picnic places have mushroomed in recent times. Whilst you look towards the cloud covered tops, Singla Bazar, Relling and Som Tea Estate offer adrenaline-mashed treks.

Image Credits: Sterling Holidays

Apart from the valley which magnets away all the tourists, the Hima Falls is another prime attraction and a picnic spot. As the Biswambar Rock rises steeply to 50 ft, primitive Himalaya birds like Niltava, Scarlet Minivet, Thrushes and many more form their nests at the forests. The best places to stay and wonder at the natural grandeur are the cottage-styled homestays deep in the forests. 

Image Credits: Nomadic Weekends

As the Himalayan creeks silently sing of their glory and the murmuring Rangeet weds the rocks and forests, Bijanbadi enjoys a minimal populus. The only shouts and crowd which can be heard are of chirps of birds, early morning local quaint store-keepers and your wanderlust soul stuck at this majestical Darjeeling village. 

Where: 30 Kms from Darjeeling

Best way to reach: From NJP or Bagdogra Airport, travel to Siliguri and hire a cab to Darjeeling. From Darjeeling, stop at Ghoom and hire a jeep to Bijanbadi from Chowk Bazar or Gandhi Road.