Rohini, Kurseong – A Scenic Gateway Between Siliguri and the Hills

Rohini has quietly transformed from a tea garden settlement into one of the most popular short-break destinations between Siliguri and Kurseong. Just 25 km from Siliguri, this region sits on the newer and smoother Rohini Road — a beautifully engineered route that climbs through forests, hill slopes, and tea gardens before merging with Kurseong town. For travellers who want a taste of the Himalayan foothills without going too deep into the mountains, Rohini fits perfectly into the plan.

What used to be known mainly for the Lower Rohini Tea Garden has now grown into a full-day trip destination, thanks to extensive beautification work carried out by the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. Over the years, Rohini has gained its own identity — a place where locals come for weekend drives, young travellers come for photography, and nature lovers use it as their entry point to the forests and hiking trails surrounding Kurseong.

Rohini Lake & Tea Garden Slopes

Rohini Lake is the centrepiece of the area — a calm, photogenic waterbody framed by tea-clad mountains on three sides. The lake is small but beautifully maintained, and boating is available for those who want a lazy round in the water. With the hills rising sharply behind it, the location looks straight out of a picture book.

Just above the lake sits the Rohini Hilltop area, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the plains of Siliguri on one side and the rising ridges of Kurseong on the other. If you look upward from the hilltop, you’ll see Kurseong town perched high on the mountains — a reminder of how quickly the landscape changes from plains to hills.

The entire region is carpeted with tea gardens, and you can walk through many of these slopes (with permission from locals and tea garden staff). Early mornings are especially beautiful here, with mist drifting across the bushes and sunlight gradually lighting up the hill terraces.

Rohini Forests – Lama Gomba & Bamanpokhari

Beyond the lake and viewpoints, Rohini hides pockets of wild forest ideal for soft adventure.

The Lama Gomba forest — once known mostly to locals — is gaining popularity among nature lovers. The forest is thick, quiet, and excellent for short treks. This area is also home to one of the oldest teak plantations in the region, giving the hill a distinctive greyish, textured look. The trails are easy enough for beginners but still offer the thrill of walking through an untouched Himalayan jungle.

Nearby, the forests of Bamanpokhari offer another great trekking opportunity. These trails are short, peaceful, and rich in birdlife, making them appealing for travellers who enjoy slow exploration rather than hardcore hiking. Both Lama Gomba and Bamanpokhari have a raw, earthy atmosphere — perfect for those who love forest walks, photography, and quiet time in nature.

Connectivity: Rohini Road – The New Route to Kurseong

Rohini lies on one of the most scenic approach roads to Kurseong. The new Rohini Road is smoother and faster than older routes like Pankhabari or Hill Cart Road. Most travellers now prefer this road as it is less steep, has wider bends, and offers panoramic views of the plains.

From Siliguri, Rohini is approximately a 45-minute drive, making it ideal for:

• Half-day trips

• Tea-garden drives

• Breakfast runs

• Photography outings

• Short nature excursions

NBTT Travel Solution Pvt. Ltd. (+91 9733300696 / +91 9733000593) arranges cars, drivers, and customised sightseeing routes for travellers heading toward Rohini, Kurseong, Mirik, or further into Darjeeling.

Nearby Places Around Rohini

Rohini’s location makes it a natural hub for short day trips.

Dudhia, a well-known riverside picnic destination along the Balason River, is only 15 minutes away. The riverbed here is wide and scenic, and the entire area is surrounded by tea gardens, making it perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Travellers often combine Rohini with:

• Kurseong town (40 minutes) for viewpoints, tea gardens, monasteries, and heritage experiences

• Siliguri (45 minutes) for easy return trips after a day in the hills

• Bamanpokhari forests for walking trails

• Balasun valley viewpoints near the lower reaches of the Rohini road

For those planning hill circuits, Rohini serves as a comfortable and scenic mid-point between plains and mountains.

Rohini Tourist Facilities – Resort, Viewpoints & Picnic Spots

The Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council has developed the area extensively. The tourist resort near the old bungalow complex offers a great stopping point for travellers, although availability varies depending on the season. The beautified lake area, paved walkways, and open spaces around the hilltop help maintain the region’s neat and visitor-friendly feel.

Weekends, especially in winter, see a large number of local travellers who come here for drives, photo sessions, picnics, and boating. Weekdays tend to be quieter, ideal for those who want to experience the peaceful side of the region.

Why Visit Rohini

Rohini brings together everything travellers look for in the lower Eastern Himalaya — tea gardens, forests, viewpoints, fresh mountain air, easy access, and a relaxed environment free from urban noise. You don’t need an itinerary here; the place itself encourages slow movement. Whether you’re driving toward Kurseong or just craving a quick escape from Siliguri, Rohini rewards you with scenery that feels instantly soothing.

If you’re planning to combine Rohini with Kurseong or Mirik, or want a customised hill itinerary, NBTT Travel Solution Pvt. Ltd. (+91 9733300696 / +91 9733000593) will help design the entire trip, including transport, sightseeing, and special experiences.