Rangaroon

Rangaroon is a tea garden and adjacent village situated not far from Darjeeling town, recently emerging as a notable addition to the tourism map of Darjeeling Hills. Located about 20 km from Darjeeling, it offers excellent views of mountains and hills. A new road under construction will soon reduce this distance to less than 10 km, making it even more accessible. The main attraction of Rangaroon is its stunning hill and mountain range vistas. Visitors can stay in peaceful surroundings close to the famous tea garden while enjoying the sights and scenes of Darjeeling, just an hour's drive away. Rangaroon is situated at an altitude of about 1800 meters (5900 feet), slightly lower than Darjeeling's 2100 meters (6900 feet).

The origin of the name "Rangaroon" is debated. Some locals believe it derives from “Rai Gurung,” a Nepali caste, reflecting the significant population of Rai and Gurung people in the village and its neighbouring areas. Others suggest it originates from the Lepcha word meaning “Sunken Village,” with folklore linking it to the rivers Teesta (Rong Nyu in Lepcha) and Rangit (Rong Neet in Lepcha).

If you have visited Darjeeling in the past and spent time at the Darjeeling Mall, Rangaroon is the village you can see at the extreme right when looking at the hills behind the Mall. Essentially, it is a village located at the back of Darjeeling town.

Rangaroon Tea Garden

Rangaroon Tea Garden is a historic tea estate renowned for its high-quality Darjeeling tea. Established during the British colonial era in the 19th century, Rangaroon has been part of the rich tapestry of the Darjeeling tea industry, celebrated worldwide for its unique flavour and exquisite aroma. Over the years, Rangaroon has maintained a reputation for producing distinctive teas highly sought after by connoisseurs.

Getting There

For travellers visiting Rangaroon, Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station are the primary entry points. Rangaroon village is 73 kilometres from Bagdogra Airport and 76 kilometres from NJP railway station. The final leg of the journey from either Bagdogra or NJP to Rangaroon must be undertaken by road. As there are no direct bus services available, most tourists opt for a reserved taxi to reach Rangaroon.

The journey to Rangaroon follows the road to Darjeeling, known as National Highway 110 or the Hill Cart Road. Before reaching Darjeeling, you'll pass through the last hamlet, Ghum/Jorebungalow. From there, take the eastbound Peshok Road for 5 km to reach the 3rd-mile junction. Then, take the northbound downhill road to reach Rangaroon, which is about 7 kilometres away.

Our car rental service, Humro Cars, offers reserved taxis to Rangaroon. You can check the tariff and book your taxi by visiting our website or by calling our transport service executives directly at 9733052020 or 9733068080.

Nearby Places

Many tourists combine a visit to Rangaroon with trips to other offbeat destinations such as Sittong, Dawaipani, Lepchajagat, Chatakpur or Lamahata.

Dawaipani: The nearest tourist village, just 6 kilometres through the forest from Rangaroon. This road is through dense forest and may not always be accessible for tourists. Alternatively, a roundabout route increases the distance to about 19 kilometres. Consult our car rental experts for the current road conditions.

Lepchajagat: Another popular offbeat destination, located southeast of Darjeeling, while Rangaroon is southwest. The road connecting the two villages is mostly in good condition (except the last 6 kilometres to Rangaroon), and the distance is 20 kilometres, taking about an hour to travel.

Lamahatta: Located on the same ridge as Rangaroon, both places share a similar altitude of about 1800 meters (5900 feet). To reach Lamahatta, drive up to the 3rd mile (7 km) and then follow the main Peshok Road for another 9 km. The travel time is about 45 minutes.

Chatakpur: Known for its stunning view of the Kanchenjunga range, Chatakpur is accessible via a direct forest road from the main road (3rd mile) at Rangaroon. This 17-kilometre route through Senchal Forest has light traffic and is best navigated with a local driver. The more common route is through Jorebungalow and Sonada, increasing the distance to about 29 kilometres.

Sittong: A bit farther from Rangaroon, Sittong is a large area with several villages. The distance from Rangaroon to Sittong varies between 35 to 55 kilometres, depending on the route and part of Sittong visited. Two routes can be taken: one is via Jorebungalow - Sonada - Dilaram - Bagora - Mahaldiram road. The other route is via Mungpoo and Jogighat. Consult our transport experts at 9733052020 or 9733068080 to book a vehicle and check the current road conditions.

The best time to visit Rangaroon

The best time to visit Rangaroon is during the spring and autumn months, specifically from March to June and from September to November. During these periods, the weather is pleasant, with clear skies and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the scenic beauty of the tea garden and the surrounding hills. These seasons also coincide with the first and second flush tea harvests, allowing visitors to witness the tea plucking and processing activities firsthand.

Monsoons, from June to August, bring heavy rainfall and can make travel challenging. However, since the road to Rangaroon is mostly through highways (except for the last 7 kilometres), the village remains accessible most of the time even during monsoon months.

Winter months from December to February can be quite cold. Though the landscape is beautiful, and in recent years, many tourists have preferred to travel during the winter months to enjoy the cold.

Where to Stay

Rangaroon is growing in popularity for its homestay accommodations. Several homestays have been established in the area, providing visitors with a cosy and authentic experience. Some popular options include Humro Home Rangaroon, Khaling Homestay, and Rangaroon Trekkers Hut. New homestays are frequently opening, so for the latest information about the best accommodation options, you can contact our homestay expert team.

Humro Home, a sister concern managing homestays in the Darjeeling and Sikkim region, offers detailed information and booking options. Visit the Humro Home website for more details about accommodation choices in Rangaroon. Alternatively, you can call our homestay experts at 9733071716 or 9733069690 for more details.

To Do and See

Rangaroon offers the unique advantage of village life while providing easy access to the popular tourist attractions of Darjeeling town. Here are some highlights:

Tiger Hill: Just a 45-minute drive from Rangaroon, this popular sunrise viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks.

Batasia Loop and Ghoom Monastery: Both are just 30 minutes away and are must-visit spots for their historical significance and panoramic views.

Village Serenity: Despite its proximity to Darjeeling's bustling sightseeing spots, Rangaroon offers sublime serenity and awe-inspiring views. The village provides an unmatched vista of Darjeeling town with the majestic Kanchenjunga in the background.
For the adventurous, the surrounding hills offer excellent opportunities for outdoor activities:

Climbing Facility: Local mountaineers have set up a climbing facility in the area, providing an exciting challenge for enthusiasts.

Hiking: Try hiking to Darjeeling from Rangaroon, enjoying the scenic trails and fresh mountain air.

Bird Watching: Rangaroon is a fantastic location for birding enthusiasts, offering a chance to observe a variety of avifauna, whether you're an experienced birder or a beginner.

Rangaroon perfectly blends the tranquillity of village life with the excitement of nearby tourist attractions and adventurous activities.

FAQs

How far is Rangaroon from Darjeeling by road?
Ans: Rangaroon is about 20 kilometres from Darjeeling town. From Darjeeling, you need to travel to Jorebungalow and then take Peshok Road. From 3rd Mile village on Peshok Road, drive downhill towards the north to reach Rangaroon.

What is the height of Rangaroon?
Ans: The altitude of Rangaroon is 1800 meters or 5900 feet.

How far is Rangaroon from Siliguri by road?
Ans: The distance from Siliguri to Rangaroon is 70 kilometres.