Ahaldara

Ahaldara: A Paradise on the Hilltop

Hidden in the Himalayas, Ahaldara is a secret gem waiting to be discovered. At 4000 feet above sea level this table top mountain offers stunning views of snow capped mountains, rolling hills and green valleys and is called “Paradise on the Hilltop”.

Ahaldara is located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, has a unique landscape of undulating hills, green forests and waterfalls. This Off the beaten track this is a perfect escape from the city life, a peace and quiet haven.

The air is crisp and clean, filled with the sweet fragrance of pine and rhododendrons, chirping of birds provides a soothing soundtrack to your adventure.

Reaching the Abode of the Clouds

Getting to Ahaldara is an adventure in itself. The road winds through villages and tea gardens and gives you a glimpse of rural Himalayan life.

The most common route is from Siliguri to Sittong, the nearest town. From Sittong, jeeps and local taxis take the narrow winding road to Ahaldara.

For the more adventurous, a trek through the forests gives you stunning views and a deeper connection to nature.

Ahaldara Viewpoints: Where Panoramic Beauty Unfolds

Ahaldara has several viewpoints to offer, where the world opens up to you and you see the Kanchenjunga peak, Darjeeling hills and the Teesta River.

For sunrise lovers, Humro Home Sunrise View Point is the place to see the sun paint the sky with colours.

Discovering the Culinary Delights of Ahaldara

Ahaldara has a culinary landscape as diverse as its geography. Local restaurants and homestays serve fresh and local ingredients.

Bengali cuisine is the king here and you have alloo posto, chingri malaikari, ilish bhaja. Don’t miss out on momos, steamed dumplings filled with meat or veggies, a popular snack all over the region.

How to Reach Kaffergaon

By train
- New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station: This is the nearest railway station to Ahaldara, around 49 km away. From NJP, you can hire taxis or shared jeeps to Ahaldara. The journey takes about 2-2.5 hours.
- Siliguri Junction: You can also reach Siliguri Junction, which is slightly closer to Ahaldara at around 45 km. Taxis and shared jeeps are available from Siliguri Junction too.
By air:
- Bagdogra Airport:
  This is the closest airport to Ahaldara, around 55 km away. From Bagdogra, you can hire taxis or book cabs to Ahaldara. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
By road:
- Private vehicle: If you’re driving, you can take NH31 from Siliguri towards Sevoke and Kalijhora. From there, follow the signs to Ahaldara via Shelpu Hills. The total distance is around 45 km and the drive should take about 2-2.5 hours.
- Shared jeeps: Shared jeeps are a budget-friendly option and readily available from NJP or Siliguri to Ahaldara. However, they may be crowded and might require waiting for more passengers.

Accommodation: Where to Rest Your Head in Ahaldara

Whether you are looking for a luxury retreat or a cozy homestay Ahaldara has options for all budgets and preferences.

In the hills homestays are quaint and cozy and where you can experience the local culture and warmth.

Ahaldara homestay | Ahaldara homestay price

Exploring the Surrounding Areas of Ahaldara

Ahaldara is a great base to explore nearby attractions.

A short drive will take you to the charming town of Sittong with its colonial architecture and Buddhist monasteries.

Teesta River offers white water rafting and kayaking and the nearby forests offers birdwatching and wildlife encounters.

For a taste of history visit the ruins of Coronation Bridge, a relic of British Raj.

Best time to visit Ahaldara

Best time to visit depends on your preference. Monsoon (June-September) will give you lush greenery and waterfalls, Winter (November-February) will give you clear sky and snow capped Himalayas, Spring (March-May) will give you pleasant weather and wildflowers in bloom.

More Offbeat places near Ahaldara

Tinchuley

Sittong

Takdah

Mahaldiram

FAQ about Ahaldara

NJP to Ahaldara distance?

What is the best time to visit Ahaldara?

sittong to ahaldara distance?

What is the best way to reach Ahaldara?

The most popular route to Ahaldara is via Siliguri, followed by a scenic drive through the hills to Sittong. From Sittong, jeeps and local taxis navigate the narrow, winding roads to Ahaldara.