Rangaroon – Mystic Mist On The Green Tea Valley

Rangaroon, a small hilly settlement of its own kind, situated about 16km by road from Darjeeling, is excellent for taking a tranquil break among the hills while staying within touching distance of the popular queen of hills. The hamlet has grown around the Rangaroon Tea Estate (a British era tea estate now owned by an Indian company) and sits in the middle of the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary.

If you want to spend a few days in lap of nature but with decently modern amenities at your room, at the foothills of a deep forest but on top of the gleaming green tea garden and in an environment where you will be surrounded by the continuous sound of waterfalls and bird chirp but in deep peace of nature and with the majestic view of mighty Kanchenjangha, then it is the right place for you. After reaching their, you will be surprised to see how quickly a couple of days would be flown away.

Rangaroon: Turning of the great river

The name Rangaroon is derived from the Lepcha origin which means ‘Turning of the great river’ as the river named Rongdong revolves around. Also, some local people believe that the name derived from Nepalese surname Rai and Gurung. Because maximum habitat have the surname Rai and Gurung.

This small village is situated south-west of Darjeeling town. The altitude of the village is about 5950 feet or 1812 meter. From the famous Darjeeling mall, the village is easily visible. The place can be reached by foot in about 3 to 4 hours from Darjeeling town. From Rangaroon, Darjeeling town forms the foreground with Kanchenjunga as the background creating a beautiful collage of pictures.

You may find the first botanic garden in the hills; established in 1876.

Getting There

It is about 75 kilometres from Siliguri and 18 kilometres from Darjeeling town. To reach here you have to drive to Jorebunglow. From here take the Peshok road to reach 3rd mile about 5 km ahead. From 3rd mile, there is a downhill road which is about 7 km further. The road is mostly in good condition.

Weather in Rangaroon

The village has a slightly lower altitude than Darjeeling (5950 meters). The weather is similar to that of Darjeeling as the physical distance is not very far. Summer is soothing and Winters can be very cold. Monsoon rains are very heavy including occasional landslides.

Sightseeing in Rangraroon

Rangaroon Tea Garden – Tea manufactured from this village is famed for its superior quality and flavour throughout the world. It produces export quality tea. Tourists can have a lifetime experience of viewing the tea garden along with the 18th-century tea factory and the old bungalow. They can also take a look at the Rangaroon valley and the famous river Rongdong.

Senchel Wildlife Sanctuary – Tourists can visit this place and see different species of Himalayan birds and some rare animals.

Mata Singha Temple – It is a famous temple for the local people over here which performs several religious activities.

Nearby Places – As it is very close to Darjeeling town, one can avail the Darjeeling sightseeing places such as Tiger Hill, Ghoom Monastery and the famous Batasia Loop, Dawaipani, Takdah, Tinchuley, Rongli Rongliot, Lepcha Jagath etc.

Rangaroon for the adventure lovers

The place is heaven for adventure lovers. This place also offers hiking, mountain biking, trekking and bird watching. A trek to Darjeeling town is a viable option for the young people.

Rangaroon Home Stay

As this place has come up in the limelight within a few years, different properties have arisen. Trekker’s Hut, Khaling Home Stay, Nilam Home Stay are some of the most liked places to stay at this beautiful place.

Rangaroon Vlog by Prof. Somnath Bhattacharyya

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