Don’t think that Sittong is a single village – it is not. It is rather a vast area comprising of three panchayats each of which has several villages in it. Sittong is actually a cluster of villages within a large area known as Sittong Khasmahal, located in the Kurseong subdivision of the Darjeeling district in the state of West Bengal, India. It has an average altitude of 4000 ft. However, it varies depending on whether you visit upper or lower sittong.
Rather offbeat a few years back, Sittong is fast becoming a very popular tourist destination. However, Sittong is unaffected by the vices of modern tourism and things will hopefully remain so in near future. You won’t find the typical hectic holiday crowd here.
The place has become famous among tourists as it is the heart of the orange-growing countryside of Darjeeling hills. However, Sittong has much more to offer to tourists apart from its oranges. Nature is at its pristine best and bestowed Sittong with its bounty. The area is popular among nature lovers as nature is pristine and visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature unaffected by the vices of modern tourism.
How to Reach Sittong
Sittong can be approached from either the Hill cart roadside or from the Teesta side. If you are coming from NJP / Bagdogra or places in Sikkim or Kalimpong side, you are more likely to travel via the Teesta side. If you are coming from Darjeeling, Kurseong or Mirik, you will probably come through the Hill cart road route. It is worth noting that the hills lack arterial single roads as in the case of plains, there is a mesh of small roads connecting places and often the latest road condition is a more deciding factor about the selection of your route than the exact travel distance.
If you are coming here from the Teesta side, you may start climbing uphill either at Kalijhora, Birik Dara or at Rambhi Bazar, the first two roads meet at a place named Ahaldara and continue to Sittong whereas the third road travels via Mungpoo, all the three roads lead to Sittong.
If you are coming via Hill cart road, you have to leave the main road and start climbing uphill from Dilaram and continue to travel via Bagora, Pokhritar, Tham, and Mahaldiram to reach Sittong.
What to See and Enjoy in Sittong
Orange Orchards: Sittong is famous for its orange cultivation. In fact, you can see orange gardens anywhere anf everywhere in this region; during the winter months the entire area turns orange with its orange gardens.
Tea Gardens: