Takdah Cantontment

Not many know about this small hamlet, a treasure secret, because it's yet to develop as a full fledged tourism place. Takdah is located at an altitude of about 4,000 ft and close to Darjeeling (about 28kms away), yet far enough to be isolated, quiet and serene. Although the altitude is much lower than Darjeeling town, the place is cooler compared to its surrounding area.The original name was pronounced as 'Tukdah', which is a Lepcha word meaning mist or fog. And the name is aptly given as the place often remains covered with fog.So what can you expect? Misty meandering roads, chirping of the birds, nature trails passing through dense forests, sound and sight of fountain streams coming down the slope of mountains every few yards you walk - this is what Takdah is.Takdah started as a military cantonment during the British colonial days in early 1900s. During those days, many senior British officers frequently visited this place. And therefore many bungalows and houses came up here for their accommodations. Those houses were built in traditional British architecture with slanted roofs.


While after India's independence the British have left the place, the houses and many other establishments they built were left behind. most of these houses were built between 1905 and 1915. They now either belong to some locals or have been taken over by establishments like schools.And some locals have renovated the houses and offer them as guesthouse accommodations. So that gives you a rare opportunity to stay in a heritage bungalow and enjoy the old colonial charm & aura in such houses which belonged to the British once. Will come to the accommodations later.Attractions & Activities in & around Takdah.So what can you see and do in Takdah? Surprisingly there are several great places of interests and sightseeing attractions here within short distances. There are nice soft trekking routes as well. You can take a vehicle and visit the places. But you can't cover them all in a day. Here are the main attractions: 1) Some of the finest tea gardens of Darjeeling district are located in Takdah. You can walk down or take a local taxi tour to some of them and enjoy the tea gardens on rolling hills. The main tea estates in Takdah are Rungli Rungliot, Gielle, Namring, Jinglam, Poomong, and Teesta Valley estate. You can also visit the estate factories and watch the tea processing (in winters the factories usually remain closed).