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The foothills of the Eastern Himalayas have many charming and intriguing villages. They are all uncommon experiences not found in the usual tourist guidebooks. Only by wandering from the usual well-trodden routes will you be able to locate them.
One such is the quaint village of Chota Mangwa. It is nestled in the Darjeeling hills on a hilltop with spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga on one side and the Teesta River and the Kalimpong Hills valley on the other. Many locals refer to it as Chota Mangmaya. It translates to 'a tiny place of finger millet' in the Lepcha language. Chota Mangwa lies 35 kilometres from Darjeeling town, between Kalimpong in West Bengal and Namchi in Sikkim. On a clear day, the Char Dham in Namchi can be seen from here.
Things To Do
With few obvious tourist attractions, Chota Mangwa is also devoid of crowds. However, if you appreciate nature or outdoor activities such as hiking, nature photography, and bird watching, Chota Mangwa has plenty of things to do that will help you relax and recover from a hectic city life.
Go For Long Walks
Located on a ridge at the top of Mangwa Hill, the place is known for its surreal beauty and serene ambience. Several routes provide unrivalled views of the majestic Kanchenjunga and the trickling Teesta River. Moreover, the area has various vantage locations to view stunning sunrises and sunsets.
Sign Up For River Rafting
Aside from trekking, you may also go river rafting on the sparkling Teesta or River Rangeet.
Visit The Orange Orchards
Spending time at Chota Mangwa's orange orchards to view the oranges in full bloom, harvest them, and sip fresh orange juice from the orange garden is a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Places To Visit Nearby
Takdah, noted for its various orchid types, is easily accessible from Chota Mangwa. The Orchid Centre is normally open from February through April. There is also a Tibetan medical centre you can visit. You will also be captivated by the breathtaking vista of Rungliot Tea Estate in Takdah. Read more about it here.
Meanwhile, Lopchu, a quaint town in the highlands, is surrounded by a plethora of tea gardens. Some of the historic structures in the area have been turned into heritage homestays. You can trek to Tackling, a nearby village, to see an ancient monastery. Tinchuley, at an elevation of 5,800 feet, is a little village surrounded by tea plantations and fruit orchards. The enormous snow peaks rise on one side, and the river valleys lie on the other. The area is named for three ('tin') hilltops that resemble ovens ('chulha'). Hardy hikers can reach Gumba Dara, a picturesque viewpoint high in the hills highlighted by a series of caverns.
Where To Stay
Chota Mangwa features several homestays managed by local residents to accommodate visitors. They provide all the major amenities, including an attached western bathroom, electricity, sanitised rooms, and hot running water.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Chota Mangwa is between October and February if you want to see the orange groves. Otherwise, any time is a good time to visit this charming, calm village and appreciate nature. However, the monsoon is considered the off-season.
Cover photo Darjeeling Chhota Mangwa is situated 30 kilometers from here/Unsplash
