Darap Village Homestay

DARAP VILLAGE – SIKKIM

Darap is a small village located in the western part of Sikkim, India. Darap Village is situated at a distance of about 8 km from Pelling on the way to Yuksome. Darap Village is one of the few places undiscovered where travelers looking for a taste of bucolic life where they can escape from the maddening crowds city life.The locals of the village of Darap are mainly Limboo, Bhutia, Chetri, Tamang, Rai, Gurung and Lepchas all lives in peace and harmony. In comparison to other villages and parts of West Sikkim, the landscape of Darap village is gently sloped towards the downward valleys. At Darap Eco village one will find numerous and huge numbers of wheat cultivation fields along with cardamom cultivation, as the main source of livelihood of the locals is agriculture. Apart from this Darap Village have its own school, health center, library, local shops, computer training center and community hall. Along with culture and historical heritage of Darap village, the pollution free natural ambiance of the village has gained much importance and significance in terms of Eco tourism sector. The word ‘Darap’ derived from a Limboo tribal word ‘Tan-lop’ means ‘A plain piece of land’. Darap Village is situated at an altitude of about 5790 feet above sea level. Around Darap village there are few small streams, waterfalls, jungle trekking route which are worth enjoying. On Saturdays the make shift local market at Darap Village is worth visiting, where the locals of the village sells varieties of items. From Pelling on the way to Yuksom on the Nambo road is there direction board pointing towards Darap Village. Darap village offers a diversified age old culture to its visitors, as the tourists gets involved with the locals, they educate the tourist about their village life on these hilly terrains. Each and every house at Darap village is made of wood and stone. There is a centuries old hut of the Limboo tribes made of clay that dates back to around 200 years back, inside the hut a small fire place was made that makes the hut more and more stronger. This small hut signifies the rich cultural heritage of the Limboos at Darap Village. But Darap village does not confined to all these but rather the warm welcoming nature of the Gurung’s family and the other locals are worth watching. Every house at Darap is decorated with colourful flowers and there is a small lawn adjacent to almost every house. The village is a living testimony of the Limboo culture and tradition that blend with natural resources and bio diversity, more than elsewhere in the state of Sikkim.

Things to do: At Darap Eco Village one can go around for a village walk and get to know about the lifestyle of the local villagers. Or one can also visit the nearest locations of like Yuksom, Pelling, Khecheopalri Lake. There is a monastery near Darap Village which is worth watching. There is nearest water fall at Darap village namely ‘Rimbi falls’, tourist can enjoy bathing in the water of ‘Rimbi Falls’. During the evening as the local children return home from there travelers can get engaged with these children and spend some valuable time. Throughout Darap village there are only 40 families those live here. Along with wheat the locals cultivate Cardamom at Darap village. From Darap village on a day trip one can visit the nearest ‘Kanchenjunga waterfall‘ which is worth visiting. At Darap one can enjoy the paddy fields, or visit the Yuma meditation center, Traditional carpet weaving, and the Bee Keeping are worth watching. Side by side Village excursions, low altitude hiking and trekking, cultural program, mountain biking, herbal bath, fishing are the activities tourists can take part at Darap Village.

How to reach: Darap village lies at the midsection of Pelling – Yuksom route. From Pelling at a distance of about 8 km is Darap village. The nearest rail head from Darap is New Jalpaiguri which is very well connected with Kolkata and other major cities of India. From NJP railway station and Siliguri at a distance of about 160 km and 148 km is Darap village. From Siliguri S.N.T bus stand and Gurduwara Sevoke road several hired or shared cars are available those reaches up-to Darap village. Darap is also well connected with Gangtok, at a distance of about 120 km. From Gangtok Taxi stand hired and shared cars are available for Darap village. From Bagdogra Airport at a distance of about 150 km is Darap village.