rangaroon
RANGAROON

Rangaroon also known as Rangaroon Tea Estate is one of the oldest tea estates of Darjeeling hills once run by the British during pre-independence era but now taken an Indian Company. Rangarron sits in the middle of the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary and is perched at an altitude of 6100 feet above mean sea level. Rangaroon is spread at an area of 147 hectares among which 90 hectares is dominated by the lush green tea gardens which is named as Rangaroon Tea Estate. Rangaroon has a rich history of itself, in the year 1870 during the time of Chapman, Hooker and Campbell, the British Government established a Botanical Garden at Rangaroon. But due to the moody or unpredictable climatic conditions of Rangaroon most of the plants and trees were destroyed. Later in the year 1878 by a joint meeting between the government and naturalists, this Botanical Garden was shifted to Darjeeling. On a clear day Rangaroon offers stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of the Eastern Himalayas along with other adjacent peaks. The word Rangaroon is derived from a Lepcha origin that translates into ‘The turning point of the great river’ and indeed Rangaroon is the valley that River Rungdung Khola takes a turn. Rangaroon is guarded by lush green forest on its north, south and eastern side, while to the west lays Aluabari, Fulbari and Pandim Tea Estates which are separated from Rangaroon by River Rungdung Khola. The native inhabitants of Rangaroon are mainly Lepcha those who mainly involved in agriculture as their main source of livelihood. But additionally with the growth of sustainable Eco-tourism within this region, many have also shifted to cater tourists with homestays, guides and drivers. Being close to Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary, the surrounding hills and the lush greenery often forms a natural corridor for migrating animals and Himalayan birds at Rangaroon.

Activities and attractions around Rangaroon:

Rangaroon offers a handful of activities and attractions for tourists during their visit to this beautiful countryside.

  1. Rangaroon forms an ideal gateway or hideout for tourists in complete isolation from the madding crowd of the city life.
  2. Some short trek routes emerged from Rangaroon which are worth visiting. Among these a trek to River Rungdung Khola which is around 1.5 km by the steep downward side meets at the bank of the river.
  3. While reaching at the banks of River Rungdung Khola tourists can indulge themselves in activities like angling, river camping or picnic near the river bank (though mostly arranged during winter season).
  4. Nature trails or village walk is another activity which tourists can indulge themselves in a lazy afternoon during their stay at Rangaroon. Tourists can meet the local villagers and get involved in their day to day activities.
  5. Tourists can opt to join the local women of Rangaroon Tea Estate as they indulge themselves in plucking the tea leaves for the bushes.
  6. A nature trail through the lush green tea garden of Rangaroon is also an experience worth remembering.
  7. From Rangaroon tourists can opt for a short visit to Darjeeling located at a distance of 16 km away. Rangaroon is set at the eastern side of Darjeeling town. During the night time Rangaroon offers glamorous view of the glittering lights of Darjeeling town.
  8. Rangaroon is closely located to few other tea estates of Darjeeling region like Glenburn Tea Estate (9.3 km), Rungli Rungliot (7.2 km) and Takdah Tea Estate (8.1 km). A visit to these tea estates from Rangaroon is a worthwhile experience.
  9. There is a temple set in the middle of the village of Rangaroon and the presiding deity is Goddess Singha Devi and is a place worth visiting. On the occasion of Baishakhi Purnima devotees from the nearby villages visit Rangaroon to pay their respect.
  10. Peshok View Point or Lovers meet view point is another popular attraction located at a distance of 15 km away from Rangaroon.
  11. In a day tour one can opt for a visit to the nearby tourist places like Tinchuley (10.4 km), Takdah (8.1 km), Lamahatta (8.1 km) and Kalej Valley (05 km).
  12. For wildlife enthusiasts a visit to the famous Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary from Rangaroon is a must promising activity. Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary being one of the oldest in Indian is home to wide species of flora and fauna.
  13. For bird photographers and landscape photographers Rangaroon is also an ideal option as the village is very often visited by wide species of Himalayan birds. The surrounding mountains along with the rolling lush green tea gardens offer landscape photographers some of the best clicks.
  14. Tourists vising Rangaroon during the spring season gets great opportunity to witness the blooming Rhododendrons and Magnolia in full.
  15. Rangaroon has a small tea factory located nearby that welcomes its visitors wholeheartedly. In this tea processing factory at Rangaroon, tourists will get deep insights the way tea is processed.

How to reach Rangaroon:

By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Rangaroon Tea Estate located at a distance of 72 km away by road. From Bagdogra Airport by reserved vehicle tourist can reach Rangaroon directly. Shared vehicles are available upto Jorebungalow or 03rd Mile crossing, but after that reserved vehicles are required.

By Train: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the nearest rail head to Rangaroon Tea Estate located at a distance of 75 km away. From NJP railway station tourists can hire reserved vehicles and reach Rangaroon. Shared vehicles are available upto Jorebungalow or 03rd Mile crossing, but after that reserved vehicles are required.

By Road: Rangaroon is well connected by good motor-able road with Bagdogra Airport, NJP railway station and Siliguri. Apart from these Rangaroon is also well connected with other major tourist destinations located nearby. From Siliguri by shared vehicles tourists need to reach at Jorebungalow (85 km away), from there to the right turn another 05 km will reach at 03rd Mile crossing. Again from 03rd Mile crossing another 04 km drive will reach at Rangaroon. Shared vehicles only reach upto Jorebungalow or 03rd Mile crossing. After that tourists need to hire reserved vehicles. But for groups reserved vehicles will be the easiest way.

Best Time to Visit:
Rangaroon can be visited throughout the year, but the winter is the best time to catch glimpses of the snow-capped mountains of Mt. Kanchenjunga along with other peaks. The spring (March- April) is the best time to view the numerous species of Orchids, Rhododendrons and Magnolia. In the monsoon Rangaroon Tea Estate blossom up with absolute greenness as the plants starts to grow new tea leaves, but the weather remains cloudy throughout the day and heavy rainfall may turn the road slippery.

LAKPA HOMESTAY

Lakpa Homestay at Rangaroon, is one of the best homestay option available at Rangaroon Tea Estate that offers cozy and comfortable staying options for tourists. Lakpa Homestay has quiet spacious rooms with wide open windows those offers majestic view of the snow capped Himalayan ranges along with the lush green tea gardens. Lakpa Homestay is maintained by a local family of that region and are very keen on serving tourists with utmost facilities. Lakpa Homestay has long balconies and the homestay itself is situated at such a location where car reaches at the gate of the homestay. Meals served at Lakpa Homestay are fully organic and home cooked.

Amenities available at Lakpa Homestay:
Spacious rooms with attached western toilets.
Geyser facility for running hot water.
Rooms offers stunning views.
Arrangement of pick up and drop facility.
Arrangement of local sightseeing.

Tariff:
INR @ 1500/- per day per person (both food and lodging included).
meal includes: Morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, snacks and dinner.

HOW TO BOOK: Call us at 9831311606 , 98303813069830619422 to get the current availability status or use the query form furnished below with all you travel queries and submit, we will call/ contact you directly. Or, you may also directly book from our Kolkata office at: 8C Shanti Ghosh Street, Kolkata – 700003. Nearest Landmark: Manindra Chandra College and Shyambazar Metro Railway Station (Gate No: 3).