Sittong · Destination guide
Sittong homestay guide: Darjeeling's orange village
Mandarin orchards, a river in the valley and family-run homestays. When to visit Sittong, how to reach it and what a stay there is like.
By TripToPahar Editorial TeamLast updated 5 min read
Sittong is a cluster of villages below Kurseong, known as Darjeeling’s orange village. Visit between November and January for the orange harvest. It is about 2.5 hours by car from Siliguri or NJP. There are no hotels to speak of, so a stay here is a family homestay.
When are the oranges ripe in Sittong?
The harvest runs from November to January. The orchards turn orange, families pick and sort fruit in their courtyards, and trucks carry it down to the plains. Ask your host before you arrive whether you can walk through their orchard. Most are glad to show you. The trees are their livelihood, so do not pick fruit without asking.
Outside the harvest, Sittong is still worth the trip. March to May is warm, with the orchards in flower. The monsoon, roughly June to September, is lush but wet, and the village roads can be slippery.
What is Sittong like through the year?
| Months | What it is like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| November to January | Cool, mostly dry days, cold nights, orchards full of oranges | The harvest, clear mornings |
| February to May | Warming days, blossom in the orchards | Walks, birding, comfortable weather |
| June to September | Monsoon rain, mist, very green | Travelers who do not mind rain |
| October | Rain easing, skies clearing | Festive season, fresh green hills |
How do you reach Sittong?
The nearest airport is Bagdogra and the nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP). From either, Sittong is about 2.5 hours by car. There are two common routes:
- Via Rohini road and Kurseong: up through the tea estates of Rohini to Kurseong, then down towards Sittong.
- Via Sevoke and Latpanchar: along the Teesta, then up through the forest of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary.
Shared jeeps run between Kurseong and Sittong, but not often. Ask your host for the current timing, or book a car through them. For more on the drive up from the plains, read how to reach the hills from NJP and Bagdogra.
What is there to do in and around Sittong?
- Walk the orchard paths and terraces between the hamlets with your host or a local guide.
- Go down to the Riyang river on a warm afternoon.
- Look for birds in the forests towards Latpanchar, a popular area for birdwatchers.
- Learn how cardamom and oranges are grown and sorted, and try the family’s home cooking.
- Combine Sittong with a night in Darjeeling town or Kurseong, both within about two hours.
What are Sittong homestays like?
Most are family homes with a few guest rooms, sometimes in a separate wooden cottage. Meals are usually included and served at set times: rice, dal, seasonal vegetables, often local greens and home-made pickles. Hot water and Wi-Fi vary from house to house. Check the amenities on the listing and confirm with the host.
Some homestays sit below the road and are reached by a footpath. If you are travelling with elderly family members or heavy luggage, ask how far the walk is.
Before paying an advance, read our checklist for booking a homestay directly.
Frequently asked questions
When is the orange season in Sittong?
The orange harvest runs from November to January. The orchards turn orange, and families pick and sort fruit in their courtyards. Ask your host before walking through an orchard. The trees are their livelihood, so do not pick fruit without asking.
How do I get to Sittong from Siliguri?
Sittong is about 2.5 hours by car from Siliguri, Bagdogra or NJP. One route climbs the Rohini road to Kurseong, then descends. The other follows the Teesta via Sevoke and Latpanchar. Shared jeeps run from Kurseong, but not often.
How many nights should I stay in Sittong?
Two or three nights suit most travelers. The point of Sittong is to slow down, not to tick off sights. You can walk the orchards, visit the Riyang river and watch birds. Many people pair it with a night in Darjeeling or Kurseong.
Are meals included at Sittong homestays?
Usually yes. Meals are served at set times, with rice, dal and seasonal vegetables. Hot water and Wi-Fi vary from house to house. Check the amenities on the listing, and confirm meals, price and the walk from the road with your host.
Sources and further reading
- Sittong (Wikipedia)
- Darjeeling (Wikipedia)
- West Bengal Tourism: official travel information
- India Meteorological Department: weather forecasts
Rules, fees and timings change. Check these official pages before you travel.
Find a homestay
See photos, rooms and prices, then call the host to book directly. No booking fees.
