Looking for a quick weekend escape from Kolkata that doesn’t feel rushed? If quiet hills, fresh air, and slow mornings sound tempting, Rangbull might be just what you need.
Tucked away close to Darjeeling town, Rangbull is a serene hill village that begins near the small Rangbull market, just before Ghum on the Darjeeling Road. From the highway, a steep, winding descent of around eight kilometres leads you down into the village. The road is rough in parts, but every bend rewards you with sweeping views of tea gardens, deep green valleys, mountain streams and layers of hills. Pine forests line the route, and somewhere along the way, the tiredness of city life quietly slips away. Darjeeling town is only about 15 kilometres from here, yet Rangbull feels far removed from the crowds.
How to get there?
Start with an overnight train from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri (NJP). From NJP, take a shared jeep or cab towards Ghum. Ask the driver to drop you at Rangbull market. From there, you can either walk downhill to the village or take a local vehicle that goes down into the valley.
Also Read | Singapore makes layovers easier for Indians with 96-hour visa-free transit
How to plan?
Rangbull market is roughly 67 kilometres from NJP, and the shared jeep ride usually takes around three hours. The area has a good mix of resorts and homestays to suit different budgets. While the road from the market to the village is walkable, it’s quite steep. Elderly travellers or those carrying heavy luggage may find it tiring, so arranging a vehicle is a better option.
Once you check in, take some time to rest and soak in the calm. Later in the day, you can hire a car from your stay to explore nearby tea factories and small water dams. For those who enjoy the outdoors, options include trekking to Indrani Falls, angling in the Balason River, or birdwatching in the surrounding forests. And if you’re in no mood to go anywhere, simply sitting on the veranda with a cup of tea and good conversation can be equally satisfying.
Also Read | Step into Bengal’s ancient past at Chandraketugarh, just 90 minutes from Kolkata
Day two ideas
Wake up early the next morning. Tiger Hill is only about 10 kilometres away. Book a car in advance and head there to catch the sunrise over Kanchenjunga. Avoid trekking on unfamiliar hill roads in the dark. After sunrise, you can go to Ghum railway station and take the toy train to Darjeeling. Spend a few hours strolling around the town before returning to your stay for lunch. Check out in the afternoon and head back to NJP for your overnight train home.
Budget
Excluding train tickets, a twin-sharing room with accommodation and meals usually costs around ₹2,500–3,000 per person. Hiring a Sumo for a full day of sightseeing typically costs between ₹2,000 and ₹2,500, though prices may be slightly higher during peak season.
If you’re craving a peaceful mountain break, close to nature and away from noise, Rangbull makes for a refreshing and manageable weekend getaway.
