Bijanbari: Monsoon’s best-kept secret – GetBengal story
Bijanbari is a peaceful hamlet situated at a height of 2,500 feet, only 15 kilometres from Darjeeling. It is one of the few locations where the monsoon creates enchanting landscape paintings. This tranquil hamlet becomes a verdant paradise during the rainy season, which lasts from June to September.
The pine forests become denser and deeper in colour, the chirping of birds becomes more melodic, and every trail becomes a path into a fairytale.
The road to Bijanbari itself becomes an experience worth savouring. It is truly cinematic to drive through winding hillsides covered in mist, where waterfalls tumble off rocks and the steady sound of raindrops on leaves is a constant.
The monsoon brings moderate to heavy rainfall to the region. While this may make outdoor sightseeing a bit of a gamble, the charm of cloud-kissed mornings and fog-draped evenings is unmatched. Temperatures hover between 15°C and 22°C during monsoon and this place remain pleasantly cool.
Monsoon in Bijanbari is not about fast-paced tourism—it's about immersive, mindful travel. With the rain slowing down everyday life, you get a chance to live like the locals: cooking over a wood fire, sitting by the window with a book, or watching children splash in puddles and chase rain-drenched butterflies.
The homestays in Bijanbari come alive in this season. Staying in one of these locally-run accommodations lets you experience rural hospitality at its best—complete with warm meals, cozy blankets, and serene views of rain-soaked hills.
While hiking routes might be muddy and slippery, monsoon opens up new ways to enjoy Bijanbari:
Short trails around the village become dreamy paths through forests glistening with raindrops. Walk among bamboo groves, orange orchards, and wildflowers blooming by the roadside.
Also read : Kagey, the village with a view
The rains bring out a symphony of birdcalls. Look out for rare Himalayan birds such as the Oriental Pied Hornbill, Spotted Wren Babbler, Rusty-bellied Shortwing, and Mountain Imperial Pigeon.
Take a rainy drive to Sericulture Farm near Lodhoma, where the mist rises off the hills and silkworms continue their quiet work. The nearby Pulbazar market, vibrant even in the rain, is perfect for picking up local produce or observing hill market life.
Monsoon in Bijanbari is a dream for photographers. From mist-shrouded landscapes, cloud-draped mountains, and dripping foliage, to the candid smiles of villagers walking with umbrellas—every frame holds a story.
While Darjeeling and other nearby destinations get crowded during monsoon breaks, Bijanbari stays quiet and untouched. It is ideal for those who seek peace, poetry, and connection with nature. Choose to stay in homestays to truly immerse yourself in the simple charm and authentic rhythm of village life. The sounds of rainfall, rustling leaves, and the distant call of a bird form the ambient background to a beautifully slow way of living.
