Sonada – A Peaceful Retreat Near Darjeeling

Sonada, Darjeeling

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What To Expect at Sonada

Sonada is a beautiful Himalayan hamlet perched peacefully between two stunning hill stations, Darjeeling and Kurseong, at a distance of 17 and 16 km respectively. This place has a beautiful monastery, a Tibetan school which is also attended by students of other communities and a residency which is provided for the talented and young Tibetan scholars. It is a small but stunning Himalayan beauty where the winters are chilly but the summers make it bearable to explore the nearby places, and the sunrays make the grass-filled land appear like crystals.

Best Darjeeling Tour Packages

We present to you with our exclusive and wide range of Darjeeling tour packages which will ensure to offer you a comprehensive experience of this hill station, curled up in the arms of the majestic Himalayas. Our packages typically include a wide range of activities, starting from visiting iconic attractions like Tiger Hill, Tea Gardens, Peace Pagoda or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, which will cater to all families, adventure lovers and honeymooners, alike.

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Romantic Escapes: Darjeeling & Sikkim Weekend Getaway
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Mystic Blessings: Eastern Himalayas Pilgrimage Tour
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Wildlife Escape: Darjeeling & Sikkim
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Sacred Himalayas: Darjeeling & Sikkim Pilgrimage Tour
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Wild Himalayas: Darjeeling & Sikkim Wildlife Tour
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Best Time to Visit Sonada

Sonada is an all-year-round tourable spot owing to its peaceful surroundings, scenic beauty and cool climate. The vibrantly blooming trails of spring, the misty charm of monsoons and the scenic serenity of winters make this place quite irresistible. However, the best recommended time is between March to May and September to November when the weather remains the most pleasant with crisp skies creating opportunities to enjoy sightseeing.

Weather and Temperature of Sonada (Season-wise)

A detailed breakdown of Sonada’s temperature and weather is mentioned below-

Spring (March to May) remains fresh and refreshing creating opportunities to witness stunning blooming flowers. The temperature ranges between 10°C to 20°C during this season and you can enjoy sightseeing and nature walks.

Summer (June to August) remains occasionally misty and cool and you can expect frequent rainfall. The temperature ranges between 12°C and 22°C during this season where the tea gardens appear at its best form creating lush greenery all around.

Autumn (September to November) offers panoramic views, crisp air and clear skies with the temperature ranging between 8°C to 18°C. It is the best season to enjoy outdoor activities, hiking and nature photography.

Winter (December to February) creates opportunities for occasional frost and remains foggy andc cold. The temperature generally lies between 2°C and 10°C. You can enjoy misty mornings and a cosy retreat during this season.

Geography and Natural Beauty

Sonada is an unruffled Himalayan town located in West Bengal, India in between Kurseong and Darjeeling at an elevation of about 6,500 feet. You can enjoy breathtaking rides in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway from here and witness lush valleys and misty hills. It is a nature lover’s paradise encompassed by panoramic views, dense forests and piping tea gardens offering the best glimpses of the Kanchenjunga range.

Attractions and Activities

Some of the attractions and activities to enjoy in Sonada are mentioned below-

Attractions

Samdrup Darjay Choling Monastery- You can explore elaborate Buddhist architecture surrounded by a spiritual ambience and stunning views in this beautiful Tibetan monastery.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway- Your experience of Himalayan charm will be enhanced by riding the Toy train passing amidst the scenic spots of Sonada.

Margaret’s Hope Tea Estate- You can soak in the breathtaking views of the green hills and learn the process involved in tea production by visiting this renowned tea garden located near Sonada.

Chatakpur Eco Village- You can get a first-hand experience of sustainable life and witness the exotic beauty and wildlife of the mountains by travelling to this forest village located near Sonada.

Activities

Hiking and Nature Walks- You can take a serene walk around the scenic trails of ridgelines, tea gardens and pine forests. It is an ideal activity for nature enthusiasts, bird lovers and trekkers.

Photography- Sonada is a scenic destination ideal for nature photographers to capture prayer flags, toy trains and misty mornings in their lenses.

Tea Garden Visits- You can walk around the rolling tea gardens and interact with the workers to know about their traditional methods of tea processing, harvesting etc. and get an exclusive tea tasting session.

Local Shopping- You can visit the local markets and shop for some souvenirs, including regional crafts, mountain herbs and delicious pickles.

Nearby Attractions and places to visit in Sonada:

Tiger Hill- It is a famous sunrise viewing spot of Darjeeling, rising above the Kanchenjunga and is situated at a distance of 14 km from Sonada. You will get a panoramic view of the surroundings and can even witness Everest when the sky remains clear.

Batasia Loop- It is a famous tourist spot featuring a war memorial of the Gorkhas and a railway spiral where the charming Toy train runs around the beautifully landscaped garden, offering breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga and nearby peaks.

Kurseong- It is famously referred to as “ Land of White Orchids” where you can visit several attractions such as tea gardens, Eagle’s Crag viewpoint and several colonial architectures.

Dali Monastery- This monastery is ranked amongst the largest monasteries present in the region and is situated at a distance of 13 km where you can enjoy peaceful ambiance and witness mesmerising murals and talk with the monks belonging to the linage of the great Drukpa Kagyu.

Local Cuisine and Cultural Experiences

Sonada offers authentic Himalayan flavours with a blend influenced by North-Eastern India, Tibetan and Nepali communities. The soulful and warm meals which are available here are best enjoyed in the cold climate of the mountains. The dishes here are mostly homemade, made with local ingredients and are simple. Some of the recommended dishes of Sonada include- momo, thukpa, dal-bhat-tarkari, sel roti, kinema & gundruk, sha phaley and local chhang.

Buddhist Traditions and Monastery Visits- You will get an idea about the Tibetan Buddhist influence of the region by visiting the nearby monasteries, and get a chance to witness the vibrant prayer flags, detailed murals and chanting monks.

Attending Local Festivals- You will get to witness the vibrant cultural and spiritual life of the region, showcasing community feasts, dance performances and traditional rituals by visiting during local festivals such as Buddha Jayanti or Losar.

Interacting with the Locals- You can learn more about the Himalayan lifestyle, dialects of the locals and their customs by interacting with the friendly Nepali, Lepcha and Bhutia communities residing in the region.

Exploring the traditional markets- The lifestyle and local culture of the region are reflected by the traditional Nepali and Sikkimese items, which you can find by exploring the small bazaar, and get a chance to buy beautiful handbags and woollen items.

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Accommodations

Sonada offers different types of stay options, such as homestays, tea garden retreats & eco stays, budget hotels and lodges and spiritual stays. The homestays here are very warm and welcoming, where you can enjoy true hospitality. You will also get some eco-friendly stays here situated near the forested areas or the tea estates, offering scenic views surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful birds. If you are a bit tight on your budget, you can book your stays at the budget hotels as well, where you will be provided with all the basic amenities.

Homestays in Sonada

The homestays of Sonada are mostly family-run by the locals residing in the region and are situated in scenic locations surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, You will be provided warm hospitality and delicious home-cooked meals prepared using locally sourced ingredients in the homestays. Although the rooms are basic, they are very clean and well-maintained. Some of the recommended homestays of Sonada include- Maa Durga Homestay, Samdrup Homestay, Sonada Retreat Homestay, Hill Breeze Homestay and Eco Garden Homestay.

Where Is Sonada

Sonada is a beautiful hill town located near Darjeeling in West Bengal, India, at a height of about 2,000 meters above the level. It is placed along the NH-55 and is a scenic stopover between Darjeeling and Kurseong. Although Sonada is in proximity to some of the famous tourist spots, such as Batasia Loop, Tiger Hill and Chatakpur, it offers an offbeat escape from the tourists, situated peacefully surrounded by misty hills, pine forests and tea gardens.

How To Reach Sonada

By Air: The Bagdogra airport which is the nearest to Sonada is situated at a distance of 50 km. You can hire a can from the airport premises and travel in the Siliguri-Kurseong route to reach Sonada which will take you about 2.5- 3 hours.

By Train: The nearest railway stati0n from Sonada is the NJP railway station situated at a distance of 60 km. You can reach Kurseong via Sonada by taking a cab from Siliguri or you can ride a toy train as well.

By Road-

From Siliguri: The distance between Siliguri and Sonada is about 52 km, and the travel route includes Siliguri → Kurseong → Sonada via NH-55. The approximate travel time by road via this route is about 2.5- 3 hours.

From Darjeeling: The distance between Darjeeling and Sonada is about 17 km, and the travel route includes- Darjeeling → Ghoom → Sonada. You can take a shared jeep or take a cab from Darjeeling and reach Sonada.

Which is the best car rental service for traveling from Siliguri to Sonada?

EasoRide offers the most reliable and comfortable car rental service from Siliguri to Sonada, a serene hill town located between Kurseong and Darjeeling, known for its monasteries, tea gardens, and misty weather. The journey is about 60 km and typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours via Rohini or Hill Cart Road, giving travelers beautiful valley views, forest stretches, and the classic Darjeeling hillside experience. EasoRide, a trusted Siliguri-based car rental company, is known for verified local drivers, well-maintained vehicles, and transparent fares — starting around ₹2,600 for hatchbacks and ₹3,800 for SUVs. With easy online booking, timely pickups, and responsive local support, EasoRide ensures a smooth, safe, and scenic ride from Siliguri to Sonada every time.

Pro-Tips while travelling to Sonada

  • Remember to pack some ligh woollens even if you are travelling in summer as the weather here can get quiet tricky and change rapidly.
  • Try to pre-book your cabs during the peak season to avoid any kind of inconvenience.
  • Try to carry reusable water bottles and minimise the use of plastic on your trip to promote sustainable tourism.

    • Conclusion

    Sonada is a perfect balance between natural charm, culture and serenity. Sonada is more than just a stopover between Darjeeling and Kurseong, it helps you to slow down and breathe and enjoy the scenic charm of the Himalayas. It is a perfect getaway from the city’s hassle, surrounded by peaceful trails and misty mornings.

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