Rangaroon is a beautiful serene tourist destination in Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is basically a small scenic tea garden nestled 6000 feet above sea level. The garden produces some of the world"s best quality tea and is notable for its famous "Rangaroon" tea. Home to some of the rare birds and animal species, it is especially popular amongst the adventure seekers and nature admirers.
Etymology of Rangaroon
The name Rangaroon originated from Lepcha language. The literal meaning of this name is "The turning of the great river".
History of Rangaroon
The origin of this tea estate goes back to Lord Adain Ashley, the Governor of Bengal, in 1776. During that time, Rangaroon gained prominence for its high quality tea. The tea was especially popular amongst the British colonists. Impressed by the quality of tea, they began to brew and produce newer and more improved varieties of it.
Attractions of Rangaroon
There are many attractions of Rangaroon that can be explored by the tourists. One can take a stroll through the garden and observe the tea leaves. From here, one can enjoy the stunning views of Rangaroon valley, Rungdong River, Tiger Hill, the Observatory Hill and Mt. Kanchenjunga range. In the vicinity, there is an eighteenth century tea factory that is still open to the public. This is an ideal place to understand the nuances of tea cultivation and production.
The other attractions of Rangaroon are Mata Singha Temple and Senchel Wildlife Sanctuary. The temple witnesses a large number of devotees on the day of the Baisakhi Purnima, who come here to offer prayers to the resident deity of the temple. The sanctuary is an ideal place for the animal lovers. It is home to some of the rarest animal and bird species in India.
Recreational Activities at Rangaroon
In Rangaroon, tourists can indulge in adventure activities like trekking and mountain biking. The zones along the Rungdung River, Senchal Forest and tea gardens are popular for trekking. Birds-watching is another fun activity to be enjoyed here. Here one can spot some of the rarest Himalayan bird species.
Visiting Information of Rangaroon
The unique thing about Rangaroon is that it can be explored any time of the year. One can hire vehicle services from Darjeeling to reach Rangaroon. In terms of accommodation, one can avail guest houses or home-stay. These accommodation options are equipped with all the modern amenities.