Mongpong: Where the Teesta Meets the Plains

A short drive from the city bustle of Siliguri, Mongpong is one of those rare places that quietly slips under the radar and into your heart. Perched high above the Teesta River, this small hamlet is the natural threshold between the rolling Terai and the lush Dooars. Here, the river slows down after its wild Himalayan descent, the forests deepen, and the sky seems just a little closer. Whether you are an Indian traveller seeking a weekend of forest walks and river views or a European guest curious to see the Eastern Himalayas beyond the tourist trail, Mongpong is a gentle introduction to a quieter pace of life.

Orientation: The Gateway to the Dooars

Mongpong holds a unique place on the map: this is the very spot where the mighty Teesta leaves the hills behind and spreads out into the plains. On the left bank lies Mongpong itself; on the right bank, the bustling Sevok Bazaar. It’s often said that Mongpong marks the beginning of the Dooars, while the western side of the river is considered Terai.

As you approach along National Highway 31 from Siliguri, you’ll first notice Lower Mongpong, the northernmost part of the area. Here, a small village flanks the road, and a rough track leads down to the riverbed. This is a favourite picnic spot among locals, especially in winter when the river’s flow is calm, and the Teesta’s broad stony banks beckon families to spread out their blankets.

Drive about 500 metres further east along the highway, and you’ll reach the forest check-post and the offices of the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC). This is the most frequented part of Mongpong for travellers. Nearby stands the Forest Bungalow, a simple yet atmospheric place to stay overnight, wrapped in birdsong and morning mists.

Another half kilometre east, the road takes you past Upper Mongpong village on the left, and the Mongpong Army Cantonment on the right. While Upper Mongpong is a quiet cluster of homes, the real attraction lies behind the village: an open valley where the Teesta curves past paddy fields, wooded slopes, and distant blue hills. Though there are no private accommodations here yet, it’s worth wandering through the village lanes and soaking up this pastoral scenery.

Getting There: A Journey That Begins on the Tiger Bridge

Mongpong is exceptionally easy to reach compared to other Dooars destinations. If you are arriving by air, Bagdogra Airport is about 40 kilometres away—less than an hour’s drive if traffic is smooth. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station, the major rail hub for the region, is about the same distance.

Travelling by road, you’ll follow National Highway 31, crossing the famous Coronation Bridge—known locally as the Bagpool or Tiger Bridge. Built by the British, this elegant span over the Teesta is an attraction in itself and makes for a fantastic photo stop. Once you cross the bridge, Mongpong is the first settlement you will encounter on the eastern bank of the river.

If you prefer a hassle-free transfer, our team at NBTT Travel Solution Pvt Ltd can arrange air-conditioned vehicles or SUVs to pick you up directly from Bagdogra, NJP, or Siliguri hotels and bring you to Mongpong comfortably. Just call us on 9733000592 / 593 / 594 and let us know your arrival details.

What to See and Do: A Place for Slow Adventures

Mongpong is the kind of destination where the hours melt away without the need for an itinerary packed with sights. The greatest pleasure here comes from simply stepping outside and letting the river and the forest work their quiet magic.

Along the Teesta’s banks, you’ll find endless spots to sit and watch the water flicker under the sky, especially breathtaking at dawn when the sun gilds the ripples, or on moonlit nights when the entire riverbed turns silver. If you visit in winter, look for migratory birds resting in the shallows or gliding overhead—this stretch is part of the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, which is famous for birdwatching.

If you crave a little exploration, take the narrow forest path that crosses the highway. This leads you through a shaded trail into a small river valley hidden from view, where you can walk for hours among butterflies and wildflowers. Many guests enjoy trekking through these virgin forests or simply wandering with a camera.

For a short excursion, consider a 15-minute drive west to the Sevok Coronation Bridge, a graceful arch that has stood for nearly a century. From here, you can continue another 10 minutes to Sevok Bazaar, where small tea stalls serve steaming cups of chai with views of the river.

If you’d like help organising guided nature walks or day trips further into the Dooars, NBTT Travel Solution can craft a personalised itinerary for you.

Accommodation: Staying Close to Nature

While Mongpong doesn’t have the range of hotels you’ll find in Siliguri or Malbazar, it offers something far more precious: a chance to wake up right beside the river in the heart of the forest. The Forest Bungalow, operated by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation, is the main place to stay in the area.

Set among tall trees, the bungalow has a rustic charm with basic amenities: clean rooms, attached bathrooms, simple home-cooked meals, and wide verandas where you can sip tea while the forest comes alive around you. Early mornings often bring a chorus of birdcalls, while evenings are filled with the glow of lanterns and the smell of wood smoke drifting across the grounds.

You can book the bungalow directly through the WBFDC website, but if you’d rather have us manage the reservation and all arrangements, simply call NBTT Travel Solution Pvt Ltd on 9733000592 / 593 / 594. We’ll ensure your stay is seamless and enjoyable.

At present, there are no private lodges or hotels within Mongpong itself. However, if you prefer more modern comforts, we can arrange accommodation in Siliguri or Lataguri with daily transfers.

Best Time to Visit: Seasons and Moods

Mongpong can be visited year-round, but each season paints the landscape in a different hue. From October to March, the air is crisp and clear, perfect for long walks and birdwatching. Winter mornings bring mists that slowly lift to reveal sunlit forests and sparkling riverbanks.

From April to June, the days grow warmer, but the evenings remain pleasant, ideal for watching sunsets over the Teesta. The monsoon months (July to September) transform Mongpong into a lush, rain-soaked paradise, though travel can be occasionally disrupted by heavy showers.

Why Choose NBTT Travel Solution Pvt Ltd

Mongpong may be close to Siliguri, but the experience of visiting feels like a true escape from city life. With no large hotels or busy markets, it’s a place where you need local expertise to make the most of your stay, especially if you are coming from Europe or other parts of India.

At NBTT Travel Solution Pvt Ltd, we handle every detail:

• Safe transport to and from Mongpong

• Forest Bungalow reservations

• Guided walks and day trips

• Custom itineraries that combine Mongpong with other Dooars highlights

When you are ready to experience the quiet grace of this hidden riverside hamlet, give us a call on 9733000592 / 593 / 594. We are here to make your Mongpong journey smooth and memorable.

Ready to Start Planning?

Mongpong invites you to leave your clocks behind and tune in to the rhythms of the river and the forest. Whether you’re coming for a day or staying longer, NBTT Travel Solution Pvt Ltd is ready to help you design an experience that matches your pace and curiosity. Call us on 9733000592 / 593 / 594, and let’s create your perfect Dooars escape.