Hidden Waterfalls in North Bengal have a special charm during the monsoon. Monsoon in North Bengal is something else. The hills turn a crazy shade of green, clouds hang low, and suddenly every small stream turns into a roaring waterfall. Last year during monsoon, I went chasing some lesser-known waterfalls and honestly, it became one of my best trips till date. No massive crowds, no Instagram chaos – just you, the sound of water crashing, and that fresh earthy smell after rain.
Here are 7 hidden or offbeat waterfalls in North Bengal that I personally loved (or heard really good things about from fellow travelers):
7 Hidden Waterfalls in North Bengal – Quick Guide:
| No. | Waterfall Name | Location | Best Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Changey Waterfall | Lava, Kalimpong | JuneโSeptember | Photography & Short Trek |
| 2 | Pemling Waterfall | Near Kalimpong | JuneโSeptember | Adventure & Group Trip |
| 3 | Indreni Falls | Darjeeling Hills | JuneโSeptember | Quiet Dip & Relaxation |
| 4 | Baghmara Waterfall | Near Siliguri | JuneโAugust | Half-day Family Trip |
| 5 | Paglajhora Waterfall | Near Kurseong | JulyโSeptember | Peaceful atmosphere |
| 6 | Sillery Gaon Waterfall | Kalimpong | JuneโSeptember | Village + waterfall combination |
| 7 | Hidden Falls | Charkhole / Rishop | JuneโSeptember | Offbeat Adventure |
1. Changey Falls (Near Lava, Kalimpong):
This one is a proper hidden gem. Located about 14 km from Lava, the road itself is an adventure – narrow, muddy, and surrounded by dense forest. When I reached the waterfall after a short trek, I was completely soaked but the view made it worth every bit. The water falls from a good height into a small pool. Perfect for a quick dip if youโre brave enough.
Location: Near Lava, Kalimpong district.
Distance from Siliguri: Approx 130 km.
Best Time to Visit: June to September (full flow in monsoon).
Entry Fee: Free.
How to Reach: Drive till Lava then take local jeep or trek a short distance.
Best For: Peaceful nature walk + photography.
Photography: Excellent in early morning light.
2. Pemling Waterfall (Near Kalimpong):
One of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in North Bengal. Itโs around 70 km from Siliguri but feels like a completely different world. The last time I went, the force of the water was so strong that we couldnโt go too close. Standing there, completely drenched, with the roar of the falls – that moment is still fresh in my mind.
Location: Pemling area, Kalimpong.
Distance from Siliguri: Approx 70-75 km.
Best Time to Visit: July to September.
Entry Fee: Free.
How to Reach: Drive from Siliguri via Kalimpong-Lava road.
Best For: Adventure & group trips.
Photography: Dramatic shots possible from a distance.
Also Read:7 Offbeat Monsoon Destinations in West Bengal
Also Read:7 Best Beaches in West Bengal for a Peaceful Holiday
3. Indreni Falls (Near Darjeeling Hills):
This is a relatively new discovery for many travelers. Tucked away in a quiet corner, Indreni Falls is surrounded by thick forest. I went there with a couple of friends and we had the entire place to ourselves for almost an hour. The water is crystal clear, and the surrounding greenery during monsoon looks unreal.
Location: Near Darjeeling hills.
Distance from Siliguri: Approx 110 km.
Best Time to Visit: Monsoon months.
Entry Fee: Free.
How to Reach: Local vehicle from Darjeeling or Kurseong side.
Best For: Quiet dip & relaxation.
Photography: Good for close-up nature shots.
4. Baghmara Waterfall (Near Siliguri):
Very close to Siliguri, yet feels far away from the city noise. Itโs a small but beautiful waterfall with a nice pool at the bottom. Easy to reach and perfect for a half-day trip. I still remember sliding on the wet rocks and laughing like an idiot with my group.
Location: Near Baghmara, Siliguri outskirts.
Distance from Siliguri: 30-35 km.
Best Time to Visit: June to August.
Entry Fee: Free.
How to Reach: Easy road access + short trek.
Best For: Half-day family trip.
Photography: Nice for casual photos.
Also Read:9 Beautiful Hill Stations in West Bengal Full Details
Also Read:Darjeeling Must-Visit Places | Top 7 places Full Details
5. Paglajhora Waterfall (Near Kurseong):
A bit off the regular tourist route but totally worth the effort. It’s a little off the beaten path, and the short trek can get slippery when it rains – fair warning. But the moment you see the scenery waiting at the end, you stop caring about the mud on your shoes.
Location: Near Kurseong, Darjeeling hills.
Distance from Siliguri: Approx 65-70 km.
Best Time to Visit: July-September.
Entry Fee: Free.
How to Reach: Drive towards Kurseong then short trek from main road.
Best For: Peaceful atmosphere & misty views.
Photography: Beautiful when sunlight filters through the trees.
6. Sillery Gaon Waterfall (Sillery Gaon):
Tucked away near the charming village of Sillery Gaon, this waterfall is the kind of place you stumble upon and immediately want to keep to yourself. Water threading through dense forest, the sound of it building as you get closer, and an atmosphere in the monsoon that’s genuinely peaceful. Quiet, green, and completely unhurried.
Location: Sillery Gaon, Kalimpong district.
Distance from Siliguri: Approx 90 km.
Best Time to Visit: JuneโSeptember.
Entry Fee: Free.
How to Reach: Drive to Sillery Gaon, then a short easy trek.
Best For: Village + waterfall combination.
Photography: Great for green, misty nature shots.
Also Read:What are Some Good Long Drive Routes from Kolkata?
Also Read:7 Offbeat Monsoon Destinations in West Bengal
7. Umrao or Hidden Falls near Charkhole/Rishop:
This is for the real adventure lovers. The road to Charkhole and Rishop is already beautiful, and if you ask locals, they can guide you to some unnamed small waterfalls around the area. During my last trip, we discovered one such hidden fall after a 30-minute walk through tea gardens and jungle. No name, no crowd – just pure nature.
Location: Charkhole / Rishop area.
Distance from Siliguri: Approx 140-150 km.
Best Time to Visit: Peak monsoon.
Entry Fee: Free.
How to Reach: Drive to Rishop/Charkhole + short walk.
Best For: Adventure seekers.
Photography: Very scenic & private.
Some Real Tips from My Trips:
- Monsoon roads can be slippery and risky – always check the weather and road condition before heading out.
- Carry a raincoat or poncho, extra clothes, and good trekking shoes.
- Start early in the morning so you can return before it gets too dark and risky.
- Respect nature – donโt litter and avoid using soap or shampoo in the natural pools.
North Bengal during monsoon has its own magic. These hidden waterfalls are not just about the water – theyโre about the journey, the silence, and those little moments that stay with you.
โ FAQs
1. Which is the best hidden waterfall in North Bengal?
Changey Waterfall is one of the most scenic hidden waterfalls.
2. When is the best time to visit these waterfalls?
June to September is the ideal season.
3. Are these waterfalls safe during monsoon?
Yes, but avoid visiting during heavy rainfall or weather alerts.
4. Which waterfall is best for photography?
Changey Waterfall and Indreni Waterfall are excellent choices.
5. Can these waterfalls be visited on a weekend trip?
Yes, most are perfect for short weekend getaways.
Hope you liked this article on Hidden Waterfalls in North Bengal. Do share your views with me within the comments section below. If this article was helpful, do share this post with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. It would mean a lot.
Hey there! I’m Santu Chakraborty and I’m not your typical traveler. By day, I wrangle circuits and solve electrical mysteries as an engineer, but my true passion lies in exploring the world and sharing those experiences with you. For the past five years, this blog has been my canvas, where I paint stories of adventure, practical travel tips, and cultural insights to ignite your wanderlust. So, come join me on my journeys and discover the magic that awaits just beyond the horizon!
