The Himalayan villages of North Bengal are known for their scenic beauty, tea gardens, and cultural richness. But every winter, one event steals the spotlight — the Darjeeling Orange Festival. Celebrated amidst the lush hills and orange orchards, this festival is a colorful blend of tradition, agriculture, and tourism.
For travelers seeking something beyond the usual hill station experience, the Orange Festival is the perfect opportunity to explore the region’s culture and taste its famous citrus harvest. In this guide, Travelpoka brings you everything you need to know about Darjeeling Orange Festival 2025 — from its highlights to travel tips and the best way to enjoy the Sittong orange orchards.
What is the Darjeeling Orange Festival?
The Darjeeling Orange Festival is an annual celebration of the orange harvest in the hills of North Bengal, especially in villages like Sittong, popularly called the “Orange Valley.” Known for its high-quality mandarins, Sittong and nearby regions supply oranges across Bengal and beyond.
The festival highlights not only orange cultivation in Sittong but also the lifestyle of the Lepcha and other local communities. Expect cultural performances, local handicrafts, food stalls, and of course, baskets of fresh oranges.
When is the Darjeeling Orange Festival 2025?
The Orange Festival usually takes place between December and January, aligning with the peak orange harvest season. For 2025, it is expected to be held in late December 2025, though the final dates will be announced by local tourism authorities.
This is also the best time to visit Sittong orange orchards, as the entire valley turns golden with ripened oranges hanging from every tree.
Why Visit the Orange Festival?
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Orange Orchards in Full Bloom: December is the peak time to witness the orchards in their vibrant glory. Walking through a homestay with an orange garden gives you the chance to experience nature up close.
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Cultural Immersion: Folk dances, music, and local traditions offer a unique glimpse into the heritage of the Lepcha community.
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Fresh Produce & Handicrafts: From tangy orange-based products to handmade crafts, you’ll find plenty of souvenirs.
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Tourist Spots Nearby: Combine the festival visit with local Sittong tourist spots, tea gardens, and nearby hill villages for a complete travel experience.
Where Does It Happen?
The Orange Festival is centered around Sittong, often called the “Orange Valley” of Darjeeling. The region is divided into Upper, Middle, and Lower Sittong, with Lower Sittong homestays offering easy access to orchards and festival grounds.
Travelpoka helps you plan stays in areas close to the festival while giving you options to explore the surrounding hills.
Staying in Sittong During the Festival
To fully enjoy the festival, most visitors choose to stay in village homestays surrounded by orange orchards. Imagine waking up in an orange valley view homestay, sipping tea on the balcony, and gazing at orchards dotted with golden fruits.
Whether you want a homestay with an orange garden for a family holiday or a hillside retreat with panoramic views, Travelpoka can guide you through the best options that match your budget and preferences.
Travel Tips for Orange Festival 2025
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Book Early: December is a busy season. Homestays near the orchards fill up fast.
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Pack Warm Clothes: Temperatures in Sittong during winter range between 5–12°C, so warm clothing is a must.
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Plan for Connectivity: Network coverage may be patchy in some villages, which makes it a perfect digital detox.
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Explore Beyond the Festival: Visit nearby attractions like Latpanchar, Kurseong, and Darjeeling town to complete your trip.
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Travel with Experts: With Travelpoka, you get curated itineraries that cover the festival, orchard visits, and hidden gems.
Best Time to Visit for Orange Orchards
The orange harvest season in Sittong begins in November and lasts till January, with December being the peak. If you want to enjoy the festival, taste fresh mandarins, and stay in the best homestays in Sittong, then late December 2025 is the perfect time.
Why Travelpoka?
Travelpoka acts as your travel partner, helping you plan the trip without confusion. Instead of browsing dozens of homestay websites, you can compare the best homestays with price, check the Sittong homestay price list, and choose the right option — all with expert guidance.
Final Thoughts
The Darjeeling Orange Festival 2025 is more than just an event — it’s a celebration of nature, community, and culture. Walking through the Sittong orange orchards, enjoying cultural shows, and staying in a homestay with an orange garden make the experience unforgettable.
Plan your trip with Travelpoka and immerse yourself in the true charm of the Himalayan Orange Valley.
