Sillery Gaon, a small village surrounded on all sides by tall pine trees, at a height of about 6000 ft in the Darjeeling district, is an upcoming tourist destination, lovingly called by the locals as New Darjeeling.

Located at a distance of around 8 km from Pedong and 5 km from 21 Miles, this sleepy village of New Darjeeling offers a magnificent view of the Kanchendzonga, the third highest peak in the world. The shimmering silver peak and the serenity around entice every traveller visiting the village.

The name “Sillery” is derived from the name of a plant that grows in abundance in the region. This area also abounds in Cinchona Plantation which was introduced in this region by the British, as a source of Quinine used for the treatment of Malaria.However, cultivation still continues today, despite alternative quinine derivatives.

VISITING PLACES:

Ramitey View Point: Ramitey View Point is just 3 km away from Sillery Gaon and can be accessed either by vehicle or trekking. Ramitey View Point offers the breathtaking view of Mt. Khanchendzonga and its neighbouring snow clad peaks along with the longest view point of river Teesta through the valleys with its 14 bends and the confluence of river Teesta and Reshi – a rare sight indeed. On a clear day the entire region from Teesta Bazar to Majhitar in Sikkim is cleary visible from Ramitey View Point.

Tinchuley View Point / Tinchuley Top: A stiff uphill 30 mts trek is enough to reach Tinchuley View Point or Tinchuley Top offers a magnificent 360 degree view of the Himalayan ranges along with the guardian of all hills – Mt. Kanchenjunga. On a clear day Nathula Pass and Jelep la are visible from here.

Damsang Fort: An one hour trek from Sillery Gaon covering around 4 km leads the road to the nearly ruined Damsang fort. This fort which had been built in 1690 by Lepcha Kingdom was the nerve centre of ethnic violence between Lepchas and Bhutias. The another reason to built the fort was to stop aggression by East India Company. This fort is only 1 km away from Pedong and road goes through pine forest offers magnificent view of surrounding hills and valleys.

It’s an ideal place for bird watching. A little upward road from Damsang fort goes to the Hanuman Top where a sculpture of Lord Hanuman is placed. This Hanuman Top offers the excellent bird’s view of Kalimpong town and adjoining areas.

Silent Valley: Silent Valley is another interesting place to visit in Sillery Gaon. A vast tract of green pasture is surrounded by tall pine trees and only sound is chirping of birds resembles Switzerland. A descend from the main road, the sudden appearance of the green field makes visitor  surprise . During monsoon Silence valley becomes a small pond. As per the old local residents it was originally a lake long before.

Cross Hill: Cross hill is located at a vantage point, where in the view of the mountain is simply glorious. On any clear day Tibet is clearly visible from here and it’s a perfect sunset point. Cross Hill is highly revered as a pilgrimage for the local Christian community and be frequently visited by them.

During 19th century number of Evangelists who travelled to Tibet for spreading Christianity lost their lives or never came back. In the memory of lost Evangelists in 1882 Fr. Augustine Desgodins erected a cross facing Tibet directly in the hope that they will come back.