A holiday in the hills turned into a nightmare for hundreds of tourists across North Bengal as relentless overnight rain unleashed flash floods and landslides, snapping road links and submerging large swathes of the region. By Sunday morning, picturesque destinations like Darjeeling , Kalimpong , Kurseong, and the Dooars had been cut off from the plains, leaving visitors stranded amid rising waters and debris-strewn roads.
The downpour, which began late Saturday, battered the sub-Himalayan districts with record rainfall, Darjeeling received 261mm, Cooch Behar 192mm, and Jalpaiguri 172mm within 24 hours. The deluge triggered multiple landslides that buried stretches of key routes such as Subash Ghisingh Marg (Siliguri–Kurseong) and NH10, the main highway connecting Sikkim and Kalimpong. Portions of NH110, linking Darjeeling to Siliguri, were restored partially by afternoon, while limited traffic resumed on NH10 later in the evening after debris clearance.
In the Dooars, flooding from swollen rivers cut off access to several eco-resorts and wildlife lodges. Several tourists were stranded at the Madarihat Tourist Lodge near Jaldapara National Park after the wooden bridge over the Holong stream was swept away. Forest staff had to use elephants to recue them, whereas car and elephant safaris in the park have been suspended indefinitely.
Read more: 10 wild reasons to visit Jim Corbett National Park in October
The scale of destruction extended beyond inconvenience. More than 10 people lost their lives in Mirik, one of the worst-hit areas in Darjeeling district, while Several others remained missing as rescue teams struggled to reach remote hillside villages. The Wangchu river in neighbouring Bhutan, known as Raidak in Bengal, was reported to be flowing above danger levels, prompting fears of further flooding downstream.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed for calm and urged tourists not to attempt risky travel until evacuation was organised. “We are advising tourists in north Bengal to stay where they are until our police teams can evacuate them safely. The cost of rescue will be borne by us — tourists need not worry,” she posted on X. The state government has announced additional North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) buses from Siliguri to Kolkata to assist returning tourists.
Meanwhile, PM Modi also voiced concerns and took to X to share it stating, "“We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has ordered the closure of popular attractions including Tiger Hill and Rock Garden, while police have advised travellers to check official advisories before venturing into the hills. “We will continue updating our social media handles with the latest information. We advise all tourists to stay where they are. Once the Rohini road is cleared, movement will be possible, as heavy rainfall has blocked the roads. Those planning to visit Darjeeling should postpone their trip, but urgent travelers may be allowed via an alternative route. We aim to normalise the roads soon. Locals and hoteliers are requested to guide tourists and advise them to wait for 3–4 hours.” Darjeeling SP Praween Prakash said.
Read more: 10 countries with the highest life expectancy in 2025
The tourism industry, which had been witnessing a steady recovery since late September, fears another major setback.
Army and NDRF teams joined state personnel in rescue operations by Sunday afternoon, while multiple helplines were activated in Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Kolkata for those stranded. With bridges collapsed, roads caved in, and communication lines down, authorities have appealed for patience and cooperation as efforts continue to restore normalcy in Bengal’s rain-ravaged hills.
The downpour, which began late Saturday, battered the sub-Himalayan districts with record rainfall, Darjeeling received 261mm, Cooch Behar 192mm, and Jalpaiguri 172mm within 24 hours. The deluge triggered multiple landslides that buried stretches of key routes such as Subash Ghisingh Marg (Siliguri–Kurseong) and NH10, the main highway connecting Sikkim and Kalimpong. Portions of NH110, linking Darjeeling to Siliguri, were restored partially by afternoon, while limited traffic resumed on NH10 later in the evening after debris clearance.
In the Dooars, flooding from swollen rivers cut off access to several eco-resorts and wildlife lodges. Several tourists were stranded at the Madarihat Tourist Lodge near Jaldapara National Park after the wooden bridge over the Holong stream was swept away. Forest staff had to use elephants to recue them, whereas car and elephant safaris in the park have been suspended indefinitely.
Read more: 10 wild reasons to visit Jim Corbett National Park in October
The scale of destruction extended beyond inconvenience. More than 10 people lost their lives in Mirik, one of the worst-hit areas in Darjeeling district, while Several others remained missing as rescue teams struggled to reach remote hillside villages. The Wangchu river in neighbouring Bhutan, known as Raidak in Bengal, was reported to be flowing above danger levels, prompting fears of further flooding downstream.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed for calm and urged tourists not to attempt risky travel until evacuation was organised. “We are advising tourists in north Bengal to stay where they are until our police teams can evacuate them safely. The cost of rescue will be borne by us — tourists need not worry,” she posted on X. The state government has announced additional North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) buses from Siliguri to Kolkata to assist returning tourists.
Meanwhile, PM Modi also voiced concerns and took to X to share it stating, "“We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected.”
The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has ordered the closure of popular attractions including Tiger Hill and Rock Garden, while police have advised travellers to check official advisories before venturing into the hills. “We will continue updating our social media handles with the latest information. We advise all tourists to stay where they are. Once the Rohini road is cleared, movement will be possible, as heavy rainfall has blocked the roads. Those planning to visit Darjeeling should postpone their trip, but urgent travelers may be allowed via an alternative route. We aim to normalise the roads soon. Locals and hoteliers are requested to guide tourists and advise them to wait for 3–4 hours.” Darjeeling SP Praween Prakash said.
Read more: 10 countries with the highest life expectancy in 2025
The tourism industry, which had been witnessing a steady recovery since late September, fears another major setback.
Army and NDRF teams joined state personnel in rescue operations by Sunday afternoon, while multiple helplines were activated in Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Kolkata for those stranded. With bridges collapsed, roads caved in, and communication lines down, authorities have appealed for patience and cooperation as efforts continue to restore normalcy in Bengal’s rain-ravaged hills.
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