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The amazing surroundings of Mane Bhanjang, an extraordinary village near the India-Nepal border, has mesmerised people on social media.
The village is in West Bengal’s Darjeeling. (Photo Credit: Instagram)
The border region adjoining India and Nepal’s Himalayan terrains is home to the country’s “most unique village”, where even the iconic automobile Land Rover is used as a taxi. We’re talking about Mane Bhanjang, which is a scenic village based only 23 kilometres from Darjeeling in West Bengal.
In Mane Bhanjang, tourists are greeted by the most amazing mountain terrains and beautiful landscapes, which you can access by travelling through the vintage Land Rover. These vibrant Land Rovers are visible outside almost every home, with models dating as far back as the 1950s.
The Iconic Village Of Mane Bhanjang
It is believed that the Britishers who resided there in the pre-independence period left these vehicles in Mane Bhanjang and gave them to the ancestors of the local community, which now uses them for transportation services. These vehicles boost the tourism scene of the distant village, helping locals make ends meet amidst extreme weather conditions up there in the hills. Due to their presence, many hail Mane Bhanjang as the “village of Land Rovers”.
Despite their ageing state, the Land Rovers of Mane Bhanjang are reportedly capable of travelling through the Himalayas’ toughest roads and are commonly used by the locals and tourists coming to the village with their strong tyres and vintage engine base.
It is these Land Rovers that take the travellers to all the popular nearby destinations, providing people with the breathtaking views of the valleys, including the amazing Mount Everest, and bringing them close to the local culture and community.
Glimpses Of Mane Bhanjang Warm Heart On the Internet
The amazing glimpses of the hidden gem of Mane Bhanjang near the India-Nepal border warmed the hearts of internet users after a popular account introduced them to it via a popular video.
“This is what heritage meets adventure looks like… a village that keeps history not in museums, but on the move,” noted an individual.
Someone else noted, “Really wonderful place with breathtaking views of the Indo-Nepal border in West Bengal state near Darjeeling.”
“My father owned that Land Rover jeep in 1983, in Darjeeling, and he ran it as a taxi. I used to be like a conductor, and I was 3 years old,” revealed a user in what would’ve been a moment of nostalgia watching the vintage Land Rover for them.
In Mane Bhanjang, the Land Rovers are not just museum pieces but an essential part of the people’s livelihood and economic welfare as a tourist attraction. The village also acts as the starting point of the famous Sandakphu trek.
Nepal and the ‘Hindu Rashtra’ connection
Nepal, for most of the previous century, has called itself “the world’s only Hindu Kingdom.” During the Gen Z protest, one of the demands reportedly put forward was to make Nepal a “Hindu Rashtra.”
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
Delhi, India, India
October 28, 2025, 07:00 IST
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