Rolling Through Time: The Indian Village of Maneybhanjang Known as the Land of Land Rovers

Perched on the edge of the Singalila National Park in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district, Maneybhanjang is a small Himalayan village with a name that poetically translates to “where all roads meet.” At first glance, it resembles many other quiet border settlements in the Eastern Himalayas, serving as a gateway for trekkers heading toward Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal. But what sets Maneybhanjang apart is not just its stunning landscape or its strategic location on the India-Nepal border, it's the village’s rare and enduring relationship with a fleet of vintage Land Rover vehicles from the 1950s and 60s. Known across the world today as the Land of Land Rovers, Maneybhanjang has preserved a legacy of engineering, resilience, and community ingenuity like no other.

Vintage Engines, Mountain Dreams: Why Maneybhanjang is a Living Museum

Every year, Maneybhanjang draws a diverse mix of trekkers, adventure seekers, vintage automobile enthusiasts, and cultural tourists, both from India and abroad. Its unique appeal lies in the rare combination of natural beauty and mechanical heritage. While many arrive to begin the famed trek to Sandakphu, passing through the blooming rhododendron forests and spotting Himalayan red pandas in the Singalila National Park, an increasing number of visitors come specifically to experience a ride in the iconic vintage Land Rover Series I and II vehicles, some over 70 years old but still functioning.

Unlike typical tourist hotspots, what makes Maneybhanjang exceptional is that its tourism economy is not built on luxury resorts or packaged tours, but on community-led heritage transport. The village’s 40-odd Land Rovers, maintained by the Singalila Land Rover Association, offer one of the only ways to navigate the treacherous, steep, and winding 31 km route to Sandakphu. This has turned vehicle owners into drivers, guides, mechanics, and cultural custodians, generating a livelihood for dozens of local families. Every tourist who hires a Land Rover supports this tightly-knit economy, where mechanical skills are passed down through generations and employment opportunities span from driving and repairing to homestay hospitality and trek logistics. This fusion of rugged nature, colonial-era machines, and local resilience continues to attract filmmakers, documentary crews, and international explorers eager to witness a slice of living history in motion.

Beyond the Drive: What to See and Do Around Maneybhanjang

Maneybhanjang is more than just a pitstop; it’s a gateway to a rich spectrum of Himalayan experiences. Adventure lovers can embark on the iconic Sandakphu-Phalut trek, which offers panoramic views of four of the world’s highest peaks, Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Singalila National Park offers sightings of red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and a vibrant variety of birds and alpine flora. Those seeking spiritual or cultural immersion can visit nearby monasteries like Chitrey Monastery or explore the quaint Nepali villages along the route.

To reach Maneybhanjang, travellers usually fly into Bagdogra Airport or take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), both located around 90 km away. From there, a drive via Darjeeling, roughly a 4–5 hour scenic journey, brings you to the village. Nearby attractions include the colonial charm of Darjeeling, the tranquil beauty of Tumling and Meghma, and the photogenic sunrise point at Tiger Hill. With local homestays offering warm hospitality, piping hot thukpa, and tales of mountain life, Maneybhanjang offers a deeply immersive detour from commercialised hill stations.

Pollution, Prices, and Preservation: The Struggles Behind the Scenic Ride

Despite its charm and heritage, Maneybhanjang faces a delicate crossroads where preservation and progress often collide. The vintage Land Rovers, while celebrated, also pose environmental concerns due to their ageing diesel engines and lack of emission controls, an increasingly pressing issue given that they operate within the ecologically sensitive Singalila National Park. Conservationists argue that these vehicles contribute to pollution and road degradation in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. On the other hand, replacing them with newer, eco-friendly models threatens the livelihood of local families who rely on the uniqueness of these heritage jeeps to attract tourists. Another growing challenge is affordability, as the area gains popularity, prices for rides to Sandakphu have surged, with costs reaching Rs. 6,000–Rs. 8,000 per trip, making it expensive for budget travellers. Additionally, spare parts for the Land Rovers are becoming scarcer and more expensive, forcing drivers to either improvise or import components at high costs. The lack of modern infrastructure, from reliable healthcare to sustainable waste management, adds to the village’s vulnerabilities, especially during peak tourist seasons. Balancing ecological responsibility with cultural preservation and local livelihoods remains the central struggle for Maneybhanjang’s future.

Where Roads Meet and Stories Live On

Maneybhanjang is a rare intersection of history, community, and geography, a village where time doesn’t stand still, but instead rolls uphill in the form of roaring vintage engines. Its story is not just about preserving old vehicles, but about preserving a way of life, one that is built on resilience, ingenuity, and a deep connection to the mountains. As it navigates the pressures of environmental responsibility, tourism demands, and rising costs, Maneybhanjang offers a powerful reflection on what sustainable heritage can look like in modern India. For every traveller who visits, it’s not just a journey through Himalayan landscapes, but a journey through time, reminding us that the most enduring roads are often the ones paved with stories.