Kurseong
Kurseong is a hill station (and sub-divisional town) situated in Darjeeling District of West Bengal, India. Located at an altitude of 1458 metres (4864 ft), Kurseong is just 30 km from Darjeeling. It has a pleasant climate throughout the year and the winters are not as severe as Darjeeling's. The local name of Kurseong is "Kharsang" which in the Lepcha language means "Land of White Orchids". Kurseong is about 47 kms from Siliguri and is connected to the city by road and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra. The Land of the White Orchids nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station, which is about 53 kilometres from Kurseong. The town is based mainly on schools and tourism. The best times to visit Kurseong are between March end and May and between the end of August and October. The Chogyal (Monarch) of Sikkim ceded Kurseong to the British Empire in 1835. Later in 1880, this small hamlet became a tourist destination for the colonial authorities and was a preferred place for sanatoriums where the sick would recuperate.
Attractions & Activities
Adventure Sports For adventure lovers, Kurseong is the right place, as it offers various treks and hikes, either it be tea garden walk or hike through lush green Cryptomaria Japonica forest or village walks, it is all here. Recently new adventure sports have been added to Kurseong HOT AIR BALLOON & ROCK CLIMBING. In coming days Kurseong will be known for these sports. So, Kurseong is a ideal destination for travellers, where you can enjoy nature, adventure and culture "the new destination of the millennium". Trekking Its commands one of the most spectacular views. In the foreground is a great basin set in the midst of the hill. Nature here is at her pristine best, and the vista at the top is worth all the hardship endured on the way. It offer the morning sunrise to be seen clearly, and also Mt. Kanchenjunga Himalaya range, Nathu-la Pass, Jelep-la Pass, Bhutan Himalaya range can be seen directly.. The background is dominated by a continuous the barrier of snowy peaks and mountains. The most prominent of the chain of the mountains naturally is the mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga along with other attendants which being namely Kabru (7,338 meter), Janu (7,710 meter) and Pandim (6,691 meter) Kabru appears in the distance and does not present the same graceful outline. Water Rafting White water rafting in Tista was introduced in Darjeeling hills more than a decade earlier and has gained tremendous popularity since then. Several private organisations along with DGHC tourism have set up rafting facilities.River Tista is graded at IV on an international scale. With a series of rapids with varying intensity and character, Tista extends a challenging invitation to the enthusiasts.The rafting organized by naturebeyond starts from Chitrey near Tista Bazar on the Sikkim-Bengal Highway. Safety is of highest importance for any rafting program organized by naturebeyond. All our rafting programs are managed by highly experienced staff, the rafting equipment used here is also of very high quality. White Orchid In local Lepcha language "Kurseong" is called "Kharsang", meaning "Land of the White Orchids". The ownership of Kurseong was handed over to the British Government in 1835 by the then Chogyal ( Monarch) of Sikkim and later in 1880 it became a favourite tourist destination for the colonial rulers of India. Due to its favourable weather condition Kurseong gradually built the reputation of an ideal place for Sanatoriums and the Kurseong T.B. Sanatorium was built. |
Local Sites
Deer Park(Satellite Park)
Now known as Satellite Park, on the Dowhill Road end in the Forest Area. The park is surrounded by dense pine forest laden with mosses. The area is dotted with beautiful cottages of the British Raj time. It houses many rare species of birds & animals mostly found in these areas.
Forest museum
Forest museum is also located in Dow Hill and is overseen by the forest department. You will get to know the types of animals that inhabited the forest area here in the past when you visit the museum.
Eagle's Craig view point
The popular tourist spot of Eagle's Crag viewpoint is a short walk distance from Kurseong railway station seemingly perched on a cliff. One can have a sweeping view of the surrounding mountain, hill, hamlets and slopes from here. It has a cafeteria, a watch tower and a flower garden; this place also houses the water reservoir for the entire town of Kurseong. The place also has a concrete altar built in the park with a khukri on top called shahid smarak. The panoramic view from this point is breath taking, you will get a magnificent view of the Mt Kanchandzonag and its ranges, the plains of Siliguri, the hills of Nepal, rivers, tea gardens.
Chimney
A walk or ride through the forest of Cryptomaria Japonica on the road, now called Aranya Sarani, leads to the vast open meadows at Chimney. The curious name of the place is reminiscent of the days, when there was a Bungalow here on the only road (Old Military Road) leading to Darjeeling. A long, dilapidated chimney, standing all alone, is the only remnants of the bungalow now.The views of mountains from here are breathtaking.
Giddapahar Durga Mata Mandir
Also named as Sri Sri Sethi Devi Mandir, the temple is more than 100 years old and is located 2 km from Kurseong market on the Hill Cart Road to Siliguri. A big stone is inside the temple along with a huge banayan tree, devotes tie strings around the tree and ask for wish, which they believe is fulfilled, so the temple is also known as wishing temple This temple is one of the most visited Hindu temples in the Darjeeling hills. Every year around the month of march - april, the temple holds a fair on the occasion of Ram Navami. During this time hordes of devotees visit the temple and a festive atmosphere prevails in the temple and its nearby places.
SOJASI
Situated near Chimney, stands for Society of Jesus Agricultural and Social Institute, trains villagers in scientific and innovative methods of farming and is involved in agricultural activities like vegetable and mushroom cultivation, poultry, forest nursery and plantation, dairy, making bio-organic compost and generation of bio-gas. It is one of a kind in these area, the main concept behind the society is to uplift the poor people and make them self sufficient.
Salamander Lake
Salamander Lake - is located 14 km from Kurseong. In the past, it used to be a favourite place for the British for boating and people from the neighbouring towns used to hang out here frequently. It is a beautiful green-tinged lake that shelters the rarest and most endangered species of salamanders a species under threat of extinction.
Jagdish Mandir
Bank Road-(on way to the Eagle's Craig). This is a very old temple and houses he old statue (almost 300 years old) of Lord Jagannath. The attraction of this temple is that the temple is still in the old style made of complete wood interiors. The two statues of Lord Jagnnath (similar to the idols of Jagnanath Puri) are really very attractive and worth seeing. The sight of these statues in itself will tell you the power and blessing of the Almighty Lord Vishnu's incarnation Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna). The Atka Prasad of this temple is very very popular. The rath yatra of Lord Jagannath has its own glory and attraction. The Yatra coincide with the yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri.
Grotto
Grotto is the exact replica of the Grotto in French. The grotto houses the statue of Virgin Mary and is located in a beautiful surrounding that takes you to another place and time. It is a peaceful place and peace is what you feel when you are there. This is the place where Mother Teresa, while returning from Darjeeling to her home back desperate, was prompt to stay back.
Kettle Valley Picnic Spot
Kettle Valley Picnic Spot is a popular picnic stop in the town of Kurseong and is visited by locals as well as tourists. This scenic location is enjoyed on a picnic or a day outing with family and friends.It is a beautiful spot on the banks of the river Ringtong and one can spot the Dilaram Tea Estate, which is also located close by. The landscape of the place is breathtaking and surrounding area is lush green with the clear water of the river flowing along side.
Deer Park(Satellite Park)
Now known as Satellite Park, on the Dowhill Road end in the Forest Area. The park is surrounded by dense pine forest laden with mosses. The area is dotted with beautiful cottages of the British Raj time. It houses many rare species of birds & animals mostly found in these areas.
Forest museum
Forest museum is also located in Dow Hill and is overseen by the forest department. You will get to know the types of animals that inhabited the forest area here in the past when you visit the museum.
Eagle's Craig view point
The popular tourist spot of Eagle's Crag viewpoint is a short walk distance from Kurseong railway station seemingly perched on a cliff. One can have a sweeping view of the surrounding mountain, hill, hamlets and slopes from here. It has a cafeteria, a watch tower and a flower garden; this place also houses the water reservoir for the entire town of Kurseong. The place also has a concrete altar built in the park with a khukri on top called shahid smarak. The panoramic view from this point is breath taking, you will get a magnificent view of the Mt Kanchandzonag and its ranges, the plains of Siliguri, the hills of Nepal, rivers, tea gardens.
Chimney
A walk or ride through the forest of Cryptomaria Japonica on the road, now called Aranya Sarani, leads to the vast open meadows at Chimney. The curious name of the place is reminiscent of the days, when there was a Bungalow here on the only road (Old Military Road) leading to Darjeeling. A long, dilapidated chimney, standing all alone, is the only remnants of the bungalow now.The views of mountains from here are breathtaking.
Giddapahar Durga Mata Mandir
Also named as Sri Sri Sethi Devi Mandir, the temple is more than 100 years old and is located 2 km from Kurseong market on the Hill Cart Road to Siliguri. A big stone is inside the temple along with a huge banayan tree, devotes tie strings around the tree and ask for wish, which they believe is fulfilled, so the temple is also known as wishing temple This temple is one of the most visited Hindu temples in the Darjeeling hills. Every year around the month of march - april, the temple holds a fair on the occasion of Ram Navami. During this time hordes of devotees visit the temple and a festive atmosphere prevails in the temple and its nearby places.
SOJASI
Situated near Chimney, stands for Society of Jesus Agricultural and Social Institute, trains villagers in scientific and innovative methods of farming and is involved in agricultural activities like vegetable and mushroom cultivation, poultry, forest nursery and plantation, dairy, making bio-organic compost and generation of bio-gas. It is one of a kind in these area, the main concept behind the society is to uplift the poor people and make them self sufficient.
Salamander Lake
Salamander Lake - is located 14 km from Kurseong. In the past, it used to be a favourite place for the British for boating and people from the neighbouring towns used to hang out here frequently. It is a beautiful green-tinged lake that shelters the rarest and most endangered species of salamanders a species under threat of extinction.
Jagdish Mandir
Bank Road-(on way to the Eagle's Craig). This is a very old temple and houses he old statue (almost 300 years old) of Lord Jagannath. The attraction of this temple is that the temple is still in the old style made of complete wood interiors. The two statues of Lord Jagnnath (similar to the idols of Jagnanath Puri) are really very attractive and worth seeing. The sight of these statues in itself will tell you the power and blessing of the Almighty Lord Vishnu's incarnation Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna). The Atka Prasad of this temple is very very popular. The rath yatra of Lord Jagannath has its own glory and attraction. The Yatra coincide with the yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri.
Grotto
Grotto is the exact replica of the Grotto in French. The grotto houses the statue of Virgin Mary and is located in a beautiful surrounding that takes you to another place and time. It is a peaceful place and peace is what you feel when you are there. This is the place where Mother Teresa, while returning from Darjeeling to her home back desperate, was prompt to stay back.
Kettle Valley Picnic Spot
Kettle Valley Picnic Spot is a popular picnic stop in the town of Kurseong and is visited by locals as well as tourists. This scenic location is enjoyed on a picnic or a day outing with family and friends.It is a beautiful spot on the banks of the river Ringtong and one can spot the Dilaram Tea Estate, which is also located close by. The landscape of the place is breathtaking and surrounding area is lush green with the clear water of the river flowing along side.
Nearby Places
Darjeeling
The unchallenged queen of the Himalayas , Darjeeling always attracts people from all over the world. Darjeeling located in eastern-himalaya is 80 kms from Siliguri town and takes approx 3 hrs to reach. But if someone wants to enjoy the real beauty of journey and has time in hand should take Toy Train ride from Siliguri. The toy train is popularly known as Darjeeling Himalayan Railways or DHR. The toy train approximately takes 8 hrs to reach ( Guiness Railway Book referred to this train journey as one of the most spectacular in the world). Anyone can experience the engineering excellence of the train route. The valleys, lush green forests and tea gardens never give you any chance to look into the other thing while traveling to Darjeeling from Siliguri and no one feel boring as the beauty of the road never provide any chance to do so. The omnipresence of mighty Kanchenjunga Peak ( 3rd highest peak in the world) is felt everywhere in this hill station. Some parts of Darjeeling can be visited by walking and for the rests to be by vehicles.
Kalimpong
67 Km from Siliguri, this beautiful hill town in North Bengal which can be reached from either Siliguri or Darjeeling. KALIMPONG means king's minister's strong hold a Bhutanese word. It is also called Kalimpong in local dialect meaning "black spur". As per the Lepchas, Kalimpong means ‘ridge where we play'. It is said that these local tribesmen used to organise field sports while not engaged in agricultural pursuit hence the name. To know more, clickhere.
Pedong
Pedong is a picturesque hamlet surrounded by pine forests. It is situated 20 km from Kalimpong in West Bengal. Pedong commands magnificent views of the snow ranges of Mount Kanchenjunga. It falls on the ancient Silk Route that connected Tibet with India through the Jelep La Pass. Several short and thrilling treks originate from Pedong leading to the Damsangdugi Fort, a historically important site that witnessed a long ethnic war between the Lepchas and Bhutias. A 300 years old ruin hidden by dense forest at Damsangudi still holds memories of the reigns of the Lepcha kindom.
Mirik
Mirik is a picturesque tourist spot that nestles in the serene hills at an altitude of 1,767 m above sea level. It is located just 46 km away from Kurseong. The most beautiful geographical feature of this area is the Sumendu Lake.
Sandakphu
Sandakphu, situated at a height of 3636 m above sea level, might not be famous for any tourist destinations, but is a true paradise for all adventure lovers. Trek to the highest point on this hill station and you will get the never seen before views of the Himalayan Range. A long stretch of Himalayas starting from Bhutan till Mt. Everest is visible. River Teesta flows through Sandakphu at quite a pace. The thundering River Teesta also offers a great option for adventure sports especially river rafting. Sandakphu is the only place in the world where you will find a Rhododendron and Silver fir forests. To reach Sandakphu, one has to nearly trek for 12 hrs from Maneybhanjan, which is the gateway to Sandakphu. You can also hire a Landrover from Maneybhanjan. To know more click here.
The scenic valleys of the Singalila Hills: the dense. green pine forests: the gushing mountain streams: and orchards of oranges and cardamom make Mirik the right place for a relaxing vacation. The monastery at Mirik is considered to be a very sacred place by the Buddhists of this region.
Phalut
Phalut (altitude: 3.600 m) is the second highest peak of West Bengal. It is located inside the Singalila National Park. which is near the West Bengal Sikkim Nepal border. A small bunkhouse of the Indian Army can be found on the peak. Singalila Pass is 17 km away.The indigenous tribes that live near Falut are called Falutians. They have worshipped the peak as a god for more than 300 years. They refer to the peak as "Omna Re Ay."
Lava
32 km from Kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 7200 ft. commands panoramic view of Jelep La and Rechi La passes. Short drives through dense forests from Kalimpong are tourist spots with unspoiled idyllic surroundings. Lava is the gateway to the Neora National Park. To know more click here.
Lolaygaon
56km from Kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 5500ft. Panorromic view of Kanchenjunga can be obtained from this point. Fabulous view of Sunrise over kanchenjunga can seen from Jhandi Dara. To know more click here.
Rishyap
The place can be approached by a four-kilometer walk uphill from Lava (32 km from Kalimpong) through the deep silent forest of Pines, Rhododendrons and Orchids. Non-adventurers can take the 10-kilometer motor-able route from Lava. The enthralling views of the vast range of Kanchenjunga, the blue mountains of Sikkim, Nathu-La and Jelap-La passes are an experience of the lifetime. To know more click here.
Lepchajagat
15km form Darjeeling and 77 Km from Siliguri, Lepchajagat, bascially a Lepcha Village, is situated at Sukhipokhri near Darjeeling on the Ghoom-Mirik road. Located on hill slope covered with rhododendron and oaks a forest bungalow offers a magnificent view of Kanchenjunga snow ranges over the forested hills and is the only accommodation available in the area. A nice peaceful location and is ideal for honeymooners. The bungalow has 6 well-appointed rooms and provides excellent food. An ideal place to explore the tranquillity of unknown Darjeeling hills
Dooars Valley
The Dooars Valley is specially noted for its wild life sanctuaries, the most notable of which is Jaldapara, offering memorable elephant rides through rhino and tiger forests. Other sanctuaries include Buxa Tiger Project, Gorumara and Chapramari.
Darjeeling
The unchallenged queen of the Himalayas , Darjeeling always attracts people from all over the world. Darjeeling located in eastern-himalaya is 80 kms from Siliguri town and takes approx 3 hrs to reach. But if someone wants to enjoy the real beauty of journey and has time in hand should take Toy Train ride from Siliguri. The toy train is popularly known as Darjeeling Himalayan Railways or DHR. The toy train approximately takes 8 hrs to reach ( Guiness Railway Book referred to this train journey as one of the most spectacular in the world). Anyone can experience the engineering excellence of the train route. The valleys, lush green forests and tea gardens never give you any chance to look into the other thing while traveling to Darjeeling from Siliguri and no one feel boring as the beauty of the road never provide any chance to do so. The omnipresence of mighty Kanchenjunga Peak ( 3rd highest peak in the world) is felt everywhere in this hill station. Some parts of Darjeeling can be visited by walking and for the rests to be by vehicles.
Kalimpong
67 Km from Siliguri, this beautiful hill town in North Bengal which can be reached from either Siliguri or Darjeeling. KALIMPONG means king's minister's strong hold a Bhutanese word. It is also called Kalimpong in local dialect meaning "black spur". As per the Lepchas, Kalimpong means ‘ridge where we play'. It is said that these local tribesmen used to organise field sports while not engaged in agricultural pursuit hence the name. To know more, clickhere.
Pedong
Pedong is a picturesque hamlet surrounded by pine forests. It is situated 20 km from Kalimpong in West Bengal. Pedong commands magnificent views of the snow ranges of Mount Kanchenjunga. It falls on the ancient Silk Route that connected Tibet with India through the Jelep La Pass. Several short and thrilling treks originate from Pedong leading to the Damsangdugi Fort, a historically important site that witnessed a long ethnic war between the Lepchas and Bhutias. A 300 years old ruin hidden by dense forest at Damsangudi still holds memories of the reigns of the Lepcha kindom.
Mirik
Mirik is a picturesque tourist spot that nestles in the serene hills at an altitude of 1,767 m above sea level. It is located just 46 km away from Kurseong. The most beautiful geographical feature of this area is the Sumendu Lake.
Sandakphu
Sandakphu, situated at a height of 3636 m above sea level, might not be famous for any tourist destinations, but is a true paradise for all adventure lovers. Trek to the highest point on this hill station and you will get the never seen before views of the Himalayan Range. A long stretch of Himalayas starting from Bhutan till Mt. Everest is visible. River Teesta flows through Sandakphu at quite a pace. The thundering River Teesta also offers a great option for adventure sports especially river rafting. Sandakphu is the only place in the world where you will find a Rhododendron and Silver fir forests. To reach Sandakphu, one has to nearly trek for 12 hrs from Maneybhanjan, which is the gateway to Sandakphu. You can also hire a Landrover from Maneybhanjan. To know more click here.
The scenic valleys of the Singalila Hills: the dense. green pine forests: the gushing mountain streams: and orchards of oranges and cardamom make Mirik the right place for a relaxing vacation. The monastery at Mirik is considered to be a very sacred place by the Buddhists of this region.
Phalut
Phalut (altitude: 3.600 m) is the second highest peak of West Bengal. It is located inside the Singalila National Park. which is near the West Bengal Sikkim Nepal border. A small bunkhouse of the Indian Army can be found on the peak. Singalila Pass is 17 km away.The indigenous tribes that live near Falut are called Falutians. They have worshipped the peak as a god for more than 300 years. They refer to the peak as "Omna Re Ay."
Lava
32 km from Kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 7200 ft. commands panoramic view of Jelep La and Rechi La passes. Short drives through dense forests from Kalimpong are tourist spots with unspoiled idyllic surroundings. Lava is the gateway to the Neora National Park. To know more click here.
Lolaygaon
56km from Kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 5500ft. Panorromic view of Kanchenjunga can be obtained from this point. Fabulous view of Sunrise over kanchenjunga can seen from Jhandi Dara. To know more click here.
Rishyap
The place can be approached by a four-kilometer walk uphill from Lava (32 km from Kalimpong) through the deep silent forest of Pines, Rhododendrons and Orchids. Non-adventurers can take the 10-kilometer motor-able route from Lava. The enthralling views of the vast range of Kanchenjunga, the blue mountains of Sikkim, Nathu-La and Jelap-La passes are an experience of the lifetime. To know more click here.
Lepchajagat
15km form Darjeeling and 77 Km from Siliguri, Lepchajagat, bascially a Lepcha Village, is situated at Sukhipokhri near Darjeeling on the Ghoom-Mirik road. Located on hill slope covered with rhododendron and oaks a forest bungalow offers a magnificent view of Kanchenjunga snow ranges over the forested hills and is the only accommodation available in the area. A nice peaceful location and is ideal for honeymooners. The bungalow has 6 well-appointed rooms and provides excellent food. An ideal place to explore the tranquillity of unknown Darjeeling hills
Dooars Valley
The Dooars Valley is specially noted for its wild life sanctuaries, the most notable of which is Jaldapara, offering memorable elephant rides through rhino and tiger forests. Other sanctuaries include Buxa Tiger Project, Gorumara and Chapramari.
How to Reach
Kurseong is a one-and-a-half-hour drive away from Darjeeling and a two-hour drive away from Siliguri.
Kurseong is a one-and-a-half-hour drive away from Darjeeling and a two-hour drive away from Siliguri.
- Air Service: The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra about 94-96 kms away from Darjeeling. There are direct flight connections with Delhi, Calcutta and Guwahati. Tourists heading for Darjeeling can get direct taxis/cabs to Darjeeling from Bagdogra or one can head towards Siliguri first and get a transport there. There are a number of transport facilities available from Siliguri - one can reserve a taxi or choose to go by paying per head (Rs. 80 - this varies from time to time) from the Bus Junction area.
- Train Service: Apart from Darjeeling Railway Station the two closest railway stations are Siliguri (80 kms) and New Jalpaiguri (88 kms) from Darjeeling. These railway stations have direct railway connections with Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Varanasi and other major cities of India.
- Road Service: The major access to Darjeeling by road is via Siliguri, which is connected to all the major cities. Darjeeling is also very well connected to Sikkim, Nepal, Bhutan and its surrounding hills.
- Local Transport: Taxis of different models are available for sightseeing in and around Darjeeling at fixed rates. Ponies can also be availed at Chowrasta for local sightseeing.
Accommodation
Kurseong Tourist Lodge is run by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. Phone: 9733008779, 0354-2345608. Mink Tourist Lodge and Tourist Hut at Sandakphu & Phalut are run by Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. There are several private hotels in and around Kurseong.
Phone: 9733008779, 0354-2345608.
Mink Tourist Lodge and Tourist Hut at Sandakphu & Phalut are run by Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council.
There are several private hotels in and around Kurseong.
Kurseong Tourist Lodge is run by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. Phone: 9733008779, 0354-2345608. Mink Tourist Lodge and Tourist Hut at Sandakphu & Phalut are run by Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. There are several private hotels in and around Kurseong.
Phone: 9733008779, 0354-2345608.
Mink Tourist Lodge and Tourist Hut at Sandakphu & Phalut are run by Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council.
There are several private hotels in and around Kurseong.