Chimeni, in North Bengal – Surrounded by pine trees, overlooking River Teesta & Mahananda, offers breathtaking views

Chimeni – the name sounds interesting isn’t it? The history behind this little unknown village is also very interesting. This Himalayan village houses a 23-foot high chimney, which was probably built during the First World War by the British. When the British soldiers and officials trekked from Kurseong to nearby villages, they took rest in this valley under the shadows of this Chimney and soon the village also got its name – Chimeni. This quaint destination perches on a valley, overlooking River Teesta and River Mahananda and offers a breathtaking view of Mt.Kanchenjungha. Chimeni is surrounded by pine trees and dotted with numerous view points. The mystical night view from Chimeni along the slopes of the Himalayas of Darjeeling is fantastic.  The place is just 8 kms from Kurseong. Chimeni is far from the tourist rush yet near to the tourist attractions.

Places to see at Chimeni:  The greatest attraction of the place is a 100-year old 23-foot high brick chimney built by the British. It was probably built during World war I. The region adjoining the chimney offers a splendid view of the Nathu-la and Kalimpong and you can also take the pleasure of a view of  Kanchenjunga from here.  The village of Chimeni is located on a valley and it is surrounded by pine and cedars.

Nearby attractions of Chimeny: Chimeny is very close to all the major attractions of Kurseong like its famous tea gardens – Makaibari, Castleton, Ambotia and Goomtee. The toy train station is one of the major attractions of Kurseong. Some major religious sites of the region are the Ambhotia Shiva Temple, Giddapahar Durga Mata Mandir, Jagdish Mandir on Bank Road (on way to Eagle’s Craig), St. Paulseak Church on Hill Cart Road, Buddhist Gompa in Downhill Road, Buddhist Gompa in Montieviot and Juma Mosque in Hat Bazaar. Make a visit to the satellite zoo at Dow Hill in Kurseong.

You can visit the Deer Park also known as Down Hill Park on the Down Hill Road. The forest museum located in Down Hill Road is also worth a visit. Do make a visit at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum and NSC Bose Institute of Asiatic Studies, located at the Giddhapahar Area. The Eagle’s Craig viewpoint, which offers a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains, hills, slopes and hamlets, is located nearby. The location has a cafeteria, a watch tower and a flower garden. You can also visit the nearby village of Bagora, famously known as the Zero Point as the place boasts the highest altitude in Kurseong. The place also houses a base camp of the Indian Force with a helipad.

The picturesque cave housing the statue of Virgin Mary is also located nearby. The place offers a feeling isolation and it is visited by a number of devotees, who light candles here. The Bhangzang Salamander Lake is located 14 km from Kurseong. It is a beautiful green-hued lake that offers shelter to the rarest and most endangered species of salamanders – a species that is at the verge of extinction.

Things to do at Chimeni: Explore the little village of Chimeni and enjoy its natural beauty. You can take a stroll along the exotic landscape of the region, the forests and tea estates. Chimeni is idyllic for the trek enthusiasts. You can trek from Chimeni to the Mahananda Waterfall. You can also arrange a picnic in any scenic spot on Chimeni valley and enjoy your day. Watching a breathtaking sunrise over Kanchenjungha and bird watching in the surrounding forests are few other things you can do at Chimeni.

Best time to visit Chimeni: Chimeni welcomes tourists all through the year. However, it is better to avoid the rainy season.

How to go ?

Chimeni is 53 kms from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station and 8 kms from Kurseong. You can reach Kurseong by hiring any car from New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri and catch a local taxi from Kurseong to Chimeni. You can also catch a bus from Tenzing Norgay Bus stop at Siliguri to Kurseong, from where you can hire a local taxi.

Where to stay ?

There are several homestays at Chimeni. Some options are;
Himalayan Home Stay, for details you may contact 91 9933583130; +91 9933982525
Meghmala,  for details you may contact +91 9547991991

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.