Kurseong, North Bengal – A tranquil hilly abode

Kurseong, is a tranquil hilly abode that attracts the tourists who long for peace away after a long tiresome city life. Situated in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal this place can be located on your way to Darjeeling from Siliguri. Kurseong is an ideal destination for the nature lover adorned with orchids on the hill slopes. It is also known as the “Botanist Paradise,” and enriched with rich and exotic collection of flora. This region has the second highest amount of rainfall after Cherrapunjee in Meghalaya.

Places to see at Kurseong: The natural splendor of Kurseong will cast a magic spell on you admired with a number of sightseeing locations.

The Eagle’s Craig view point is just 1 km uphill from the Kurseong railway station. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills, mountains, slopes, villages and the serpentine Teesta River. The heart-stealing view of the unexplored plain below truly offers a visual pleasure. There is also a watchtower, a cafeteria and a flower garden here. The Kettle Valley Picnic Spot located in an amazing backdrop of snow-clad mountains is another ideal picnic spot in the Dilaram Tea Estate.

A visit to the nearby Grotto, housing the statue of Virgin Mary is a must visit for all tourists. The surrounding of the place is truly amazing. The Gidapahar Sati Mata Temple is an ancient temple of Goddess Durga made of ancient rock.

Bagora is another popular destination here. Famous as Zero Point, this place has the highest altitude in Kurseong. The place is also famous for its Indian Air Force base camp with a helipad and views of Mt.Kanchenjungha.

There is also a Forest Museum, Deer Park and a mini amusement park in Kurseong. Don’t forget to make a visit to the satellite zoo at Dow Hill. It is a captive breeding center for blue sheep, pheasants, barking deer and other animals. The Tea gardens are a major attraction of the tourists visiting Kurseong. Some of the major tea estates are Castleton, Ambootia and Makaibari tea estate.

Nearby attractions of Kurseong: You can visit Giddapahar view point, located a few kilometer away from Kurseong. The place offers a wonderful view of mountains. Travel a distance of 14 km from Kurseong to reach the Bhangzang Salamander lake, which is the home to some endangered and rarest species of salamanders. Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Mirik are all nearby attractions of Kurseong.

Things to do at Kurseong: Trekking is a popular activity of the tourists visiting Kurseong. A one day trek is organized by the Tourism department from Kurseong to Mirik via Namsu and Balasun River. You can also enjoy a stroll along the scenic landscape of Kurseong. The scenic beauty is idyllic for the shutterbugs.

Best time to visit Kurseong: The very essence of Kurseong is its wonderful weather. So you can visit the place any time of the year. However, it is better to skip the rainy season.

 How to go ?

The nearest airport of Kurseong is located at Bagdogra. You can avail taxis and buses from the airport to reach Kurseong, located at a distance of 60 km. The two nearest railway stations of Kurseong are located at Siliguri (50 km) and New Jalpaiguri (57 km). Taxis and buses are available from both the stations to reach Kurseong. You can also enjoy a ride of toy train from New Jalpaiguri to Kurseong, which takes around 5 hours. Kurseong is also connected by roads with Siliguri, Darjeeling, Mirik, Kalimpong and Gangtok.

Where to stay ?

 There are some private hotels in Kurseong offering decent lodging and dining facilities. One option is;

The Amarjeet Hotel
0354 234 4678

WBTDC also runs a tourist lodge in Kurseong. For booking details you may contact

Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal
2, Brabourne Road, Kolkata – 700 001
Phone : 033-2225 4723/4724

West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
www.westbengaltourism.gov.in
3/2, B.B.D. Bag (East), Kolkata – 700 001
Phone : (033)22436440, 22488271

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