Kurseong is a hill station situated in Darjeeling District of West Bengal, India. Located at an altitude of 1458 meters (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 Darjeelings. 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 km 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. Below are the few Places to Visit in Kurseong.
Ambotia Shiva Temple
Nestled within an expansive sea of tea leaves is the delightful Ambotia Shiva Temple, a very significant place of worship in Kurseong. A place that is revered not just for its religiosity but also the magnificent views of the tea estate in Ambotia. Many devotees visit the radiating temple for a lovely and refreshing outlook on life, charged by the blessings of lord Shiva or the scenic tea gardens. The titillating scent of the nearby orange orchards will also keep your spirits freshened.This is one of the places to visit in Kurseong
Eagle’s Craig
Highly recommended as one of the places to visit in Kurseong and ideal to be visited during both sunrise and sunset, the Eagle’s Crag View Point offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley. Overlooking the entire Siliguri plains, one can click excellent photos of the Kanchenjunga from this viewpoint. Visitors can either trek up the winding path or hire a taxi to the top. The view of the rising sun behind the mighty Kanchenjunga is a sight to behold.This is also one of the places to visit in Kurseong
Tea Gardens in Kurseong
Just like the tea gardens of Darjeeling, the sprawling tea plants in their estates add a certain charm unique to Kurseong. Highly recommended among the places to visit in Kurseong, one can visit one of the two big tea estates – Makaibari or Ambotia. The estates offer guided tours where visitors can meet the workers, get to know the history, art and the science behind tea processing. Patrons can also take part in tea-tasting sessions. A full conducted tour generally costs ~INR 500
Deer Park/ Dow Hill Park
A major tourist attraction in Kurseong, the Deer Park is located on top of the Dow Hill and houses many deer that you can witness merrily grazing around. A great many other bird and animal species can be found in this park. The park even has a playground with swings and slides for the enjoyment of young children. For a day spent in the captivating company of the docile deer against a scenic backdrop, be sure to visit the Deer Park in Kurseong.
Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Museum
Originally the residence of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, the place has now been converted into a fascinating museum for the people to relive and celebrate the life of the mighty Indian freedom fighter. At this museum, you can expect to find original beds used by Subash Chandra Bose, and other furniture items including chairs and tables. This is the place where he wrote many spellbinding speeches during the independence movement. It also has on display many letters, articles and other artefacts that throw light on the life of Netaji. The place, embraced by luscious gardens and lawns on all sides, serves as a gentle reminder of one of the many heroes that lead to India’s freedom, which can inspire and move us to a sense of pride.
Tea Estate of Makaibari
A visit to Kurseong without experiencing the tea estates is like visiting Agra without seeing the Taj Mahal. Makaibari tea estate is the oldest and also the most famous in the district. A few kilometres’ drive from Kurseong, it makes every extra mile travelled worth the effort due to the energising smell of tea invading every breath you take. It produces a plethora of tea varieties, mainly by the process of organic farming. Complete with a tea processing factory, drive up to this sprawling tea estate for a lively rendezvous with the tea producers of India, and taste the energy in every corner of this estate.
With such a splendid town awaiting your arrival, you cannot afford to miss this town’s beckoning calls to rejuvenate you. Visit these 6 Tourist places in Kurseong for an exciting vacation, complete with tremendous views of the best of India’s hidden hilly treasures.
