Kurseong

Description

Situated at an altitude of 1,458m (4,864 ft), 51 km from Siliguri and 30 km from Darjeeling, Kurseong's natural advantages make it an attractive tourist destination. The local name of Kurseong is ‘Kharsang’ which in Lepcha language means ‘Land of White Orchids’. The Chogyal (Monarch) of Sikkim ceded Kurseong to the British empire in 1835 and later in 1880, this small hamlet became a favoured tourist destination for the colonial authorities and used to be a preferred place for sanatoriums.

Located at a lower elevation, Kurseong enjoys a milder and a very healthy climate throughout the year. It is the peace, serenity and the healthy climate of Kurseong, that attracted many a great person to this place. Guru Rabindra Nath Tagore got inspiration for some of their famous works around Kurseong. Sister Nivedita, the great disciple of Swami Vivekananda made Kurseong her home.

The rich flora of Kurseong town and surroundings is fascinating, and it has aptly been described as a 'Botanists' Paradise'. Apart from the charm and beauty that nature has bestowed upon Kurseong, the people of this place are joyous and fun loving and welcome visitors with warmth and hospitality.

Popular Places
  • Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Museum
  • Makaibari Tea Estate
  • kurseong Makai bari
  • Eagle’s Craig
  • Giddapahar Durga Mata Mandir
  • Ambotia Shiva Mandir

Places of interest in and around Kurseong

  • 1
    Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Museum

    Initially the temporary residence of great freedom fighter Subash Chandra Bose, the place has been now converted into a museum for the people to celebrate the life of Netaji. Embraced by lovely gardens and lawns from all sides the picturesque museum houses pictures, documents, letters and articles related to Netaji during his house imprisonment by the British. Today, the museum also acts as an institute for Himalayan Language & Culture Studies.

  • 2
    Makaibari Tea Estate

    Located 3 km from Kurseong town, Makaibari is one of the most fabled tea estates in the region and also one of the oldest which started tea factory way back in 1859. It produces a plethora of tea varieties and focuses on organic farming. One can drive up to this sprawling tea estate for a complete insight on the process of developing tea.

  • 3
    kurseong Makai bari Forest Museum

    Located on Dow Hill area and maintained by state Forest Department, Forest Museum exhibits animal skins, bones, hides and various wooden products. The complex also houses Forest School and displays models of different dams, forest houses etc.  The approach road to museum is stunningly beautiful with gorgeous scenic beauty of Dow Hill Eco park as backdrop.

  • 4
    Eagle’s Craig

    This place offers sweeping view of surrounding mountain, hills, hamlets the valley and the view especially enjoyable during sunrise and sunset. It also houses a watch tower and a flower garden and a water reservoir for the entire town of Kurseong. The panoramic view from this point is breath taking and one can get a magnificent view of panoramic view from this point is breath taking and one can get a picturesque view of Mount. Kanchenjunga and its ranges, the plains of Siliguri, the hills of Nepal, the rivers and tea gardens.

  • 5
    Giddapahar Durga Mata Mandir

    Also named as Sri Sri Sati Devi Mandir, this more than 100-year-old temple also known as ‘Wishing temple’. A big stone is inside the temple along with a huge banyan tree and devotees ties string around tress and pray for wish fulfillment. This temple is one of the most visited Hindu temples in Darjeeling hills and every year during the month of March-April holds a fair on occasion of Ram Navami. 

  • 6
    Ambotia Shiva Mandir

    Situated inside the Ambotia Tea Estate, Ambotia Shiva Mandir is one of the most sacred places of worship in Kurseong. The place is revered not only for its religiosity but also appealing to visitors for its serene add pleasing atmosphere and surrounding pleasant views.