KURSEONG
Kurseong is a famous hill town situated in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal that has found its name on every tourist’s list. The word ‘Kurseong’ is derived from a Lepcha word that literary translates into ‘Land of the White Orchids’. In the early days as Kurseong was known as Kharsang, which means in Nepali language as ‘Early morning’s immovable starts’. Though the origin of the name is unclear as stories suggest that it comes from the Lepcha word for ‘small orchid’, kurson-rip because of the little white orchids species (Coelogyne Cristata) dotting the valleys, or perhaps the term for a stick made out of a local cane that grows plentifully throughout Kurseong and blooms during the month of May. Originally home to the Lepchas but Kurseong is a beautiful place which is blessed with abundant exotic flora and fauna. Kurseong is one of the unassuming hill stations in the Darjeeling district nestled at an elevation of 4864 feet. Kurseong is a very cosy little town situated mid-way to Darjeeling from Siliguri on the Hill Cart Road (NH55) and it enjoys a mild climate throughout the year and is surrounded with excellent views of majestic mountains, distant plains, green hills and deep valleys. While the upper hills of Kurseong are covered with forests, the lower gentle slopes are covered with tea gardens and in between are the natural, historic and magical sights. Apart from its congenial atmosphere and hospitality, Kurseong is a convenient hill retreat located nearby to other popular tourist destinations within the region. Before pre-independence era Kurseong was an unknown village situated on the southern part of Sikkim, as during that time Kurseong was part of Sikkim. But in the year 1835 the King of Sikkim handed over Darjeeling along with Kurseong to the British Government. It was in the year 1880 during the time of construction of the narrow gauge railway track of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the importance of Kurseong started gaining its popularity. Though in the initial stage Kurseong was known to be only as a junction station but last it was recognized as a hill station. From 1835 Kurseong gradually became the summer escape for the British for its healthy environment while on the other hand the climatic condition along with its soil are perfect for tea plantation for which this area became very appreciated among the British. The British Government brought tea seeds long away from China and planted those in the land of Kurseong. Later the goodwill of the tea grown at Kurseong became popular all over the world. Apart from that Kurseong was visited by many eminent and renowned personalities namely Sister Nivedita, Abanindranath Tagore, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Atulprasad and Mark Twain. In the year 1896, Mark Twain visited Kurseong, during his visit he was so spellbound that he once said ‘It is the most joyful day I have spent on earth’. The DHR Toy Train (UNESCO World Heritage Site) chugs through the entire length of the town of Kurseong.
General Information:
Area: 5.08 sq. km
Altitude: 1458 meters
Best Season: Mid-September to Mid-June
Clothing: Summer – Light woolens and winter – heavy woolens.
Places to visit in Kurseong:
The Ambotia Shiva Temple: This is one of the most popular Hindu temples in Kurseong which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at a distance of about 05 km from Kurseong town. A tea estate by the name Ambotia Houses the temple. Apart from its religious and wish-fulfilling significance, the temple is known for its scenic location. There is a beautiful orange orchard located nearby. While visiting the temple, visitors can also see the Ambotia landslide, a frightful reminder of the wrath of monsoon. The landslide scratches the face of the hill a kilometer downhill, dropping down about thousand meters into Balasun River.
St. Andrews Grave Yard: Located nearby to Kurseong below the meandering Pankhabari road and just above Makaibari tea estate, an old dilapidated graveyard stands reminiscent of the bygone era of tea planters during the British Raj. For those who have a fascination for old graveyards or those who simply want to evoke the charm of a lost world, one may simply take a walk amongst the headstones beaten by weather and age.
Rajaban (Known for wildlife and bird watching): This paradise for birdwatchers and animal lovers is situated at Fatak Dara nearby Kuseong. It comprises of a forest where one can sight various species of birds like Magpie, Thrush, Hornbill, and if one is lucky, they may come across animals like deer, leopard, wild boar are to name a few. During the warmer and more humid months, snake lovers may chance upon two uncommon and non-venomous snakes like the Banded Trinket Snake and the Green Bronze – Back Tree Snake.
Gorkha Jana Pushtakalaya: Popularly known as Gorkha Library established on June 08th 1913 in Kurseong. The founder of this library was Shri Jombey Paul who started this library in a small study room. The library is now a study center for academic excellence in Nepali language and literature. It has a rich history of enlightening Gorkha Masses about social, political, cultural and linguistic rights with the sole purpose of preserving one’s Gorkha identity. The library is located at the heart of Kuseong town with residential facility for those who wish to do research in Nepali language and literature with a collection of more than 30,000 books.
Eagle’s Craig view point: A short walking distance from Kurseong railway station, the popular tourist spot of Eagle’s Craig viewpoint is perched on a cliff that offers a sweeping view of the surrounding mountain, hills, hamlets and slopes surrounding Kurseong town. It has a cafeteria, a watch tower and a flower garden. The Eagle’s Craig also houses two old water reservoirs supplying water to most of Kurseong town. A solemn concrete alter stands in the park with a Khukri standing on the top is called Shahid Smarak. The wide open view of Kuseong from this point is indeed awe inspiring. The onlooker is greeted with a magnificent view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga and other peaks of the Singalila Range on one side, distant plains of Siliguri shimmering below, the remote blue hills of Nepal and undulating tea gardens on the other side.
Giddapahar Durga Mata Mandir: Also named as Sri Sri Sethi Devi Mandir is more than 125 years old and is located 02 km from Kurseong market on Hill Cart Road to Siliguri. The reputation of the temple is based on its wish- fulfilling characteristics. Devotees tie strings around the tree and ask for a wish, which they believe is eventually fulfilled. Thus the temple is also known as ‘wishing temple’. Every year around the months 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. The first harvest of any fruits or vegetables is offered to the goddess before being consumed.
Ram Mandir: This temple is located a little further from the Durga Mandir at Kurseong and is equally visited and worshipped. The temple is also more than 100 years old and was built by a Thapa family.
Rock Garden: Situated near to the Netaji Museum, the garden is in a natural form, an added attraction of Kurseong town and is a worth visiting place, with breath-taking view of the plains, especially the night view, as one can see the glittering views of the plains.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum and NSC Bose Institute of Asiatic Studies: Hosted in the houses of his elder brother, Sarat Chandra Bose, which is situated at the Giddapahar area at Kurseong. Netaji was interned in this house by the British Govt. in the late thirties. The house now displays photocopies of the exchange of letters between Netaji and his would be wife, Ms. Emilie. There are many rare photographs of his stint at the Indian National Army (INA), other memories of the India Freedom Movement and a few personal belongings of Netaji and the Bose family are seen here.
Kunsamnamdoling Monastery: Also known as ‘Anni Gompa’ – This monastery in Kurseong is located in the middle of a pine forest. In the past it used to be run by the five Buddhist ‘Anees’ or ‘nuns’. Now monks from different part of India come here for teaching, preaching and meditation. It houses a statue of Guru Padmasambhav and belongs to the yellow hat sect of Mahayana Buddhism.
Barbong Dara (Sunrise View Point): Little further Naya Basti, is the Sunrise view point which is an ideal place for hikers and trekkers, surrounded by forests, from this view point one can have a wonderful view of the plains and the one can also view the fateful landslide caused by Paglajhora or the mad stream. A great view of the toy train track that looks like a serpent is also seen. The sunrise what you see from here is different from other sunrise points.
Forest Museum: The forest Museum is located in Dow Hill area which is at a distance of 2.8 km away from Kurseong and is run by the state forest department. Here at Forest Museum tourist will get to know the types of flora and fauna that inhabits the forest area around Kurseong.
Forest Training School: The oldest among these centers is the West Bengal Forest School, which was established in the year 1907. In the early days it not only catered to the need of former Bengal, but also fulfilled the training requirements in forestry of entire eastern India. Even after independence some of the north- eastern states of India (viz. Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh) and a neighbouring country (viz. Bhutan) were regularly sending their trainees to West Bengal Forest School located in Dow Hill.
Victoria School: Located in Dow Hill and laying about 02 km from Dow Hill School, is one of the oldest and largest schools of the region. Established by the British in the year 1879, it still upholds its Victorian architecture.
Dowhill School: An Anglo Indian School, established also in 1879. The building within the school premise provides a glimpse into the British era with its architecture and elegance. This school is well known for its beautiful location surrounded by Pine trees and the quality of education it provides. Its sprawling campus measures approximately 30 acres of area.
Deer Park (Satellite Park): The Deer Park is now known as Satellite Park, and is located in a forested area at the end of Dow Hill Road. The Park is surrounded by dense Pine forests laden with mosses. The area is dotted with beautiful cottages from the British Raj era. It houses many rare species of birds and animals mostly found in these areas.
Aranya Sarani (Nature Park): Close to Deer Park is the Aranya Sarani, a place where one can see different varieties of preserved faunas by the forest department. A walk through the park is worth with views and greenery all around. This is an ideal place for nature and peace lovers. There is a nice walk inside the park which will lead you through the forest to an open meadow.
Chitra Mandir (Temple Tour): Situated around 04 km from the Kurseong town, is around 100 years old. The temple is located inside a cave on a rock cliff and the locals have a strong belief on the temple. The children’s call it a wishing temple as they ask wish for their good being.
Chimney Hill: 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 solitary long, dilapidated Chimney stands all alone now as the only remnant of the bungalow. During the British time the British Army used to move through this road during winter. Hot water were supplied to the men and animals accompanying the troop for which a huge oven was erected by the British here which was characterized by a tall Chimney made of bricks and was later named as ‘Chimney Hill’. The view of the mountains from this point is worth admiring.
SOJASI: Situated near Chimney, stands for Society of Jesus Agricultural and Social Institute, that trains villagers in scientific and innovative methods of farming. They are involved in agricultural activities like vegetable and mushroom cultivation, poultry, forest nursery and plantation, dairy, making bio-organic compost and generation of bio-gas. The institute is one of a kind in the area and definitely worth a visit. The main concept behind the society is to uplift the poor people and make them self-sufficient.
Bhangzang Salamander Lake: It is located 14 km from Kurseong. In the past, it used to be a favourite place for boating for the British and people from neighbouring towns often came here for relaxation. It is a beautiful green-tinged lake that shelters the rarest and most endangered species of Salamanders (‘The Living Fossils’) – a species under the threat of extinction.
Kettle Valley Picnic Spot (Beltar): Kettle Valley is a popular picnic spot around 08 km away from Kurseong and is visited by locals and as well as tourists. This scenic location is enjoyed on a picnic or day outing with family and friends. It is a beautiful spot on the banks of the river Rangeet and Dilaram Tea Estate is also located close by. The landscape of this place offers an amazing view and the surrounding area is abundantly green with clear water of the river flowing alongside.
Rangers College: This is one of the oldest buildings in Kurseong built by the British during the late 19th century. The house of Jesuit Priests before the EFRC was established in 1974. Along with its landed property amounting to 31.57 acres, it was once a property of St. Mary’s Seminary under the Catholic Mission of West Bengal (Society of Jesus) which was purchased by Govt. of India. A proposal for declaring the college building as Heritage Building is under active consideration.
Grotto: The grotto houses the statue of Virgin Mary and is located in a beautiful surrounding that takes you to another place and time. A visitor is bound to be enveloped by its peaceful atmosphere. This is the place where Mother Teresa, while returning home from Darjeeling is said to a vision of Virgin Mary which went on to encourage Mother Teresa to make one of her monumental decisions in life of not leaving India.
St Paul’s Church: The St. Paul’s, The Apostle Church, established in 1905, this church is one of the old and beautiful churches of Kurseong situated just a half kilometer from Kurseong town.
Rohini Lake: Rohini is a tourist spot located at a distance of about 15 km from Kurseong. Today Rohini draws hordes of tourists on its own due to the beautiful natural environment. The Rohini Lake is a beautiful small lake situated just below mountains carpeted with lush green tea gardens. Rohini Hill top provides great view of the hills as well as the plains. As you look straight up, high above the mountains you can see the Kurseong town.
Makaibari Tea Estate: Makaibari Tea Estate is located at a distance of 04 km away from Kurseong town and is located on the side of Pankhabari road. Makaibari Tea Estate dates back to 150 years old that produces tea through organic methods. From the month of March to November the tea leaves are plucked in three individual steps these are likely First Flush, Second Flush and Autumn Flush. In every individual step the taste, smell and the colour differs from one another. Makaibari Tea Estate was established in the year 1859 and is spread over an area of 1000 acres out of which 650 acres is under forest cover. Makaibari Tea Estate was the first to establish tea tourism in this region.
Salim Hill Tea Estate: Salim Hill Tea Estate is located on Hill Cart Road and nestled at an altitude of 4500 ft. Salim Hill Tea Estate was established by a British planter named Mr. Henry during the 1870 and the locals call him as Salim Saheb. The nearest town to Salim Hill Tea Estate is Kurseong which is at a distance of 15 km away. The tea estate is lying on the mountain slopes of Kurseong and is mainly known for its 150 years old heritage bungalow and also an amazing picnic gateway.
Getting to Kurseong: Take the 10.15 am DHR train (52544 DN) to Kurseong from Darjeeling Railway Station. Or take a shared taxi from Darjeeling motor stand or hire a vehicle.
By Air: Bagdogra Airport is nearest airport to Kurseong town located at a distance of 41 km/ 1.30 hours’ drive. There are non- stop flights from New Delhi (02 hours), Kolkata (01 hour) and Guwahati (45 minutes). Druk Air connects Bagdogra Airport with Bangkok (03 hours, Thailand) and Paro (30 minutes, Bhutan). Taxi or vehicle on hire is available at Bagdogra airport to reach Kurseong.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the nearest railhead to Kurseong located at a distance of about 43 km away/ 1.30 hours’ drive. Overnight trains are available from Sealdah, Howrah and Kolkata railway station those reaches upto NJP railway station. There are direct train connections available from other major metro cities of India with NJP railway station. Shared taxi or vehicles on hire are available at NJP railway station those reaches upto Kurseong. Kurseong itself is the railway station on the NJP – Darjeeling narrow gauge line (for Toy Train).
Road: Kurseong is well connected with direct bus route from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus at Siliguri. There are overnight buses from Kolkata (562 km), Guwahati (438 km) and Bihar (432 km) are available those reaches upto Siliguri. Shared taxi or vehicle on hire is available from outside the bus terminus to reach upto Kurseong. Kurseong is connected by road with Siliguri (48 km) that practically connects to all the major cities in India.
From Nepal: Overnight buses are available from Kathmandu and Pokhra to Kakravitta (Indo- Nepal Border). The nearest airport to the Indo- Nepal border is Bhadrapur (50 minutes Nepal) with daily flights from Kathmandu. Take a shared taxi or hire a vehicle to Kakravitta. From Kakravitta take a shared taxi to Siliguri or hire a vehicle to Kurseong (72 km/ 2.5 hours’ drive).
From Kuseong one can proceed to Gangtok (130 km/ 04 hours), Kalimpong (70 km/ 2.5 hours), Darjeeling (32 km/ 1.5 hours) and Siliguri (48 km/ 02 hours). Shared taxi or vehicle on hire is available Kurseong.
WBTDCL – KURSEONG TOURISM PROPERTY – KURSEONG TOURIST LODGE
Kurseong Tourism Property earlier known as Kurseong Tourist Lodge is maintained by West Bengal Government (Tourism Department – WBTDCL) is nicely placed on the edge of the Hill Cart Road within very little distance walking distance from Kurseong railway station. Kurseong Tourism Property or Kurseong Tourist Lodge has mainly two types of rooms, one is large double bed rooms and the other is small double bed rooms. All the rooms are Kurseong Tourism Property or Kurseong Tourist Lodge are mountain facing and are also fully wooden furnished. The staffs here at Kurseong Tourist Lodge are all government employees and always greet tourists with a smile on their face. Kurseong Tourism Property or Kurseong Tourist Lodge is located within 05 minutes walking distance from Kurseong main market area. The furniture inside Kurseong Tourist Lodge or Kurseong Tourism Property is all made of fine wood and mostly antique. Kurseong Tourism Property is well maintained in terms of security aspects. On a clear day one can have a great view of the snowcapped mountain ranges from WBTDCL Kurseong Tourism Property or Kurseong Tourist Lodge. There are about 20 rooms available inside Kurseong Tourism Property or Kurseong Tourist Lodge to cater tourists with night halt option in a budget friendly and star category hotels.
Amenities available:
All rooms are wooden furnished with attached balcony.
All rooms have attached western type toilets.
24 hours running hot and cold water.
Room service available.
In house multi cuisine restaurant.
Arrangement of local sightseeing.
All rooms have LCD TV with cable connections.
Intercom, dressing table, wooden cupboard available.
Doctor on call.
Complimentary breakfast is also provided.
Room Tariffs:
Standard Double Bed Room: 1800/-
Large Double Bed Room: 2000/-
GST as applicable on the above room tariff, payable at spot.
Room tariff includes complimentary breakfast.
Senior Citizen discount @ 20% on the above room tariff.
Children below 08 years are complimentary.
Extra person above 08 years are charged @ 20% on the above room tariff.
HOW TO BOOK: Call 9831311606 , 9830381306 and get the current rooms availability status or use the query form below.
Or visit us at 8C Shanti Ghosh Street, Kolkata – 700003, near Manindra Chandra College. Or drop your query by Whats app in the above numbers.
