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Kurseong is a quaint hill station located close to Darjeeling and is famous for its waterfalls, temples, and Buddhist gompas. It gets its name from the abundant white orchid flowers found on its hill slopes - Kurseong is locally known as “Kharsang” and Kharsang, in the Lepcha language, translates to ‘Land of White Orchids’. It's difficult not to fall in love with the view of the lush green forests in the panoramic setting of snow-clad mountains. This little hill station has some pretty amazing places that are simply mind-blowing and demand all the attention they get! Here are the best places to visit in Kurseong.
Eagle’s Crag, or ‘E.C.’ as the locals call it, is famous for its watchtower and beautiful hilltop garden. This viewpoint is situated on the top of a cliff and is ideal to be visited during both sunrise and sunset. On a clear day, you can indulge in the panoramic view of the valley, the mountain ranges, and the reservoir surrounding the watchtower. During the evenings, the view is quite spectacular - the city below looks like the night sky, with its many lights twinkling like stars!
Eagle’s Crag is a 25-minute walk from the main town and is one of the most highly recommended places to visit in Kurseong. If you enjoy trekking and don’t mind some exercise, then you can trek up the winding path of the watchtower. And if not, then you can always hire a cab to the top. The viewpoint is a photographer’s paradise, overlooking the entire Siliguri plains and Mt. Kanchenjunga in the distance, and offers a bewitching view of nature at its finest!
Timings: The viewpoint is accessible from 11 am to 7 pm.
Entry Fees: There is a minimal entry fee of INR 5.
Things To Do: Photography, trekking.
Also Read: Traveling To Darjeeling During Covid
The tea estates play an important part in tourism in Kurseong. So, if you’re a fan of tea plantations and tea in general, then you won’t be disappointed with Kurseong and you’re in for a treat! This town is home to two big tea estates - Makaibari Tea Estate and Ambootia Tea Estate.
The Makaibari Tea Estate is one of the oldest tea gardens in the Darjeeling area. The luscious tea gardens add a certain charm unique to Kurseong. The mountainous terrain carpeted with rolling fields of fragrant tea bushes is a dreamland for tea, nature, and photography lovers!
The estate offers several activities that its guests can pursue. Visitors can avail of guided tours through the tea gardens, where you can watch the workers plucking the perfect tea leaves and segregating them into baskets. You can also learn about how the tea is processed in the factory, from drying to the packaging of the tea leaves. For chai lovers, you can indulge in tea tasting sessions and learn about the different types of tea. Furthermore, you can enjoy nature walks through the beautiful mountains and valleys, and even indulge in some bird watching.
Timings: It is recommended to visit the tea estate during the daytime to explore the gardens comfortably.
Entry Fees: The entry fee may vary depending on the time of the year and tourist season.
Things To Do: Photography, guided tours, tea tasting sessions, tea factory tours, bird watching.
Also Read: 7 Hill Stations In India Where You Can Beat The October Heat
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From the Kurseong main market junction, a steep road climbs uphill, off the Hill Cart Road that leads to the tallest of the scenic hills of Kurseong, Dow Hill. A vast portion of the hill is covered with dense forest and towering pine trees, and remains eternally covered with mist. And such an eerie set-up brings with it just as eerie tales from the locals. Locals speak of incidences ranging from leopards targeting the sheep and goats to paranormal mysteries hidden deep within these woods.
Apart from these mysterious stories, Dow Hill really has much more scenic treasures to offer. For one, it is home to the Dow Hill Eco Park. Due to the abundance of deer, Dow Hill Park was earlier known as ‘Deer Park’. However, their numbers have gone down significantly. You might still come across a few in clusters every now and then. You will find a large fenced area in the forest from where you can still see some deer. You might even get to see some rare species of birds here. The pine trees shrouded in the winter mist attract visitors who simply wish to enjoy some solace and reconnect with nature.
Timings: While the hill is open all day, it is recommended to visit it during the daytime between 11 am to 5 pm.
Entry Fees: There is a minimal entry fee of INR 5.
Things To Do: Photography, nature walks, wildlife, and bird watching.
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Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, Ambootia Tea Estate is one of the most famous tea estates in Darjeeling. The tea gardens were established by the British in the mid-19th century and its name comes from the Tibetan Lepcha word ‘Am-butia’ meaning mango grove, though you won’t find mango trees here! The tea estate is cradled in the undulating hills of Darjeeling where the essence of the cool mountain air and the sweet Himalayan springs seem to infuse with its tea.
The sprawling acres of tea bushes appear like lush green carpets along the slopes covered with a shroud of mist. These tranquil tea gardens pose as a breathtaking muse for countless Instagram-worthy pictures. The estate staff offers several guided tours throughout the tea gardens, and tea tasting sessions. Ambootia is the home of speciality teas that are famed for their light-bright color and lingering floral flavor. If you’re not a tea lover you are bound to fall in love with tea after your Ambootia experience!
Timings: It is recommended to visit the tea estate during the daytime to explore the gardens comfortably.
Entry Fees: The entry fee may vary depending on the time of the year and tourist season.
Things To Do: Photography, guided tours, tea tasting sessions, tea factory tours, bird watching.
Also Read: Darjeeling Travel Guide
Another promising place to visit in Kurseong is the Giddapahar Viewpoint, and its name translates to Eagle’s Cliff. Giddapahar sits atop one of the many hills of Kurseong and is in close proximity to the Museum of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The viewpoint is accessible by a stairway right from the roadside. One can easily enter through a gate and then climb the stairs up to the viewpoint. It is a 15-minute car ride along Hill Cart Road, from where you can see the snow-capped mountains and majestic Kanchenjunga.
The views of the rolling mountains, tea garden slopes, snow-capped peaks, and valleys are all stunning visual delights from the viewpoint. On a day with clear skies, the mountains look like they have been covered with a thick carpet of lush green, with pleats and folds truly resembling a carpeted surface. And when the clouds hide away the glimmering sun rays, the thick mist rolls over the mountains, acting like a translucent veil, covering the beautiful green lands. From this spot, travelers are rewarded with the alluring sight of the winding snake-like paths, twisting and turning around the mountain. Loaded with such panoramic views, Giddapahar is a great spot for photographers and nature lovers.
Timings: The viewpoint is accessible from 7 am to 7 pm.
Entry Fees: There are no entry fees.
Things To Do: Photography, trekking.
Once a temporary residence of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the museum is located in Bose's elder brother's residence. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was placed in this house for 7 months under house arrest by the British Government in India. He later returned here in October 1937. He contributed a lot to national affairs as well as to his personal affair of communicating with Emilie Schenkel from this historic home. The house was later transformed into a museum that celebrates the many facets of the life of the great freedom fighter.
The house was acquired, restored, and renovated by the Government of West Bengal in 1996. The 4-room museum showcases pictures and documents related to great historical events like the Haripura Congress Session, interactions with Rabindranath Tagore and Jawaharlal Nehru, correspondence with the Indian National Army, and the participation of the Hill people in the Indian National Movement.
You will also find the preserved notes, speeches, and articles that Netaji had penned down during the Independence movement. Apart from this, the museum also acts as an institute for Himalayan Language & Culture Studies and offers a stunning view of the valley.
Timings: The museum is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Entry Fees: There are no entry fees.
Things To Do: Museum tour, learning about the various exhibits and displays.
Also Read: Traveling To West Bengal During Covid
Located inside the Ambotia Tea Estate, the Ambotia Shiv Mandir is one of the holiest places of worship in Kurseong. Although the temple is a Swayambhu Shiva Mandir, the first look makes you think that it might probably be a quaint little Buddhist monastery because of its Buddhist and Tibetan design. Ambotia Mandir is nestled amidst the lush green tea gardens and is surrounded by mist-covered mountains and valleys. This adds depth to the temple’s tranquil and serene atmosphere.
The Shiv Mandir by itself is a quiet place and the drive there from Kurseong comprises a very scenic route with a snake-like road curving around the picturesque terrain. A lovely orange orchard is located adjacent to Ambotia, which lends a subtle citrus fragrance to the temple air. During the blooming season, the orchard is decked with beautiful white flowers and oranges that add a pop of color to the otherwise lush green surroundings. Make sure to check out this beautiful temple during your visit to Kurseong!
Timings: Ambotia Mandir does not have specific timings and can be visited anytime throughout the day.
Entry Fees: The temple has no entry fees.
Things To Do: Worship, photography, sightseeing, visit the tea estate and orange orchard.
Also Read: 7 Things To Do In West Bengal For A Memorable Holiday
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Summing Up
From temples to museums, tea gardens to viewpoints, there are many visit-worthy places in this picturesque hill station. It is the perfect weekend getaway for those looking to unwind and explore this gem of a town hidden in Mother Nature’s embrace. And what better way to go about exploring the town than to start off with the best places in Kurseong themselves?
Why Is Kurseong Famous?
Kurseong is known as the ‘Land of White Orchids’ and is famous for its waterfalls, temples, and Buddhist gompas apart from the excellent view that the place provides. The hill station is also well-known for its beautiful tea gardens, and year-round, evergreen hill slopes.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Kurseong?
The best times to visit Kurseong are between March-end and May as you will be blessed with clear, blue skies and a pleasant summer breeze. As an alternative, the months from August-end to October are also a good time to visit, since the climate is cool and suitable for a comfortable sightseeing experience.
Can You See Kanchenjunga From Kurseong?
Yes, you can view Mt. Kanchenjunga from Kurseong from the Giddapahar Viewpoint and other elevated regions.
Is There Any Snowfall In Kurseong?
In comparison to the other northern cities and hill stations, Kurseong receives less snowfall. Instead, the hill stations see more rainfall on average. During the winters, there may be instances of snowfall once or twice a month.
How Many Days Do You Need In Kusrseong?
Ideally, a trip of 3 days and 2 nights is sufficient to cover Kurseong. The small hill station has a good chunk of places to visit, but can be easily covered in 3 days.
How Can I Reach Kurseong From Kolkata?
There is no direct transport connectivity between Kolkata and Kurseong. The cheapest way to travel is via bus to Siliguri, and then a cab to Kurseong which in total is a 13 to 14-hour journey. The fastest way is to take a flight to Bagdogra Airport and then a cab to Kurseong, which takes 2 to 4 hours.
Why Is Dow Hill in Kurseong Famous?
Dow Hill is situated in Kurseong and is particularly known for being haunted, with speculations of paranormal activity. From incidents of missing cattle to paranormal mysteries, these mist-covered woods have a fair share of eerie anecdotes attached to them.
Which Hill Station Is Famous For Tea Gardens In West Bengal?
Kurseong is a hill station famous for its tea gardens in West Bengal. Situated in the Darjeeling district, Kurseong is home to two major tea estates, namely Makaibari Tea Estate and Ambootia Tea Estate.
