Located close to Darjeeling, Kurseong is also popular as the ‘Land of White Orchids’. Apart from the excellent view that the place provides, it is famous for its Buddhist gompas, waterfalls, and temples.
A quiet hill station, Kurseong is perched on the Siliguri-Darjeeling highway. The weather in Kurseong remains pleasant and mild most of the year. The town receives non-stop precipitation for days during the monsoon season. For the flora and fauna of the area, the rain is very important. Kurseong got its name the ‘Land of White Orchids’ because of the white orchids found in abundance on its rolling hills. The panoramic setting of snow-clad mountains, view of tea plantations, and lush green forests will make you fall in love immediately. In the forms of schools and churches, you can see the British remnants in the town. The tourists who are looking for a more peaceful alternative to Darjeeling can make their way to this small hill-town.
Best Time To Visit Kurseong
The best time to visit Kurseong is from March to June and September to December. Tourists should avoid visiting this place during monsoon season because of heavy rainfall. Usually, the temperature in Kurseong ranges from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Places To Visit In Kurseong
1. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum
Located in Netaji's elder brother's residence, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose museum was once a temporary residence of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The museum showcases documents and articles related to Netaji during his house imprisonment by the British and several pictures. But now, the museum also offers excellent views of the valley and acts as an Institute for Himalayan Language & Culture Studies.
2. Ambotia Shiva Mandir
One of the holiest places of worship in Kurseong, the Ambotia Shiv Mandir is located inside the Ambotia Tea Estate. Surrounded by a serene and aesthetica environment, this temple also serves as a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy excellent views from the temple and enjoy delicious oranges from the orchard located adjacent to the temple.
3. Tea Gardens
The sprawling team plants in Kurseong add a certain charm to the place just like the tea gardens of Darjeeling. Tourists can visit two of the biggest tea estates in Kurseong - Ambotia and Makaibari, which are recommended amongst the places to visit in Kurseong. You can book guided tours to any one of these estates, which includes getting to know the history, science and art behind tea processing, and meeting with workers. A tea tasting session at the end of the tour is highly recommended.
4. Eagle’s Crag View Point
Ideal to be visited during both sunrise and sunset, Eagle’s Crag View Point is highly recommended as one of the places to visit in Kurseong. This view point in Kurseong offers breathtaking views of the valley. Eagle’s Crag View Point overlooks the entire Siliguri plains offering an exciting opportunity to click excellent photos of the Kanchenjunga from this viewpoint. To reach here, visitors can hire a taxi or trek up the winding path.
5. Forest Museum
Home to animal bones, hides, skins, and pictures of fauna which once used to roam freely in the Dow Hill Region, the Forest Museum is maintained by the forest department of the state. Wooden artefacts are also on display in this museum. Nature lovers should not miss the chance to visit the Forest Museum. There is a small park in the museum premises where visitors can enjoy taking a stroll.
6. Deer Park
A recreational attraction for families with their kids, Deer Park is situated in Dow Hill and also now known as Dow Hill Eco Park. Once popular for conserving rare species of small animals & birds, and activities of deer, this park is now a very simple Deer Park. Owing to its pine trees shrouded in the winter mist, the park offers a serene environment that visitors can still enjoy.
7. Churches
Amongst the best places to visit in Kurseong, the churches of this place are also listed. Several churches from the time period of the British Raj are still standing in Kurseong. The most famous of them all are St. Andrew’s church, St. Paul’s church, and St. Mary’s church.
How To Reach Kurseong
Kurseong is located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, which is easily accessible through various modes of transport. Here’s how you can reach Kurseong -
- Nearest metropolitan city. Kolkata
- Nearest airbase. Bagdogra Airport
- Nearest railhead. New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
- Distance from Kolkata. 597 Kms
By Flight. There is no dedicated airbase in Kurseong, however, the nearest airport to this hill-town is in Bagdogra. To reach your destination, you can take state-run or private buses or a taxi.
- Distance from Bagdogra Airport. 49 Kms
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available To Bagdogra
By Road. Several private and state-run buses ply to and fro Kurseong. The buses run daily during day and night from major cities like Kolkata and Kharagpur. Shared cabs are also a viable option to cover the distance.
- Distance from Kharagpur. 690 Kms
By Train. Just like the airport, there is no dedicated railhead in Kurseong. However, the nearest railhead to this hill station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. Several options of bus and taxi are available just outside the station to reach Kurseong.
- Distance from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. 41 Kms
Frequently Asked Questions About Kurseong Darjeeling
Ques. Where is Kurseong located?
Ans. Kurseong is a hill station located in the Indian state of West Bengal, in the Darjeeling district. It is situated at an altitude of 1,458 meters above sea level.
Ques. What is the best time to visit Kurseong?
Ans. The best time to visit Kurseong is from March to June and from September to December. The climate is pleasant during these months and is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Ques. What are the popular tourist attractions in Kurseong?
Ans. Some popular tourist attractions in Kurseong include the Dow Hill, the Kurseong Tourist Lodge, and the St. Mary's Hill. Visitors can also take a ride on the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the 'Toy Train', which passes through Kurseong.
Ques. What are the local specialties of Kurseong?
Ans. The local specialties of Kurseong include traditional Bengali dishes like Phuchka, Dhokla and Aloo Tarkari. The region is also famous for its tea and you can find a variety of tea gardens in Kurseong and nearby Darjeeling.
Ques. Are there any good hotels in Kurseong?
Ans. Yes, there are several good hotels and guesthouses in Kurseong that cater to a wide range of budgets. Some of the popular options include Hotel Blue Horizon, Hotel Dekeling, and Hotel Le Lac.
