KURSEONG, DARJEELING, WEST BENGAL – WHERE TEA GARDENS AND WATERFALLS GIVE A RELAXED FEELING

Kurseong is a hill station located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. The town is situated at an altitude of 1,458 meters (4,783 feet) and is known for its scenic beauty, tea gardens, and pleasant climate. It is often referred to as the “Land of White Orchids” due to the abundance of these flowers in the area.
Kurseong has a rich history and was a popular summer retreat for the British during the colonial period. Today, it is a popular tourist destination that offers visitors a range of activities, including trekking, bird watching, and exploring the nearby tea estates.
One of the main attractions of Kurseong is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is also known as the “Toy Train.” The train passes through the town and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Other popular attractions in Kurseong include the Eagle’s Crag viewpoint, the Giddapahar Viewpoint, and the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum. The town is also known for its delicious tea, which can be tasted at the various tea estates and factories in the area.
What Makes it a Destination Worth Visiting
Kurseong is a destination worth visiting for several reasons. First and foremost, it offers visitors an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Darjeeling hills, with its picturesque tea gardens, scenic viewpoints, and pleasant climate.
The town also has a rich history and cultural heritage, with several colonial-era buildings and museums that offer insights into its past. For example, the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum is dedicated to the Indian nationalist leader who stayed in Kurseong for several years during his youth.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the “Toy Train,” is another major attraction of Kurseong. The train ride offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys and is a great way to explore the town and its surroundings.
Visitors to Kurseong can also indulge in various activities such as trekking, bird watching, and tea tasting. The town is home to several tea estates and factories, where visitors can learn about the tea-making process and sample some of the finest teas in the region.
Popular Activities Enjoyed by Tourists
There are several popular activities that tourists enjoy while visiting Kurseong. Here are some of them:
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Taking a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the “Toy Train,” is a must-do activity for many visitors to Kurseong. The train passes through the town and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Tea Tasting: Kurseong is famous for its tea, and tourists can visit the tea estates and factories in the area to learn about the tea-making process and sample some of the finest teas in the region.
- Trekking: Kurseong has several scenic trekking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The Eagle’s Crag viewpoint and the Giddapahar Viewpoint are popular destinations for trekking enthusiasts.
- Bird Watching: Kurseong is home to several species of birds, including the Himalayan Bulbul, the Rufous Sibia, and the Grey Treepie. Visitors can go bird watching at places like the Makaibari Tea Estate and the Dow Hill Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Sightseeing: Kurseong has several colonial-era buildings and museums that offer insights into its past, such as the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum and the Giddapahar Raj Rajeswari Temple. The town also has several scenic viewpoints like the Eagle’s Crag and the Giddapahar Viewpoint that offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Top Attractions and Must See Places
Here are some of the top attractions and must-see places in and around Kurseong:
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the “Toy Train,” is a must-see attraction. The train passes through Kurseong and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Eagle’s Crag: The Eagle’s Crag viewpoint is one of the most popular attractions in Kurseong. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys and is a great spot for trekking and bird watching.
- Giddapahar Viewpoint: The Giddapahar Viewpoint is another popular destination in Kurseong that offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It is a great spot for photography and nature lovers.
- Makaibari Tea Estate: Kurseong is known for its tea, and the Makaibari Tea Estate is one of the most famous tea estates in the region. Visitors can tour the estate, learn about the tea-making process, and sample some of the finest teas in the region.
- Dow Hill Wildlife Sanctuary: The Dow Hill Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. It is home to several species of birds, including the Himalayan Bulbul and the Rufous Sibia, as well as mammals like leopards and barking deer.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum: The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum is dedicated to the Indian nationalist leader who stayed in Kurseong for several years during his youth. The museum offers insights into his life and achievements and is a must-visit for history buffs.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kurseong depends on several factors, including the weather, events, and festivals. Here’s a breakdown of the best time to visit Kurseong based on these factors:
- Weather: The best time to visit Kurseong is during the months of March to June and September to December when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. During these months, the temperature ranges between 10°C and 25°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities like trekking, sightseeing, and bird watching.
- Events and Festivals: Kurseong hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, making it a great destination for cultural enthusiasts. Some of the popular events and festivals in Kurseong include the Kurseong Tourist Festival (February), the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti (January), and the Durga Puja (September-October).
- Monsoon Season: Kurseong experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season from June to August, which can cause landslides and disrupt travel plans. It is not recommended to visit Kurseong during this time.
How to Reach
Kurseong is well connected to other parts of West Bengal and neighboring states by road, rail, and air. Here are some of the ways to reach Kurseong:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Kurseong is Bagdogra Airport, which is about 48 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Kurseong.
- By Train: Kurseong has a railway station that is connected to several major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway also passes through Kurseong, offering a scenic train ride.
By Road: Kurseong is well connected by road to other parts of West Bengal and neighboring states. Several private and state-run buses operate from cities like Kolkata, Siliguri, and Darjeeling to Kurseong. You can also hire a taxi or drive your own vehicle to reach Kurseong.