kurseong

A lesser known destination on the tourist map is Kurseong, on the way from Siliguri to Darjeeling. A picturesque town at a height of 1,458m. Kurseong is 51 km from Siliguri on the main road, and is also an important stop on the toy train route. The alternate route from Siliguri to Darjeeling via Pankhabari also joins the main road a little short of Kurseong. It's over-a-century-old schools provide excellent education. Kurseong has the unusual spectacle of the road, rail track and market 'moving' together towards Darjeeling in the most colourful manner. It is surrounded by famous tea gardens, producing some of the finest Darjeeling tea in the world. At one time it was fashionable for rich and famous calculations to have a summer residence here. Amongst those said to be associated with Kurseong were poet Rabindra Nath Tagore, painter Abanindra Nath Tagore, writer Mark Twain, Sister Nivedita and Subhash Chandra Bose. Due to its climate, Kurseong is favoured by many for health reasons or as a base to visit Darjeeling.

STD Code :- 03554

Sightseeing

Eagle's Craig, 1 km from the railway station, is an ideal spot for a view of the hills and plains. The sunset are an unforgettable experience.

Deer Park, 4 km from the town on Dow Hill has an amusement park. Forest Museum is a part of the Forest School with exhibits.

Giddhapahar Mandir, 2 km , on Hill Cart Road, is a Shiva temple. A fair is held on Shivratri.

Ambotia Shiv Mandir, 5 km, another Shiva shrine on the Ambotia Tea Estate. Ambotia landside drops 1,000 metres and is 1.5 km wide.

Makaibari Tea Estate, 4 km, where visitors can see tea manufacture and buy the same.

Places to stay

WBTDC Tourist Lodge, Hill Cart Road. It has 16 rooms, a restaurant fast food outlet and bar and offers excellent views.

Amarjeet Hotel, 12, Hill Cart Road, with rooms, restaurant, bar.

Travel Information

By Air : Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri, is 60 km away. Taxis/buses are available at the airport for transit to Kurseong.

By Rail : Siliguri, 50 km and New Jalpaiguri, 57 km are the nearest main stations. It is an important station on the toy train route from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. The Toy Train takes a little over 5 hrs from New Jalpaiguri to Kurseong.

By Road : Taxis and buses are available from Siliguri in plenty, taking around 3 hrs for the journey. Mirik is also 3 hrs away, and Darjeeling is 2 hrs away. Taxi/buses for Darjeeling, Siliguri/Bagdogra are available throughout the day.