Kurseong: A known scenic hilly town & land of white orchids

While traveling to North Bengal, we usually prioritize Darjeeling over Kurseong, but Kurseong has unique historical importance and natural beauty, along with green tea gardens, which are quite attractive to tourists. Also, this hill station in the Eastern Himalayas has an offbeat feature, which makes it an ideal place for tourists who love adventure and offbeat travel. So, I think Kurseong has not yet got its actual status on the Indian tourism map; rather, this hill station is a bit neglected.
Another reason for my trip to Kurseong was my father-in-law, who had been in Kurseong for a few years as an employee of the government bank. He was very keen to meet his old friends again. My wife was also very excited to revisit some of her favorite places in Kurseong, such as Monteviot and Whistle Khola or Hussain Khola (Springs).
Earlier I had traveled to Darjeeling via Kurseong many times but had never stayed in Kurseong.
That’s why we traveled to Kurseong in early April 2023. In this blog post, I have tried to highlight the known and unknown Kurseong.

Why is Kurseong referred to as the Land of White Orchids?

Kurseong was once a part of Sikkim. In 1835, the British government of India acquired Darjeeling, including Kurseong, on lease from the then Chogyal (a religious king) of the kingdom of Sikkim on the basis of an annual allowance. The Lepcha community was the original inhabitant of this region during that time. These early settlers (lepchas) named their place after the Kurson-rip (means a small, wild & white orchid in lepcha language), that usually blooms in abundance on the hillsides in the region in the spring. The scientific name of this type of orchid is Coelogyne cristata.
Therefore, Kurseong is locally referred to as Kharsang, which in the Lepcha language means Land of White Orchids.

Dow Hill (Kurseong) is considered the mother of all haunted places in India. Reality or Rumors?

According to local legend and superstition, the road that starts from Dow Hill School to Victoria Boys School is known as Death Road. Locals claim to have experienced paranormal activity within the confines of this Road, while others also claim to have heard voices from the forest. The forest is avoided by the locals even during the day because of various ghost stories.

The surrounding silence and misty magic atmosphere attract tourists, but personally I did not experience any paranormal activity at all. So, truly, many ghost stories and superstitions have made Dow Hill (Kurseong) known as one of the most haunted hill stations in India.

Kurseong — Famous for the Best Boarding Schools and Educational Hub

The centuries-old boarding schools of Kurseong are also famous in India for their exceptional quality of education. The sprawling campuses of the boarding schools, set amidst beautiful natural surroundings, offer a unique view. In present times, these boarding schools have made strides in providing a modern curriculum while maintaining their heritage.
Students interested in traditional education will find distinguished alumni, magnificent colonial architecture and rich historical value as assets. These boarding schools attract a lot of foreign students every year, in addition to domestic students. Below are some well-known schools.

• Victoria Boys’ School (Estd. 1879)
• Dow Hill School (Estd. 1879)
• St. Helen’s Secondary School (Estd. 1890)
• St. Alphonsus Higher Secondary School (Estd. 1891)
• Goethals Memorial School (Estd. 1907)
• St. Joseph’s Girls’ H.S. School (Estd. 1938)
• Himali Boarding School (Estd. 1978)

Also, the West Bengal Forest School at Dow Hill was established in 1907 to train forest personnel.
Kurseong College (affiliated to the University of North Bengal) and Polytechnic College play a significant role in the local education system.
Kurseong has truly established itself as an important Educational Hub in the country. The first phase of an IT park near Kurseong Polytechnic College is expected to be completed by November 2025, which is really great news for the local IT professionals and students.

Iconic Landmark — Kurseong’s TV Tower and All India Radio (AIR)

Standing tall in the middle of Kurseong town, the old TV tower offers a breathtaking view and can be seen from far and wide. This iconic tower was built for communication purposes. The locals still consider this tower to be a heritage structure that welcomes visitors to this hill town.
Kurseong All India Radio (AIR) was inaugurated by Dr. B. Gopal Reddy, who was the Information and Broadcasting Minister at the time. This center has undoubtedly contributed to the development of local talent and the preservation of the rich cultural values and heritage of the region

Kurseong – An ideal destination for Tea Lovers & Tea Tourism

Kurseong is one of the leading tea-producing regions in India, home to internationally recognized tea estates such as Makaibari Tea Estate, Castleton Tea Estate, and Ambootia Tea Estate. Kurseong is known around the world for its best tea production.
Nowadays, with the rise of tea tourism, tourists can enjoy the peaceful and serene environment of these famous tea gardens in Kurseong by staying in traditional bungalows or homestays. Tourists will have an opportunity to witness the daily life and unique culture of tea gardens, including the tea production process. There are opportunities for guided tours, hiking-trekking, meditation, participation in tea tasting sessions, etc.

As a result, the number of tourists visiting the tea estates of Kurseong is increasing every year, which is why Tea Tourism is rapidly becoming popular in the region.

Where is Kurseong or Kharsang Town Located?

Altitude: At around 4,864 ft. above the sea level.
Location: It is the headquarters of the Kurseong subdivision. This popular town (and a municipality) is located in Darjeeling district in the state of West Bengal, India. Kurseong was established as a municipality in 1879, making it one of the oldest municipalities in West Bengal.

Essential Information of Kurseong

Nearest Airport

International: Bagdogra Airport (IXB), WB

Nearest Town

• Darjeeling Town (Also known as Queen of the Hills)
• Siliguri Town
• Kalimpong Town

Nearest Main Railway Stations

• New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
• Kurseong Railway Station (KGN): This station is situated at an altitude of 4,864 feet. The headquarters of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) are located at Elysia Place in Kurseong, which was the residence of the GM of the DHR prior to 1948. There is an interesting railway museum on the Kurseong railway station platform, where railway-related artifacts are well preserved. However, a fee is required to enter. Apart from Kurseong, DHR also has two other museums, one in Sukna and another in Ghum.

UNESCO declared the Darjeeling Hill Railway (DHR) a World Heritage Site on December 5, 1999. Click on the below link for more details.
https://www.dhr.in.net/kurseong-station.php

Distance from Kurseong (Approx. Measurement)

How to Reach

Kurseong is well connected by road to nearby places like Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Kalimpong. You can take a reserved or shared taxi to reach the Kurseong taxi stand from Bagdogra Airport/NJP Railway Station/Siliguri/Darjeeling/Kalimpong.
Regular bus services from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus in Siliguri to Darjeeling via Kurseong are regularly operated by WBSTC (West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation) and private operators.
The fastest, easiest, and most preferred route to reach Kurseong is the Rohini Route, as it is relatively new.
The Pankhabari Route is the oldest route to Kurseong. The road was previously known for its steepness and treacherous turns, but it has now become slightly smoother. The famous Makaibari Tea Estate is located on this route. It’s important to know that local authorities may enforce one-way traffic on certain sections of this road, so it’s advisable to inquire before embarking on this route.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) or Toy Train journey offers spectacular views and a unique experience, although the journey time is longer. During the tourist season, it is advisable to book seats for the Toy Train from Siliguri to Kurseong in advance. Also, It’s important to check the weather forecast when booking a toy train ticket, as trains may be cancelled because of landslides during heavy monsoons.

Local Medical Facilities

Kurseong was renowned as a center for tuberculosis treatment during the British period, and this legacy is still present today as the S.B. Dey T.B. Sanatorium in Kurseong.
Kurseong Sub-Division Hospital is the most important medical facility in the local medical system today. Also, Kurseong Municipality has the Municipal Health Centre.

Local people and their livelihood

Kurseong was originally inhabited by Lepcha community, but now there are many ethnic groups living here, including Nepali, Bengali, Bhutia, and Limbu. Nepali, Hindi, English, and Bengali are the languages that are commonly spoken in this area.

The famous tea estates in this region directly or indirectly affect a significant portion of the population in this area. Traditional farming and animal husbandry are both sources of income for residents of rural Kurseong.
Kurseong has become a flourishing tourist destination due to the expansion of ecotourism, which is also boosting the local economy, creating new opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life of its residents.
Since Kurseong is one of the important educational hubs of the country, it has contributed greatly to boosting the local economy.
In addition, the locals are also associated with the century-old bakery industry.

You can see some selected stunning photos & videos by clicking on the blog’s Instagram, Facebook and X(Twitter). Also, click the Gallery Section of this blog for only photos. I hope you will like those. 

Popular Cafes & Restaurants 

Kurseong is well-known for its delicious food, and there are several popular restaurants and cafes in the area that serve a diverse selection of cuisines, including Indian, English, Chinese, Tibetan, and local. Below are a selection of cafes and restaurants.

• Cafe Kurseong Diaries, Hill Cart Road (near Kurseong Locomotive Shed)

This cafe is located on the top floor, which is popular in Kurseong for its amazing ambience, delicious food, and live music. Enjoying the old-time delicious delicacies of the Himalayan region is possible here. The cafe’s team is welcoming and warm. Cafe Kurseong Diaries is truly a great place to spend quality time with friends and family.
Hours: 7:30 am to 10:30 pm (Hours might differ on special holidays)

• CAFE DE’ CENTRAL 1881, Steamy Savoury

This is a vintage cafeteria that was built during the British era and located on the platform of Kurseong Railway Station. It is famous for its colonial-era architecture with old-time photos, antique telephones, and various historical artifacts that reflect its rich heritage.
It was originally a refreshment room at Kurseong Railway Station after the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was launched.

Also, this cafeteria is famous for its variety of bakery items, pizzas, and aromatic Darjeeling tea. It acts as a resting place for tourists, especially those who arrive at Kurseong via the DHR toy train.
This heritage refreshment room is consistent with the heritage of the world-renowned DHR (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway) as a World Heritage Site.
The current management has given the cafe its attractive look, preserving its aesthetics and old-fashioned charm, which is truly commendable.
This heritage cafeteria in Kurseong is perfect for relaxing and chilling in an aesthetic and vibrant ambience, so don’t miss the chance to visit here.

• Margaret’s Deck Tea Lounge (Goodricke Tea Pot)
  

Margaret’s Deck Tea Lounge is an exclusive tea lounge nestled amidst the misty greenery of the Margaret’s Hope Tea Estate and the latest addition to the Goodricke Teapot chain. This scenic tea lounge has become a hotspot for tea lovers and tourists since it opened in 2016 near Tung Station, boosting the tourism sector in Kurseong.

The scenic view of the valley from the deck, the experience of tasting a variety of aromatic Darjeeling teas, and delicious food will be an unforgettable experience that should not be missed. The lounge’s lobby offers numerous teas for sale and display, which can be taken home as souvenirs.

• 33 Dream Cafe
  

This cafe is the dream project of Mr. Choephell Tenzin, a local entrepreneur, that is located opposite the Kurseong Station Petrol Pump. The food served is delicious and healthy, and the prices are budget friendly.

• Nairas Cafe, St.Mary’s Hill Church

• Amarjeet Hotel and Restaurant, Hill Cart Road

Savor the Local Delicacies 

Kurseong’s cuisine is a delicious mix of Nepali and Tibetan flavors. So, dishes such as Momo, Thukpa are popular here. Also, Kurseong is known for its Newari cuisine. Try traditional Newari dishes like Choila (meat-based appetizer), Bara (Newari pancake made from lentil paste), and Aloo Sadeko (spicy potato salad) at several local restaurants and eateries.
Aloo Mimi is a popular, crunchy, and delicious street food that is served with a sour and spicy potato gravy topped with crispy, flavorful local noodles.

Sel Roti (a crispy snack) is a traditional homemade, mildly sweet, ring-shaped rice bread/doughnut that is often enjoyed with tea or spicy curry. It is also a festive snack during local celebrations.
The traditional dish, Niguro (Green Fiddlehead Fern) with Churpi (local cheese), is characterized by its distinctive taste.

You can taste some unique local herbs and fruits.

Where to Stay

Kurseong is a well-known tourist destination, which means there are lodging options for all types of travelers and budgets. Kurseong offers a variety of accommodation options for tourists, from budget guesthouses or hotels to heritage bungalows and luxury resorts.
Currently, the development of ecotourism has led to a significant increase in the trend of tourists staying in homestays or modern tents. Below is some contact information for the stay.

Heritage Staycation

This heritage-style lodging is a great choice for a vacation and is known for its colonial charm, vintage furnishings, and excellent hospitality.

• The Cochrane Place Hotel, Pankhabari Road
  Website: https://cochraneplacehotel.com/
• Albion Heritage House
  Website: https://settheritage.com/

Resort

This accommodation type is mostly located in lush tea gardens and tranquil surroundings, offering luxurious rooms and excellent amenities.

• Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa, Makaibari Tea Estate,
  Website: https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/hotels/taj-chia-kutir-darjeeling
• Summit Bougainvillea Tea Resort
  Website: https://www.summithotels.in/

Hotels/Guest House

These types of accommodations offer comfortable accommodations at affordable prices.

• Roudra Chhaya Tourist Property (Kurseong Tourist Lodge)
  run by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
  Website: https://wbtdcl.wbtourismgov.in/home
• The Amarjeet Hotel, Hill Cart Road (near Kurseong Locomotive Shed)
  Contact: +91 9832745678
• Pradhan Guest House, Beside the Amarjeet Hotel
  Contact: +91 7908159590

Homestay

Where you can experience the local culture, authentic home-made food, and warm hospitality.

• Amairah’s Homestay, Pankhabari Road
  Owner: Mr. Nimesh Rai
  Contact: +91 81457 28127
• Atithi Griho Homestay, near Gidda Pahar
  Contact: +91 75509 47615,98510 72749
• Sylvan Homestay, near DOW Hill
  Contact: +91 98003 99637
• Sunnyside Eco Homestay
  St.Mary’s Hill Church
  Contact: +91 73187 61438

Camping Site

Adventure lovers who want to enjoy the natural beauty can find a few popular spots in Kurseong. These camping sites are equipped with modern tents, fireplaces, and basic amenities.

• Ecopulse Adventure Camp Site, Sepoydhura (near TUNG)
  Website: https://camps.furut.net/camps/ecopulse/

Note: It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak season.

I have only shared with you my memorable experiences with homestay or Hotel owners, drivers, or tour guides while traveling, but your experience may not be the same as mine. Hence, I have no responsibility in that case. I am just sharing information only. Additionally, there is no purpose for promotion here.

What to do & Attractions

Kurseong, with its diverse array of attractions, promises a memorable trip. From pristine natural beauty to rich history and culture, it has it all. There are also some great offbeat destinations nearby that will captivate you.

√ Explore the famous tea gardens of Kurseong.
√ Visit the below local Holiest worshipping places.

• Hanuman View Point (also known as Hanuman Tok): The 40-foot tall Hanuman statue stands majestically in the lush green tea gardens and is considered one of the landmarks of Kurseong today. A Hanuman temple is situated next to the statue. Not only is this remarkable statue a spiritual attraction, but this viewpoint also provides visitors with a stunning view of the captivating city.
• Tashi Samten Ling Monastery (also known as Tamang Buddhist Monastery): Known to locals as Tamang Gumba, this monastery is an ideal place for spirituality and meditation.
• Ambootia Shiva Mandir is located inside the Ambootia tea estate.
• St. Mary’s Grotto
• Shidey Drukhang Monastery (Drukpa Rinpoche)

√ Explore the local markets as Kurseong has several markets(Daily/Weekly) where you can find locally made handicrafts, tea, and other souvenirs.
√ Eagle’s Crag (Highest point of Kurseong Town): A must-visit viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley.

√ Giddapahar View Point: The word Giddapahar means Eagle’s Hill in the local language. This tourist attraction in Kurseong offers incredible views of the valley below.
√ Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum: It’s a tribute to one of India’s greatest freedom fighters.

√ Don’t forget to visit the newest tourist attraction, the Kurseong Clock Tower, near Kurseong Railway Station, especially after sunset.
√ Take a scenic Toy Train ride. A breathtaking journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is an unforgettable experience.
√ Follow the Dow Hill Road, which is famous for its scenic beauty. Wandering through the misty, dark, green, dense pine forests and enjoying the picturesque views of the surrounding hills is a wonderful experience. Always carry a camera to capture the natural beauty.

√  West Bengal Forest School Museum: This museum is located right next to the West Bengal Forest School in Dow Hill, Kurseong, which is surrounded by dense forests.
It is a two-storey museum that houses many local animal fossils, various types of wood and interesting forest artifacts. The museum is very beautiful and peaceful. Don’t forget to visit this amazing forest museum when visiting Dow Hill. The current condition of this museum, run by the State Forest Department, is not good, so the concerned department should take necessary measures to preserve this treasure. However, photography is not allowed inside the museum.

√ Downhill Eco Park (also known as Deer Park), located on Down Hill Road, has an entrance fee.

√ Enjoy the Adventure Sports.

• Water Rafting on the Teesta River.
• Mountain Biking: Tea gardens, forest trails, and scenic villages are available to explore in Kurseong, with tracks that are suitable for all levels of mountain biking.
• Paragliding over the valley.

Note: Adventure sports organizers have their own websites, which makes it simpler for adventure enthusiasts to obtain detailed information about adventure sports in Kurseong.

√ Nearest Offbeat Places

• Chimney Village and it’s Chimney Heritage Garden: Chimney Village is a secluded, quaint destination located about 8 km from Kurseong town. It is named after a chimney made of brick and stone, which is over 100 years old and was an integral part of a bungalow built by British officers. This village is an ideal place for a nature study camp site.
  The Forest Department has restored it to its original glory as the Chimney Heritage Garden. There is a viewpoint from where you can see Sandakphu on a sunny day. The Chimney Strawberries Garden & Park (IOF) is also a popular tourist attraction here.

• Bagora is a small offbeat village located about 12 km from Kurseong, at the highest elevation (7150 ft) of Kurseong Sub-Division. This offbeat destination is a paradise for bird watchers.
• Kettle Valley is a popular picnic spot located on the banks of the Rinchengtong river, about 10 km from Kurseong Town, and midst of the Dilaram Tea Estate. The enchanting atmosphere created by the green and clear waters surrounding the river is well-known, offering a peaceful environment for relaxation.
• Sittong, an orange village in West Bengal.
• Bhangzang Salamander Lake: A green-colored lake located about 14 km from Kurseong. The lake is home to several rare salamander species and is a very popular picnic spot. The serene environment makes it an ideal place for nature lovers and those looking for tranquility. The best time to see salamanders is during the monsoon season.

Kurseong is home to a number of excellent and highly popular hiking trails. Hiking trails in Kurseong are very appealing to hikers and adventure lovers. Especially, nature walkers can enjoy the forest trails in this area. There are several popular trekking organizers in Kurseong.
Below are some popular hiking trails.

• The famous Kurseong White Orchid Trail is a 9.6 km long moderate hike and is one of the best hiking trails in Kurseong.
• A scenic trek from Kurseong to Darjeeling can be completed in a day by following the Old Military Road.
• Moderate hiking trails can be found around Dow Hill and Eagle’s Crag.
• Makaibari Hike
• The trekking route that starts at Gidda Pahar and ends at Maldiram or Mahaldiram Tea Estate.

Festivals

Kurseong has a great tradition of celebrating major festivals like Makar Sankranti, Holi (Festival of Colors), Dasain, Tihar or Diwali, and Christmas, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
In addition to these, there are some local festivals that are becoming more popular in this area. Below festivals are the most prominent among them.

• Kurseong White Orchid Festival: The three-day event, which features a variety of cultural and musical performances, as well as marathons, walkathons, pet shows, and other activities, is usually celebrated on January 24 to 26 at Monteviot Ground in Kurseong.

• The Pine Tree festival (Kurseong’s big music festival): This Festival was launched by a group of enthusiastic young people in 2016 to boost tourism, music, art, and culture in the region. The two-day music festival includes bands from Nepal, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Shillong, as well as local bands. The Rohini Lake Garden in Kurseong is where the event is usually held in October.
• Strawberry Festival: Kurseong hosts this agriculture-based festival every January. In the coming days, this festival will become one of the most attractive for tourists.

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Kurseong is an ideal destination that can be visited year-round and offers a variety of experiences depending on the season. The best time to visit Kurseong is during the months of March to May and then again from September to December.
Summer (March to May): During this time, the weather is pleasant and comfortable, which makes Kurseong an ideal place to escape from the scorching and intense heat of the plains. Although May is the hottest month here, but it is not comparable to the plains.
Monsoon Season (June to September): Kurseong experiences frequent cloudbursts and torrential rains, which can cause landslides. However, the monsoon season here has its own beauty as the surrounding tea gardens turn greener than usual.Winter Season (October to February): It is cold in Kurseong during this season, but it is not severe, and the pleasant weather continues, which is very enjoyable. Visiting nearby tourist places during this time is an enjoyable experience as the sky remains clear and there is no rainfall. Snowfall is not a regular occurrence here. From Kurseong, when the sky is clear in wintertime, the surrounding mountain peaks such as Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Kabru can be easily seen. On the other hand, there is a magnificent view of the zigzagging Teesta and Mahananda rivers flowing downwards, entering the low plains and meadows.

Helen Lepcha, also known as Savitri Devi (January 14, 1902, to August 18, 1980)
A Forgotten Woman Freedom Fighter from the Eastern Himalayas & Her Connection with Kurseong.
Helen Lepcha was born in Sangmu village near Namchi in Sikkim, but her family later relocated to Kurseong in search of employment and a better education. She helped Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose escape from captivity in Gidda Pahar, Kurseong and actively participated in the non-cooperative movement & the Quit India Movement. Helen Lepcha was named by Mahatma Gandhi as Savitri Devi.

On 15 August 1972, the Government of India awarded Savitri Devi the Tamra Patra Award. She is still considered a Daughter of the soil in Sikkim. In 1932, she became Kurseong Municipality’s first female commissioner, setting the stage for a new era.

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• Tea Tourism – Emerging power in North Bengal & Sikkim