Tourist spots in Kurseong: Travel guide

Favourite tourist spots in Kurseong are more than enough for a perfect weekend getaway around the city. Kurseong, meaning the “Land of White Orchids,” is a quaint town in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal. It is a little yet beautiful township, situated on a ridge at an altitude of 1458m. Therefore, it provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas and picturesque locales. It offers a relaxing atmosphere for visitors as well as for those planning a permanent shift to this suburban place.

It was a former hill station of the British Empire and is also popular as ‘The Land of White Orchids’. The hill-station is famous for its toy train ride offering a picturesque journey along several waterfalls and through eleven tunnels. In addition to this, tourists can visit Eagle Craig (away from the hustle and bustle of the city), Dow Hill (which has a haunted forest) and Makaibari Tea Estate (the world’s first tea garden).

Sightseeing in Kurseong

This blog is the only Travel Guide you will require for your weekend rendezvous at our favourite hill-station Kurseong! Here, you will find complete and up to date city guide for Kurseong with pictures, descriptions and travel tips.

Sightseeing in Kurseong can be a slowly-paced, leisurely affair as you take your time absorbing the beauty of the surroundings. You can also enjoy adventure activities available here such as zip-lining, rock climbing and hiking.

In this guide you will find all the top sights, plus hidden corners that can be discovered only on foot. You’ll find 30 walks and trails through Kurseong’s most scenic areas and best-kept secrets. All these illustrated with detailed maps and richly evocative descriptions that highlight local history and culture. Along with essential information on each walk’s degree of difficulty, expected duration to complete, transportation options and special features.

Khecheopalri Lake

Khecheopalri Lake is a sacred lake for both Buddhists and Hindus, located in West Sikkim, India. It lies between altitudes of 6,500 feet (1,900 m) and 6,735 feet (2,034 m), surrounded by dense forests. Legend has it that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake’s surface.

A Buddhist pilgrimage site and a beautiful lake located at a distance of around 26 kilometers from Kurseong town. Khecheopalri lake is mostly crowded by tourists throughout the year. The huge standing statue of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva in Khecho temple was recovered from the lake as per the local legend were to believed. The place offers some pleasing views that could never disappoint you! It remains crowded during festivals like Maghi Purnima or during post monsoon season. This is because it has its own charm with lush greenery all over and serene atmosphere!

Khecheopalri is settled in a damp, forested glade and nestled against a backdrop of steep rolling hills covered in murmuring forest. The sacred Khecheopalri Lake (also spelt Kecheopalri Lak or Khechepalri) is the most hallowed body of water in Sikkim. Surrounded by forest, The Khecheopalri lake is free from disturbance from human activities. The only way to reach the lake involves long trek uphill and a guide is essential. Apart from this, 7 species of rhododendron plants found on the trail up to the lake, among other medicinal plants. The lake is a worshipped site for both Hindus and Buddhists in Sikkim. Both owing to stories revolving around its origin which is associated with spirits and deities.

Local Myth

This place is believed to be the most sacred place for the Buddhists in Sikkim, and neither the locals nor the visitors are allowed to enter it. There is a common belief that three hair relics of Lord Buddha have been kept in this lake. In fact, there's a wish-fulfilling tree on this Lake, but only few people know about it.' Also, it is believed that birds do not permit leaves falling into the Lake. There is a floating bird leaf in the center of the Lake. The water of the lake is considered sacred and it is the belief that birds do not allow even leaves fall into this pristine holy water.

Khecheopalri Lake, West Bengal. Mystical and unknown, it’s said to be the only spot where a demigod will prevent leaves from floating on its surface. The ideal spot for setting off into the mountains, this is a mesmerizing town surrounded by lofty peaks and emerald-green tea plantations.

Visit Flower Shows at Kurseong

The flower shows organised every year during monsoon season make it an ideal way for travelers to have this overwhelming experience of nature. Here you can see more than 12 species of orchids, Dendrobiums and Dahlias. There will also be stalls selling handicrafts & food items made by local artisans. Experience the rich flora and fauna of Kurseong. The Flower Shows at Kurseong is a unique way to explore the hills of Darjeeling.

The famous flower shows at Kurseong are a feast for the eyes. India’s most beautiful flowers come together for this grand show to make it an unmissable spectacle. Curated by the Indian National Budding Society, these shows are a treat for nature lovers.

Blue hills, tea gardens and white clouds dancing over the horizon form the perfect picture of Kurseong. The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of orchids and roses but for those who are not content with only these two flowers there is much more to see in terms of flora.

A visit to Kurseong during the month of March will not be complete without seeing the flowers in bloom. The festive floral exhibitions are held at various locations in Kurseong and they provide ample opportunities to its visitors to appreciate the beauty of these flora. The flowers of Kurseong bloom in full form in March. If you are a kin of bright blooms and nature, then this place might just be your haven.

Makaibari Tea Estate

Makaibari Tea Estate is one of the famous tourist attractions of Kurseong. Dr Allan Cunningham’ on a Crown Land Grant from King Surendra of Nepal established this historical tea estate in 1859. His uncle Dr J Mackenzie later took over it in 1861. He successfully cultivated the area and developed it into a large tea plantation. Lord Canning, the Governor General of India of that time next year launched this tea garden. The most exclusive tea estate in the world, Makaibari is a living heritage, indeed the home of Darjeeling Tea.

This organic garden gives you an opportunity to witness every process of tea making in an eco-friendly setting:

• tea plucking,

• factory visits,

• or as a voluntourist

You will be involved with shaping this beautiful garden where tradition lives in harmony with nature.

It offers a complete experience of plantation life along with local people’s way of living. Tourists get to see how tea leaves are harvested , processed & rolled by hand which is really fascinating for them! Other than that there are some small shops selling handmade chocolates, candies & variety tea products made of 88% pure Darjeeling tea leaves.

This tea estate tour begins with a 45-minute transfer through Kurseong to Makaibari Tea Estate, one of the oldest and most prestigious tea estates in Darjeeling district. Here, you’ll learn about the Indian community that lives and works at Makaibari. You’ll also have time for a short walk through the tea gardens.

Situated amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of hills covered with bountiful forests in Darjeeling, Makaibari is one of the oldest tea estates on earth. Visited by tea lovers from around the world, Makaibari is a destination that you must include in your itinerary. Situated at an altitude of 7,000 feet, our estate is one of the oldest and most reputed tea estates in the country. See the oldest functioning tea estate in Darjeeling, opened in 1859! You'll see not just how they make tea but also how they process cardamom and cinnamon, enjoy a cup of their famous tea, and explore the area.

Kurseong Market

A big market comprising of many shops, restaurants & stalls selling locally made handicraft items, clothes and other miscellaneous things to tourists who visit here! It has so much to offer that you will surely not get bored when you’re here. Visit this popular cultural hot spot for the locals and tourists alike to witness a colourful display of some of the finest and fresh products. You can find exquisite handicrafts and produce at this bustling colonial era bazaar. Thus, no need to worry if you are looking for something to take home from your trip.

This market is the best place to get a taste of the local culture. The vendors selling fresh produce and local souvenirs fill the active hub, while nearby tea factories make you feel immersed in the city’s history. As estimated that Darjeeling grows over 30 different kinds of tea, so wander into one of the factories to learn about the differences among them.

Kurseong Railway Museum

Have you ever wondered why Kurseong is the last resort for Darjeeling? You will find the answer at DHR Museum. The museum is accessible from New Jalpaiguri station. The nearest railway station is Kurseong. Built in the 1880s the Kurseong DHR Museum, a.k.a Dow Hill House, was the residence of a divisional forest officer. In 1959, KM became the field office of the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI).

Since then, An SI has expanded its operations at KM with a 'Hall of Oriental Ethnography' inaugurated in 2010 and a 'Hall of South Asian Ethnology' inaugurated in 2019. KM also features some tribal artefacts acquired from various northeastern states as well as a collection of photographs of tribesmen taken during British rule in India.

A must visit place for everyone especially those who love history. Two storeys having many collection of different items that date back to earlier centuries like idols, coins , paintings make up this museum a must visit .So make sure you visit this place before leaving kurseong because it will give you a great insight about the history of this land!

Kurseong Railway Station

Kurseong Railway Station is one of the most scenic railway stations in India, located at the top of a hill. As a result, the place offers a fabulous view around it and has been compared to being on the top of a giant wedding cake. Origin of the hill stations is related to the British period. Here, you can see ruins of the colonial era like Victoria Boys high school and many beautiful bungalows.

Kurseong railway station is a railway station on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway branch line from Siliguri Junction to Darjeeling. At an elevation of 1,458.972 m (4,785 ft) in 1880 the railway station was first inaugurated. Kurseong, despite its world-famous Darjeeling tea and scenic beauty, Kurseong remains out of sync with the rest of the world. The nearest airport and railway station are in Bagdogra, which is a four-hour drive away.

 One of the oldest railway stations in India established during British era where most trains run through Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR) cover the distance between Siliguri Junction to Kurseong Town. Falling in love with it’s small but beautiful structure & old British era design is inevitable for the locals as well as the tourists. 

Known for its interesting architecture Kurseong Railway Station is a former destination for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway . Therefore, designed in the late 1800s by British architects, the station still operates today and welcomes passengers for regular journeys on the Himalayan railway. Take a guided tour of the station to learn more about the heritage of this historic spot and enjoy a relaxing stroll through the surrounding tea plantation gardens.

Conclusion

The incredible natural beauty and healthy climate that prevails in the region and fragrant white orchids. The town lies on a ridge about 3000 feet above sea level, 35 km from Darjeeling and 30 km from Siliguri. In other words,visiting around the year is possible due to the moderate climate that prevails in the region throughout the year.

While the many of the natural landmarks are a delight to walk by, it’s the hill town’s architecture that amazes. From ancient churches to royal palaces, here are some must-see destinations for visitors to Kurseong. You’ll find 30 walks and trails through Kurseong’s most scenic areas and best-kept secrets, illustrated with detailed maps and richly evocative descriptions that highlight local history and culture, along with essential information on each walk’s degree of difficulty, how long it takes to complete, transportation options and special features.