Kurseong is a town in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal and is one of the most visited hill stations in the state. It is located high at 1482 meters and gives some of the most spectacular and scenic views of the mountain ranges as well as of the verdant nature. Take in the stunning views from Eagle’s Crag, stroll through the verdant tea gardens, and become fully immersed in Kurseong’s cultural diversity. Use our suggestions for must-see sights when creating your itinerary to guarantee an enchanted and unforgettable trip to this charming hill station.
10 Places To Visit In Kurseong
Known as the “land of white orchids,” Kurseong is a hill station well-known for its stunning locations. Let us explore some of the places to visit in Kurseong.
1. Eagle’s Crag Viewpoint
Photo: Richard Horvath / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The beautiful tea garden at Eagle’s Crag Viewpoint, a place to visit in Kurseong
Eagle’s Crag Viewpoint is a beautiful place located in Kurseong. With its stunning panoramic views of the rolling hills, tea gardens, lush sceneries, and the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga, Eagle’s Crag Viewpoint is one of Kurseong’s top attractions. This viewpoint is ideal for photography, meditation, and taking in the beauty of nature. There is a charming park close by where guests may unwind. The location also has a watchtower that provides an even higher vantage point.
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
Activities: Sightseeing, picnic
2. Dow Hill
Photo: Arkashis Das / Wikimedia Commons
Dow Hill in Kurseong, West Bengal, exudes a sense of mystery. The elevation of this little-known hill station is 1,458 metres. The Dow Hill Victoria Boys School, which dates back to the British era, and the nearby woods, which are rumoured to be haunted, are important features of Dow Hill. Dense pine and sal forests, which are home to a variety of plants and animals, add to the area’s mysterious character. Visitors can visit the Forest Museum and Deer Park.
Timings: 24 hours
Activities: Know history, nature walk, picnic
3. Kettle Valley
Photo: Syed Sajidul Islam / Wikimedia Commons
The Kettle Valley Picnic Spot is a charming location in Kurseong. This charming spot is well-known for its expansive views, verdant surroundings, and tea gardens. The Kettle River flows through it. The picnic area is the ideal retreat for families and friends. Trekking enthusiasts can also explore the neighbouring trails in Kettle Valley. Additionally, the toy train that travels through Kurseong enhances the area’s charm by giving tourists a view of the famed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. There are also some local food vendors near the valley where guests can try regional fare and drinks.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Activities: Sightseeing, picnic, nature walk
4. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum
Photo: Kamalakanta777 / Wikimedia Commons
One of India’s most revered independence warriors, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, is honoured at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum in Kurseong. This museum is housed in the Giddapahar bungalow, also called the Giddha Pahar Kothi and captures the spirit of Netaji’s brief visit in the middle of the 1930s while he was under British house imprisonment. Visitors can examine a variety of artefacts, records, and photographs that provide light on the leader’s life and career. For tourists, academics, and historians who are curious about India’s fight for independence and Netaji’s important role in it, this place is indeed an inspiration.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Activities: learn about Subhash Chandra Bose, history
5. Makaibari Tea Estate
Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmun / Wikimedia Commons
Makaibari Tea Estate is a well-known garden that has been producing premium Darjeeling tea since 1859. It is one of the oldest and most prominent tea farms in Darjeeling and the first tea factory in history. The estate, which is 1,500 meters above sea level, is roughly 670 hectares in size, of which 270 hectares are used for tea production. By using organic and biodynamic growing methods, the Makaibari Tea Estate maintains a varied habitat. In this region, tea grows in balance with the local rainforest. Additionally, the estate offers a homestay program that lets guests get a personal look at tea garden life.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Activities: tea garden tour, nature walk, learn more about the tea farming
6. Deer Park
Photo: Oast House Archive / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Deer Park, currently called Dow Hill Park, is a serene and lovely park in Kurseong. The tranquil setting, abundant vegetation, and the presence of deer make this picturesque park a beloved destination. Both locals and visitors frequent the park for picnics and relaxation since it has well-kept paths for leisurely walks, benches to enjoy the natural beauty and more. Adventurers are drawn to Dow Hill Park, which is close to the well-known Dow Hill School and serves as a junction for multiple trekking routes.
Timings: Sunrise till sunset
Activities: picnic, nature walk, trekking
7. Ambootia Shiva Temple
Photo: Navneet Sharma / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kurseon is home to the famous Ambootia Shiva Temple. The Ambootia Tea Estate, which is renowned for its fine organic Darjeeling tea, is exactly where the shrine is located. The temple offers a peaceful haven for both believers and visitors. The temple is surrounded by beautiful tea plantations with a view of the green hills. It draws a lot of pilgrims, particularly during the Maha Shivaratri festival. There lies an old dead tree trunk at this temple which surprisingly keeps growing with time.
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
Activities: worship, arti and pooja, nature walk
8. Mary’s Hill
Photo: Imran Samad / Wikimedia Commons
One of the charming locations in the Darjeeling district is Mary’s Hill near Kurseong. This place lies in the Himalayan foothills. The beautiful weather and expansive views of the tea gardens along the hills draw tourists to Mary’s Hill. There are many churches at Mary’s Hill which belong to the colonial era. The most famous church is called St. Mary’s Hill Church is perched at the top of the hill. The weather at this place is pleasant and mild.
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Activities: wildlife spotting, relaxing, picnic, nature, sightseeing
9. Giddapahar Viewpoint
Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmun / Wikimedia Commons
This viewpoint is well-known for its expansive vistas of the Himalayas and verdant tea gardens. It is also a photographer’s paradise. Giddapahar is 4864 feet above sea level and provides a stunning perspective of the surrounding valleys. The vista is close to the Giddapahar Seti Mata Temple, which gives this place a spiritual touch. At Giddapahar Viewpoint, visitors may admire the tea estates like Castleton and Ambotia and the winding rails of the UNESCO-designated Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Timings: Open 24 hour
Activities: sunset and sunrise views, beautiful sky view,
10. Bhangzang Salamander Lake
Photo: Franz26 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Bhangzang Salamander Lake is largely an unexplored natural habitat in Kurseong. It is especially well-known for its resident species, the endangered Himalayan Newt. It is also called the bhangzang salamander. The little lake, which occupies a limited area, offers a peaceful time. Lush tea gardens and thick forests wrap around the surrounding area, adding to the lake’s serene ambience. Given the salamander’s scarcity and ecological value, protecting this fragile environment is of utmost importance. This place is believed to be extremely clean.
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Activities: boating, picnic, nature view
These are a few of Kurseong’s most picturesque locations. The town has a lot to offer in terms of sights to see and adventure. When you get there, the place will leave you in awe. Kurseong has a lot to offer and is a small yet beautiful place. Therefore, Kurseong should be your next travel location if you are making travel plans. So, for your next trip contact TripXL to have the best vacation of your life.
Cover Photo: Mayukh Ghose / Wikimedia Commons