Kurseong, the gem of the Darjeeling locale, is a paradise for those searching for peace mixed with an exhilarating experience. There are many things to do in Kurseong, such as taking a ride on the notable Darjeeling Himalayan Rail line or exploring the centre of Kurseong’s tea culture, the Makaibari Tea Estate. Here, you can visit the serene Giddapahar Seti Mata Temple, explore the clamouring area markets, and shop for hand-customised crafts to experience a calm, dynamic culture and vivacious encounters.
12 Things To Do In Kurseong
Kurseong is a tranquil hill station cradled in the arms of the Eastern Himalayas where you can indulge in a bevy of activities for a memorable visit.
1. Hop On Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Photo: Donvikro / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Step back in time with a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. This beautiful steam train breezes through the moving fogs and emerald tea homesteads of Kurseong. One of the best things to do in Darjeeling, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a train ride as well as an exciting excursion through the base of the Himalayan lower regions. The chug of the train and wonderful vistas fanning out past the windows give you an enchanting experience with an old-world charm.
Start And End Point: Kurseong station to Darjeeling station
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
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2. Explore The Makaibari Tea Home
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Explore and immerse yourself in the verdant greatness of the Makaibari Tea Home, where the demonstrations of tea cultivation traditions tell a story of a time long ago. A planned visit through these widespread nurseries not only uncovers the intricate course of tea creation; it also lets you witness practices that make Darjeeling’s aromatic tea a special product. Taste some of the aromatic flavours here for an amazing experience while savouring the city’s rich biodiversity.
Cost/Person: Around ₹500 for a guided tour
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
How To Reach: Can be easily reached using a local taxi or private car
3. Sunset At Eagle’s Crag
Photo: Umutizgi / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
It is one of the most exciting things to see in Kurseong. A visit to Eagle’s Crag during night offers a unique experience. As you stand at this raised post, the horizon expands vastly into the elegant frameworks of the Himalayan zeniths. The sunset paints the sky in powerful shades of orange, pink, and purple, extending a puzzling sparkle over the entire valley. Many quiet moments in this place offer individual reflection and give you an ideal setting to capture memories.
Entry Fee: ₹20
Timings: Open until sunset
How To Reach: Short drive or hike from Kurseong
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4. Explore Giddapahar Seti Mata Temple
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Settled in the centre of the thick foliage on a quiet edge, the Giddapahar Seti Mata Temple is a huge place exuding devotion and spirituality. This valued place is not only a religious temple, evoking devotion but also is blended with a social and local area that shows extreme craftsmanship and compositional style. Here, you can stroll through the tranquil environment and partake in rituals for a soulful experience.
How To Reach: Accessible via local taxis or private cars
5. Visit Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum
Photo: Vice President’s Secretariat / Wikimedia Commons
Dive into the brave record of India’s fight for independence at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum. This museum, which was the home of the lauded political dissenter Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, houses his very own wide variety of assets, creations, and photographs. Each presentation here describes a record of strength and patriotism. A huge informational experience of potentially India’s most remarkable trailblazer awaits you.
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: ₹10
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM, closed on Wednesdays
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6. Trek To Dow Hill
Photo: Yogendra Singh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
When exploring what to do in Kurseong, this activity can be a great addition to your itinerary. It is a half-day excursion through the thick backwoods areas of Dow Hill, a region that offers many secrets and old stories. The outing provides an enthusiastic challenge as well as muttered tales of ghosts and the ghostly Dow Hill School. In the midst of this spooky energy, you can trek through natural beauty that is meant to leave you in awe.
Duration: Half-day trek (4 – 5 hours)
How To Reach: The trail starts near Victoria Boys’ School, accessible by local taxi
7. Kettle Valley Picnic Spot
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Kettle Valley provides a beguiling escape with its beautiful journey that has surprising viewpoints on the enveloping slants. Visiting this place is undeniably one of the best things to do in Kurseong with family or friends, where you can spend a fun picnic with a delicious barbeque. The locale comprises a few walking trails, inviting you to explore the nearby timberlands and streams. It’s an extraordinary place for unwinding and loosening up by reconnecting with nature amidst the tranquillity of Kurseong’s beautiful scenery.
Best Time To Visit: March to May & September to December
Distance From Kurseong: Around 15 minutes drive
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8. Shopping At Local Markets
Photo: Qeqertaq / Wikimedia Commons
Dive into the exciting energy of Kurseong’s local markets, where the rich, woven fine art of slant station life spreads out. These business areas are a treasure trove of exquisite arts and crafts, offering you a chance to purchase novel and handcrafted showpieces. Shopping in the local markets is a social experience, crowded with local individuals and tourists from all around the world, which portrays its daily life.
Best Time To Visit: Morning or late afternoon
9. Bird Watching At Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Dibyendu Ash / Wikimedia Commons
Experience the rich ranges of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, a paradise for bird lovers and nature lovers. The sanctuary displays a rich biodiversity, especially noted for its avian species. Walking around this protected locale, you can see different species of birds, all thriving in a vast landscape. The quietness of the forest, combined with the excitement of sighting rare species of birds, offers a unique, untamed experience, making this activity a fundamentally satisfying encounter.
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Distance From Kurseong: Around 45 minutes drive
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10. Stroll Through St. Mary’s Hill
Photo: Tim Hill / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Escape to the tranquil and picturesque St. Mary’s Hill, where the tranquil Orthodox Church, surrounded by extravagant pine woods, gives you a peaceful retreat from the busy town of Kurseong. This region offers a spiritual retreat as well as dazzling points of view on the hills and distant tops. Ideal for walks or quiet nights, here you can experience the tranquil environment complemented by the melodic calls of neighbourhood birds.
How To Reach: Accessible by road; local taxis available from Kurseong
Best Time To Visit: October to May
11. Visit Castleton Tea Estate
Photo: Engin_Akyurt / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Explore the grand Castleton Tea Home, known for making the best muscatel teas on the planet. Here, you can explore the refined course of tea making and managing. Apart from that, you can walk around the sun-dappled tea gardens, notice the fragile winnowing cycle, and converse with specialists to see the value in the subtleties of flavour. The experience ends with a tea-tasting meeting where you can enjoy the undeniable fragrant profiles of their remarkable blends.
Cost/Person: Around ₹200 for a guided tour
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
How To Reach: Taxis are readily available
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12. Relax At Cochrane Place
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons
The restored colonial bungalow that is now a boutique hotel and wellness retreat is called Cochrane Place. Here, you can unwind after challenging excursions around Kurseong. Enjoy spa massages and yoga meetings, or taste some Darjeeling tea while engulfing yourself in an enchanting valley. The spot frequently has social nights, where you can appreciate nearby music and dance, making it the ideal method for absorbing the neighbourhood culture and loosening up.
Cost/Person: Spa sessions start from ₹1000
How To Reach: Accessible by road; taxis from Kurseong
Kurseong, with its enticing blend of serenity and social and cultural diversity, attracts visitors from all across the country. There are several things to do in Kurseong to suit your diverse interests. Kurseong offers an experience packed with enduring memories. Whether you’re searching for a natural experience or want to explore the local customs, you can plan your trip with TripXL and enjoy a hassle-free journey.
Cover Photo: Shahnoor Habib Mummun / Wikimedia Commons