Kurseong Travel Guide
About Kurseong:
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. Kurseong offers opportunities for trekking to the surrounding
areas. The most popular one day trekking route is from Kurseong to Mirik
via Namsu and Balasun River. The Tourism Department organizes such
trekking in groups.
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.
Getting There:
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.
Tourist Attractions:
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.
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.
Giddhapahar Mandir :
2 km , on Hill Cart Road, is a Shiva temple. A fair is held on
Shivratri.
Makaibari Tea Estate :
4 km, where visitors can see tea manufacture and buy the same.
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.
