Kurseong is a charming town in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal and is one of the most visited hill stations in the state. It is elevated at 1482 meters and offers some of the most magical and picturesque views of the mountain ranges as well as of the verdant nature.
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The pleasant climate of Kurseong makes it an ideal destination for any season. It has a lot to offer in terms of attractions and experiences.
In this article, you will get to see some famous places to visit in Kurseong,
- Ambotia Shiva Mandir
- Eagle’s Crag
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum
- Dowhill Park
- Hanuman Statue View Point
- Makaibari Tea Estate
- Giddapahar Durga Mata Mandir
Let’s see each of these points in detail.
1. Ambootia Shiva Mandir
One of the popular places to visit in Kurseong is the Ambootia Shiva Mandir, a holy temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located inside the Ambootia Tea Estate.
The temple has a unique architecture that resembles a Buddhist monastery, with colorful flags and paintings. The temple is believed to be a Swayambhu Shiv Mandir, meaning it emerged on its own without human intervention. There is also a rare rudraksha tree that is considered sacred by Hindus.
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The temple is surrounded by an orange orchard that adds to the charm of the place. You can enjoy the serene atmosphere and the splendid views of the River Balasun from the temple premises.
The Ambotia Shiva Mandir is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves nature, culture, and spirituality.
2. Eagle’s Crag
The Eagle’s Crag Point is a viewpoint located on the hills of Kurseong, offering stunning views of the Kanchenjunga and the Siliguri plains.
Reaching the point is quite an adventure. You will have to navigate through narrow and steep paths, with water lines crossing your way. It becomes an amazing experience before seeing the destination.
At the viewpoint, there is a tall tower that offers a breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. You can climb up the spiral staircase that wraps around the tower and reach the top. From there, you can admire the lush green hills, the clouds, and the surrounding areas that look like a painting.
No matter what time of the day you visit, you will be mesmerized by the beauty of the sky and the tranquility of the place. If you are lucky enough to catch the sunset, you will witness a magical spectacle of colors. The sun turns into a red ball and dips into the horizon, creating a mystical atmosphere.
The place is worth all the admiration and attention. Spend some time while you are at the top and do visit the small garden that is there. There is also a monument of a Gorkha warrior. Sitting arrangements are also made where you can relax and rewind amidst the natural environment, away from all the hassles.
3. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum is situated at Giddhapahar. It takes around 15 minutes to reach the location from the center of the town of Kurseong.
The house in which the museum is located belongs to Netaji’s elder brother, Sarat Chandra Bose. This house has historic importance as it was Netaji’s abode when he was under house arrest by the British colonial authorities. It was this place from where he had sent numerous political letters of significance to different places and a few letters to his wife Emilie as well. After the imprisonment, he was there in the house for seven months. He also returned to this house in October 1937 and started living there.
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The house was converted into a museum in 2005 and is managed by the Calcutta Museum. It displays many photographs of Netaji, such as those showing him taking morning walks at Paglajhora, a nearby waterfall. It also preserves some of his personal belongings, such as a dressing table, a cot, a chair and a study table. All the letters are also preserved very well inside. There is also a Camellia tree that was planted by Sarat Chandra Bose in 1934.
The museum showcases the significant events that took place in this house and the role of Netaji in the freedom struggle. It is a fascinating place for history lovers and also offers a scenic view of the surrounding hills. The museum is affiliated with the Netaji Institute for Asian Studies, which conducts research on Himalayan languages and cultures.
4. Dowhill Park
Dowhill Park is a serene and scenic spot on top of Dowhill. It is a fenced area with a variety of plants and flowers. This place is ideal to spend some time in the middle of the quaint nature. You can see some historic houses from the British era and some rare birds and animals in the park.
The best way to reach the park is by trekking through the wilderness and enjoying the natural beauty. You can also take a cab if you prefer.
The park has a gazebo, a playground, water fountains, and a flower house for you to relax and have fun. This park is also called the deer park because of the many deer that lived there, but they are not seen often anymore due to deforestation.
5. Hanuman Statue View Point
Hanuman Statue View Point is a sacred place with a 40 feet tall statue of Lord Hanuman, built by the Gorkha Territorial Administration. It is situated in the peaceful Gauri Shankar tea garden in the Naya Basti area, under the Castleton Tea Company. The statue stands on a granite platform and is surrounded by steel railings.
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From this place, the landscape looks remarkable with all the floating clouds, green valleys, blue sky, and winding roads. Make sure to stay during the golden hour as the entire place turns magical with the setting sun.
You can reach the place by car or bike but be prepared for some curves. The place attracts devotees and tourists alike, who come to worship and admire the natural beauty.
6. Makaibari Tea Estate
Makaibari Tea Estate is one of the oldest and most famous tea gardens in Darjeeling. This is another famous attraction that you can visit near Kurseong. It was founded in 1852 by an Indian family, who still runs it for four generations.
It was the first to set up a factory in 1859 and to introduce organic farming in Darjeeling. This is also the world’s first ‘Fair Trade’ certified tea garden and the first to appoint women at supervisory positions.
The garden offers homestays for tourists and visitors. You can experience the garden and all the activities for a few days. It is an incredible place to explore and have a great time in the natural ambiance while gobbling on some good traditional and local food. You will also get a chance to get a peek into the life of the locals.
While you are here, don’t forget to explore the garden, walk through the alleys, and learn about the processing of tea in the factory.
7. Giddapahar Durga Mata Mandir
The Giddapahar Durga Mandir is over 100 years old and also known as Sri Sri Sati Devi Mandir. It is located 2 kilometers away from Kurseong market and is on Hill Cart Road.
The temple is devoted to Goddess Durga and has a rock sculpture of the goddess. There is also a big banyan tree near the temple. The devotees who worship the temple tie a string around the tree and ask for a wish. It is believed that if you do this and wish, the wish is fulfilled. For this reason, the mandir also goes by the name the Wishing Temple. It is also one of the most popular in Darjeeling Hills.
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The temple hosts a fair on Ram Navami every year in March or April, attracting many devotees and creating a festive mood.
It is an amazing place to be and find some peace.
These are some beautiful places to visit in Kurseong.
So much is there to be seen and a lot of adventure awaits you in the town. You will be amazed by the place when you arrive.
Kurseong is a small but stunning place with a lot to offer. So, if you are planning a trip, choose Kurseong as your next destination.
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