7 Best Places to visit in Mirik (Darjeeling) West Bengal

Mirik, nestled among dense alpine trees, is one of the most breathtaking locations in West Bengal. It is a picturesque hill station surrounded by lush green tea gardens, orange orchards, and majestic mountains.

The name Mirik is said to have come from a Lepcha word, “Mir-Yok,” which means “Place burnt by Fire.”

Mirik has become a popular tourist destination in recent years because of its ethereal beauty, easy accessibility, and relaxing lifestyle.

In this article, you will get to know about the following places to visit in Mirik,

Mirik Lake
Orange Orchards
Bunkulung
Bokar Monastery
Rameetay Dhara
Rai Dhap
Devi Sthan

Let’s see each of these points in detail.

1. Mirik Lake

Mirik Lake (Shubh.ch1994, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Mirik Lake, also known as Sumendu Lake, is the most prominent landmark in Mirik. The picturesque lake is surrounded by beautiful landscapes of oak and chestnut trees, creating a calm and tempting atmosphere. Various mountainous hamlets are also visible around the lake.

The weather is equally pleasant in this place. White clouds often float at a lower elevation above the lake. You can enjoy pony riding along the side of the lake or boating in it. You can also visit the nearby Pashupati market to buy various things.

2. Orange Orchards

Orange orchards are plantations that spread across many areas in Mirik. These orchards are some of the offbeat yet most beautiful destinations in the region.

The contrast of orange and green colors makes the area look so stunning that you will be tempted to take many close-up photos of the big oranges on the bushy trees. The place looks magnificent especially when the sunlight shines through the garden, creating a glorious hue.

Places like Mirik Busty and Murmah and Soureni Busty produce superior-quality oranges (mainly of the Cymbidium variety) that are exported to many markets.

3. Bunkulung

Bunkulung is another offbeat destination in Mirik. The place is blessed with orange orchards, lush green woods, and extensive tea gardens. The small village offers you a picturesque landscape to photograph and showers you with utter tranquility.

The green and golden paddy fields that glow in the morning sun are soothing to the eyes. Bunkulung is traversed by two elegant rivers: Balasun and Murmah.

The cottages, bungalows, and houses look quaint with colorful flower gardens and orange orchards in front of them. The place is also quite famous for pisciculture.

4. Bokar Monastery

Founded in 1984 by Kyabje Bokar Rinpoche, Bokar Monastery is an ancient and beautiful place to visit in Mirik. It belongs to the Kagyud order and it was originally intended as a small retreat center.

Under the supervision of Rinpoche, it gradually evolved into a monastery that trains monks in the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. Today, it is led by Rinpoche’s close disciple Khenpo Lodro Donto Rinpoche and houses 500 monks.

The monastery has a striking red and golden color that stands out from the lakeside. Nearby, there is a vantage point where you can admire the stunning views of sunrise and sunset.

5. Rameetay Dhara

Rameetay Dhara is a scenic viewpoint in Mirik that offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surroundings.

You can admire the beauty of the tea gardens, small hamlets, settlements, lush green valleys, and the Teesta River from here. You can also witness the majestic Mt Kanchenjunga glowing in golden hues during sunrise and sunset.

Rameetay Dhara is a perfect place to enjoy some peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

6. Rai Dhap

Rai Dhap is a man-made reservoir in Mirik that supplies drinking water to neighboring areas. It is also a popular spot for picnics, surrounded by a dense pine forest.

The tranquil atmosphere and occasional glimpses of exotic Himalayan birds attract visitors who want to enjoy nature’s beauty.

7. Devi Sthan

Devi Sthan is one of the offbeat sacred destinations in Mirik. It houses the idols of Goddess Singla Devi, Lord Shiva, Hanuman, and Goddess Kali. The atmosphere around the temple is quite serene and you can sit for hours here to feel the spiritual aura all around.

Many tourists and locals come here to seek the blessings of the almighty. The temple is a short walk from Sumendu Lake and a few minutes from Bokar Monastery. Visiting this lovely temple will allow you to refresh and unwind your soul in this beautiful hilly destination.

These are some of the best places to visit in Mirik. You can visit these places and other areas surrounding Mirik to have a lovely vacation amidst nature.

Located at an elevation of 1495 meters, Mirik has a much warmer climate than Darjeeling. The natural wonders of Mirik will fill your soul with joy and satisfaction.

This place is also one of the best offbeat destinations near Darjeeling.

Some other articles you might like

Disclaimer: Some of the links provided in the article may contain affiliate links. This means when you book or buy something using these links, you help support the website at no extra cost.