MOUNTAIN ESCAPES
| MIRIK |
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| Mirik guide
>>> Mirik travel guide and tourist information on Mirik, how to get to Mirik,
also details on sightseeing in Mirik, best time to visit Mirik and accommodation in Mirik |
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Mirik, in West Bengal, is a fast developing
hill station near Darjeeling that is racing to become exactly what pre-commercialisation
Darj once used to be. Emerging from its cocoon as a slumbering hill town, Mirik is
propelling itself to center-stage on Kolkata's holiday getaway list. Nestling in the
Himalayas, the town has the serene Lake Sumendu at its heart, some splendid Himalayan
views and treks, and an invigorating climate that welcomes the visitor at any time of the
year. At 1,700 m, beautiful terraced tea estates and sweet smelling spice plantations
surround Mirik. |
Deep forests of cedar and pine crawl up the
hill slopes while orange orchards blossom as far as the eye can see. The orange orchards
in Mirik are particularly lush, with immense bunches of the juicy fruit that find their
way to West Bengal's markets. The biggest tourist draw is Lake Sumendu at the bottom of Mirik
Spur in the centre of town. The magnificent Himalayas are mirrored in Sumendu's
placid waters. Adding to the charm are a floating fountain and a footbridge that leads
into a forest garden. The lake has a cobblestone promenade that is a delightful place to
walk around. This is a lovely picnic spot where you can drink in the beauty of the
mountains, fish or go for a boat ride. A pony ride around Mirik is a great way to take in
all the sights. For spectacular views of the eastern Himalayas, try Deosi Dara
and Ramitey Dara.
Temples dedicated to Shiva, Hanuman and Kalamata, the Goddess of Time are just a short
walk away from the lake. The Debi Sthan with its Singha Devi temple lies
on the lake's west bank. Keeping a brooding eye on Mirik, perched high on a hill, is the
colourful Bokar Gompa monastery, the best known of all the gompas around
town.
Mirik is also a great place to kick-start scenic treks into the Himalayas, past orange
orchards, tea plantations, quaint villages and forests. The 8-hour trek to Kurseong via
Balasan River and Namsu is the most popular. You can also trek into the Deosi
Hills or right up to the Indo-Nepal border at Pashupatinagar.
So come and enjoy the charms of Mirik, the new hill station on the block!
Getting to Mirik
Mirik is 49 km from Darjeeling and 52 km from Siliguri. The nearest airport is at
Bagdogra, and the closest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri, both at Siliguri, with
connections to Kolkata. From Darjeeling and Siliguri, you can take buses or taxis to get
to Mirik. DGHC Tourism organizes one-day luxury coach tours from Darjeeling to Mirik.
Best time to visit Mirik
Mirik is pleasant to visit at any time of the year. The average summer temperature is
30ºC and winter is 13ºC. June to August sees rainfall. Bring light woollens and cotton
clothes for summer and heavier ones for winter.
Accommodation in Mirik
There are comfortable hotels in town, with decent facilities in Mirik. DGHC has
tourist cottages and log cabins in the forest, as well as a Tourist Hostel in town.
Advance bookings are recommended in season. Contact DGHC Tourism, Darjeeling, Tel:
0354-54214, 54879. Or Tourist Centre, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata, Tel: 2488271,
2485917.
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