MOUNTAIN ESCAPES
| KURSEONG |
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| Kurseong guide >>> Kurseong travel guide and tourist information
on Kurseong, how to get to Kurseong, also details on sightseeing in Kurseong, best
time to visit Kurseong and accommodation in Kurseong |
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West Bengal's Kurseong, at 1458 mt, is a happy
little junction on the Darjeeling-Siliguri Toy Train's route. Here is a quiet, unassuming
town, much loved by the solitude seeker and nature lover. Affectionately called the Land
of the White Orchid, Kurseong is redolent with the fragrance of this delicate blossom. Its
name, a corruption of the Nepali word Kharshang, means the Dawn's Pole Star, a name that
is fairly indicative of its charm. The Kurseong countryside is like a page from a picture
book. Rolling plains crammed with tea plantations; and green hills speckled closely with
conifer forests.
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The lush tea plantations that are plastered
across the hills - like the Castleton Tea Estate or the Jungpana,
Ambotey or Makaibaru- are interesting spots to visit. There are
amazing views of the Teesta River and the Darjeeling valley from Eagle's Crag,
a short trek from Kurseong town. Quite a few trekking trails lead off into the surrounding
mountains and forests. You can see the Kanchenjunga, Jannu and
Kabru peaks as they loom up in the distance.
Perhaps the prettiest page in the Kurseong fairytale is a ride on the famous Toy Train as
it chuffs valiantly along its route from Darjeeling to Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. The
Toy Train was commissioned in 1881, a shiny blue and silver steam locomotive whose novelty
has still not worn off after 120 years! The Toy Train is miniature - a tiny engine that
heroically pulls 4-5 compartments on a narrow gauge rail. The train braves hills and
valleys, weaving around waterfalls, rivers and forests on its 8 ½ to 10-hour journey.
The town itself is blissfully uncrowded and untouched, its friendly inhabitants adding
immensely to the whole charm of the Kurseong experience. There are a number of old
colonial churches, buildings and schools. The Deer Park, the
Forest Museum, the mini amusement park and the water reservoir are other
attractions. If you are interested in temples, see the Ambotika Shiva Mandir
and the Gidhapahar Mandir in town.
Come and experience the fairytale magic of this peaceful town. Chances are that you too
will discover how time stands still in Kurseong.
Getting to Kurseong
Kurseong is 39 km from Darjeeling and 636 km from Kolkata. The nearest airport is at
Bagdogra, 60 km. New Jalpaiguri, 57 km, is the nearest railhead, though the town itself is
a station on the Toy Train line between Darjeeling and New Jalpaiguri. Buses and taxis are
available between Kurseong and the neighbouring towns.
Best time to visit Kurseong
Any time is a good time to visit Kurseong; the temperature is moderate, rarely rising
above 30° C in summer or falling below 6° C in winter. June, July and August are rainy
months. Carry cotton clothes and light woollens for summer and layers of warm clothes for
winter.
Accommodation in Kurseong
West Bengal Tourism accommodation, mid-budget hotels and low budget rest houses are
available in Kurseong. The tariffs start at Rs 30 for dormitory beds and Rs 350-550 for
double rooms in economy hotels.
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