Kurseong Travel Guide

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.

When you travel to Kurseong you will experience a peaceful fairytale holiday and chances are that you will discover how time stands still in this beautiful little hill station.

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.

Educational institutions abound in Kurseong. There are many good schools here and they cater mainly to the children of the tea planters of the region.