Simply out of this world

The East Himalayas comprise the hill tracts of northern West Bengal, Sikkim and the broad green fields and virgin forests of the Dooars Valley. The topography of the land couldn't be more vaired - from the highest mountain peaks to hills and fertile wide plains.

The People

The hill tracts are mainly inhabited by colourful Nepalese, Sikkimese, lamas of Bhutanese and Tibetan origin, while the rest of the region has a fair representation of Bengalees and people from other parts of India. Doors is the home to the vanishing tribe of Totos, in addition to a number of other tribes. The people are friendly, warm and happy go-lucky, with colourful cultures and social mores.

Kurseong

A quiet township between Siliguri and Darjeeling at an altitude of 1458 M (4860 ft.) noted for its secluded charm and Eagle's Crag, offering a commanding view of the undulating plains below.

Altitude : 4860 feet (2458 metres).
Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max 32, Min 19; Winter- Max 15, Min 6.
Rainfall : 160 inches annually (mid June to August).
Best season : March to mid June & September to mid December.
STD Code : 03554.

Places to visit

• Eagle's Crag- 1 km
• Deer Park- 4 kms
• Forest Museum
• Giddhapahar Mandir- 2 km
• Ambotika Shiv Mandir- 5 kms
• Makaibari Tea Estate-4 kms
• St.Mary's Hill- 4 km; Downhill
• Baggaura
• Chimney
• Kettle Valley Picnic Spot
• Namsu
• Netaji Kothi.

Walks & Treks in Kurseong
1. Kurseong Town-Forest School-Dow Hill School-Kurseong (8 kms).
2. Kurseong Town-St.Mary's-(Rangers College) Deorali-Chimney-Kurseong (8 kms).
3. Kurseong-Singell Tea Estate-Cafebari-Rinchngton Power Station-Namshu Picnic Spot-Kurseong (16 kms).

Access

By Air : Nearest airport Bagdogra (60 kms from Kurseong), is connected to Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati & other places of north-eastern India by Indian Airlines, Damania & Vayudoot services.
Fare: Calcutta-Bagdora Rs.1784 (US$ 65)

By Rail: Kurseong itself is a railway station on the NJP-Darjeeling narrow guage line (Toy Train Line). And NJP (New Jalpaiguri), 57 kms from Kurseong, is directly connected by rail to Calcutta and other main places in India.
Fare: Calcutta-New Jalpaiguri Rs 700 (AC-2A), Rs.504 (I), Rs.170 (II).

By Road: Kurseong is connected by road with Shiliguri (51 kms) and from there to practically all the major cities of India. Some road distances are :-
Guwahati 560 kms, Calcutta 636 kms, Delhi 1359 kms, Kathmandu 621 kms.

Kalimpong

Another beautiful hill town in North Bengal that can be reached from either Siliguri or Darjeeling. The trip from Darjeeling being memorable for its lovely road through forests and a place called the Viewpoint, offering excellent view of the confluence of the Rangeet and the Teesta rivers, as also of the Himalayan mountain range from Durbindara summit. Kalimpong's attractions include three Buddhist monasteries, orchid nurseries, a sericulture centre and Dr Graham's Home, a large sprawling school set up in 1900 for educating the children of tea workers.

Altitude : 1250 metres.
Temperature (deg C): Summer Max- , Min- ; Winter Max- , Min-
Languages spoken : Gorkha, Nepali, Bengali, Hindi, English.
STD Code : 03552

Places to visit

• Dr. Graham's Homes,
• Durbin Dara,
• Kalimpong Arts & Crafts,
• Flower Nurseries,
• Kalimpong Market,
• Tibetan Monastery and Curio Shops,
• Dela point.

Access

By Air : Nearest airport Bagdogra (80 kms from Kalimpong) is connected to Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati & other places of northeastern Indian by Indian Airlines, Damania & Vayudoot services.
Fare: Calcutta-Bagdogra Rs.1784 (US$ 65).

By Rail: Two nearest railway stations are New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Shiliguri where NJP is directly connected by rail with all the important places in India.
Fare: Calcutta-NJP Rs.750 (AC-2A), Rs.525 (I), Rs.175 (II).

By Road: Kalimpong is connected by road with Calcutta 651 kms, Guwahati 513 kms, Delhi 1312 kms and other major cities in India.

Lava & Lolaygaon

Short drives through dense forests from Kalimpong are tourist spots with unspoiled idyllic surroundings. Lava is the gateway to the Neora National Park. Lolaygaon offers a fascinating view of sunrise from Jhandidara.

Mirik

A recently developed hill-station, Mirik has grown around a lovely lake with boating facilities and a milder climate. It is 55 kms from Siliguri. The town is centered around the Sumendu Lake. Landscaped gardens, the tourism department cottages and boating facilities have made Mirik an attractive resort town. Mirik is 1767 m above sea level. 

On the western bank of the lake is the Debisthan with its Singha Devi mandir.

Mirik has several view points like Ramitey Dara and Deosi Dara which offer spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan ranges. Mirik  also has tea gardens, orange orchards and cardamom groves.

Altitude: 1767 msl
Climate: cool and temperate
Summer: max 29^oC
Winter: max 13^oC
Rainfall: 279.4 cm annually

Access

By Road: From Darjeeling () and Siliguri ().

Dooars Valley

Imagine a stretch of land 130 km. long by 458 km. wide where nature has lavished all her bounties and you know it's doors. The gateway to the Himalayas.

Here an unending stretch of virgin forests is crisscrossed by the river Teesta and her innumerable tributaries. Beautiful motorable roads cut trough deep forests, rich with wild life. Mauve hills stand at the end of Birds. In between, there are fabulous wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, tribal settlements and valleys carpeted with tea gardens.

Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks of interest in Dooars and adjoining areas are Mahananda wildlife sanctuary, Sevoke, Kalijhpora, Purbakhoila, Mongpong, Malbazar, Gorumara National Park, Jaldhaka, Jaldapara wildlife sanctuary, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Rasikbill and much more.

Best Time To Visit