A picturesque hamlet amidst mighty Himalayas, sketched with a patchwork of tea gardens and echoing with sounds of the past, Kurseong is a hidden treasure in the Darjeeling hills.
Those who love folklore and rustic village life should not miss a trip to Kurseong. The place has so many legends that you can spend a lot of time listening to the local tales, and wonder at their mystery. Every villager will tell you a story, and this village of storytellers feels like a moveable novel. Another mystery about this place is the white orchids of Kharsang (Kurseong) that grow in every nook and cranny of the hamlet.
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Another must-do for those who likes mystery is the Death Road from Forest Office to Dow Hill. The place is so isolated from the urban din, and the path leading through the woods are so silent, that many people experience an inexplicable creepy feeling when they walk down this path.
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Kurseong also boasts of the oldest school in the region, the century old Victoria Boy’s School. You should also visit this place for its colonial structure, Subhash Bose Museum. Locals will tell you of hearing footsteps and laughter even when the school is empty in December.
For those who like something in the fresher air, you should stroll through the charming tea estates. It is an enchanting experience in itself. And you can end the day at Eagle’s Craig, where you can see the sun setting against the snow peaked Kanchenjunga mountains, and the silver serpentine Teetsa river below.
The place also is perfect for those who like to treat their taste buds to local and authentic produce. Visit the market and you can buy locally produced fruit jams, teas, chilli paste and organic honey. Also visit Margaret’s Tea Lounge to enjoy a warm cup of tea with a great panoramic view of the valley. Devour Momos, Thukpa and Kothey for your meals.
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Kurseong can be visited at any time of the year, except the monsoons, when you won’t be able to enjoy the beauty amidst torrential rains. It is well connected by road from Siliguri. The nearest airport is Bagdogra and the nearest railway station is Jalpaiguri.
So, pack your bags to get lost in the mysterious stories of Kurseong.
