The Tailor-Made Guide to the 6 Best Tourist Places in Kurseong
- Barry Pickard
- Jun 13
- 9 min read
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Regardless of this, please be advised that all opinions expressed in this blog post are genuine and authentically my own.
Author: Barry Pickard
Hi, I'm Barry, the owner of Tailor-Made Itineraries and I have been designing bespoke self-guided tours for adventurous and curious travellers since 2015. I am a history graduate with a passion for travel.
I created this blog to show, through my own adventures, how you can have an incredible travel experience as an independent traveller, giving you the information to navigate the world with confidence.
Contents
Have you ever wondered what hidden gems lie in the quaint town of Kurseong, nestled in the hills of Darjeeling? If you're an independent traveller like me, always on the lookout for unique experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, then you're in for a treat. Let me take you on a sensory journey through Kurseong, where history, spirituality, and nature blend seamlessly.
Imagine the crisp mountain air filling your lungs as you stand at Eagle's Crag, the wind gently rustling through the trees, and the distant sound of a train chugging along the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The scent of fresh tea leaves wafts through the air as you sip on a cup of Makaibari's finest Darjeeling tea, the warmth of the brew contrasting with the cool breeze. This is Kurseong, a place where every corner has a story to tell.
In this post, I'll share my personal experiences and tips on the best places to visit in Kurseong. From the historical significance of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum to the serene beauty of St. Mary's Grotto, and the panoramic views from the Hanuman Statue, I've got you covered. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just someone looking to unwind, Kurseong has something for everyone.
So, why should you trust me? As an avid traveller who has explored every nook and cranny of this charming town, I can assure you that my insights are based on firsthand experiences. I've walked the trails, tasted the teas, and soaked in the views, and I'm here to help you make the most of your visit. Let's dive into the best tourist places in Kurseong and discover what makes this hill town so special.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these tourist places in Kurseong appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the highlights of Kurseong, or indeed, a general tour of West Bengal or India.
About Kurseong
Kurseong, often referred to as the "Land of White Orchids," is a charming hill station located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. Perched at an altitude of about 1,458 meters (4,783 feet), Kurseong is known for its pleasant climate, lush tea gardens, and stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Historically, Kurseong gained prominence during the British colonial era as a summer retreat, and it still retains much of its colonial charm with old churches, schools, and bungalows dotting the landscape. The town is famous for its tea estates, producing some of the finest Darjeeling teas, and its educational institutions, including the prestigious Dow Hill School.
The Best Tourist Places in Kurseong
Netaji Subha Chandra Bose Museum
For such a small town, Kurseong is actually blessed with a very significant Indian historical site. Dedicated to the life and legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement, the museum is located in the house where Bose was interned by the British authorities during the 1930s.
The museum showcases various artifacts, photographs, and documents related to Bose’s life and his contributions to India's struggle for independence. I found it interesting learning about his early life, his role in the Indian National Army, and his efforts to gain support for India's independence from foreign nations.
Bose is revered in India, and understandably so, but for me, his story is a complicated one and a bit controversial. For, despite Bose’s undoubted loyalty to the Indian people, he met with and allied with Hitler, Mussolini and the Imperial Japanese government, a fact that hasn’t stood well with the test of time. This makes Bose’s story all the more fascinating.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
If you are interested in learning more about Bose, there is an excellent exhibition on him and India’s other freedom fighters in the Swatantrata Sangram Museum within the Red Fort in Delhi. Well worth a visit.
Hanuman Statue
Enjoying stunning views over Kurseong, the Hanuman Statue stands 40 feet tall. Situated amidst the beautiful Gauri Shankar tea garden, the statue was officially unveiled in 2021 and makes an ideal vantage point to appreciate this hill town.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
The obligatory ‘I Love…’ sign is also positioned here, so make sure to get your selfie here!
Eagle's Crag
Another stunning viewpoint of Kurseong can be enjoyed from Eagle’s Crag, giving you views of the valleys and tea gardens of the area. This popular spot has a watchtower with a spiral metal staircase (watch you head if you are over 6ft like me!), as well as a couple of large dinosaurs (weirdly, I saw quite a few dinosaurs in my time visiting West Bengal, not sure why there is a particular fascination with them here, although they are a welcome addition!).
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Makaibari Tea Estate
Makaibari is one of the oldest and most prestigious tea estates in the Darjeeling area having been established in 1859 and is well known for its high-quality Darjeeling tea. The estate is situated at an elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level and covers approximately 670 hectares, with 270 hectares dedicated to tea.
Guided tours of the plantation are available as are tea tasting sessions. There is also an opportunity to stay here, since Makaibari offers a homestay programme where you can experience the life of a tea garden community firsthand.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
If you are visiting during the winter months, contact Makaibari through their website to confirm if the guided tours are available. Unfortunately, during my visit in January, the tours were not running, but the small visitor store is open, and you can buy some of their lovely tea there.
St. Mary’s Grotto
Just over three miles north of the town centre, St Mary’s Hill hides a significant Christian spiritual site on its lush, forested slopes. St. Mary’s Grotto is a replica of the famous Lady of Lourdes Grotto in France.
In 1887, Belgian Jesuits arrived at St. Mary’s Hill and established their mission there a decade later, with the first Holy Eucharistic procession being made to the grotto in 1898. The grotto that you see today was built in 1924, but there had been three previous grottos that had been destroyed by landslides and earthquakes.
Prayer at the grotto has said to have led to a number of miracles. In the biography of Mother Theresa of Kolkata, it is even mentioned that her inner call for the poorest of the poor was bestowed at Whistle Khola (stream), just below the grotto in 1940.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
The last stretch of road to the grotto was closed, so you may have to park near St John Berchmans Church.
Margaret’s Deck Tea Lounge
Extending over the Margaret’s Hope Tea Estate, supported on stilts and wooden beams, Margaret’s Deck Tea Lounge is the ideal place to have a lovely meal, drink Darjeeling tea and admire the valley views.
The lounge is just over 5 miles north of Kurseong, along Hill Cart Road (a little bit on from St. Mary’s Grotto), and has an extensive menu, whether you are after a snack, a full meal or a sweet treat. I enjoyed their soup of the day (although I have forgotten exactly what it was, but it was definitely tasty!) and the shortbread served with the tea hit the spot! The tea selection was also quite impressive.
Where to Stay
Many travellers visiting Kurseong, will base themselve in Darjeeling. I spent part of my time at the Mayfair Hill Resort, consistently regarded as one of the best resorts in Darjeeling. It was formally a 19th-century mansion that served as a summer retreat for the royal family of Bihar’s Nazargunj.
I also enjoyed a stay at the Little Tibet Resort in Darjeeling and found that this charming boutique hotel perfectly blended traditional Tibetan hospitality with modern amenities.
However, if you are looking for something more rural and closer to nature, then I can highly recommend staying at The Sampang Retreat in Takdah, which is an hour and a half drive east of Darjeeling.
As for hotels in Kurseong, there is only a handful, such as the Mount Bashera Boutique Hotel and the Cochrane Place Hotel. There are, however, a number of lovely homestays available, such as the Swabhumi Homestay and the 11 Monteviot Homestay.
How to Get to Kurseong
The nearest airport for Kurseong is Badogra International Airport, near Siliguri, West Bengal. Badogra is a medium-sized airport, with good facilities, and I found it quite easy to get around, and it takes around half an hour to get into the centre of Siliguri. From Siliguri, it is possible to get the train up to Kurseong, and this takes around 4 hours. There are regular buses that head into the hills, but I would recommend hiring a driver. The drive from Siliguri or Badogra to Kurseong takes about four hours. I used the excellent services of Vivek at Just To Travels to organise the driver for me – Instagram & email.
Quick Questions Answered
Which month is best to visit Kurseong? April to June is ideal for pleasant weather and clear skies, making it perfect for sightseeing. If you love the winter charm, October to December offers crisp air and stunning views, though it can get quite cold. Monsoon months (July to August) bring heavy rainfall and roadblocks, so they’re not the best time to visit. However, September is a great alternative, as the greenery is at its peak and the rains have mostly subsided. I visited at the end of January, and although it was cold, it was colder in Scotland where I had come from. It was dry during my stay, but very misty
Can you see Kanchenjunga from Kurseong? Yes, you can see Kanchenjunga from Kurseong, but its visibility depends on the weather conditions.
Which language is spoken in Kurseong? The official language is Nepali. However, other commonly spoken languages include Hindi, Tibetan, English, and Bengali
How many days is enough for Kurseong? I visited the attractions in this post during one day, and I had the use of a driver and car, so one full day would be ideal for a visit.
Conclusion
I hope you're as enchanted by this hill town as I am. From the historical depths of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum to the spiritual tranquillity of St. Mary's Grotto, and the breathtaking views from Eagle's Crag and the Hanuman Statue, Kurseong offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Whether you're sipping tea at Margaret's Deck or exploring the lush Makaibari Tea Estate, every moment here is a blend of history, nature, and culture. So, pack your bags, follow my tips, and get ready to create your own unforgettable memories in Kurseong. Safe travels!
Related Blog Posts
If you would like more information on West Bengal and India in general, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
Have you visited Kurseong or have any tips to share? Drop a comment below and join the conversation!
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these tourist places in Kurseong appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the highlights of Kurseong, or indeed, a general tour of West Bengal or India.
Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.
Map of Kurseong
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