A peaceful hill town in the Himalayas, known for its beautiful tea gardens, moderate weather, and old-style buildings. With stunning mountain views, a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and a calm atmosphere, it’s a great place to unwind. The town’s history and local crafts add to its charm, and visiting tea estates lets you learn about tea-making. Kurseong is all about relaxation and mountain charm.
Kurseong, nestled in the Eastern Himalayas of West Bengal, offers a captivating landscape that epitomizes natural beauty. At an elevation of approximately 4,864 feet above sea level, this charming town is enveloped by lush tea gardens that adorn rolling hills, creating a picturesque mosaic of vibrant greenery. The scent of freshly plucked tea leaves fills the air, adding to the town’s enchanting atmosphere. Mist-laden forests surround Kurseong, teeming with orchids and rhododendrons that add vibrant splashes of color to the terrain. Against this backdrop, the grandeur of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including the iconic Kanchenjunga, graces the horizon, creating a breathtaking vista that lingers in the memory of every visitor.
Kurseong’s landscape is a harmonious symphony of tea gardens, misty forests, and majestic mountains, beckoning travelers to immerse themselves in its serene and natural splendor.
Kurseong may be a small town, but it offers a range of activities for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat. Begin your day with a visit to one of the tea estates, such as Ambootia or Castleton, to learn about the tea-making process and savour a cup of fresh tea amidst scenic surroundings. Take leisurely walks through the tea gardens, where the cool mountain air invigorates your senses. For a dose of spirituality, visit the Giddapahar Durga Mata Temple, perched on a hilltop, or explore the beautiful Dow Hill Park and its haunted forests. Don’t miss a ride on the historic Kurseong Toy Train, offering picturesque views of the town and surrounding landscapes. The nearby forests also provide opportunities for birdwatching and short hikes to vantage points.
In Kurseong, one can truly embrace the serenity of the Himalayas while immersing in its natural beauty and charming local culture.
There are luxury hotels in Kurseong as well as budget hotels. If you prefer to stay with the locals, there are homestays with a local touch and a comfortable environment. Almost anyone can find accommodation in Kurseong.
Kurseong offers a delightful range of foods and cuisines to tantalize your taste buds. Indulge in the flavors of Darjeeling tea, renowned for its aromatic notes.
Savor traditional Nepali dishes like momos, thukpa, and dal bhat, known for their comforting flavors. Explore local eateries to taste Bengali delicacies such as macher jhol (fish curry) and rosogolla (sweet cottage cheese balls). Don’t miss the opportunity to try local street food like pani puri, chaat, and samosas, which offer a burst of flavors and spices. Kurseong’s culinary scene is a true treat for food lovers, offering a blend of regional and international delights.
Kurseong offers convenient transportation facilities for visitors to explore the town and its surroundings. Private taxis are readily available for local transportation, while shared jeeps provide an affordable option for short-distance travel.
The well-connected local bus network allows easy access to different parts of Kurseong. Additionally, walking is a pleasant way to navigate the town, enabling you to enjoy its charming ambiance and explore at your own pace.
Kurseong experiences a moderate climate throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for a pleasant getaway. Summers (March to June) are mild with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Monsoons (July to September) bring moderate to heavy rainfall, adding to the town’s lush greenery.
Autumn (October to November) offers pleasant temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. Winters (December to February) are chilly, with temperatures dropping as low as 2°C. It’s advisable to carry warm clothing during this time.
If you’re planning to visit Kurseong, be sure to check the weather forecast for Kurseong below.
Everything you need to plan and travel to Bijanbari, from essential travel tips to must-visit attractions and accommodation options, discover the best of this enchanting destination.
Kurseong is famous for its picturesque beauty, panoramic views of the Himalayas, and its rich tea culture. Known as the “Land of White Orchids,” it boasts a diverse collection of over 600 orchid species.
By Air
The nearest airport to Kurseong is Bagdogra Airport, located approximately 48 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Kurseong.
By Train
You can board a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and travel via car to Kurseong which is around 44 km. Takes 2-3 hours.
By Road
Kurseong is well-connected by road and can be reached via Darjeeling or Siliguri. Regular buses and shared taxis are available from Siliguri, Darjeeling, and nearby towns.
In Kurseong, the common payment modes include cash, debit/credit cards (accepted at some establishments), mobile payment apps like Paytm, Google Pay, and PhonePe, and there are also ATMs available for cash withdrawals. It’s recommended to carry sufficient cash, especially for smaller vendors and markets, as ATMs may have limited availability or could run out of cash during peak tourist seasons.
The distance between Bagdogra and Kurseong is approximately 49 kilometers (30.4 miles) by road. The travel time can vary depending on the traffic and road conditions, but it typically takes around 2 to 3 hours to cover this distance. It’s important to note that travel times may vary, so it’s advisable to plan accordingly and consider factors such as weather conditions and peak travel hours.
The best time to visit Kurseong is during spring (March-April) and autumn (September-November) for pleasant weather and clear views of mountains and tea gardens. Avoid the monsoon season (June-August) due to heavy rainfall.
On clear days, you can catch a glimpse of the majestic Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world, from certain viewpoints in Kurseong. The town offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains, adding to its allure.
The taxi fare from Darjeeling to Kurseong can vary depending on factors such as the type of taxi, the distance, and any additional services or stops requested. It is recommended to negotiate the fare with the taxi driver or consult a local transportation service for the most accurate and up-to-date information on taxi fares for the specific route. Shared taxis from Darjeeling to Kurseong typically cost around 150 to 200 Indian Rupees per person.
A recommended duration for a visit to Kurseong is typically 2 to 3 days, depending on your preferences and the activities you plan to engage in.
The distance between Kurseong and Darjeeling, two picturesque towns in the Indian state of West Bengal, is approximately 30 kilometres (about 18.6 miles) by road. The journey typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by car, depending on road conditions and traffic.
Kurseong
Kalimpong
