MIRIK, East Indian Hill Station

MIRIK, the youngest hill station of India, is built around a 1.25 km long natural lake। The magical hill resort lies close to Siliguri in the West Benga l state of India. The peaceful and tranquil hill resort of Mirik boasts of several nature spots. The wild flowers, lovely lake and flourishing forests of Cryptomaria Japanica trees make Mirik appear as a tropical paradise. Mirik is surrounded by tea estates, orange orchards and cardamom plantations. There is a floating fountain in the middle of the lake and a quaint little footbridge connecting the flower garden on the eastern bank to the heavily forested ridge on the west. The lake is provided with boating facilities. The place is only 49km from Darjeeling and 52km from Siliguri and can be reached from either place quite easily. This place is 1767 meters above the sea level and has a relatively thin population of 15,000 people. A relatively new tourist destination, Mirik came in the tourist map of Darjeeling District only in the 1970s। Mirik has all that it takes to attract tourists; it is surrounded by forests, flowers and is a very peaceful place, which attracts the tourists automatically.

(Sight Seeing)

There are several spots of tourist interest in the hill station of Mirik

Sumendu Lake at Mirik is a man made lake which attracts tourists in Mirik. The Sumendu Lake is wrapped in forested ridge and a flower garden and has a floating fountain in its center. The Sumendu Lake is ideal for activities like boating and fishing.

Singha Devi Temple Near Sumendu Lake there is a temple of Singha Devi or the Devi Sthan. one must visit the temple that attracts tourists.

Deosi Dara is a vintage point in Mirik that must be visited to catch some vistas of the plains, hills and peaks in and around Mirik. Similarly Rameetay Dara is ideal for watching the spectacular sunset and the sunrise besides the mountains and plains of Mirik. You may even check out Kawlay Dara for some more breathtakingly beautiful views of Mirik

Rai Dhap, One can enjoy picnic while in Mirik at Rai Dhap. Rai Dhap has a small lake that is the source of potable water in Mirik.

Kawlay Dara View point, One can get a sweeping view of the plains as well as the snow capped mountains from this viewpoint. The sunrise and sunset from here is a visual delight. The viewpoint is about 30 minutes walk from the tourist hub.

Helipad & Swiss Cottage, The hilltop helipad offers a panoramic view of Mirik and the Samendu Lake.

Devi-Sthan, The small temple, situated under dense foliage of the 'dhupi' forest, is considered very holy by the local. Mirik also offers the wondrous vista of the Kunchenjunga and the other Himalayan peaks that captures everyone's heart and in turn gets captured in the cameras। At a distance of 30 km from Mirik is an ideal picnic spot of Dudhia whose beauty attracts several tourists and nature lovers। For the adventure seekers treks from Mirik to Sandakphu, Phalut, Kurseong via Balasan River and Namsu are possible।

(Weather)

Mirik is pleasant all through the year. The temperature variations in Mirik range between thirteen and thirty degrees in winters and summers respectively।

(Location)

The hill resort of Mirik is situated 52 km। Away from Siliguri at an altitude of 1,768m in the Eastern Himalayas।

(How to Get There)
By Air: The airport nearest to Mirik is in Bagdogra at a distance of 55 km।

Road & Rail: The broad gauge railhead at New Jalpiaguri caters to the rail transportation to Mirik but is 60 km away from the hill resort. The excellent road network links Mirik with other important places like Bagdogra, Siliguri, Kurseong and Darjeeling.

(Accommodation)

Accommodation is easily available at Mirik. You may take your pick from the many hotels, tourist Lodge, tourist hostel and tourist cottages in Mirik.

KALIMPONG, East Indian Hill Stations

KALIMPONG, the first thing that strikes the traveler visiting Kalimpong is its quiet atmosphere. The peaceful ambience that pervades is heightened by the presence of monasteries and churches across the town. Kalimpong is also known for its bustling bazaars and traditional handicrafts. It is famous for its orchids and nurseries. Kalimpong offers panoramic view of the great Himalayan ranges that lie beyond it.

Population : 46,500
Languages : Bengali, Nepali, Hindi and English
Best Time to Visit : April, June Std : 03552
Visiting Time : The best time to visit Kalimpong is during summer.

(Location)
Kalimpong is located in the northern part of the state of West Bengal, India. It is adjacent to the state of Sikkim and near the Teesta River. It is set amongst the foothills of the mighty Himalayas at an altitude of 1250 m above sea level. Kalimpong is 50 km from Darjeeling and 80 km from Gangtok.

(Places To See)
SDR. GRAHAM’S HOMES, a unique educational institution, started in 1900 by Dr. John Anderson Graham, a Missionary, with six orphans, the school, situated in a 500 acre estate on the slopes of Kalimpong’s highest hill, Dealo, has today a strength of well over 700 boys and girls who are accommodated in small cottages in a picturesque set-up. It has its own diary, poultry and bakery and every year in the month of May the school organises "MAYFAIR". A day’s visit there can be enthralling.

Durpin Dara, it is the highest point in Kalimpong accessible by car. It offers a breath-taking view of the plains and the mighty Teesta.

Now Co-operative Training Institute, situated about 2 km from the town centre on the way to Durpin Dara, Gauripur House was one of the favourite haunts of Poet Rabindranath Tagore. He stayed there on his many visits to Kalimpong.

Kalimpong Market, your visit to Kalimpong won’t be complete unless you spend several hours or better still, several days at the two Kalimpong bazars, one on the Main Road, the other near the 10th mile. It is a unique experience to see villagers turning up in their local costume at the bazars on weekly market days to sell their farm products.

Kalibari, is about 2 km from town Huge statue of Goddess Kali, the main deity of this temple.

7th Mile View Point, 3 km from the town on the way to Teesta Bazar. A panoramic view of Teesta Rangeet Valley can be seen from here.

Thongsha Gumpha, 1 km from town. Situated at 10th mile this monastery of Bhutanese origin is built in the year 1630 and it is the oldest monastery in this region.
Tharpa Choling Monastery, It is situated at Tirpai Hill and built around 1937 belongs to Gelupka Sect to which the present Dalai Lama belongs.

Mangaldham, This recently constructed place of worship is a marvellous piece of architecture.

Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brtang Monastery, This is a fairly new monastery located in Durpin Dara. One can get a panoramic view of the town and surrounding from this monastery.

Pedong Monastery, 26 Km from Kalimpong and was established in 1837.

(The Past)
The etymology of Kalimpong has several interpretations. According to one view, Kalimpong means a place where tribesmen gather and organize traditional tribal games. The second view suggests that the name has been derived from a place in Bhutan. A third interpretation is that Kalimpong is named after Kaulim, a fibrous plant found in abundance in this region. Until the 18th century ad, Kalimpong was a part of the Kingdom of Sikkim and was ruled by Sikkimese rulers. It was then taken over by the Bhutanese. In the 19th century, the British took over Kalimpong and merged into the present Indian state of West Bengal.

(Excursion)
Teesta Bazaar, located 16 km from Kalimpong, is an important place for white water rafting. The rafting season is between mid-November to mid-February. The small village of Lava, located at 2,353 m above sea level and about 30 km east of Kalimpong, is an important place to visit. Kagyupa Gompa is located here.

The village of Kaffer, located at 1555 m above sea level, is beyond Lava and one can have magnificent view of the summit of Kanchenjunga from here. The Samco Ropeway across the Teesta River, on the main Siliguri. Gangtok road is an important attraction near Kalimpong. One has to take a bus for Siliguri from Kalimpong in order to visit this ropeway en route. From Kalimpong it is possible to go to visit Phuntsholing across the Bhutanese border, without a visa.

(Weather)
The weather in Kalimpong is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September.

(Fairs and Festivals)
Kalimpong hosts an annual flower festival in the month of October.

(Shopping)
Markets in Kalimpong, which are open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, are good places for the souvenir hunter. Kalimpong offers a wide range of traditional handicrafts to the traveler. Woodcarvings, embroidered items, bags and purses with tapestry work, copperware, scrolls, Tibetan jewelry and artifacts can be picked up from the shops and markets across the town.

(How to get there)
Kalimpong is connected to all the major cities of India by Air, Rail and Road.
AIR : The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is 80 kms from Kalimpong.
RAIL : The nearest railway stations are Siliguri Junction & New Jalpaiguri Railway

Station.
ROAD : Kalimpong is connected to Darjeeling, Siliguri and Gangtok by road through
buses, jeeps and private taxis.(Cusine)The blending of different cultures has

left a mark on the cuisine of Kalimpong. The influence of the Jesuits is

evident from the local Kalimpong cheese and Kalimpong lollipops, which are a

specialty of this town. Kalimpong is known for its Nepalese cuisine and

Tibetan dishes. Gundruk, a popular Nepali dish, is very popular, so are the

mouthwatering Tibetan momos and thoopa.

DARJEELING, East Indian Hill Stations

DARJEELING, the queen of all hill stations,famous for its natural beauty, clean fresh air,year round plesent weather and above all, the ever smiling and welcoming local people.The 3rd highest pick in the world,mount Kanchenjunga is very close to this lpece and also gives the clearest view.Darjeeling is widely known as visitors paradise because every day it offers something new to everyone ,may be the first time visitoe and may be the regular one.The morning bell comes to the vewers when the firts ray of sun touchesthe mountaina pick.This is tiger hill,a steep ride of five kilometers from Ghoom, is the place where one can witness this hevenly feelings.Here the air is chilly ,but unique to get an experience.Here the new day starts with the world famous blend of tea,foggy and smokky weather,mountain view and smiling face of local Gorkhi people. Darjeeling is also a place to know Tibetan culture,Himalayan Tribal Life, and to see the Tibetian Monasteries, Pine Trees,Tea garden etc.very closely.

(General Information)
Altitude : 2134 and above.
Climate : Summer 15-23 degC.Winter 2-10 degC.
Best time to visit: April to mid june,September toNovember.

Visitors are adviced to carry raim wear in all season and light woolen clothes in summer also.

(Culture and Food)
The people of Darjeeling and near about places like Kalimpong and Mirik are consist of the Gurungs from West Nepal.Other races like Bhutias,Gukhas from east Nepal,Lepchas from Sikkim are also living togather.People from plains also came and have settled there as the place is very charming.

The local fare is rice and meat curry and momos which are steamed dumplings, and of course, chow, the locally made noodles. This generally accompanied by chhang, a locally brewed wine made from millet or the jaad which is made from fermented rice. The Gurkhas are staunch Hindus and celebrate all Hindu festivals with equal dedication. But Dussehra is the most popular Gurkha festival .

(Places To Visit)
Ghoom, No visit to Darjeeling is complete without a visit to Ghoom which is 6 km away from the main town. The hillock is dominated by the famous Yiga Choeling Monastery which has 15 images of the Maitreya Buddha. Belonging to the yellow hat sect, the monastery contains many ancient palm leaf and paper manuscripts in Tibetan script. The Museum of Natural History is where one can see a fine collection of Himalayan animals, reptiles, birds and insects. If flora is what one enjoys, then Llyod Botanic Garden is the place of interest. It has a marvelous collection of alpine flora and orchids. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is the only center in India for the breeding of the rare snow leopard. The Ussurian tigers and the Himalayan black bear are also among its attractions. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institutean which established in 1954 by the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, is the place where one can get all the information and details of conquest Mount Everest. Tenzing Norgay,one of the first climbers of Everest was the Founder Director and Advisor till his demise. Darjeeling-Ranjit Valley ropeway is the another attraction which is very nearer to this place.The Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center is the place where the excellent Tibetan crafts like carpets, wood and leather work are displayed for the visitors.

Teesta (Kalimpong), the crown of this queenee valley is spreaded the tinny town Kalimpong. The view of Mac Farlane Church welcomes the tourists with open hands to this nature's paradise Once, it was the headquarters of a Bhutanese Governor. The word kalim means king's minister and pongmeans the stronghold. The place is situated at an altitude of 1250 meters and covers arround 3.5 square miles.

Dr. Graham' s Homes school which was founded by Dr. John Anderson Grahman in 1900 is one of the main attrctions of Kalimpong.. This has been built on the slopes of Delo Hill,approximately three kilometers away from the town.Visitors who wants to witness a bird' s eye view of the picturesque place has to go to Durpin Dara, an observatory point at hill top, from where he or she can get an overall view of the mighty Himalayan ranges.There are numbers of monasteries in this area, among them the Pedong monastery and Thongsha Gompa are the oldest and mostly known.. Another monastery is the Tharpa Choling Monastery which has been constructed in 1937 by the Yellow Hat sect , is situated at Tirpai Hill at a distance of arround two kilometers from Kalimpong.

Mirik is the place which is famous tor tea gardens and orrange orchards. The climate of this place is cool and charming nad gives a completely different experence to the visitors.Lush green valley covered with tea plantation,small cottages, long oke trees, big lake and jucey orranges are the things which is unique to its comparison.This is the ideal place to spend some time away from the monotonous city life with friends,family or alone.Fishing and boating in the lake gives something more to the tourists.

Shopping-Mall Road is the place where the visitors can give the finishing touch "shopping" to there visit. This is basically a comercial center of this valley.Here one can find hand knitted sweaters,hand painted wall hangings,fancy bags, himalayan and tibetian antique , and specially tibetian theme based oil paintings of black&white in colour.Here the local people also appear with some traditional food like momos etc.Mall leads to Chowrasta which is also popular and crowdy like mall for shopping purpose. Here hotels, restaurants and shops are plentily availabale in wide and different range.Woollen garments, tribal ornaments, Thankas, rosaries, brass statuettes and Gorkha daggers arewidely available here.Some shols offers foriegn goods.But the two places, Mall and Chowrasta deserves shopping after huge bargaining.

(Trekking)
Trekking in the Darjeeling hills started almost a century back.It was one of the first hill region in India where trekking were organised .The Everest and Kanchenjunga stillalluring thousands of nature lovers from different parts of the world since it was discovered. The best time to undertake trekking programeis April-May and Octoberan dNovember. Through Travel Agents and personal program both are acceptable here.Both low and high altitude treks are arranged over here.Some of the most popular treks are Maneybhanjang (2134 m), Meghma (2900 m), Toughu (3070 m), Gairibas (2621 m), Sandakphu (3636 m), and Phalut (3600m)etc. Another attractive high altitude trek is to Kalimpong valley from Relli, Pankhasari, and to the highest point in the areas, Rochella (3,400 m).All the varietiy of Himalayan flora and faunaare widely available her to experience The mostly used and adviseable routes are from Darjeeling to Kurseong through the Old Military Road, Darjeeling to Singla, Darjeeling to Bijabbari and Darjeeling to Tiger Hill.

(Travel Information)
Air : The nearest Airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra।It gives arround 100 km journey

to DARJEELING.

Rail: Shiliguri is conected to all the major cities of india by train. From

Shiliguri and New Jalpaiguri, the Toy Trains are available which gives a

memorable journey to DARJEELING.

Road: Shiliguri is also well accessed by road ways and buses , minibuses jeeps run

every thirty minutes or so from Siliguri to Darjeeling, Mirik, Gangtok,

Katmandu and other places.