In the Indian state of West Bengal’s Darjeeling district lies a hill town called Kurseong. At a height of 1458 metres (4864 feet), Kurseong is about 30 kilometres away from Darjeeling. The winters are not as harsh as those in Darjeeling, and the weather is nice all year round. The Lepcha name for Kurseong is “Kharsang,” which translates to “Land of White Orchids” in English. About 47 kilometres separate Kurseong from Siliguri, and both the road and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway link the two locations. Bagdogra Airport is the closest airport. The principal train station closest to Land of the White Orchids is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is 53 kilometres away from Kurseong. Schools and tourism are the town’s primary economic drivers. The finest months to travel to Kurseong are from the end of March to May and from the end of August to October. In 1835, the British Empire received Kurseong as compensation from the Sikkim Chogyal (Monarch). Later in 1880, the colonial authorities turned this modest hamlet into a tourist attraction and a favourite location for sanatoriums where the ill might recover.

Dow Hill

A steep road leads uphill toward the Dow Hill neighbourhood from the main market. The original Hill Cart Road that connects Kurseong and Darjeeling is this one. The “Old Cart Route” was given to this road after the new Hill cart road was constructed. Just over a kilometre of climbing separates Kurseong from the Dowhill nature park region.

How to reach

By Road: From Kurseong Railway Station (at Pankhabari Road), the Dowhill may be reached in about 19 minutes (5.2 km) by two routes: one via NH110 through Pankhabari-Baghgora road and the other via the picturesque Montiviot Tea Garden-Baghgora Road-Bara Shibkhola Forest.

Salamander Lake

From Kurseong, Salamander Lake is 14 kilometres away. People from the nearby towns used to hang out here regularly, and it used to be a favourite spot for the British to go boating. The rarest and most endangered kind of salamanders live in this lovely lake with a green tint, and they are a species that is in risk of going extinct.

How to reach

The town of Kurseong is approximately 14 kilometres away from Salamander Lake.

Trekking

Adventure seekers may head to Kurseong, which offers a variety of treks and excursions, including village tours, climbs through beautiful Cryptomaria Japonica forests, and walks through tea gardens. Recently, Kurseong HOT AIR BALLOON & ROCK CLIMBING has incorporated new adventure sports. These sports will become well-known in the near future in Kurseong. Thus, Kurseong is the “new destination of the millennium,” offering travellers the chance to enjoy nature, adventure, and culture.

How to  reach

By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the closest airport to Kurseong. Direct flights are available to Delhi, Kolkata, Howrah, Guwahati, and other significant Indian cities. From Bagdogra, there are several transportation options to choose from to go to Kurseong.

By Train: From Kurseong, Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri are the closest train stations. These train stations provide direct rail connections to Delhi, Kolkata, Howrah, Guwahati, and other significant Indian cities.

By Road: Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri serve as the primary gateways to Kurseong. To get to Kurseong, a variety of transportation options are available.

Land of white orchids

Kurseong is referred to as “Kharsang” in the native Lepcha language, which means “Land of the White Orchids.” The then-Chogyal (Monarch) of Sikkim transferred control of Kurseong to the British government in 1835, and subsequently, around 1880, it turned into a popular tourist resort for the colonial rulers of India.

Water rafting

More than ten years ago, white water rafting in Tista was first offered in the Darjeeling Hills. Since then, it has become incredibly popular. Rafting facilities have been established by DGHC tourism and a number of private organisations. On a global scale, River Tista is rated as IV. Tista invites the enthusiasts to a demanding adventure with a succession of rapids that vary in style and strength.

Dowhill park

This area used to be known as Deer Park since deer were frequently seen here. However, as a result of deforestation, such sightings are now uncommon, hence the name change.

A sizable fenced area in the nearby woodland contains several deer that are still present. The only place to observe deer is outside the fence, where they are frequently spotted wandering around, but not in the park, where it is forbidden to enter the forest.

On top of Dow Hill, there is a park. The park itself is enclosed and fairly tiny. Plantations come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including hedges. There is a gazebo where you may unwind in the park.

How to reach

By Road: From Kurseong Railway Station (at Pankhabari Road), the Dowhill Park can be reached in about 19 minutes (5.2 km) by two routes: one via NH110 through Pankhabari-Baghgora road and the other via the lovely Montiviot Tea Garden-Baghgora Road-Bara Shibkhola Forest.