Mirik is a charming tourist destination tucked away in the peaceful hills of West Bengal’s Darjeeling district. The Lepcha term Mir-Yok, which means “place burned by fire,” is the source of the name Mirik.

Mirik has grown to be a well-liked tourist resort because of its climate, attractiveness, and accessibility. Sumendu Lake is the main attraction. It is bordered by a garden on one side and pine woods on the other, and it is connected to these two areas by the arching Indreni Pull footbridge (Rainbow Bridge). The lake is encircled by a 3.5-km path that is utilised for hikes with views of Kanchenjunga in the distance. Pony riding and boating on the charming shikaras are both options. At a height of 1767 metres, it is a hill resort with its own unique characteristics. It is around 49 kilometres from Darjeeling, 41 km from Ghoom, 46 km from Kurseong, 55 km from Bagdogra, and 52 km from Siliguri.

Mirik’s 5 acres of plain land, home to the natural wonder Samendu Dhap, are another draw. Sa is dirt, Mendu is nonexistent, and Dhap is a lake, marsh, or pond. Kanchenjunga’s silver-white summits may be seen in Mirik vividly from Ramitey Dandra, which is a mountaintop that rises after passing Samendu Dhap. The panoramic view of the valley and the dawn and sunset at Ramiteydandra are both quite lovely.

Other than the lake, Mirik features a number of tourist attractions.

How to reach

By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the closest airport to Mirik. From there, travellers may take a bus or a cab to get to Mirik.

By Train: New Jalpaiguri is the rail hub that is closest to Mirik. It has good connections to important cities around India.

By Road: To travel to Mirik, take a bus or hail a cab from Darjeeling, Kurseong, or Siliguri.

Mirik Lake

The main draw of Mirik is Mirik Lake, where you will probably spend the most of your time. Samendu Lake is the most common name for Mirik Lake. The 1.25-kilometre-long lake is encircled by maple, oak, and chestnut trees. Here, you may go horseback riding and boating. The lake is located near Mirik at its lowest elevation. The mountains are visible in the distance to the north, and on a clear day, you may even be able to see the Kanchenjunga snow peaks. The footbridge that connects the eastern and western banks of the lake spans its middle and measures 80 feet long.

How to reach

By Road: To get to Mirik Lake from Mirik, use the Dilmaya Road for about 2.4 kilometres and 32 minutes.

Ramitey Dara

Ramitey Dara is a hill that provides stunning views over the Mirik plains and the snow-capped mountains in the distance. The Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery and the Kawlay Dara View Point are nearby.

How to reach

By Road: The fastest route from Mirik to Ramitey View Point is through NH110, which is a 137-kilometre travel that takes around 4 hours and 23 minutes. It will take 4 hours and 37 minutes (123 km) to travel a different way through Alipurduar Rd/Rishi Rd to Bhalu Marg in Rangpo Forest from Mirik.

Horse riding in Mirik

Horseback riding, which is a favourite among kids, is another well-liked pastime in this area. When you cross the arched footbridge, the horses are predominantly on the western bank. Horses frequently move across the footbridge, although they have set routes they follow around the lake, some of which are shorter than others.

Tea Gardens in Mirik

In the Mirik region, there are eight tea gardens. Only 2 kilometres separate the lake from Thurbo T.E., one of the top tea farms. With the manager’s approval, visitors are welcome to the factory.

Fish feeding in Mirik Lake

Fish feeding is a popular tourist activity right outside the lake’s southern edge. The lake area and Krishnanagar are connected by a bridge (southern part of Mirik). The lake is a two-minute stroll from the bridge. Many fish may be seen in the waters below as you stand over the bridge and look down. In the lake, bread is thrown by tourists and residents, and you can watch hundreds of fish rapidly converge.