AN ELGIN EXCLUSIVE FEATURE
A tiny hamlet, one of the major tourist attractions in North Bengal is the picturesque and rustic hill station on the lap of the Himalayas – Kurseong. Tucked within the folds of the enormous Shiwalik Himalayan Ranges. Beloved among aficionados for its aesthetics and pleasant surroundings, this hamlet, 32 kilometers north of Darjeeling, is located at an elevation of 1500 meters above sea level, the ideal altitude to experience the most relaxed and welcoming weather throughout the year.
Every turn taken to reach the serene hamlet Kurseong, would make you appreciate the beauty it encompasses.
The ‘Land of White Orchids,’ Kurseong is well-known for its gorgeous waterfalls, gompas, temples, and, of course, its profusion of dazzling white orchids accompanied by lovely tea gardens on the steep slopes. While most tourists visit Kurseong as a stopover before exploring other popular destinations of Darjeeling, the little adorable hamlet is well worth a visit. It is well connected with other cities and towns by rail, roads and air.
access point: The Bagdogra airport is an access point to travel to places in Bhutan as well as Darjeeling. Places of attraction: This town is popular for its tea plantations, calm and pleasant environment and picturesque views of the Himalayas.
A small town that it is, Kurseong does not have direct air connectivity. Those travelling by flight must rely on Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, which is around 40 kilometers from Kurseong. Bagdogra is well linked by flights from Kolkata and other cities; Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and more. Public and private carriers operate regular flights between the cities and Bagdogra. Tourists can catch cabs or buses from the airport to their desired destination in Kurseong.
Jalpaiguri Town is the oldest station in the area. Jalpaiguri Road was opened in 1944 and is the primarily crucial railway station of the city.
Kurseong does not have its own train station. The nearest rail head is 44 kilometers away from Kurseong – Jalpaiguri Railway Station. New Jalpaiguri is well connected to many of the prominent cities, including Kolkata. There are regular trains plying between the capital city of the state and New Jalpaiguri; Kanchenjunga Express, Kaziranga Express, Shatabdi Express, Teesta Torsa Express, Saraghat Express, Guwahati Express, and many others.
Image by OutlookIndia
Siliguri – Kurseong – Darjeeling… the routes with picturesque landscape would amaze you throughout and you will lose the track of time.
Remarkably, Kurseong has well-connected routes to adjacent cities and towns as well as other parts of the state. It can be reached by buses, taxis and jeeps from Darjeeling, located 49 km from Kurseong. Siliguri shares the same distance of 45 km. Buses and taxis ply frequently between Siliguri and Kurseong, chauffeuring visitors from the airport to the hill town. There are also regular buses that operate at night and throughout the day from Kolkata, Kharagpur, and other cities. Taxis and buses shuttle tourists to Kurseong from New Jalpaiguri station
Image by weekendthrill
The town – Kurseong could be best appreciated if you relish it the closest. Take a stroll down, connect to locals and you are bound by the charm.
Buses are available for transit within Kurseong. Jeeps and taxis stay as an option for tourists for sightseeing and explore the town. Hotels could be a reliable source to arrange local transportation to relish the serenity to the fullest. The best way to appreciate the town, though, is by foot. Walking down the winding roads, taking in the fresh mountain air and savoring the scenery is the best way to connect and make a relationship with this serene town.