Mirik is another picturesque tourist spot close to Darjeeling. It is situated at an altitude of 1767 meters above the sea level. Mirik is just 52km from Siliguri and 49km from Darjeeling and can be reached from both Darjeeling and Siliguri quite easily by road. Mirik has become popular because its peasant climate, natural beauty and easy accessibility.
Places of interest
SumenduLake: This lake is the major attraction of Mirik. It is quite a big lake surrounded by a beautiful garden and pine trees on the two sides of the lake. Boating, fishing and horse riding facilities are available here.
Rameetay Dara:It is a viewpoint close to the town from where one can get a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and panoramic view of vast plains below.
Best time to visit
Mirik can be visited any time other than December and January as winter is quite cold here. During summer temperature rarely crosses 30 degree centigrade.
How to reach?
By air : Nearest airport is Bagdogra located about 55 km away fromMirik.
By train: Nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP) about 60 km away.
By road: Mirik is well connected by road from Siliguri and Darjeeling.
Where to stay?
Accommodation is not a problem as there are number of resorts and tourist lodges in Mirik.
Gorumara is a national park situated at the floodplain of river Murti and Raidak. It’s only 15 km away from Lataguri and 52 km from Jalpaiguri. The beautiful scenery of the forest and its flora and fauna attract plenty of tourists throughout the year. Rhinoceros, Elephant, Leopard, Gaur are the prime attraction. There are more than one watch tower facilitating wildlife viewing located at various points of the forest.
Best time to visit
The park remains closed during monsoon from 16th. June to 15th. September. Best time to visit this place is November to April.
How to reach?
By air: Nearest airport is Bagdogra which is 13km from Siliguri.
By train: Gorumara is only 7 km from the nearest rail station Madarihat which is connected to the nearest railhead New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP).
By road: Gorumara is 15km away from Lataguri which is about 75 km away from Siliguri. It’s suggested to hire vehicles from Lataguri to enter the national park.
Where to stay?
There is increasing number of lodges in Lataguri. Accommodation will be available also in forest rest house. Check the below contacts for Accommodation.
If you are going to visit Darjeeling the queen of hills don’t miss the chance to see stunning Lava and Lolegaon. Lava and Lolegaon, two other picturesque tourist spots in Kalimpong, are gaining popularity because of their mesmerizing natural beauty.
Lolegaon, located at an altitude of 5500 feet is an offbeat tourist destination. If you are looking for a calm quiet place far from the hectic city, Lolegaon is the best pick. The magnificence and tranquility of this untouched pristine place will make your soul feel contented.
Lava, located at height of 7016 feet above the sea level is another nearby tourist spot. It’s 12 km away from Lolegaon. It’s a beautiful hamlet most of the time covered by mist and fog. The wild life reserve NeoraValleyNational Park is nearby.
Places of interest
Lolegaon Forrest: A visit to the beautiful heritage forest is the greatest attraction of Lolegaon.
NeoraValleyNational Park:NeoraValleyNational Park is located near Lava. The park is spread over 88 km². It’s a paradise for the bird lovers. You will be amused by the diversity of flora and fauna here.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Lava and Lolegaon is from September to November or March to May. Always avoid monsoon and winter for travelling to hilly places.
How to reach?
By air : Nearest airport is Bagdogra located about 95 km away from Darjeeling.
By train: Nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP) at Siliguri.
By road: Lava can be reached by road from Siliguri. It’s 99km away from Siliguri via Kalimpong.
Where to stay?
There are number of resorts in Lava and Lolegaon. Number of hotels is not as good as Darjeeling though. Check below links for hotels in Lolegaon.
Darjeeling the hill city certainly is one of the most popular tourists’ destinations in west Bengal. The magnificent scenic beauty attracts countless tourists throughout the year. The brilliant view of sunrise from Tiger hills situated 11 km from Darjeeling is one of the greatest attractions for the visitors.
Places of interest
Some of the most popular tourist spots in Darjeeling are listed below.
Tiger hill: Tiger hill is only 11 km from the main town. A visit to tiger hill is must for all the visitors who don’t want to miss the spectacular view of sunrise over Mt.Kanchenjunga.
Ghoom: Ghoom is located 2 km away from Darjeeling. Ghoom railway station is the highest (7,407 ft) railway station in India.
The Batasia loop: It is a beautiful spot 5 km away from Darjeeling. From here one can get a beautiful bird's-eye view of Darjeeling town with the snowy mountains in the background.
Rock Garden: Another great spot to visit. It is situated 10 km away from Darjeeling.
GangaMayaPark: It’s about 3 km away from rock garden. It has a lake with boating facility available.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Darjeeling is from September to November or March to May. After November temperature starts falling drastically. During winter temperature sometime touches 0 degree centigrade. Also avoid traveling during monsoon as heavy downpour can make traveling and living condition dreary. Frequent landslide is also one major reason to avoid Darjeeling during rainy season.
How to reach?
By air : Nearest airport is Bagdogra situated about 95 km away from Darjeeling.
By train: Nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Station (NJP) at Siliguri. NJP is directly connected to Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Lucknow, Guwahati and may other cities of India.
By road: Darjeeling is well connected to Siliguri by road. It takes about 4 hours by bus, taxi from Siliguri.
Where to stay?
Darjeeling has plenty of standard hotels and Tenzing Norgay Youth Hostel. You will not fall sort of places to stay.
