Nestled in the verdant hills of North Bengal, Kurseong emerges as a captivating hill station, renowned for its unparalleled scenic vistas, delightful climate, and thriving tea plantations. Among the myriad attractions encircling Kurseong lies the historically significant Chimney Park, a cherished locale that resonates deeply with both locals and visitors.
Chimney Park: A Brief Introduction
Perched at an elevation of approximately 7200 feet above sea level, Chimney Village stands as a picturesque and tranquil hamlet adjacent to Kurseong. This quaint village is cradled within the embrace of lush pine forests and the ethereal dance of drifting clouds.
At the southeastern part of the village, a 23 ft high brick-and-mortar-built Chimney holds a prominent historical significance, witnessing over 150 years of history. Basically, it’s an integral component of a bungalow erected by British Officers in 1839. Over time the bungalow has been ruined completely, but the chimney survived uncrushed even though suffered from a lot of negligence.
The village, aptly christened Chimney Village after this significant relic, has witnessed a renaissance of sorts.
After long negligence, Recent efforts have resurrected the heritage chimney, restoring it to its former grandeur, and a contemplative park now embraces its surroundings. Nowadays, Chimney Park beckons as a sought-after destination for tourists, not solely due to the iconic presence of the heritage chimney, but also for the tranquil ambiance it offers and its breathtaking 180° panoramic view of the valley.
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Exploring Chimney Heritage Park, Kurseong
Chimney Park is located about 7 km away from Kurseong town. After parking your vehicle, you have to buy tickets to enter the park (Entrance fee: 10/- per person).
Upon entering the park, you can notice the historic chimney on the left side. A beautiful park area is built up around the Chinmey. Also, you can spot natural white orchids scattered throughout the garden area. In the park you can find some benches where you can sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Chimney Heritage Park.
The right side of the park is quite interesting! There’s a short walking path that goes through the natural pine forest and takes you to the edge of Chimney Park. From there, you can experience an amazing view – a 180° panoramic look at the whole valley. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the Mt. Kanchenjunga range from this spot.
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Other places to visit nearby
Chimney pine forest is a fine place to explore nearby. It is a silent place and very photogenic. Also, you can visit Bagora which is known as an offbeat destination near Kurseong. Apart from that, Kurseong itself has various tourist spots like the NSC Bose Museum, Rock Garden, Eagles Crag, Heaven, and Top Station. A one-day sightseeing tour of Kurseong can include visits to these places.
Chimney Strawberry Garden is a moderate place to explore (seasonal). If you have enough time you may visit this place.
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Food and restaurant at Chimney
Just opposite the park, there is a café known as Chimney Café; you can enjoy your tea and snack time there.
Where to stay
Most tourists choose to stay in either Kurseong or Dowhill and include a visit to Chimney Heritage Park as part of their sightseeing plans. In Kurseong, you’ll find a wide range of hotels and homestays available. Additionally, the easy accessibility of transportation makes this place a convenient base.
If you seek a unique and offbeat accommodation experience, Bagora or Chimney Village are options to consider. Here are a few recommended homestays in Chimney/Bagora.
- Megashes Homestay
- Chimney Farmstay
How to reach Chimney Park
You can hire a car from Kurseong to reach Chimney, which takes around 20 minutes. Chimney Park is conveniently close to Upper Dowhill and Bagora. If you’re staying at either of these places, reaching the park is even simpler.
Typically, this spot remains included in the Kurseong sightseeing tour. However, if your tour operator doesn’t have it on the itinerary, you can ask them to add it for an extra fee.
If you are an adventure enthusiast, you have the option to plan a trek to Chimney Park and then towards Bagora. This trek route goes through tea estates and lush green pine forests, offering a fantastic experience to the hikers.
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When to visit Chimney Park, Kurseong
There is no specific time; you can explore Chimney Park any time of the year, whenever you visit Kurseong or nearby offbeat spots. However, it’s better to avoid the monsoon season because the hilly area around Kurseong is prone to landslides during heavy rain.
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Wrapping up
Chimney Park is a remarkable testament to the history and natural beauty of Kurseong. Its iconic chimney, with over 150 years of stories to tell, has been lovingly restored, becoming a focal point of this tranquil oasis. The park’s serene ambiance, coupled with breathtaking panoramic views, beckons both locals and tourists to immerse themselves in its allure. Whether as part of a sightseeing tour or a peaceful retreat, Chimney Park offers an unforgettable experience, where the echoes of the past harmonize with the tranquility of the present.
Have a nice trip to Kurseong!
Dr. Suvankar Das is a scientific advisor by profession, associated with a CRO organization. He pursued his doctoral degree in Chemistry in 2015. Later, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher & scientist in a couple of institutes/companies.
Besides his scientific journey, Dr. Das is also a passionate traveler and travel blogger. He loves to share all his travel experiences with other travelers so that everyone can enjoy hassle-free holidays with their own tour plans.
He believes, the most beautiful thing in this world is the WORLD itself. so there is no way to live like a clock; rather live it like a compass!
