Welcome to discover the top 8 must-visit sightseeing spots in Kurseong, with an additional 4 spots included below. Additionally, you’ll find a perfect route plan to optimize your Kurseong sightseeing tour.

North Bengal is one of the most fascinating summer destinations for residents of West Bengal and neighboring states, while Kurseong is considered as a perennial favorite after Darjeeling. Nevertheless, the beauty of Kurseong shines in every season—whether it’s the hot summer vacation (May), the festive puja season (October-November), the winter holidays (December-February), or the vibrant spring (March-April), Kurseong is always a delightful retreat.

In this article, you are going to explore the top sightseeing spots in Kurseong to help you plan an unforgettable trip. You can visit all the listed places on a one-day sightseeing tour.

8 Best Places to Visit in Kurseong

Below, we’ve listed the 8 must-visit places in Kurseong that you should prioritize. Additionally, we’ve included 3 less interesting spots at the end. Visit these only if you have extra time; otherwise, you can skip them.

Please note that your travel time is limited: drivers typically offer an 8-hour window to cover the best spots. Therefore, it’s crucial to prioritize the must-see attractions and skip the less essential ones to make the most of your trip.

8. Shirey Drukhang Gumba (Drukpa Rinpoche)

Nestled within the verdant enclave of Forest in the tranquil Upper Naya Basti area, Shirey Drukhang Gumba offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can bask in the serenity of nature and attain inner tranquility. While this monastery may not be widely known or feature distinctive attributes, its calming atmosphere is a haven for those seeking peace.

Please note, the monastery isn’t open to tourists every day. If it happens to be closed on your visit, you won’t be able to enter, but you can still enjoy the charming surroundings and start your day’s journey with a sense of reverence by bowing down to the god from outside.

7. Rock Garden (Giddapahar Viewpoint)

Timing: 7 AM-7 PM

Giddapahar Viewpoint, also known as the Rock Garden, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the lush green hills surrounding it. On clear days, the vista extends far and wide, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty. The serene atmosphere, accompanied by a gentle breeze, makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and contemplation. Additionally, the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum nearby adds historical significance to this picturesque location. (See the next)

At the base of the viewpoint, you’ll find temporary stalls selling delicious snacks like noodles, momo, and sweet corn. It’s a delightful way to refuel while enjoying the scenic surroundings.

6. Netaji Museum

Timing: 9.30 AM – 4:30 PM

The house was acquired by Late Sarat Chandra Bose in June 1922, and he lived here from 1933 to 1935. Later in 1936-37, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose shifted here for two short stays, finding solace in Kurseong’s tranquility. Remarkably, he drafted a speech sitting in this peaceful ambiance that he later delivered as the President of the Haripura Congress in 1938.

Recognizing its historical significance, the West Bengal government preserved and revitalized the house in 1997, transforming it into the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum in 2000. The museum features rare photographs depicting Netaji’s life, from his early years and political endeavors to his fight for freedom, leadership of the Azad Hind Fauj, moments with Emilie Schenkl, and his final journey. Also, some of his used materials, such as Azad Hind uniform, shoes, and several other things are preserved here respectfully.

5. Eagle’s Crag

Timing: 10 AM-4 PM

Eagle’s Crag in Kurseong is another remarkable viewpoint that offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and the majestic Kanchenjunga in clear days. Highly recommended for both sunrise and sunset, it provides a breathtaking perspective of the Siliguri plains and the endless stretches of tea gardens. The only downside of the place is the cluster of towers, which is destroying its natural beauty.

The viewpoint is one of the highest places of Kurseong and has a beautifully landscaped garden, a small cafeteria, two water reservoirs that supply the town.

You can reach Eagle’s Crag by hiking up the winding path starting from Kurseong Railway Station or by hiring a taxi.

4. Chimney Heritage Park

Timing: 10 AM-4 PM

Nestled in Chimney Village, about 8 km from Kurseong Town/Railway Station, the Chimney Heritage Park sits at an elevation of 7,200 feet. The park features a historic 23ft tall chimney, positioned on its left side, which once formed a central piece of a British bungalow constructed in the 1839.

Upon acquiring your entry pass for a nominal fee of Rs 10, you are invited to revel in the park’s serene atmosphere. There are adequate seating arrangements where you can relax and enjoy the views all around. On days when the sky is clear, you’re graced with a magnificent panorama of the Himalayan range stretching across the horizon.

At Chimney Park, you can take a walk through the beautifully decorated garden, where orchids and rhododendrons bloom brightly. A stone-paved pathway on the right leads to a quiet viewpoint. As you wander through the pine forest, you’ll be captivated by its enchanting beauty.

3. Dowhill Road

Dowhill Road is famous for its beautiful views of dense pine forests, natural orchid gardens, and forested hills. It’s a great place for taking memorable photos in the lush surroundings, though the eerie silence might give you goosebumps whether you’re standing or passing through.The area is locally known as the “Death Road,” a stretch between Dowhill Road and the Forest Office. Local woodcutters have reported seeing a headless ghost of a young boy along this road, who then disappears into the forest.

2. Hanuman Tok (Top Station)

Hanuman Tok, featuring a towering 40-foot statue of Lord Hanuman and a small temple, sits at a high altitude amid lush tea gardens. From this spot you can enjoy panoramic views of Kurseong, glimpsing the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga on clear days.

The statue of Lord Hanuman, erected by the Gorkha Territorial Administration, was unveiled to the public in 2021 during Sri Hanuman Jayanti. The lush green tea gardens lining the hill slope, accompanied by rows of pine trees, create a unique and picturesque setting. The winding hilly road adds an extra charm to this place.

Taking a leisurely walk along the sloping road makes you feel truly good. Don’t forget to capture the “I LOVE KURSEONG” letters, which have become a popular spot for selfies and photography.

1. Heaven

The best one comes to the last!

Heaven in Kurseong is the top sightseeing spot in the area, yet it remains largely unexplored by most tourists. The lack of exploration is “fortunate” because it keeps the place serene and peaceful, but “unfortunate” because many miss out on its beauty.

A short adventure hike through the pine forest and hilly grassland leads you to the top of Heaven. The journey itself is awe-inspiring. On a clear day, you can enjoy extensive views of the lush green valley and floating clouds from the top, which is simply amazing. The pine forest is filled with countless white orchids, making the sight unique.

Note: Most tour operators do not include Heaven in their sightseeing trips, so many tourists miss this spot. Make sure to mention your interest in visiting Heaven to your driver before finalizing your sightseeing trip.

Other Kurseong Sightseeing Spots

Apart from the above spots, the tour operators or car drivers suggest a few additional places. As I mentioned above, you should attend these places only if you have enough time in your hand. Otherwise, simply skip them because these are less interesting places in Kurseong.

1. Dowhill School

Dowhill School, established in 1879 and operated by the West Bengal government, follows the ICSE curriculum. Though not a typical tourist spot, local guides may mention it due to its status as the oldest school in Kurseong and its well-maintained campus.

However, it’s not open to visitors, which I fully support. If you’re interested, you can view it from outside, enjoy snacks nearby, and move on.

The school offers co-educational classes from LKG to Class 3, while from Class 4 onwards, girls continue their education there, and boys move to Victoria Boys’ School.

2. Haunted church

Near the forest, Victoria Boys High School, over 100 years old, is rumored to be haunted. Just after the school gate, there stands an small old church, locally known as the haunted church. During winter vacations (from December to March), locals have heard whisperings and footsteps within the school premises.

According to the local guide, the church adds a spine-chilling essence to Dow Hill, attracting tourists the tourists who are intrigued by the supernatural power.

3. Dowhill Park

Your local guide or car driver might recommend this place to you, claiming it’s a deer park, but there are actually no deer in this park. Instead, it’s just a park with kids’ play equipment and a few rabbits in cages. While the park is nicely decorated and has a peaceful atmosphere, it may not be worth the entry fee of 20/-. If you’re from a city, you’ve likely visited similar parks near your home.

If you have enough time, you can spend an hour in one of your Kurseong afternoon here.

4. Kurseong Market

If you enjoy shopping offline, consider visiting Kurseong Market in the evening. You’ll find many plant shops on the sidewalk, but be aware that most plants may not survive in hot weather, so choose wisely if you’re a plant lover. Additionally, the market has numerous shops selling kids’ toys, women’s items, and winter clothing. Remember to bargain for a better price, as vendors often quote high prices to tourists.

Kurseong Sightseeing Route Plan

Without a systematic route plan and proper timing, it’s difficult to visit all the essential spots in Kurseong in a single day. Below, I’ve created a Kurseong Sightseeing route plan that you can follow.

• Start your journey within 8 AM in morning.
• Go to Heaven – spend 1.30 hours including up down trekking
• Visit the monastery (Drukpa Rinpoche)– spend 15 mins (optional)
• Visit to Netaji Museum – spend 30 min
• Cross the road and visit Gidda Pahar View Point – spend 30 min
• Visit Eagle’s Crag – spend 30 min
• Take your lunch – 1 hour
• Go through Dowhill Road; Halt if want to snap some photos
• Visit Chimney Park – spend 40 mins
• Spend your rest of the time at Hanuman Tok (Top station)

**If you have enough time left in hand, you can attend to see Dowhill School, Haunted Church, and Dowhill Park before visiting Hanuman Tok. All these points lies around Dowhill Road.

**If you love shopping, you can visit Kurseong Market in evening. The market shuts down at 8:00 PM, so visit before time.

Contact numbers of suggested car drivers who take you to Heaven.

1. Premba Bhutia (8927655063, 9832043438)
2. Navinji (8972159338)

How to Reach Kurseong

• Nearest Railway: Kurseong (Himalayan Heritage Railway), NJP
• Nearest Airport: Bagdogra

Reach New Jalpaiguri Railway station or Bagdogra Airport; from there you can hire a can or travel by toy train to reach Kurseong. The car route takes only 2 hours to reach Kurseong from NJP Railway station.

When to visit Kurseong?

Kurseong’s beauty shines in every season. However, it’s advisable to avoid visiting during the monsoon season due to frequent landslides in hilly regions during this time.

Final Remarks

Overall, Kurseong offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural charm that mesmerizes visitors throughout the year. From lush tea gardens to panoramic viewpoints, this hill station provides a serene escape for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll through its pine-scented forests, eating the clouds at Heaven, or admiring the colonial history, a visit to Kurseong promises unforgettable experiences and cherished memories for all who wander its winding paths.