In the midst of our hectic daily routines, the allure of a quick escape, whether with a cherished company or a solo adventure, is a siren call too enticing to resist. Long holidays might not always be within our grasp, but a short sojourn to a tranquil hill station? That’s an invitation impossible to decline. Such was the narrative when my friend and I finally embarked on our long-anticipated journey of “Exploring Kurseong.” It had been a plan etched in our minds for ages, continually postponed by the inevitable disruptions of life’s course.
How we reached
One fine day, we made a spontaneous decision to seize the moment. We hopped onto the Vande Bharat train departing from the Howrah railway station at the crack of dawn, a crisp 5:55 AM. Despite the early hour, the train journey was a comfort to the soul. As the locomotive chugged forward, a steaming cup of tea and a biscuit welcomed us, a pre-planned indulgence we had arranged while booking our tickets.
With the serenity of the morning enveloping us, we surrendered to a few hours of peaceful slumber. The train soon served us a hearty breakfast of buttered toast, fluffy omelets, and sautéed vegetables, a personal favorite of mine. With each bite, we relished the mesmerizing views outside our window.
As the train drew nearer to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station, lunch was presented, a delightful spread of rice, roti, vegetables, dal, and chicken curry, followed by a sweet finale of ice cream. By 1:45 PM, we had reached NJP, and our journey was about to take a new turn.
Journey from NJP to Kurseong
We made our way to the taxi stand, where we faced the choice of shared or private transport to reach Kurseong. Both options had their merits, but we had chosen accommodations slightly removed from the town’s hustle and bustle. To indulge in the tranquility of nature, we opted for a private cab, a preference we shared as it afforded us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the beauty of the region.
And so, our voyage of “Exploring Kurseong” commenced from NJP. June had bestowed upon NJP the warmth of Kolkata or Siliguri, a weather situation we hadn’t quite anticipated. But as we journeyed onward, a mere half-hour’s drive initiated a welcome shift. Our route was lined with charming tea stalls, an irresistible temptation for tea enthusiasts like us. We made a pit stop for refreshments, a shared moment of joy, before resuming our onward journey.
For our lodging, we had chosen a Family Homestay in Kurseong, and its window view left us spellbound. Upon arrival, a quick freshening up was in order, given the day’s heat. Our hosts served us piping hot snacks, consisting of delightful momos and a cup of tea. The momos, in particular, were a treat for the senses, not just in appearance but also in flavour. Our snack indulgence was followed by a leisurely exploration of the nearby surroundings, where the cooling evening air provided respite from the heat.
As night descended, we delved into the local cuisine, strolling through the bustling market area and sampling delectable dishes. The blend of local flavors and homely touches in the food at our homestay was a culinary delight, far surpassing the offerings of restaurants. With dinner concluded, we retired early in anticipation of an early morning adventure on the horizon.
Day of Sightseeings
Our second day of “Exploring Kurseong” was reserved for sightseeing, and our homestay host was instrumental in arranging a cab for our exploration. Our route would ultimately lead us to Darjeeling, but the primary focus was on Kurseong’s attractions. The cab fare amounted to INR 4200, considering our onward journey, but for sightseeing alone, a bit of bargaining could secure a rate between INR 2500 and INR 3000.
Our journey commenced with a visit to the Eagle’s Crag viewpoint, a locale that afforded panoramic views of the town from its lofty watchtower. To capture the full splendor, we ascended to the tower’s zenith, pausing to capture cherished snapshots along the way. The beauty was simply indescribable, a visual symphony that demanded to be seen firsthand.
Our next stop was Hanuman Tok, where a colossal 40-foot tall statue of Hanuman stood in awe-inspiring grandeur. The vista from the valley below defied description in mere words; it was an experience that demanded personal witness.
Whether a lover of tea, nature, or coffee, the Makaibari Tea House was an obligatory pilgrimage during our journey of “Exploring Kurseong.” Here, you could savor a diverse range of teas tailored to your palate or simply wander about, camera in hand. The ambiance itself was a balm for the senses, guaranteeing against any semblance of boredom.
Famous DowHill and Margaret’s Deck
Kurseong’s famed Dow Hill Forest was next on our itinerary. You may have heard the eerie tales whispered in hushed tones about this place, but as we traversed the road, pausing for photographs, the intertwining beauty and darkness of the dense forest held a chilling yet captivating allure. Unfortunately, our access was curtailed, as it was off-limits to tourists at the time. Undaunted, we proceeded to our final destination for the day, the renowned Margaret’s Deck. En route, we traversed the Bagora forest, a 250-year-old pine forest that beckoned with its age-old wisdom. Our hours at the Deck were spent, savored, and shared, with a steaming cup of tea in hand. The view was nothing short of spectacular, a setting famous not only for its scenic allure but also as a favored spot for cinematic productions.
Though our pre-planned journey prevented us from visiting additional spots on this occasion. It only served as an incentive for a return trip to complete our “Exploring Kurseong” adventure. Whether you seek a one- or two-night escapade, Kurseong is a destination deserving of your attention. I would particularly recommend a visit during the winter months to fully savor the weather without breaking into a sweat while sightseeing.
So, if you yearn for a brief yet enchanting getaway, Kurseong beckons. “Exploring Kurseong” is more than just a journey; it’s a symphony of sights and experiences waiting to be embraced.
Check out our Facebook page and other blogs for further travel stories and videos.
