11 Dec Surreal hill-station getaway from Kolkata

Darjeeling near Kurseong is more frequented destination by travelers. For this, Kurseong in North Bengal is overlooked or is just another pit stop for those spending time for its famous counterpart. This picturesque destination although largely ignored as a travel destination; it is still famous nationally for its tea gardens and colonial boarding schools.

A popular tourist attraction in the region is the UNESCO recognized Darjeeling Himalayan Railway that passes viaKurseong Station. Through the winding hill roads, past the lush green tea estates, amidst the bazaars on a narrow gauge, the steam engine chugs along. For those travelling to Kurseong, going aboard the toy train is one activity that no one should miss.

The tea estates in Kurseong are known worldwide. With a lot of heavy rainfall in this region, a play of mists during the rainy seasons, low temperatures even in the peakest of summer months produces the best kind of tea from this area. Two famous tea gardens located in Kurseong are Makaibari and Ambootia.

On request, most resorts and hotels in Kurseongare able to organize tea garden tours. Travellers can witness the tea making process first hand, starting from the process of how the tea leaves are plucked, followed by roasting and curling them in the factories close by. Allita Hotels and Resorts, a luxury, boutique establishment has a dedicated tea lounge which serves the choicest of teas to its customers. There are specially created blends and tea cocktails that all those tea lovers must try out.

Along with tea tasting, enjoy the local delicacies at the resort’s restaurant. Take an evening stroll to Sherpa’s peak and watch the sun setting on the cloudy hills. Complete your surreal getaway to this hamlet by taking a day trip to the Dow Hill forest and the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary.