History

The town of Mirik is located in the state of West Bengal. Known primarily for its numerous scenic locations, Mirik is an important tourism destination for the people of Bengal and people from all over the world. Though it as not as famous as the other hill stations of Bengal like Darjeeling or Siliguri, but the beautiful Mirik can be a magnificient getaway topeople who are looking for a vacation after a strenuous month at work. Located at an altitude of 1767 meters, Mirik has a large variety of orchards and plantations that will attract nature lovers. Admirers of nature are sure to be left speechless.

Walking through the gardens of Mirik can become another important milestone of your trip. MIrik also has a large number of Buddhist monasteries which attract Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world. One should make it a point to visit these monasteries during their stay in Mirik. Another major tourist attraction in Mirik is Lake Sumendu which sports a huge bridge of 80 meters in length spanning across the length of the bridge. Presence of such a huge lake in Mirik has developed the interest of fishing among the majority of the population. Tourists too can indulge in this activity while boating in the quiet lake. These activities are quiet and relaxing and are helpful enough to bury all the accumulated tension and strain.

How To Reach

Mirik By Air

Bagdogra airport, which is 55 km away from Mirik, is the nearest airport. A bus or a taxi from Bagdogra airport will take the tourists to Mirik.

Mirik By Rail

New jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station that can take us to Mirik by train. It is connected to all the important cities all over India and is just at a distance of 60 km from Mirik.

Mirik By Bus

Bus services are available from Darjeeling, Kurseong, which take us to the picturesque Mirik in return of a affordable fare.

Places To Visit

Sumendu Lake

This 1.25 km long lake is the most attractive spot for the Mirik Tourism Project. The depth of this lake varies from 3ft to 26ft. The lake has captivating features around it, like the promenade and the long arching over bridge. All these features are a mark of excellent engineering capabilities of the people of Mirik. Arrangements are also available near the Lake for people who are interested in fishing. Boating rides are quiet cheap around the Lake, at about Rs 40 per hour.

Kawlay Dara

It is famous for its panoramic view of the mountains as well as the plains. It also boasts of beautiful sunrise and sunsets which are often appreciated by the tourists.

Deosi Dara

It is another observatory point, famous for its stupendous view of the landscapes.

Rai-Dhap

It is ideal for picnics and a get-together with nature herself.

Tea Estates

Mirik boasts of eight tea gardens and Thurbo T.E is the most famous of them all. Thurbo T.E is only 2 km from lake Sumendu. The factories in the tea estates may be visited with the permission of the manager of the particular estates.

Orange Orchards

Beautiful and sprawling orange orchards are situated about 2 kms away from the mainland of Mirik. Thus Mirik is the largest producer of oranges in West Bengal. One can also catch a glimpse of the village life in the mountains, through the villages near the orange orchards.

Cardamom Grove

Cardamom groves are found in the marshy lands of Mirik.

Devi Sthan

The famous Hindu temple, “Singha Devi Mandir ” is situated on the western bank of lake Sumendu.

Weather And Best Time To Visit

Mirik is probably the best destination to escape the tropical heat of West Bengal. As a result troves of people visit this town during the summer months. The temperatures are mild during summers than the other parts o0f the subcontinent but Mirik is very cold during the winter. So visiting Mirik During the winter serason is not advised unless you have thick clothing to protect yourself from the cold. The temperature varies from a maximum of 30° c to a minimum of 15°C during the summer months.

The climate of Mirik is like this due to the influence of the South West monsoon winds during the months of july, August and September. There is a fall in temperatures accompanied by persistent showers. The town is in full bloom during this time.

The winter in Mirik is pleasant during the initial stages and unbearably cold in the later stages. But this may also be a good time to visit Mirik. The temperature varies from a maximum of 20°C to a minimum of 1°C.

Language And Culture

Mirik sports a mixed culture. The culture of Mirik is an amalgamation of the cultures of various countries such as Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and so on. Thus the residents of Mirik are familiar to all the various dance forms and cultures of these countries. Folk dances and songs are some of the indigenous ingredients of Mirik.
Gorkha, Hindi, Bengali and English are some of the recognized languages that are spoken in Mirik.

Accommodation

Mirik bazaar, Thana line, Krishnanagar, Dewsidara are some of the localities in Mirik where hotels and restaurants having lodging facilities are available. DHC( a government agency), operates a motel at a hilltop near the helipad at Allay. A tourist lodge located near the Lake also provides lodging facilities to the tourists.
Tourists can also experience the forest by staying at the Forest Rest House. The booking to this rest house is done from the District Forest Office in Kurseong. Another option is the PWD Inspection Bungalow near the Lake that can be booked from the Siliguri PWD office. Rangbhang Homestay was the first lodge in Mirik that offered these kind of experiences.

Mirik Tourist Lodge

Mirik
Darjeeling

Phone : +91 354 2243371/72

Festivals And Activities

Hotels

Ashirbad Lodge

Krishna Nagar

Phone : 2443272

Baudi Hotel And Restaurants

Mirik

Phone :2443507

Mhelung

Krishna Nagar

Phone : 2443228

Prem Deep

Krishna Nagar

Phone : 2443337

Sabhawan

Mirik

Phone : 2443651

Shivananda

Mirik

Phone : 2443504

Get Around

The beauty of mirik can be experienced in a hired taxi or a horse. But the best option to experience the captivating beauty of Mirik is by walking down the town.

Get Out

Sukhiapokhri

It is a small village located in the hilly region of Darjeeling, and almost on the India-Nepal border.It is 11 km from the mainland of Mirik. The road from Sukhiapokhri leads us to Manebhanjang and then to the trekking tracks of Sandakfu and Falut along the Singalia Ridge.

Sonada

Sonada is a small town in Darjeeling located on the National Highway 55 which connects Darjeeling with Siliguri.Tiger Hills, Oaks Tea Estate, Mondakotee Tea Estate, Sonada Monastery and Senchal Lake are some of the places of interest in Sonada. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) passes through the DHR railway station located in Sonada.

Shopping

Mirik Bazaar Shopping Centre and Pashupati Market are the most popular shops in Mirik where everything from antiques to basic amenities can be purchased. There are lot of takers of aromatic tea and oranges in Mirik.

Wooden, woolen and jute products are available to all those who have a keen eye for handicrafts and artifacts. Baskets made of wick, cane, bamboo or rope are also available here.

The materials and the items that make the place very famous are woollen, carpets, bedspreads, wall art, bamboo, baskets, cane mats of various shapes, handicrafts, wooden, tapestries, handbags, etc. Few of the handicrafts which are the specialities of Tibet comprising of wood-fashioned prayer-wheels, jwelliries studded with precious-stones, decorative items, carpets,  are also found here. Amongst the other few stuffs available here are rope-sole shoes, hanzu coats , Nepali Khukris, bedroom slippers and jackets.

Thus Mirik is worth a visit by all, but they must be sure enough to do all the bookings in advance to enjoy this picturesque location to a greater extent.

Location Map

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