Mirik – Bengals’s quaint offbeat holiday destination

A quaint hill station, one day drive away from Darjeeling lies Mirik, with its amazing and mesmerising beauty. Developed in 1979, this beautiful hill station is meant for those who want to avoid the overcrowded Darjeeling.

Midway from Siliguri to the town of Darjeeling is located this hill town of Mirik on the Garidhura-Mirik-Simana Road.A quick weekend gateway or a small vacation, Mirik Welcomes one and all with its mesmerising beauty and calm ambience.

Huddled up against the Nepal Border, this low profile hill station is also a known honeymoon destination. Enclosed by a wave of tea estates, Cardamom plantations, orange orchards and tall dark Japanese Cedar forests this hill-station is usually off-radar for most tourists.Wondeful views of Kanchendzonga is found at Mirik’s higher hilltops.

Situated at an altitude of 1767 meters, Mirik has left nature lovers speechless for ages. Located on the heart of the Singhaila hills, Mirik is a very small town. The name Mirik Suggests fiery-town.

The other strong point for visiting Mirik, would be its salubrious climatic condition all year round. The temperature ranges from 29 to 13 degrees all year round. It is not as chilly here as it is in Darjeeling.

How to reach

Siliguri is the nearest railhead to Mirik. From hereon one can take a cab to the town.The nearest airport to the place is Bagdogra at Siliguri. Major Indian Cities like Kolkata, NewDelhi and Guwahati have regular flights from here.

From the airport, buses and taxis are available to the town.From Darjeeling to Mirik is a one days drive. On fact you can lodge up in Siliguri and travel to Mirik and be back by the evening.

Another route to reaching Mirik will be crossing Ghoom and Sukhia. This path is a better drive as the natural views along the way is amazing along the tea gardens and mountain slopes of Darjeeling.

What to visit in Mirik

Samendu Dhap  This is the main attraction of Mirik. It is a 5 acre plain land with nature’s abundance. In local language SA refers to soil, while Mendu refers to non-existent and dhap is a pond or a marsh land. Crossing the Samendu Dhap as one goes uphill, one reaches Ramitedanra. This is the point from wherein is visible the glistening peaks of Kanchenjunga. Ramitendra offres amazing views of the sunrise and sunset. Enthralling also is the panoramic view of the valley. Fishing is also a popular activity around the area.

1Deosindanra

This is another observation point at MIrik.

2Raidhap

The beautiful lake, from wherein Mirik gets her source of drinking water.

3Lake

This fascinating lake is the source of life in Mirik. Refreshed by the rain water and by the hilly fountains this lake is an amazing view a s it makes its way through the Tamarisk trees, Kanchenjunga is forested with. Crystal clear is the water of the lake in its entire journey of 25 kms.3 to 26 ft is the depth of the water varying from place to place. You can go boating in the lake for minimal charges. There is an abundance of fresh water fish in the lake and you can actually see them playing by.

4Western Banks

The Western Banks are pretty close from here, forested with orange, orchid, cardamom , Japanese Ceaser and Dense greenery of the pine.

5Khurbo Tea garden

This world famous tea garden is just 2 kms from here.

6Singhlila Temple

The temple of Goddess SInghlila lies just opposite to the Khurbo Gardens.

7Mirik Gumpha

Just opposite to the bus stand.

8Pashupatinagar

This town in Nepal 11 kms away is an added attraction to tourists. It is said to be shopper’s paradise with shops displaying foreign goods in abundance.The way to the market falls on the beautiful Mirik-Darjeeling road through Indo-Nepal Border checkpost.

What to eat

This quaint town offers one eatery just at the bottom of the hill near the lake. Named Sikh Sagar Restaurant, this pure-veg-cafeteria offers South Indian dishes and a few snacks. Catering to lake side day trippers this place also has the option of thalis. Prices are incumbent to the place varying from rupees 15 to 60.

What to shop

In terms of Shopping Mirik does not have much to offer. Just a few which will include.Darjeeling oranges are actually grown in bulk in MIrik.Another shopping destination would be Pashupatinagar aka Pashupati Market in Nepal with an abundance of foreign brands.

Where to stay

Buddha lodge- clean, comfy rooms with tv is what Buddha lodge offers you. The wood panelling in the upstairs rooms are excellent as well as appealing. 0354-2243515.

Hotel Jagjeet- This is the best hotel of the town, with attentive services and a variety of clean and comfy rooms. Most of the rooms have adjacent balconies. So is popular the restaurant at this place which serves Indian, Chinese and Continental. Local sweets are also available but at a separate counter. 0354-2243231.

Lodge Ashirbad- Down a lane just opposite the main road, this is a quaint place with clean rooms and a rooftop terrace. The view to the monastery across the roof is amazing. Hot-water buckets area available for a price of rupees 10 per bucket. In the high season home-cooked food is served.0354-2243272

Travel tips !

• Jorepokhri is another great destination on the Drajeeling-Ghoom-Mirik Route. This is where the borders of West Bengal, Sikkim and Bhutan meets. If you have enough time on your hands, try and take this detour The Snowy pleasure of the Himalayan peaks has never ceased to incite and mesmerize.