One of the famous cities of West Bengal is the beautiful Darjeeling district located at the foothills of the lesser Himalayan region. Often referred to as the queen of the Himalayas, the jaw-dropping landscapes, mesmerising views of sunrises, and untouched beauty make Darjeeling a famous tourist attraction on the eastern side of India. Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful hill stations spread over steep mountainous landscapes tucked amidst lush green valleys and acres of tea plantations. The spectacular Darjeeling attracts tourists from all around the world. In the lush green tea gardens of Darjeeling, you will be able to witness men and women plucking tea leaves, and in some places, you might want to get down amidst the plantations to pluck the leaves yourself. The tea of Darjeeling is famous all around the globe, and it is not just the tea that makes Darjeeling popular. Darjeeling offers places and views as mesmerising as no other. However, while on your trip to Darjeeling you might want to visit another beautiful place not very far away.

Darjeeling – a beautiful hill station

At around 49 km lies a small enchanted hill town called Mirik in West Bengal. Darjeeling to Mirik takes only about two and a half hours drive by car. Mirik is a quiet and sleepy town between Darjeeling and Siliguri. Tourists who visit Darjeeling often prefer visiting Mirik as well. Mirik is basically famous for its pleasant weather, beautiful tea gardens, cardamom gardens, Sumendu Lake, and lovely orange orchards. To travel from Darjeeling to Mirik, a road from a place called Ghum is taken that goes to Sukhiapokhari. While travelling from Darjeeling to Mirik witness the splendid scenic tea garden plantations beside the roads, hill slopes, and magnificent mountainous landscapes.

The bewitching tea garden route from Darjeeling to Mirik

On your to Mirik, you will see many orange orchards, the famous Thurbo Tea Estate, and many other tea gardens. You will get many buses from Darjeeling to Mirik but if you reserve a cab and take it which most of the tourists prefer, you will be able to witness the views properly. You will also see another astounding place in the hills called Jorpokhri during your ride from Sukhiapokhari Darjeeling. A short two and half hours uphill drive will let you witness many beautiful places, tiny villages, twin lakes surrounded by forests. Be prepared to be awed by the majestic and glorious views of Mt Khangchendzonga from Darjeeling to Mirik as well.

Women plucking tea leaves in Darjeeling’s tea garden

Many tourists halt for some time at Jorpokhri to soak their souls in the mesmerising views of the green forests and lakes while some visit this place while returning to Darjeeling from Mirik. About 20 minutes from Sukhiapokhari in Darjeeling, an amazing viewpoint called Simana is located. When translated to the local language, Simana means border and is the Indo-Nepal border area. This is an interesting place to be in on your way to Mirik from Darjeeling since the road in this area belongs to India but the views that you look at falls in Nepal. If you want to get a closer look at the scenic views you may freely cross the road. The road towards Mirik from Darjeeling district at Simana acts as the divider between the two nations. Due to the very close proximity of these two countries, the people in these areas in Darjeeling share some common culture, languages and the cuisines of both sides have been influenced by each other as their culture and tradition do. On a clear day, you will also be able to see a small transit town of Darjeeling called Maneybhanjang under the mountains here. It is also a base place for trekking at Sandakphu in Darjeeling. Sandakphu is one of the most famous places of attractions in Darjeeling. You might want to get some good pictures of the views in this area as well and also of the dazzling Khangchendzonga peaks.

 A viewpoint on the way to Mirik from Darjeeling

On this road from Darjeeling to Mirik, you will come across many stalls selling tea and snacks, books, chocolates, and their local products. You definitely would want to halt for some minutes to try out their locally grown delicious and fresh hot tea. Many stalls have been standing in these places for ages in Darjeeling district. Also, try some local snacks and light appetizers. There are many several small shops that sell local chocolates and candies, some are brought from Nepal and some are made in India. You may take some with you if you wish and enjoy them on your trip to Mirik and also while visiting places in Darjeeling. If you are quite a drinker, you might also like to buy some local beers sold in these areas.

A roadside tea stall in Darjeeling to Mirik road

After sipping hot tea and enjoying the views of the place when you hit the road again you will reach Pashupati Bazar entrance, at the Indo-Nepal border. If you have some time, you can visit this market in Nepal but you will have to take a taxi since the main market is about 1km walk away. If you are from big cities or at least advanced towns from India, you will see that the products in these markets are quite cheap mainly because of the Nepalese currency value but do not worry if you do not have the currency of Nepal. Since it is a border area both Indian and Nepalese currencies are used here with Nepali value. However, be very careful of the fake products as well. Some products are also brought from Darjeeling to sell here. You might want to take a thing or two from the market. If you do not have that much of time to visit this market on your way to Mirik, you can always come here on your way back to Darjeeling. Even if you do not visit the market you will not be disappointed with the experience you will get from your journey towards Mirik from Darjeeling. You will see amazing landscapes, gardens, several pine tree forests, and also some wonderful viewpoint areas to witness the beauty of the place. All these factors make these places a perfect spot for photo shoots if you are into them. As you move further you will find many roadside stalls selling tea leaves and other local products. Mirik is about 13 km away from Pashupati, and like Darjeeling, this beautiful place Mirik offers several places of attractions you need to visit.

The way towards Mirik from Darjeeling

One of the most famous places to visit in Mirik is the popular Mirik Lake known as Sumendu Lake. Tourists visit this lake in large numbers throughout the year. You can park your vehicle in the parking lot beside Sumendu Mirik Lake and head towards it to relax for a while. It is one of the great blessings of nature in Mirik. You can also go boating in this lake for a wonderful experience or walk over the arching footbridge above it to crossover to the other side. A silent lovely forest called Dhupi Forest is on the left side of the lake. You can cross the bridge to the other side and head towards this forest to enjoy and relax with nature in Mirik. Dhupi when translated in the local language is pine. Find yourself amidst tall lovely pine trees in Mirik. A small temple lies inside the forest and you may visit the temple to offer your prayers. Apart from boating in wonderful Mirik Lake, you can also go for a pony ride around the lake or feed fishes.

The mesmerising Sumendu Mirik Lake

There are many stalls and restaurants on the opposite side of the forest beside Sumendu Mirik Lake and you may visit these places and enjoy some snacks, tea, and coffee in Mirik. There are also several stalls and small shops that sell gift items, souvenirs, accessories, etc. For lunch, at Mirik Lake you can choose from several restaurants with many menu items. The restaurants of Mirik Lake are mid-scale and provide regular lunch items and thalis. After a two and half hours ride from Darjeeling to Mirik, soaking your soul in nature and visiting some places nearby you might be a little weary. And what more relaxing thing you can do than have delicious lunch by the lake in Mirik. You will surely enjoy lunch in these restaurants near Mirik Lake. They provide items for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Another popular place to visit in Mirik is the Bokar monastery, which some call the famous Mirik Monastery, and if you still have some time left to visit other places in Mirik, do visit them. This beautiful monastery in Mirik can be seen from the Mirik Lake sitting on a hill not very far away. Most of the popular places in Mirik can be seen or visited on your way from Darjeeling to Mirik and if you did not visit them do halt at some places while returning to Darjeeling from Mirik. You can also visit the Mirik Bazar above Mirik Lake that sells items like clothes, souvenirs, wools, woolen clothes, other local products, etc.

The enchanting pine forest in Mirik

The gorgeous small and quiet town Mirik in West Bengal attracts tourists of all kinds from all around the country and the world as Darjeeling does. Darjeeling has so many popular places to visit and explore while enjoying nature and delicious cuisine. However, if you visit Darjeeling I say you must visit Mirik as well and take home wonderful memories of the place. The journey from Darjeeling to Mirik is as mesmerising as can be. The green hills, lovely viewpoint areas, splendid tea gardens, pine forests, and enchanting Mirik Lake calls for you.

Darjeeling Tour Packages

Sightseeing in Mirik

Sightseeing in Darjeeling