Description
Mirik is a hill station in Darjeeling district in the northern part of West Bengal, India. The name Mirik comes from the Lepcha words Mir-Yok meaning “place burnt by fire”. Mirik has become a tourist destination for its climate, natural beauty and accessibility.
How to Reach
Few buses are available from Mirik to Siliguri and Darjeeling. Shared taxis operate from Mirik to Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kakarvitta (Nepal) One can hire a taxi also for Darjeeling, Kurseong, Siliguri and Kakarvitta.. Shared taxi is operated from Mirik by Mirik Tour & Travels (Krishnanagar). They are available for internal transportation within Mirik to travel from Mirik Lake (Krishnanagar) to Mirik Bazar.
Places to Visit
- Mirik Lake:
The centre of all attraction is the Sumendu lake (popularly known as Mirik Lake). It is surrounded by a garden of oak , chestnut & maple on one side and pine trees on the other and linked together by an arching footbridge called Indreni Pull (Rainbow Bridge). A 3.5-km-long road encircles the lake and is used for walks with the view of Kanchanjunga on the far horizon at the backdrop of the lake. Swimming in the lake is not advisable since the wastewater from the town falls in this lake. You can enjoy boating in this lake. A stroll around the lake is highly recommended. Pony riding are also available.
- Kawlay Dara View point :
One can get a sweeping view of the plains as well as the snow capped mountains from this viewpoint. The sunrise and sunset from here is a visual delight. The viewpoint is about 30 minutes walk from the tourist hub.
- Helipad:
The hilltop helipad offers a panoramic view of the town and the Samendu Lake.
- Devi-Sthan:
The small templeof a Hindu godess, situated under dense foliage of the ‘dhupi’ forest near Mirik lake, is considered very holy by the local.
- Orchid nursery:
Mirik has one of the best climate for a typical orchid called Cymbidium orchids, which fetches one of the highest prices in the world flower markets. One such Cymbidium orchid garden is “Darjeeling Gardens Pvt. Ltd.” located in Rato Mate in Mirik. The nurseries here have a good collection of orchids although there number is not quite large.
- Thurbo Tea Garden & Factory:
Mirik is surrounded by some of the best tea estates of the world . Visit Thurbo Tea Garden & factory.
- Orange orchads & cardamom farm:
The region is famous for its numerous high-quality orange orchards. These are grown in Mirik Busty, Murmah and Soureni Busty. There are some cardamom plantations also.
- Rameetay Dara
It is a viewpoint near the town from where one can see the surrounding mountains and the vast plains below.
- Bokar Monaste:
It is located on the way to Rameetay Dara and is famous as a Buddhist meditation center.
- Rai Dhap:
It is a source of drinking water for Mirik and a picnic spot.
- Tingling View Point :
A panoramic view of the tea gardens can been seen from here.
- Bunkulung (Jayanti Nagar):
Ecotourism is being promoted here and home-stay facilities are available here. RANGBHANG HOMESTAY, Mirik Busty also promotes eco-tourism.
- Pasupati Nagar :
This border market with Nepal[8] is a commercial center for trade in clothes, electronic and household goods.
- Mirik Church:
It is located near Don Bosco School.One of the most beautiful and one of the bigger catholic church of Darjeeling district.
- Swiss Cottage (also known as Motel):
It is an exotic lodging at the highest altitude of Mirik, far from the crowds of the town.
- Sunrise Point :
Scenic views of the sun rising in the east and its reflection on Kanchanjunga in the north. The plains of North Bengal can also be seen from here.
Apart from these, Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, Mirik Bazar shopping centre, Tamang Buddhist Monastery, Homedara Shiva Mandir etc. may also be visited.