Mirik, Darjeeling
Mirik in Darjeeling is a popular destination for tourists from India and all over the globe for its scenic beauty, its beautiful natural lake Mirik Lake (Sumendu Lake), monasteries, and activities for tourists like horse riding. For those that want to flee the town madness, Mirik as a hill station is an excellent place for complete relaxation.
Mirik, situated at an altitude of 1767 meters surrounded widely by cardamom and pine forests. Orchards and other plantations attract nature lovers from everywhere.
Enjoy the natural surrounding and walk down the tea gardens of Mirik. If you’re going to visit Mirik don’t miss the wonder of Mirik Lake which has a footbridge built over it spanning (80 foot) and which enters into a dense pine grove on the opposite side.
Places to Visit in Mirik, Darjeeling
The Bokar Monastery:
Bokar Monastery situated in Mirik, near Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. It was founded by the Kyabje Bokar Tulku Rinpoche who died in 2004; the monastery continues to be guided by the honorable Khenpo Lodro Donyo Rinpoche.
Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling (Bokar Monastery) situated in Darjeeling is a prosperous monastery with more than five hundred monks who have dedicated their lives to practice, study, and carry on with the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha
In the year 1984, Kyabje Bokar Rinpoche founded the Bokar Monastery as a small retreat centre. Later on request from his disciples Rinpoche began to accept monks for training.
Gradually the small retreat centre grew to become the present monastery with two retreat center nearby and monastic college, a shedra.
Since the passing of Bokar Rinpoche in the year 2004 the monastery and its other facilities are under the direction of his close disciple, Kyabje Bokar Khenchan Donyo Rinpoche.
It’s a sanctum that one should visit on their trip to Mirik. It transports one to a special plain altogether bringing them to peace and serenity.
Bunkulung
An unexplored destination, Bunkulung is known as the agricultural hub of Mirik Hill Station, Darjeeling. The place can’t be accessed on foot. Tourists need to hire a cab, but a couple of minutes within the car and you’ll see yourself within the most authentic hillside village.
Bunkulung is surrounded by hills on all sides and is located on the edge of the valley. The place has fisheries, farmlands that will mesmerize tourists. Bunkulung has many stories to tell from the day it was established to its present-day scenario
The Mirik Lake
One of the most prominent places in Mirik, the Mirik Lake (Sumendu Lake) is gorgeous and calm. The lake also has an 80 footbridge running over it for people that don’t wish to steer around it.
A horse ride on the lakeside is an exhilarating experience. Also, the strategic advantage of the lake is that it’s nearly walking distance to each place within the town.
Pashupati Nagar
A famous market, about 15 km far from Mirik hill station is the Pashupati Nagar Market. The market is situated at the Indo Nepalese border. The beautiful market has very strict restrictions due to its location. Tourists will be able to buy cloth, perfumes, handicrafts, and more. When within the market, be very careful of the strict checks at the Indo Nepalese check posts.
Orange Orchards
Another unique and offbeat offering of Mirik as Hill Station is the various plantations spread across the cities. The orange orchards in Mirik are one of the foremost beautiful plantations you’ll ever see. And if you’re lucky to see them fully bloom, the whole place looks lit up with countless orange bulbs.
Mirik Tea Gardens
Your trip might remain incomplete if you miss out on the beautiful tea gardens while in Mirik. The place is full of valleys covered in tea bushes. You might also find workers watering the leaves or picking ripe ones. Solo Travelers and Tourists can take a walk among the Tea bushes which is a fascinating experience and also remember not to damage them. Spend an hour or two here and you will forever remember the experience at the end of your journey.
There are coffee and tea plantations making it a decent spot for tourists and nature lovers. In Mirik there are places of spiritual importance for religious people willing to have a decent peaceful experience. Temples like Shri Mangal Dham that was built around 1933, Devi Sthan or also referred to as Singha Devi Temple located on the western bank of the Mirik Lake or Sumendu Lake.
A beautiful spot for picnic in Mirik is Rai Dhap. Rai Dhap is also the most important source of water for the people in Mirik. There are viewpoints around Mirik which provide tourists a stunning view of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Nearby Attractions of Mirik, Darjeeling
Mirik as a Hill Station offers many sightseeing opportunities around it. Ramitay Dara located a few kilometers from the town is one such destination. From Ramitay Dara, tourists can view the mountains and also the plains below them. Sunrise Point in Mirik offers breathtaking sights of the Sun, orange orchards, and miles of tea gardens. Other top places to go to in Mirik Hill Station, Darjeeling, include Jayanti Nagar, Swiss Cottage, and Mirik Church. Tourists from around the globe are drawn to nearby tourists town like Kurseong and Darjeeling.
Tourists also can halt at lesser-known destinations or offbeat destinations like:
- Jorepokhri
- Sukhiapokhri
- Lepchajagat
Things you can do in Mirik, Darjeeling
There are many things to try and do in Mirik Hill Station, Darjeeling. It’s famous for all types of activities that include horse riding, and nature trailing along the lakeside. Tourists can visit tea gardens and coffee plantations, orange orchards, and cardamom plantations.
How to reach Mirik Darjeeling
For Solo Travelers the most effective way of travelling to Mirik is by bus, which runs regularly from all the main towns in West Bengal. The closest airport is the Bagdogra Airport and the nearest railroad station is the New Jalpaiguri railway station. From both the places, taxis are hired to reach Mirik.
How to reach Mirik by flight
Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Mirik in Siliguri which at a road distance of 47 km. It’s a domestic airport which has regular flights from all places in India.
Nearest Airport: BAGDOGRA
How to reach Mirik by road
Mirik is well connected with nearby cities like Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Kurseong by road, where Siliguri is a well-connected remainder of India by road, rail, and air. This makes Mirik easily accessible.
For tourists and solo travelers visiting Mirik from Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Siliguri, different types of vehicles are available such as Private Cars, Shared Jeeps, Mini Coaches for Tourists, and Taxis. You will be also able to hire Taxis and Private Cars from Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP)
How to reach Mirik by train
NJP (New Jalpaiguri Railway Station) is the nearest train station to Mirik, which is well connected with all major cities in India by rail. It’s distanced at around 56 km from Mirik and conveniently accessible by road.
Local transport in Mirik
Intra city transport is essentially done in tourist cars and small vehicles including rickshaws and three wheelers travel by local people. Although local transport is simple to seek out, it’s preferred to arrange for tour guides and cars. Most of the hotels provide this facility.
What is the best time to visit Mirik, Darjeeling?
The beautiful Mirik hill station experiences all seasons fully bloom. Mirik experiences a pleasant climate, cold winters, and wet monsoons with mild summers. This makes spring, summer, and autumn the best time to visit Mirik. The golden period for tourists and solo travelers to explore Mirik is during the month of March, April, October, and November
Mirik Temperature in Winter (November – February)
During the winter season in Mirik, the temperature ranges between 1.C and 15.C with biting cold in the region. The sky remains bluish-grey. The dreamlike landscape looks wonderful and also the bare Pines enhance the charm of the weather. The time is considered best to cuddle together with your beloved and rekindle sparks as the romantic situation sway you.
The sanctum of the Singha Devi temple in Mirik filled with passion and enthusiasm. Feel the soothing effect of the temple on your soul as you experience the unique spirituality of the mountains. Visit the shrines of the Hindu Gods of Hanuman, Kali and Shiva too. Tourists can go for souvenir shopping at the Mirik Bazaar and Pashupati Market and buy organic spices also.
Mirik Temperature in Monsoon (July – October)
During the end of June, Monsoon strikes Mirik. You’ll expect heavy showers within the region which can hinder sightseeing plans. August is the wettest month of the year, which makes it the least favorable time to go to Mirik concerning travel convenience. Since it’s a hill station, there’s the added danger of landslides and cave-ins too, which can cause roadblocks and traffic jams within the mountainous paths. It’s best to consult local authorities before planning a visit to Mirik during the monsoon.
The valley looks breathtaking in the rains, with the light showers adding a touch to the atmosphere that is mystical in nature. The tea plantations look strange and fascinating. During the monsoon, you will experience the mountains like never before and sure to fall in love with them.
Mirik Temperature in Summer (March – June)
During summer, the temperature soars to a maximum of 30°C, but the weather doesn’t feel uncomfortable due to the unique geographical location of Mirik. At an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level, summers at Mirik are comfortable and warm.
The sky remains clear providing superb visibility. You’ll be able to view the Himalayan range from Mirik and spot some exotic birds also. Select breathable fabric like light linens and cotton to beat the warmth, and remember to keep yourself hydrated too.
With a minimum temperature of 15°C, it’s better to hold light wools at nighttime to remain warm. Sightseeing is comfortable in the summer, as there’s barely any rain. Take your family out on a picnic at the viewpoints, as you spot the Kanchenjunga peak within the distance.
Lodging and dining facilities in Mirik
Mirik as a preferred tourist destination offers a variety of hotels and lodges, private guesthouses, and a forest rest house. Pradhan Hotel & Restaurant in Mirik furnished with all modern facilities. We at Pradhan Hotel in Mirik offer distinct authentic food like Bengali, South Indian, Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian food, and various other local cuisines. Our hotel situated opposite Mirik Lake (Sumendu Lake) where we also serve Momos and Nepali Dishes which are very famous among tourists.