Kurseong

Kurseong is a hill town in Darjeeling district, surrounded by rolling slopes planted with tea and known for its mild climate. It is quieter than the larger hill stations and appeals to those who want unhurried time in the hills.

Tea is central to the town. Visitors can walk between the rows of bushes at their own pace, talk with local workers about how the leaf is grown and processed, and drink tea where it is made. Makaibari Tea Estate, one of the oldest gardens in the area, has worked to keep traditional methods of cultivation and processing alive.

Trails lead out from Kurseong through forest, past waterfalls and to viewpoints. One climbs St. Mary's Hill, another follows the Balason River, where rafting is also offered, and a third heads into Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary for those interested in wildlife.