Mirik

a peaceful getaway of Himalayas...

Mirik is a beautiful hill station in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. It is at 1495 meters above sea level and surrounded by green forests and hills. It is famous for its natural beauty, pleasant climate and peaceful environment hence a popular tourist destination for those who want to escape.

Mirik is in the foothills of Himalayas and surrounded by green forests and hills. It is at 1495 meters above sea level and 4.9 sq km in area.

The climate of Mirik is pleasant throughout the year. Temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C. Best time to visit is between March to May when the weather is mild and flowers are in bloom. Monsoon in Mirik starts from June to September and it’s heavy rainfall. Winter in Mirik starts from November to February and it’s cold and occasional snowfall.

Mirik lake, mirik

Mirik is named after the Lepcha language which is the language of the local people. The place was a small village inhabited by the Lepchas who were mostly farmers and herdsmen. British explorers discovered the place in 19th century and developed it as a hill station.

In early 20th century Mirik became a favourite destination for British tea planters who established tea gardens in the surrounding hills. The town also became a retreat for British officials who wanted to escape the heat of the plains during summer.

After independence in 1947 Mirik became a part of West Bengal and since then it has become a popular tourist spot.

How to Reach ...

Mirik is well-connected to the major cities in West Bengal and other parts of India. The nearest airport to Mirik is Bagdogra Airport, which is located about 60 kilometers away. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, which is located about 55 kilometers away.

From Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mirik. Alternatively, visitors can also hire a private car to explore the town and its surroundings.

Tingling view point, Mirik

Attractions in Mirik ...

Mirik is a perfect place to unwind. The town is famous for its natural beauty, climate and peacefulness. Some of the top attractions in Mirik are:

Mirik Lake: The Mirik Lake is a man made lake situated in the heart of the town. The lake is surrounded by green forests and hills and is a popular spot for boating and picnics. It has variety of fish and is a favorite among anglers.

Sumendu Lake: The Sumendu Lake is another lake in the town. The lake is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a popular spot for picnics and boating. It has variety of water birds and is a favorite among bird watchers.

Rai Dhap: Rai Dhap is a beautiful waterfall located out of the town. The waterfall is surrounded by green forests and is a popular spot for hiking and picnics.

Tingling Viewpoint: The Tingling Viewpoint is a viewpoint situated on a hill overlooking the town. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and forests and is a popular spot for photography.

Orange Orchards: Mirik is famous for its orange orchards spread across the hills. The orchards is a popular spot for hiking and picnics and is a great place to enjoy the nature.

Tea Estates: Mirik is surrounded by tea estates which is the main source of income for the locals. The

Bokar Monastery: Bokar Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in the town. Beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere. A must visit for spiritual seekers.

Deosi Dara: Deosi Dara is a view point with panoramic views of the hills and forests. Situated on a hill overlooking the town and is a popular spot for photography.

Rameetay Dara: Another view point with great views of the hills and forests. Situated on a hill overlooking the town. Good for picnics and hiking.

Kawlay Dara: A view point with panoramic views of the hills and forests. Situated on a hill overlooking the town. Good for photography and picnics.

Singha Devi Temple: A Hindu temple in the town. Dedicated to goddess Singha Devi. A must visit for devotees.

Sunrise Point: A view point to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas. Situated on a hill overlooking the town. Great views of the hills and forests.

Mirik Tea Estate: A popular tea estate in the outskirts of the town. Known for its good tea. A must visit for tea lovers.

Mirik Bazaar: A bustling market in the heart of the town. Local handicrafts, souvenirs and food stalls. Good for shopping and dining.

Ramitey View Point: A view point with great views of the hills and forests. Situated on a hill overlooking the town. Good for photography and picnics.

Mirik has it all for a peaceful retreat. Nature, view points, culture and spirituality. A secret heaven in the Himalayas.

Mirik lake, mirik

Hotels in Mirik ...

Mirik has various options for accommodation to suit different budgets and preferences. Some of the popular hotels in Mirik are:

Jagjeet’s Himalayan Retreat: This is a luxury hotel in the heart of Mirik. It has well furnished rooms, restaurant, bar and stunning views of the mountains.

Hotel Jagjeet: This is another popular hotel in the center of Mirik. It has comfortable rooms, restaurant and rooftop with beautiful views.

Hotel Sonar Bangla Mirik: This is a budget hotel near Mirik Lake. It has clean and comfortable rooms, restaurant and garden.

Sourenee Tea Estate: This is a boutique hotel in the tea gardens near Mirik. It has well furnished rooms, restaurant and stunning views of the tea gardens.

Ramada by Wyndham Darjeeling: This is a luxury hotel near Mirik. It has well furnished rooms, restaurant, bar and stunning views of the mountains.

Overall Mirik has options for all budgets and preferences, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. It is always recommended to book in advance especially during peak season to avoid last minute hassle.

Homestays in Mirik...

Mirik has many homestays which offers a unique and authentic travel experience. Homestays are the best way to experience the local culture and lifestyle while having comfortable stay. Some of the popular homestays in Mirik are:

Mirik Heritage Homestay: This homestay is near Mirik Lake and has rooms with traditional decor. Guests can have home made food and interact with the hosts.

Blue Hills Homestay: This homestay is near the tea gardens and has well appointed rooms with mountain views. Guests can have home made food and learn about tea making.

Kumaon Tea Retreat: This homestay is in the tea gardens and has rooms with traditional decor. Guests can have home made food and learn about tea making.

Sanyog Homestay: This homestay is near Bokar Monastery and has rooms with mountain views. Guests can have home made food and learn about local culture and traditions.

Green Tara Homestay: This homestay is near Tingling Viewpoint and has rooms with traditional decor. Guests can have home made food and visit nearby tourist spots.

Homestays in Mirik is a unique and authentic travel experience. Book in advance to avoid last minute problems.

Clothing and Accessories ...

During Mirik visit you must carry heavy woolen garments along with a full body inners, scarf or muffler, a woolen cap to cover the ears, socks and gloves for winter season and light woolen garment for the summer season.

You must prefer to use Sports shoes since it could be a comfort during walks as some of the roads are steep. To visit during the summer and monsoon season, Umbrellas and raincoats are very helpful.

Sun glasses, sunscreen as the sun can be scorching and other travel accessories could be added. On the other hand keep your luggage light and trendy for comfortable transfers.

Itineary in Mirik...

Day 1:

Reach Mirik in the morning and check in to your hotel.

After breakfast go to Mirik Lake and take a boat ride or go for a walk around the lake.

In the afternoon visit Bokar Monastery and learn about Tibetan Buddhism.

In the evening go to Deosi Dara, a popular view point and enjoy the sunset over the mountains.

Day 2:

Start the day with Tingling Viewpoint and enjoy the views of the mountains and valleys.

After the trek have breakfast at a local cafe and then head to Pashupati Market, a popular shopping hub near the Nepal border to buy souvenirs and local handicrafts.

In the afternoon visit the Orange Orchards and taste the freshly squeezed orange juice.

In the evening head to the nearby tea gardens and go for a walk or take a tour to learn about tea making.

Day 3:

Start the day with Rai Dhap, a waterfall in the nearby forest.

After the waterfall visit head to Sumendu Lake and take a walk around the lake or go for boating.

In the afternoon visit Mirik Tea Gardens and have a tea tasting.

In the evening visit Mirik Church, a beautiful colonial era church and attend the service or just enjoy the architecture.

This itinerary can be customized as per your preference and interest. Mirik has plenty of activities and attractions for tourists and a longer stay will allow you to take it easy and explore the town and its surroundings.

Best time to visit Mirik...

The best time to visit Mirik is between the months of October and May, which is considered the peak tourist season. During this time, the weather is pleasant, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Darjeeling Weather and darjeeling trmperature

October to December is the best time. The hills and valleys are full of greenery and weather is mild. Tea gardens, nature walks and cultural places to visit.

January to March is cold. Temperature goes down to 2° at night. But good time to see snow in the surrounding hills and mountains if you want to.

April and May is summer. Weather is warm. 15° to 25°. Good time for water sports and outdoor activities. Swimming, boating, hiking.

Overall Mirik is good to visit when you want and how you want. But October to May is the best weather for tourism in Mirik.

Summer is April and May. Weather is 15° to 25°. Water sports and outdoor activities are good. Time to swim, boat, hike.

Mirik is good to visit when you want and how you want. But October to May is the best weather for Mirik. That’s all depending on you and what you want to do. October to May is good time for Mirik tourism.

Foods and Drinks in Mirik...

Mirik is famous for its food which is a mix of Nepali, Bengali and Tibetan cuisine. Here are some of the popular food and drinks in Mirik:

Thukpa: Thukpa is a Tibetan soup made with noodles, vegetables and meat. It’s a heavy and filling meal and perfect for Mirik’s chilly weather.

Momos: Momos are Tibetan dumplings steamed or fried and filled with meat or vegetables. Served with spicy tomato or chili sauce and perfect as a snack or light meal.

Aloo Dum: Aloo dum is a spicy potato curry served with puris or parathas. It’s a breakfast favorite in Mirik and perfect for those who love spicy food.

Sael Roti: Sael Roti is a Nepali snack made with rice flour and served with spicy chutney. It’s crispy and savory and perfect to munch on while walking around Mirik.

Darjeeling Tea: Darjeeling tea is a famous tea from the Darjeeling district and grown in the nearby tea gardens. It’s a high quality tea with unique flavor and aroma and a must try for tea lovers visiting Mirik.

Tongba: Tongba is a traditional drink made from fermented millet or barley. It’s a favorite in the Himalayas and served in a bamboo container with a straw. Perfect for those who love to try new and different drinks.

In all Mirik has a lot of food and drinks to try. There are also many restaurants and cafes in Mirik that serve international cuisine and cater to different diet.

FAQ about Mirik Travelling ...

Mirik is famous for its natural beauty, lake, tea gardens and Himalayan views. It’s a peaceful place to get away from city life.

Also Mirik has several cultural and religious places like Bokar Monastery, Don Bosco Church and several view points to see the surrounding mountains and valleys.

April to June are the best months to visit Darjeeling. However, a lot of people also prefer visiting the place during the winter months from October to December.

The months from October to March see a sudden change in the weather, as by the end of October a slight cold reigns in the area. Winter is at its peak from mid- November to January and the temperature ranges between 7 degrees to 5-degree Celcius. 

April to June marks the offset of summers in the city. Darjeeling during these months is pleasant and not very hot. The temperature reaches 25 degrees at the max. The gushing bright sunlight makes it ideal for exploring the tourists’ spots. 

The months of July to August welcome the showers. With heavy rainfall, a lot of roadblocks are observed in the hill station and hence visiting Darjeeling during these months is not very advisable. September again is an excellent time to visit as there is less rainfall and the greenery is at its best at this time of the year.  

The nearest rail is New Jalpaiguri. This is well connected to most of the major cities in India. Mirik is approachable from Siliguri, nearly 80 km away.

The nearest airport is Bagdodara, near Siliguri. Cabs are easily available from Bagodara to Mirik.

Mirik is a lovely town in West Bengal, India and has lots of things to do and see for tourists. Here are some of the top things to do in Mirik:

Visit Mirik Lake: Mirik Lake is the main attraction in Mirik and a must see for tourists. Boating is available and the lake is surrounded by beautiful gardens and trees so it’s a perfect spot for a picnic.

Trek to Tingling Viewpoint: Tingling Viewpoint is on top of a hill and has a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trek is moderate and passes through beautiful forests and tea gardens.

Visit the tea gardens: Mirik is surrounded by tea gardens and a visit to one of these is a must for tea enthusiasts. You can take a tour and learn about the tea-making process and have a tea-tasting session.

Visit Bokar Monastery: Bokar Monastery is a famous Buddhist monastery in Mirik and where you can learn about Tibetan Buddhism.

Shop at Pashupati Market: Pashupati Market is near the Nepal border and is a popular shopping spot for tourists. The market has local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Visit Orange Orchards: Mirik is famous for oranges and a visit to the orange orchards is a must. You can try some fresh orange juice and learn about orange cultivation.

Attend a service at Mirik Church: Mirik Church is a beautiful colonial era church and worth a visit. You can attend a service or just admire the architecture.

Visit Rai Dhap waterfall: Rai Dhap waterfall is a beautiful waterfall in the nearby forests and a visit to this spot is to enjoy the beauty of Mirik.

So, Mirik has lots to see and do! Visit Mirik.

You can travel from Darjeeling to Mirik in the following ways:

By Shared Taxi: The best way to travel from Darjeeling to Mirik is by road. You can hire a taxi or a shared jeep from Darjeeling to Mirik. It takes around 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Cheaper than a private taxi.

By Private Car: If you want privacy and comfort you can hire a private car from Darjeeling to Mirik. It’s more expensive than other modes of transport but more convenient.

How long to stay in Mirik depends on what you want to do and see. But most people spend 2 to 3 days in Mirik to see the town and around.

In 2 to 3 days you can see the main attractions of the town like Mirik Lake, Bokar Monastery, Don Bosco Church, tea gardens and viewpoints. You can also do boating, trekking and birdwatching.

If you have more time you can also visit nearby places like Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Gangtok. These places have natural beauty, cultural importance and adventure activities.

Stories of Darjeeling ...

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