Located 40 km away from the main town of Darjeeling, Mirik is a small town which is popular for its climate, natural beauty and easy accessibility. The centre of all attraction is the Sumendu lake, surrounded by a garden on one side and pine trees on the other which is linked together by an arching footbridge called Indreni Pull ( Rainbow bridge ). Horse riding, boating and feeding the fishes are well liked by the tourists who visit Mirik. To add to it’s natural beaty the Tea gardens of Mirik are captivating, the magnificent view of the snowy mountains form Ramitey Dara and the pine tree forest on the eastern bank of the lake
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is fondly called as the “Toy Train”. This toy train ride of Darjeeling is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and this popular ride connects Darjeeling with Siliguri. It is one of a kind experience and is one of the famous narrow 2 feet gauge trains. This amazing toy train runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling and it also passes through one of the highest stations in the world that is Ghum. This station is nestled at an altitude of 2258 meters and offers a spectacular aura filled with natural bliss.
Watching the sun rise from Tiger Hill, witnessing the panoramic view of the Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga together, the golden rays over the horizon symbolises a new beginning full of hope and faith is one the best experiences in Darjeeling. Also, after the mesmerizing view of the sun rise and the mountains form the view point, the blessing of the Sincheal Singh Devi Dham ( a Hindu temple ) awaits with the peaceful environment of the Sinchel forest
Sumendu Lake, affectionately known as Mirik Lake, is a mesmerizing jewel nestled in the heart of the picturesque hill town of Mirik. This serene man-made lake serves as Mirik's focal point, drawing visitors with its tranquil beauty and serene ambiance. Its banks offer diverse experiences - one adorned with tall pine trees and winding walking trails, the other graced by a charming garden where both tourists and locals bask in nature's embrace. An elegant arch footbridge named the Indreni Pull, or Rainbow Bridge, connects the two banks, providing not only access but also a splendid spot for photography. While swimming isn't recommended, the lake offers delightful boating experiences and horse riding is another engaging activity. The site also houses Singha Devi Temple on the western bank and two viewpoints, Rameetya Dara and Deosi Dara, offering awe-inspiring vistas of the snow-capped Himalayan Range and the valley. Sumendu Lake is an idyllic retreat that combines natural allure with recreational activities, making it a must-visit for tourists seeking tranquility and beauty in Mirik's embrace. Nearby restaurants, gift shops, and tea houses complete the experience, ensuring that visitors can savor every moment of their journey.
The Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery is a prominent and fascinating destination for tourists exploring Mirik's treasures. This sprawling ancient monastery is one of Mirik's largest monasteries which is renowned for its vibrant and magnificent paintings. Built atop the highest point in Mirik, it offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the surrounding area, including Sumendu Lake. Inside, the monastery showcases exquisite craftsmanship through its numerous paintings and statues. On a clear day, the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga graces visitors with its presence. The monastery houses various facilities, including schools, hostels, guesthouses, and a canteen, all efficiently managed by the monastery authorities. Special prayer halls host ceremonies and events, making it an oasis of spirituality. The friendly Lamas warmly engages with visitors, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The monastery hosts significant events like the Great Spring Exposition and the Great Summer Exposition, presenting vital Buddhist texts and traditions. Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery offers a profound cultural and spiritual experience in the tranquil embrace of Mirik.
Tingling Viewpoint, also known as Kawlay Dara Viewpoint, is a mesmerizing spot located in the picturesque village of Sourenee, just 9 kilometers from Mirik. The name Tingling is derived from the nearby tea estate and rightly so, as it offers a tantalizing view of lush green tea gardens that cascade down the hills. This vantage point provides an astounding vista of tea plantations, the serene Mirik Lake, and the beautiful Mirik Valley. With clear skies, you can capture the stark contrast of the tea gardens against the snow-capped mountains. Visitors can relish both sunrise and sunset here, making it perfect for breathtaking photos. Besides the scenic beauty, you can also sample fresh tea from Sourenee tea estate at the stall located at the base of the viewing gallery and enjoy light snacks at the eatery. Sourenee is famous for its juicy oranges, adding a delightful touch to your visit. Whether you're on a road trip or en route to Darjeeling or Mirik, Tingling Viewpoint is a must-stop destination for its panoramic tea garden views and the refreshing atmosphere it offers. The well-maintained road winding through tea gardens is particularly appealing to motorcycle enthusiasts.
In the scenic Mirik Valley, Gopaldhara Tea Garden stands as one of the highest tea garden in the renowned Darjeeling region. Covering a sprawling area of 320 hectares, with 172 hectares adorned with tea bushes, this estate is a tea lover's paradise. Here, tea is cultivated at elevations ranging from 5500 to 7000 feet, making it one of the highest tea gardens globally, with some areas perched at an impressive 6000 feet. The estate is known for its exceptional mixed clonal tea varieties, producing rare and exquisite Darjeeling Tea. A visit to this charming tea garden offers not only breathtaking landscapes but also the opportunity to savor and purchase a variety of tea flavors at a quaint tea shop within the estate, making it a delightful destination for tea enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
At an elevation of 7500 feet, Simana Viewpoint, whose name translates to 'border' in Hindi, promises an enthralling expedition along the Indo-Nepal border. This captivating plateau, along the Darjeeling-Mirik Road, unfolds before you with a mesmerizing view of the Mount Kanchenjunga, the idyllic Nepalese hamlets, and the rugged valley below. Simana has earned its reputation as a favored pit stop for travelers journeying between Darjeeling and Mirik. Along the route, you'll discover charming stalls where you can savor a steaming cup of tea, indulge in delightful snacks, and relish delectable chocolates. As you sip your tea and take in the splendid surroundings, you'll find that Simana has a unique charm even when occasional dense fog rolls in, adding an ethereal quality to the experience. This destination ensures a oneof-a-kind borderland adventure and offers stunning views of Sandakphu and its majestic peaks, making it an unforgettable destination.