Kurseong is a quaint little town at a height of 1458 meters/1594 yards clinging to a hill side that seems time forgot. On the way from Siliguri to Darjeeling lies Kurseong a lesser known destination on the tourist map. The famed toy train or DHR (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway) a UNESCO world heritage train whistles along and stops to discharge passengers at Kurseong. The town has schools over a century old, each with its heritage architecture. Kurseong is a Lepcha word Kurson rip which refers to the small white orchid which is found in profusion in the area, hence the name. Kurseong 30 km/18 miles south of Darjeeling is surrounded by forests and famous tea gardens producing some of the finest Darjeeling teas in the world. The hill sides are green with little tea bushes and women with baskets on their backs picking tea are a common sight. At one time it was fashionable for the rich and famous of Bengal to have a summer residence at Kurseong. In those days it was not an unusual sight to see India's famous Nobel Laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore, painter Abanindra Nath Tagore, writer Mark Twain, sister Nivedita and freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose taking a walk in this little picturesque town.
Kurseong is meant for enjoying nature and a laid back holiday. The only relaxation is a long walk.
The best view can be had from Eagle's Crag roughly 1 km from the railway station. It gives a wonderful view of the hills and plains. View the sunset from here. It is an unforgettable experience and will remain etched in your mind forever. For the more adventurous there is the 5 hour walk along the ridge and through forests to Ghoom. About to 4 km/2.5 miles from the town, on Dow Hill, is an amusement park or Deer Park. It has an interesting forest Museum which is a part of the Forest School
The Giddhaphar Mandir two km away on Hill Cart Road is a Shiva Temple. Every year on Shivaratri a colourful fair is held here. People from far and near come to pray, visit the temple and enjoy the fair. On the Ambotia Tea Estate is another Shiva Mandir which is also visited by devotees.
While in Kurseong you must visit a Tea Estate. The Makabari Tea Estate produces perhaps the finest Darjeeling tea. They welcome visitors. You can visit it and see tea being manufactured and what are more; you can buy some to take back with you. When ever you drink it, you will get a flavor of Makabari and Kuresong. This fine tea also makes a great gift.
Trekking is an enjoyable activity in the area. The most popular one day trek is from Kurseong to Mirik via Namsu and Balasun River.