Mirik: Down to the Waterline

Most of the country’s hill stations are perched at a height of 6,000 ft, however, Mirik falls short by 300 ft. A few minutes into Mirik and you will behold the magnificent Kangchenjunga, which acts as a splendid backdrop to Mirik’s share of tea plantations. There’s a lake as well.

An easy 60 km from both Siliguri and Darjeeling, but comparatively less crowded, Mirik is where you should head for a slow-paced holiday when the heat of the summer and the swelter of the city starts getting to you.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

The focal point of all activity at Mirik are the lush environs of Samendu Lake. An 80-ft-long bridge arches away from the jetty, from the Tourist Reception Centre side across to the western end of the lake. Hotels and eateries and a parking lot sit along the lakeshore. The Shiv Mandir and the Singha Devi Mandir are a short walk from the lakeshore. Boating and angling are available on the lake. Narrow, cobble-stoned streets snake into Mirik Bazaar – always a scene of hectic activity. You can also visit the two Buddhist monasteries here. There are a number of rewarding trails you can explore. Head out for the orange valley along a verdant 2-km track through the Mirik Basti. Walk on narrow roads past dinky little houses into plantation country, where they grow oranges, tea, ginger, turmeric and black cardamom.

Samendu Lake

Samendu Lake is Mirik’s main attraction. A good 1.5-km-long, the serene waterbody has the Kangchendzonga Range as its backdrop and is framed by forests of oak and chestnut. A pleasant 3.5-km-long path winds around the lake. A footbridge offers a convenient passage to attractions both sides of the waterbody. There are pony rides and picnics to enjoy, and if you are so inclined hop onto a paddle boat for a breezy spin around the lake.

Boat rides ₹ 50 for 30 minutes Timings 10.00am-5.00pm

A view of the beautiful Samendu Lake

Bokar Chockhor Ling Monastery

The seat of the venerable late Kyabje Bokar Rinpoche, this monastery belongs to the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. The beautiful and colourful complex includes a monastery, a retreat and a stupa.

The Rinpoche was well known for his compassion and expert meditation practice that established the monastery as an important meditation centre. Devotees and visitors from across the world spend days, weeks, months and even years here. The monastery can be reached by a 10- minute walk, a pony ride or a cab.

Easy Treks

If you’ve thought of trekking as an adventure activity that sounds fascinating but too daunting, Mirik is the perfect place to test your abilities. The two short easy treks in which you can explore up-country leisure spots are Rang Bhang and Manju. Rang Bhang lies on the Rang Bhang river basin, bounded by tea-laden slopes on either side. You can unwind at the lovely park and also try your hand at catching some trout. It lies about 12 km from town and can be trekked or accessed by a jeep. Manju is a similar getaway and a popular picnic spot.

Swiss Cottage, Mirik

WHERE TO STAY AND EAT

Mirik offers quite a few good hotels, many of them by the Samendu Lake. If you haven’t had your fill of the gorgeous mountainscapes, book into the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) Tourism’s Mirik Tourist Lodge (Tel: 0354-2243237, Cell: 09775900101; Tariff:  ₹1,000-1,500) to feast on the grandstand views. They have a Swiss Cottage too (currently under renovation). Jagjeet Hotel (Tel: 2243231, Cell: 09775801621; Tariff: ₹2,200-5,000) has 40 rooms, a bar and a restaurant. They will even help you plan a weekend according to your preferences.

Swiss Cottage, Mirik

Hotel Ratnagiri (Tel: 2243243, Cell: 09832010013; Tariff:  ₹ 1,000-2,500) has 17 rooms, including a family suite.

The lakeside food stalls are a popular haunt with visitors. The hottest selling items are momos, thukpa and fried noodles. Jagjeet’s restaurant and bar offer tasty north-Indian fare, while The Park is good for Continental. If you’re staying at Hotel Viraj, you could just eat in and enjoy the offerings of their bar.

When to go October to January, mid-March to early June Location At a height of 5,741.5 ft in the Eastern Himalayan foothills, on the edge of West Bengal, very close to the Nepal border Air Nearest airport: Bagdogra Rail Nearest rail: New Jalpaiguri