Things To Do In Mirik

Mirik is a small municipality lying midway between Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri in Darjeeling district. A hill town in the northern part of West Bengal, Mirik is another stunning place that the state has to offer its tourists. It adds to the beauty of the region with charming lakes, tea gardens, colourful orchards, cardamom plantations, breathtaking viewpoints and the great Himalayas in the backdrop. Though a small little place, there are a number of activities tourists can indulge in during their stay here.

The stunning Sumendu Lake is one of the highlights of Mirik and a major tourist attraction. It is picturesque with amazing view of the surroundings. A relaxing boat ride on the lake is a great way to relax and rejuvenate the spirit. Drink in the beauty, absorb the peace and tranquillity and treat your eyes to greenery and the clear blue skies, far from the madding crowd of city life. Pony rides are also available along the banks of the lake and are a great pastime for kids.

Like most places of North India, Mirik also boasts of acres of tea estate producing one of the finest tea in the world. Take a walk through these luscious green gardens which helps to sooth the eyes and the soul. Watch the tea workers at work as they go leaf picking and allow yourself to relax. No trip to North Bengal destinations is complete without a mandatory visit to the sprawling tea estates.

Mirik has some lovely viewpoints from where tourists can watch the setting or rising sun spreading its golden hues over the surrounding landscape. Sunrise or sunset, both are extremely special in a hill station because of the magic it weaves. Sunrise is amazing but if you are not a morning person, sunset will be equally fascinating. Tingling and Rameetay Dhara are the two place you could visit to catch a glimpse of the sun.

Villages are fascinating in our country. Simplicity of life, colourful people and the beauty of the surrounding landscape is truly captivating. A hillside village is all the more beautiful because of the location of these villages. In Mirik there is Bunglung, a village lying on the edge of the valley surrounded by hills on all the sides. Walk through the village and as far as your eyes take you there are only acres of plantations or empty lands which is such a respite from the concrete jungles of the metropolitan cities. 

Mirik has some lovely monasteries, churches and temples. Take out some time for these beautiful places even if you are not overly religious. The serenity and tranquillity is great for the soul. There is the Bokar Monastery located near the Sumedu Lake set amidst sprawling loans. Go and meditate and try finding that elusive peace. Devi Stan is a a revered temple housing the deities of Goddess Singla Devi, Kali, Hanuman and Lord Shiva. Don Bosco Church is a Roman Catholic Church located about 1.5 km from Mirik Bus Stand. It has a magnificent architecture that is visible from anywhere in the town.

Geographical position of a city or town and weather has a strong bearing on the cuisine of any place. Likewise Mirik cuisine has a strong influence of Bengali Culture and the hilly terrain too has an impact on the food found here. Steaming bowls of thukpas, momos or noodles are soul warming dishes on a cold wintry morning and delicious. Tourists can also treat themselves the flavourful Bengal dishes. There are a fair number of restaurants strewn around the town.

Mirik isn’t exactly known for its shopping scene. It is a hill station where people go soul searching and for some peace. Nevertheless there is Mirik Bazar and a place called Krishnanagar where there are a number of stores selling interesting stuff. You can pick up some handcrafted products and Tibetan designed potteries like cups and dishes. The one thing that you must buy here of course is the world famous Darjeeling tea. It makes a great gifting item.