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Mirik,
West Bengal
Though
becoming increasingly popular, Mirik is still one of the unspoiled
hill stations in the country, which is situated around Darjeeling.
Nestling in forested hills at an altitude of around 1,767m, the
resort has the man made Sumendu Lake as the focal point. The surroundings
are enhanced by orange orchards, cardamom plantations and tea estates.
Superb view of the mighty Kanchanjungha is another attraction. Accomodation
is also no problem. DGHC Tourism has constructed picturesque cottages
at Mirik with locally available materials. The complex has modern
facilities.
Clothing
Summers: Tropicals or
light woollens are enough for summer.
Winters:
Though heavy woollens are required in winter.
Tourist
info
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DGHC Tourism, Darjeeling
Tel (0354) 54214.
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West Bengal Tourism, Darjeeling
Tel (0354) 54050
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Mirik Tourism Complex
Tel 43267.
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Hotel Jagjit
Tel 43231.
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DGHC's Tourist Lodge,
Phone 43270.
How
to reach there
Air:
The nearest airport is Bagdogra, 55 km away.
Rail: The broad-gauge
railhead is New Jalpaiguri at 60 kms. Silguri (metre-gauge) is 52
kms. The toy-train stations nearest to Mirik are Ghoom (41 kms),
Kurseong (46 kms) and Darjeeling (49 kms).
Road: Connected by road
with Silguri, Kurseong and Darjeeling. Many tea estates lie on these
routes. Government and private bus services link Mirik with Silguri
and Darjeeling.
What
to see
Sumendu
Lake:about
1.25 kms long, is the major attraction. There is a promenade around
the lake and it also has an interesting 80 feet-long arched overbridge.
There are good picnic spots in the forest on the western bank. Fishing
and boating are allowed
Around
the city
Tea
Estates: There
are 8 tea estates surrounding Mirik. Thurbo T.E., 2 kms. away, is
the best known. It can be an interesting experience to visit the
factory and watch tea being made. One can also buy tea from many
of the gardens. Orange Orchards abound in the area, it being the
largest producer of this fruit in West Bengal. Cardamom Groves can
be seen in marshy terrain around Mirik.
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to Hill Stations
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