Mirik: Serene Lakeside Town in West Bengal

Discover Mirik: A tranquil hill station with stunning lake views, tea gardens, and cultural experiences in West Bengal.

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Nestled in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, Mirik is a charming hill station known for its pleasant climate, lush tea gardens, and the picturesque Sumendu Lake. The town offers a tranquil escape with boating, horse riding, and stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range.

A brief summary to Mirik

Mirik, West Bengal, IN

Local tips

Enjoy a boat ride on Sumendu Lake for a relaxing experience surrounded by pine forests.
Visit Bokar Monastery to experience Buddhist culture and enjoy the peaceful environment.
Shop for imported goods, clothes, and electronics at reasonable prices at Pashupati Market.
Take a stroll along the 3.5 km pathway around Mirik Lake for views of the Kanchenjunga.
Visit the tea gardens surrounding Mirik to learn about tea cultivation and processing.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Siliguri, take a shared jeep or bus towards Mirik. Shared jeeps are available from the Darjeeling More area. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Bus fare is approximately INR 70, while a shared jeep costs around INR 120 per person. From the Mirik bus stand, local rickshaws and taxis are readily available to reach Sumendu Lake and other attractions.
Taxi

Hire a taxi from Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) directly to Mirik. The taxi ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. A small taxi from Bagdogra Airport to Mirik typically costs around INR 1,500. From NJP, a sedan taxi to Mirik costs approximately INR 2,700, while an SUV costs around INR 4,300. These fares may vary depending on the season and availability.
Walking

Once in Mirik, the town center and Sumendu Lake are easily accessible on foot. From Mirik Bazaar, it's a pleasant walk to the lake. Local attractions like the Don Bosco Church and nearby viewpoints are also within walking distance for those who enjoy exploring on foot. Rickshaws are available for shorter distances at a nominal charge.

Discover more about Mirik

Mirik, derived from the Lepcha words 'Mir-Yok' meaning 'place burnt by fire,' is a serene town in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. Situated at an average elevation of 1,495 meters (4,905 ft), Mirik enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, making it a popular tourist destination. The heart of Mirik is the Sumendu Lake, also known as Mirik Lake, a 1.25 km long natural water body. Surrounded by a garden on one side and pine trees on the other, the lake offers boating and horse riding opportunities. The Indreni Pull (Rainbow Bridge), an arched footbridge, connects the two sides of the lake, offering stunning views. Mirik is also known for its tea gardens, orange orchards, and cultural sites. The Bokar Monastery, located near the lake, is a significant Buddhist meditation center. Visitors can explore the Don Bosco Church, shop at the Pashupati Market (Indo-Nepal border market), and enjoy panoramic views from viewpoints like Rameetay Dara. The town's history as a tourist destination began in the 1970s when the West Bengal government initiated development projects, including the creation of Sumendu Lake in 1979. Today, Mirik continues to enchant visitors with its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.