In the hills, there’s a quiet place called Mirik, surrounded by a beautiful tea garden. It’s 1495 meters above sea level, and the name Mirik comes from the Lepcha words Mir-Yok, which means “place burnt by fire.” Mirik has a peaceful atmosphere and pleasant weather all year round, making it a popular destination for travelers. It’s 49 kilometers from Darjeeling and got noticed by tourists in the 1950s, but many people still don’t know about it. The fresh air and charming surroundings of Mirik can make anyone feel like they’ve found peace and calmness.
Tourist Attractions in and around Mirik
Nestled near the Nepal border, halfway between Siliguri and Darjeeling, Mirik is a quiet hill station and a popular spot for honeymoons. One of its famous attractions is Sumendu Lake, also known as Mirik Jill by locals. This lake is at the heart of Mirik, stretching about half a kilometer. It’s a peaceful water body with the Khangchendzongha Range in the background and surrounded by oak and chestnut forests. On one side, there’s a garden, and on the other side, there are pine trees connected by a rainbow bridge called Indreni Bridge. If visitors don’t want to go all the way around the lake, they can cross the bridge. For those who enjoy long walks, there’s a pleasant 3.5 km path that winds around the lake.
You can have fun with pony rides, boating, feeding fish, and having picnics at Mirik. Try a paddle boat for a cool ride on the lake. On a clear day, the lake reflects Mt Kanchenjunga, making it even more beautiful. The journey to Mirik is amazing too. You’ll travel through lush tea gardens and Japanese cypress forests on winding roads. Along the way, you’ll see the scenery change from orange orchards to cardamom plantations, creating memorable moments to cherish in Mirik. Taking in the sweet smell of the tea garden and enjoying a peaceful time by the well-known Sumendu Lake in Mirik with your loved ones can be a perfect way to spend your weekend, far from the busy city life. The charming beauty of Lake Sumendu, with the stunning view of Mt Kanchenjunga against the lush tea gardens of Mirik, has captured the hearts of many travelers.
Hotels and Homestay Details in Mirik
When you visit Mirik, you can choose to stay in hotels or homestays. Most hotels are located towards the south of Mirik Lake, and it can get a bit crowded in this area since many buildings here are hotels. Staying here has the advantage of being close to Mirik Lake, and you’ll easily meet other tourists. This area also provides easy access to vehicles for traveling to other places. Some of the best hotels and homestays in Mirik are Amaira Resort & Farms, Birdsong Home, Queen’s Hill Hotel & Resort, Mirik Hometay, Hotel Jagjeet, and Humro Home Mirik Homestay.
Best Time to Visit Mirik
The best times to go to Mirik are in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these times, the weather is nice, and the natural beauty of the area looks its finest. From March to June, it’s summer in Mirik, and that’s when lots of tourists visit because the weather is pleasant. Mirik’s higher location means that summers are enjoyable, and the temperatures usually stay below 30°C.
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You Can Do Lots of Activities in Mirik
Explore Pashupati Market: Mirik has its own market where you can buy groceries. The nearby Pashupati Market is also a great place to visit. Both of these markets give you a chance to see how the locals live. One of the top things to do in the city is to shop for perfumes, antiques, clothes, and other items at Pashupati Market.
Visit Bokar Monastery: There are various religious sites in the town, including a Monastery and a Church. The Bokar Monastery, which exemplifies Buddhist architectural excellence, can be visited. Visitors can walk around the monastery and see the paintings painted outdoors, as well as the ornamented stupas, which are primarily white.
Visit Don Bosco Church: The Don Bosco Church, which is only 1.5 kilometers from the town center, is definitely worth a visit. Visitors are welcome to join in the prayers and relax in the serene atmosphere that this church constantly provides.
Horse Riding and Boating: One of the best things to do in Mirik is to go boating on Sumendu Lake. It’s a fun and relaxing activity where you can paddle around the lake and enjoy the beautiful pine forest surrounding it. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try horseback riding near the lake or on the footbridge over the lake for an extra thrill.
Transportation Options to Reach Mirik
Mirik is about 52 kilometers northwest of Siliguri city and 49 kilometers south-southwest of Darjeeling town. The closest airport is Bagdogra, which is about 52 kilometers south of Mirik, and the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, next to Siliguri. If you want to travel from Mirik to Siliguri or Darjeeling, you can take a bus or take a taxi. There are also shared taxis from Darjeeling Motor Stand to Krishnanagar, Mirik (right by Mirik Lake), and the fare is the same.
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