Mirik Tourism
If you are planning a vacation in Darjeeling area, it can be a great idea to spend a couple of days in Mirik and then make an onward journey to Darjeeling or other places. You can also do the reverse. In fact Mirik lies almost halfway between Siliguri/NJP and Darjeeling on the alternative route that goes to Darjeeling through scenic tea estates. Mirik is a small hill town and part of Kurseong subdivision and within Darjeeling district.
So why should you spend a couple of days in Mirik? Reasons are plenty. As I said, since it is about halfway to Darjeeling (52kms from Siliguri, Darjeeling is another 49 kms), it makes sense to break the journey and make it more relaxing as you ascend along the winding roads of the mountains.
Winding road leading to Mirik
In fact this alternative route to Darjeeling is less steep and much more scenic as well, although it takes 1 hour longer to reach Darjeeling.
Another great reason to visit Mirik is its mild temperature. Unlike Darjeeling, it never gets to extreme cold. Mirik's average altitude is about 5,000ft and the highest point is at 5,800ft (at Boker Monastery). The altitude is much lower than Darjeeling and therefore expectedly, the climate and the temperature is more gentle and comfortable.
The maximum temperature during summer reaches around 30°C and the minimum comes down to around 15°C. During winter the lowest temperature comes down to around 2°C. But the daytime temperature remains comfortably cool even in winter with a maximum of around 13°C.
Mirik Lake
Photo: Devraj Bhattacharya
But the greatest reason to visit Mirik is its scenic views with the central attraction being the 1.25kms long lovely lake (known as Sumendu Lake) surrounded by Dhupi trees on it western bank and a vast park land with flowering plantations on the eastern bank. Mirik is a tranquil laid back hill station. There are vantage points from where you can get lovely sights of Kanchenjunga snow peaks. And of course the area is surrounded by many rolling tea estates on mountain slopes.
The first tourism development in Mirik began when the state tourism department acquired 335 acres of land area from the neighboring Thurbo tea estate and started developing it as a tourist place in 1974 when Sri Siddhartha Shankar Ray was the Chief Minister of West Bengal. Earlier during the colonial days the open field on the eastern bank of the lake was used as a polo field by the British.
It has been now developed into a garden with flower plantations. The natural lake is fed with rain and spring water. Gradually over time, many hotels and restaurants have also come up in Mirik but mostly in the Krishananagar area which is at the southern end of the lake.
Mirik Bazaar (Market)
Route to reach Mirik from NJP / Bagdogra
Many would vouch that the road from the plains to reach Mirik which is also know as the alternative route for Darjeeling is one of the most scenic in the country. And why not? Where else will you find so many lovely tea gardens on the mountain slopes, beautiful orange orchards along the way and of course the love scenery.
Click here for a complete description of route to Mirik.
Tourist Sites & Sightseeing Tours
Mirik actually has several sightseeing and tourist places other than the lake. There are lovely view points to watch sunrise, sunset and the landscape, several nearby tea gardens, the well known Bokar monastery, Hindu temples, orange orchards, flower gardens including orchids and more. Some popular activities at the lake area includes boating, horse riding, fish feeding etc.
Only 5kms (20 minutes by car) from Mirik Bazaar is the quaint virgin tea village Tabakoshi with its own charm and scenic beauty. The river Rangbhang flows through the valley here. You can visit and even choose to stay there for couple of days at a homestay, spend some quality time with serene nature, get to know about the village and the ways of life there, take a walk through lush tea gardens, soak in the views of lush mountains around, listen to bird songs and more.
Best Hotels in Mirik: Budget & Luxury
Several affordable and mid-priced hotels have come up in Mirik and near the lake. Some of them have nice view of the lake as well. Most hotels are in Krishnanagar locality of Mirik. You will also find accommodations in places like Mirik Bazaar area (will be congested though), Mirik Basti (a bit far away from the lake), Thana line etc. However, the best property is known as Swiss Cottages that are located on a hill top and about 2kms from the lake. It has 12 duplex Swiss style cottages.
Best Restaurants & Bars in Mirik
There are several eateries in Mirik in Krishnanagar and Mirik Bazaar areas. You will usually get north Indian and Chinese dishes, and there are few restaurants offering homemade Bengali food. Some also offer South Indian food.
While the Mirik Market is the main shopping area with numerous stores selling clothes, shoes, bags, curios, gifts & souvenirs, there are also few nice stores in Krishnanagar area selling mainly local pottery items, curios, woolens and packaged Darjeeling tea. In 2018, the Mirik Floating Market was inaugurated (and remodeled in February 2020) which offers various types of handcrafted items.
Transport & Fares to Mirik
(Fares are indicative. Fare updated March 2022)
Between NJP/Siliguri and Mirik: Distance between Siliguri and Mirik is 52 Kms and between NJP and Mirik is 57kms. Private taxis and shared jeeps are available between NJP/Siliguri and Mirik. It takes about 1.5 hours of travel. Shared jeeps are usually available from 7am until 3pm. Private taxis may also be available from NJP pre-paid taxi stand outside the station.
The private taxi fare between NJP and Mirik is about Rs. 2,500 - 2,800/- in a small car like WagonR, Alto etc (the fare during peak season can shoot up further). Shared jeep fare is Rs. 150 - 200/- per person (luggage is kept on the roof).
Between Bagdogra Airport and Mirik: Small taxi fare from the pre-paid booth at the airport is about Rs. 1,500. Note that sometimes, taxis may not be available for booking through the pre-paid counter at Bagdogra airport. In such a case, you can go out and walk past the airport car park, where private taxis are usually available. They will likely charge a fare of Rs. 2,500 - 2,800 for a drop at Mirik. Distance is about 55kms and takes about 1.5 hours to reach.
Between Darjeeling and Mirik: The distance is 49kms and takes about 2.5 hours by car. Regular shared jeeps and private taxis are available. Shared jeeps are usually available between 7am till 3pm. Shared jeep fare is Rs. 200/- per person. Private small taxi fare is about Rs. 2,500 - 2,800. Rate for a large vehicle like Sumo/Bolero will be higher by Rs. 500/-.
From Darjeeling the shared jeeps are available from Chowk Bazaar motor stand while private taxis are available from all stands. In Mirik, shared jeeps leave from both Krishnanagar stand (at the southern end of the lake) and also from Mirik Market. You will need to buy tickets for the shared jeeps from the kiosks at the stands.
Weather & Best Time to Visit Mirik
The climate generally remains pleasantly cool with temperature varying between a maximum of 30°C in summer to a minimum of 2°C during peak winter. A unique and an amazing phenomena in Mirik is cloud entering through the windows and you getting engulfed in it, and it happens quite often.
The best time to visit Mirik is between Mid March to End May, and Mid September to December. From April onwards the summer starts and the temperature warms up. You won't need any woolens during the day time in summer. However the evenings are pleasantly cool and a light sweater is goof enough.
June onwards the monsoon begins and usually lasts till September. From mid-September onwards the climate again starts becoming great for tourism. October is the real rush period. Woolens are usually not required during the day time till October end. From November onwards it starts getting cold and you will need to wear woolens even during the day time. By December the peak winter sets in. So during summer carry light woolens and during winter heavy woolens.
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Visitors' Reviews/Comments
Saikat Das (August 2022)
Hello Sir, I am a big fan of your writing especially everything related to Darjeeling. We are visiting Darjeeling and Tinchuley this October. My booking is up to 14th 10 am and I have a 11 am flight on 15th.
I wish to visit Mirik on the last day that is on 14th Oct after checking out from our Tinchuley homestay. Now my question to you is whether it is possible to visit Mirik on our way back to Siliguri? If yes, should we stay at Mirik for that night or should we reach Siliguri that night itself to catch that early flight. I want to go for the safer and economical option between the two.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) August 2022
Hello, Tinchuley and Mirik are on two different routes. If you wish to visit Mirik from Tinchuley, you need to come back up to Ghum and then take the Mirik route... it is doable though. It is better to proceed to the plains on the 14th itself because you will need to reach the airport by 9 am the next morning. Try to stay in the Bagdogra area where most hotels arrange for airport transfers at reasonable costs. You can also stay in Siliguri, but the transport fare to Bagdogra airport will be higher.
Kurt Bohlender (April 2018)
Hello, is there a ATM Bankomat in Mirik wich accept Visa-Card?
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) April 2018
Hi, there are several ATMs in Mirik (including that of SBI and Canara bank) that accept Visa and Master cards. Most of them are located at Krishna Nagar area (i.e. close to where Hotel Jagjit is located).
Vinod (March 2018)
We are reaching Bagdogra by 3 pm and can at the best start fro Siliguri by 4:30 pm. After reading your blog I am inclined to take the Mirik route. But the sun sets early there right? Does it make sense if it gets too dark?
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) March 2018
Hi, no it won't make sense to take the Mirik route then. It's a longer route to Darjeeling. You might still get some daylight in Mirik, but it'll be dark for rest of the route which is another 2.5 hours.
Punit (February 2017)
Hi Raj, Great information on Mirik as well on your website. The amount of information you have is priceless. I am planning 5 day trip to Darjeeling and plan to cover Mirik as well during this time. I am reaching Bagdogra at 4pm and planning to stay overnight at Mirik and then reach Darjeeling next evening. Planning to cover Mirik sight seeing and cover simana and jorpokhri on the way to Darjeeling. Travelling with two kids aged 6 and 1. A few queries... Is overnight stay for only 1 night at Mirik a good idea, or should I consider a day trip instead. Assuming I stay overnight, what all sight seeing can be covered without making it very hectic ? Also, what are the chances of getting a shared cab around 4pm from Siliguri bus stand? Planning to stay at either Jagjeet or Ratnagiri in Mirik. Thanks
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) February 2017
Since you are reaching at 4pm and by the time you do your baggage collection and start, it would be 4:45pm. It'll soon get dark. So suggest you stay back for the night at Marina Motel in Bagdogra ... it's a nice hotel for overnight stay (although some major digging work is going on in front of the hotel for some bridge/fly-over construction). The motel offers free pick up from the airport and good free breakfast.
Start next day early after breakfast and go via Mirik. On the way stop at Tingling (Sourene) tea garden view point (about 8kms before Mirik). Then visit the Mirik lake... your kids can enjoy a pony ride here (also available at Darjeeling though), fish feeding and a boat ride. Have your lunch at Jagjeet Hotel and then visit Mirik Monastery (it's an uphill walk of about 25-30 minutes). Get back and start from Mirik for Darjeeling (if you are looking for shared Jeep, then you must start by 2pm from Mirik). If you take a reserved cab, then you can visit the monastery and then proceed for Darjeeling.
Not sure why are you asking about shared cab from Siliguri (that too with such small kids). Siliguri is minimum 30 minutes drive from Bagdogra. You won't get shared cabs from anywhere usually after 3pm.
Prashanth (March 2016)
Hi Raj, This website is one of the best for any tourism, having so much information. I am planning with family, 3 year kid. Will take Darjeeling to Kurseong train. Can I get Kurseong to Mirik lake and then to Siliguri shared taxi services on May 17th 2016. If so how much is the cost? Please suggest. Thank you.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) March 2016
Hi, Mirik is not on the same route as Kurseong and there is no direct transport between the two. The route is either via Ghum or Sukna (at the lower plains). Best is to take a private taxi. Otherwise take a shared jeep from Kurseong up to Ghum and then another one to Mirik.
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