HIDDEN TREASURES OF INDIA Kurseong in West Bengal Kurseong, 32km south of Darjeeling, is the little sister of the Queen of the Hills further up the track. It is a great stopover for those looking for a quiet alternative to the jostling crowds of Darjeeling. Kurseong – its name derived from the Lepcha word kurson-rip, a reference to the small white orchid prolific in this area – is also home to several churches and is surrounded by renowned tea estates. It is the southern terminus for the steam-powered toy trains of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. How to Reach This Place By Air The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is 60 kilometers from Kurseong. Indian Air-lines links Bagdogra with Delhi and Calcutta. By Rail The nearest broad gauge railway station in New Jalpaiguri, 57 kilometers from Kurseong. This railway station has direct railway connection with Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati and other major cities of India By Road Kurseong town is easily accessible both from Siliguri and Darjeeling. Places of Interest Nearly 4 kilometers from Kurseong Railway Station in an elegant mansion in the deep woods of St. Mary's Hill is housed the Eastern Forest Rangers' College (EFRC). A statue of Jesus and Mary and the newly built Jt. John's Church, an example of modern architectural excellence, are also located on the same hill. A picnic at Kettle Valley Picnic Spot at Dilaram Tea Estate on the Banks of the river Rinchengtong offers you a rares opportunity to play in its crystal clear waters in the backdrop of snow-clad mountains. Trekking from Kurseong to surrounding areas is most fascinating. The best one day trekking route is from Kurseong to Mirik via Namsu and Balasun river. The Tourism Department organizes such trekking in group.