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{{More citations needed|date=February 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2014}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                   = Kurseong
| name               = Kurseong
| native_name             = <!-- Please do not add any Indic script in this infobox, per WP:INDICSCRIPT policy. -->
| native_name       = <!-- Please do not add any Indic script in this infobox, per WP:INDICSCRIPT policy. -->
| native_name_lang        =
| nickname           = The School Town<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kurseongmunicipality.org/home.php |title=Kurseong Municipality Official Page |access-date=16 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925061129/http://kurseongmunicipality.org/home.php |archive-date=25 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| other_name              =
| settlement_type   = Town
| nickname               = The School Town<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kurseongmunicipality.org/home.php |title=Kurseong Municipality Official Page |access-date=16 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925061129/http://kurseongmunicipality.org/home.php |archive-date=25 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| image_skyline     = Kurseong panorama by Mayukh Ghose.jpg
| settlement_type         = Town
| image_alt         = Panorama of Kurseong with TV tower in the background
| image_skyline           = Kurseong panorama by Mayukh Ghose.jpg
| image_caption     = Panorama of Kurseong
| image_alt               = Panorama of Kurseong with TV tower in the background
| pushpin_map       = India West Bengal#India3
| image_caption           = Panorama of Kurseong
| pushpin_label_position = left
| pushpin_map             = India West Bengal#India3
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in West Bengal, India
| pushpin_label_position = left
| coordinates       = {{coord|26|52|40|N|88|16|38|E|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map_alt        =
| subdivision_type   = Country
| pushpin_map_caption     = Location in West Bengal, India
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|India}}
| coordinates             = {{coord|26|52|40|N|88|16|38|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type       = Country
| subdivision_name1 = [[West Bengal]]
| subdivision_name       = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type1       = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Darjeeling District|Darjeeling]]
| subdivision_name1       = [[West Bengal]]
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| subdivision_type2       = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| government_type   = [[Municipal Corporations in India|Municipality]]
| subdivision_name2       = [[Darjeeling District|Darjeeling]]
| governing_body     = Kurseong Municipality
| established_title       = <!-- Established -->
| unit_pref         = Metric
| established_date        =
| area_footnotes     = <ref>{{cite web|title=Kurseong City|url=http://www.kurseongmunicipality.org|access-date=26 November 2020}}</ref>
| founder                =
| area_total_km2     = 7.50
| named_for              =
| elevation_m       = 1500
| government_type         = [[Municipal Corporations in India|Municipality]]
| population_total   = 42446<ref name=kurseongpopulation>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/1901_PART_B_DCHB_DARJILING.pdf|title=District Census Handbook, Darjiling|year=2011|publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal|access-date=29 September 2015}}</ref>
| governing_body         = Kurseong Municipality  
| population_as_of   = 2011
| unit_pref               = Metric
| population_density_km2 = auto
| area_footnotes         = <ref>{{cite web|title=Kurseong City|url=http://www.kurseongmunicipality.org|access-date=26 November 2020}}</ref>
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| area_rank              =
| demographics1_title2 = Official
| area_total_km2         = 7.50
| demographics1_info2 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Nepali language|Nepali]] & [[Hindi language|Hindi]].<ref name=nclm50>{{cite web |url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |title=Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India: 50th report (delivered to the Lokh Sabha in 2014) |page=95 |publisher=National Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India |access-date=16 September 2015 |quote=The Official Language of the State is Bengali. Hindi & Nepali has also been declared as Official Languages in Darjeeling and Kurseong |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708012438/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |archive-date=8 July 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| elevation_footnotes    =
| timezone1         = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| elevation_m             = 1500
| utc_offset1       = +5:30
| population_total       = 42446 <ref name=kurseongpopulation>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/1901_PART_B_DCHB_DARJILING.pdf|title=District Census Handbook, Darjiling|year=2011|publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal|access-date=29 September 2015}}</ref>
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| population_as_of       = 2011  
| postal_code       = 734 203
| population_rank        =
| area_code_type     = Telephone code
| population_density_km2 = auto
| area_code         = 0354
| population_demonym      =
| registration_plate = WB-02, 73, 74, 76, 77
| population_footnotes    =
| blank1_name_sec1   = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| population_metro        =
| blank1_info_sec1   = [[Darjeeling (Lok Sabha constituency)|Darjeeling]]
| demographics_type1     = Languages
| blank2_name_sec1   = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
| demographics1_title2   = Official
| blank2_info_sec1   = [[Kurseong (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Kurseong]]
| demographics1_info2     =[[Nepali language|Nepali]]<ref name=nclm50>{{cite web |url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |title=Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India: 50th report (delivered to the Lokh Sabha in 2014) |page=95 |publisher=National Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India |access-date=16 September 2015 |quote=The Official Language of the State is Bengali. Nepali has also been declared as Official Languages in Darjeeling and Kurseong |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708012438/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |archive-date=8 July 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| website           = {{URL|http://www.kurseongmunicipality.org}}
| timezone1               = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1             = +5:30
| postal_code_type       = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code             = 734 203
| area_code_type         = Telephone code
| area_code               = 0354
| registration_plate     = WB-02, 73, 74, 76, 77
| blank1_name_sec1       = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank1_info_sec1       = [[Darjeeling (Lok Sabha constituency)|Darjeeling]]
| blank2_name_sec1       = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
| blank2_info_sec1       = [[Kurseong (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Kurseong]]
| website                 ={{URL|http://www.kurseongmunicipality.org}}
| footnotes              =
}}
}}


'''Kurseong''' is a town and a municipality in [[Darjeeling district]] in the [[India]]n state of [[West Bengal]]. It is the headquarters of the [[Kurseong subdivision]].
'''Kurseong''' ({{IPA|ne|ˈkʰʌrsaŋ}}, {{IPA|bn|ˈkaɾʃi̯aŋ}}) is a town and a municipality in [[Darjeeling district]] in the [[India]]n state of [[West Bengal]]. It is the headquarters of the Kurseong subdivision.


Located at an altitude of {{convert|1482.55|m}},<ref name="Gupta1987">{{cite book|author=Vijay Kumar Gupta|title=Tourism in India|url=https://archive.org/details/tourisminindia0000gupt|url-access=registration|access-date=1 November 2012|date=1 March 1987|publisher=Gyan Publishing House|isbn=978-81-212-0124-7|pages=[https://archive.org/details/tourisminindia0000gupt/page/213 213] ff}}</ref> Kurseong is {{convert|32|km}} from [[Darjeeling]]<ref name="Kohli2004">{{cite book|author=M.S. Kohli|title=Mountains of India: Tourism, Adventure, Pilgrimage|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GIs4zv17HHwC&pg=PA172|access-date=1 November 2012|date=1 April 2004|publisher=Indus Publishing|isbn=978-81-7387-135-1|pages=172 ff}}</ref> and has a pleasant climate throughout the year.
Located at an altitude of {{convert|1482.55|m}},<ref name="Gupta1987">{{cite book|author=Vijay Kumar Gupta|title=Tourism in India|url=https://archive.org/details/tourisminindia0000gupt|url-access=registration|access-date=1 November 2012|date=1 March 1987|publisher=Gyan Publishing House|isbn=978-81-212-0124-7|pages=[https://archive.org/details/tourisminindia0000gupt/page/213 213] ff}}</ref> Kurseong is {{convert|32|km}} from [[Darjeeling]]<ref name="Kohli2004">{{cite book|author=M.S. Kohli|title=Mountains of India: Tourism, Adventure, Pilgrimage|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GIs4zv17HHwC&pg=PA172|access-date=1 November 2012|date=1 April 2004|publisher=Indus Publishing|isbn=978-81-7387-135-1|pages=172 ff}}</ref> and has a pleasant climate throughout the year.
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== History ==
== History ==
{{More citations needed section|date=February 2025}}
The original inhabitants were the [[Lepcha people]], who named their home "Kurseong", because every spring it was alive and bright with Kurson-Rip orchids. In the remote past, Kurseong was a part of the [[Kingdom of Sikkim]], even before the British came to India. However, in around 1780 the  [[Kingdom of Nepal]] conquered and annexed Kurseong and its surrounding areas. Then came the [[Anglo-Nepalese War|Gurkha War]], which the Nepalese lost. The 1817 [[Treaty of Titalia]] restored Kurseong to Sikkim.<ref>Kurseong Municipality, [http://kurseongmunicipality.org/history.php "History"] [of Kurseong].  Retrieved 2 February 2013</ref>
The original inhabitants were the [[Lepcha people]], who named their home "Kurseong", because every spring it was alive and bright with Kurson-Rip orchids. In the remote past, Kurseong was a part of the [[Kingdom of Sikkim]], even before the British came to India. However, in around 1780 the  [[Kingdom of Nepal]] conquered and annexed Kurseong and its surrounding areas. Then came the [[Anglo-Nepalese War|Gurkha War]], which the Nepalese lost. The 1817 [[Treaty of Titalia]] restored Kurseong to Sikkim.<ref>Kurseong Municipality, [http://kurseongmunicipality.org/history.php "History"] [of Kurseong].  Retrieved 2 February 2013</ref>


With its mountains providing a cool and dry environment in the summer, Kurseong was a favourite of the [[British Raj|British]]. Nevertheless, they found travelling there from the plains of Bengal difficult, even on warm sunny days because of the mountains. Although a road was built from Kurseong to Darjeeling from [[Titalia]] in the 1770s and 1780s, its irregular maintenance soon made the new route, the ''Military Road'', almost useless. The next route, Hill Cart Road (now Tenzing Norgay Road), opened in 1861 and fared better.
With its mountains providing a cool and dry environment in the summer, Kurseong was a favourite of the [[British Raj|British]]{{OR inline|date=February 2025}}. Nevertheless, they found travelling there from the plains of Bengal difficult, even on warm sunny days because of the mountains{{OR inline|date=February 2025}}. Although a road was built from Kurseong to Darjeeling from [[Titalia]] in the 1770s and 1780s, its irregular maintenance soon made the new route, the ''Military Road'', almost useless{{Citation needed|date=February 2025}}. The next route, Hill Cart Road (now Tenzing Norgay Road), opened in 1861 and fared better{{Citation needed|date=February 2025}}.


Nevertheless, in 1835 the British decided that Darjeeling would make an excellent [[sanitorium]] and summer residence for their military and civilian officers along with their families. Negotiations with the [[Chogyal]] of Sikkim, [[Tshudpud Namgyal]], provided them a strip of hill territory in Kurseong for an annual fee. As one of the hill stations on the road to Darjeeling, Kurseong began to develop.
Nevertheless, in 1835 the British decided that Darjeeling would make an excellent [[sanitorium]] and summer residence for their military and civilian officers along with their families{{Citation needed|date=February 2025}}. Negotiations with the [[Chogyal]] of Sikkim, [[Tshudpud Namgyal]], provided them a strip of hill territory in Kurseong for an annual fee. As one of the hill stations on the road to Darjeeling, Kurseong began to develop.{{Citation needed|date=February 2025}}


Kurseong is home to one of the oldest municipalities in the state of West Bengal. Established as an independent Municipality in 1879, it did not become a Sub-Division until 1890, when the District of Darjeeling was formed. Kurseong and the District were added to the [[Rajshahi Division]] (now West Central [[Bangladesh]]) by the [[British Raj]] for the [[Bengal Presidency]]. In 1908, they were transferred to the Bhagalpur Division in the same Presidency.
Kurseong is home to one of the oldest municipalities in the state of West Bengal.{{Citation needed|date=February 2025}} Established as an independent Municipality in 1879, it did not become a Sub-Division until 1890, when the District of Darjeeling was formed. Kurseong and the District were added to the [[Rajshahi Division]] (now West Central [[Bangladesh]]) by the [[British Raj]] for the [[Bengal Presidency]]. In 1908, they were transferred to the Bhagalpur Division in the same Presidency.


Before Independence from the British, there were 12 ward commissioners. Four of them were appointed by the [[British Raj]] and it also appointed its own man, the Sub-Divisional Officer (S.D.O.), as their chairman. In 1939, when Bengal became a province of British India, Kurseong was allowed to elect its own member to be the chairman, but the Raj continued to send ward commissioners until India gained independence. Nevertheless, between 1939 and 1942, Kurseong grew rapidly. As of today Kurseong has 20 commissioners.{{when|date=August 2016}}
Before Independence from the British, there were 12 ward commissioners{{Citation needed|date=February 2025}}. Four of them were appointed by the [[British Raj]] and it also appointed its own man, the Sub-Divisional Officer (S.D.O.), as their chairman{{Citation needed|date=February 2025}}. In 1939, when Bengal became a province of British India, Kurseong was allowed to elect its own member to be the chairman{{By whom|date=February 2025}}, but the Raj continued to send ward commissioners until India gained independence. Nevertheless, between 1939 and 1942, Kurseong grew rapidly{{According to whom|date=February 2025}}. As of today Kurseong has 20 commissioners.{{when|date=August 2016}}


==Geography==
==Geography==
[[File:Once upon evening at kuerseong.jpg|180px|thumb|left|View of downtown Kurseong in the early evening.]]
{{OSM Location map
{{OSM Location map
| width=350| height=370| zoom=10
| width=350| height=370| zoom=10
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===Location===
===Location===
[[File:Night view Kurseong.jpg|thumb|Night view of Kurseong town and [[Tindharia]] as viewed from Siliguri]]
Kurseong is located at {{coord|26|52|40|N|88|16|38|E|display=inline}}.
Kurseong is located at {{coord|26|52|40|N|88|16|38|E|display=inline}}.


===Area overview===
===Area overview===
The map alongside shows the eastern portion of the [[Darjeeling Himalayan hill region]] and a small portion of the terai region in its eastern and southern fringes, all of it in the Darjeeling district. In the [[Darjeeling Sadar subdivision]] 61.00% of the total population lives in the rural areas and 39.00% of the population lives in the urban areas. In the [[Kurseong subdivision]] 58.41% of the total population lives in the rural areas and 41.59% lives in the urban areas.<ref name="admin">{{cite web  | url = http://darjeeling.gov.in/dist-prof.html | title = Darjeeling  | work =District Profile - General Information | publisher = District administration |access-date = 21 March 2020 }}</ref><ref name="handbook">{{cite web  |url = http://wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook  |title = District Statistical Handbook 2013 Darjeeling  |work = Tables 2.2, 2.4b  |publisher = Department of Planning and Statistics, Government of West Bengal  |access-date = 21 March 2020}}</ref> There are 78 tea gardens/ estates (the figure varies slightly according to different sources), in the district, producing and largely exporting [[Darjeeling tea]]. It engages a large proportion of the population directly/ indirectly.<ref>{{cite web | url =  http://www.darjeeling.gov.in/darj-tea.html | title = Darjeeling Tea| publisher =  District administration |access-date =  21 March 2020}}</ref> Some tea gardens were identified in the 2011 census as [[census town]]s or villages.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/pca/pcadata/Houselisting-housing-WB.html  |title = 2011 Census – Primary Census Abstract Data Tables | work= West Bengal – District-wise  |publisher= Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India  | access-date = 21 March 2020 }}</ref> Such places are marked in the map as CT (census town) or R (rural/ urban centre). Specific tea estate pages are marked TE.
The map alongside shows the eastern portion of the [[Darjeeling Himalayan hill region]] and a small portion of the terai region in its eastern and southern fringes, all of it in the Darjeeling district. In the [[Darjeeling Sadar subdivision]] 61.00% of the total population lives in the rural areas and 39.00% of the population lives in the urban areas. In the Kurseong subdivision 58.41% of the total population lives in the rural areas and 41.59% lives in the urban areas.<ref name="admin">{{cite web  | url = http://darjeeling.gov.in/dist-prof.html | title = Darjeeling  | work =District Profile - General Information | publisher = District administration |access-date = 21 March 2020 }}</ref><ref name="handbook">{{cite web  |url = http://wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook  |title = District Statistical Handbook 2013 Darjeeling  |work = Tables 2.2, 2.4b  |publisher = Department of Planning and Statistics, Government of West Bengal  |access-date = 21 March 2020 |archive-date = 21 January 2019  |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190121045803/http://www.wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook  |url-status = dead  }}</ref> There are 78 tea gardens/ estates (the figure varies slightly according to different sources), in the district, producing and largely exporting [[Darjeeling tea]]. It engages a large proportion of the population directly/ indirectly.<ref>{{cite web | url =  http://www.darjeeling.gov.in/darj-tea.html | title = Darjeeling Tea | publisher =  District administration | access-date =  21 March 2020 | archive-date =  11 September 2019 | archive-url =  https://web.archive.org/web/20190911133459/http://www.darjeeling.gov.in/darj-tea.html | url-status =  dead }}</ref> Some tea gardens were identified in the 2011 census as [[census town]]s or villages.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://censusindia.gov.in/pca/pcadata/Houselisting-housing-WB.html  |title = 2011 Census – Primary Census Abstract Data Tables | work= West Bengal – District-wise  |publisher= Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India  | access-date = 21 March 2020 }}</ref> Such places are marked in the map as CT (census town) or R (rural/ urban centre). Specific tea estate pages are marked TE.


<small>Note: The map alongside presents some of the notable locations in the subdivision. All places marked in the map are linked in the larger full screen map.</small>
<small>Note: The map alongside presents some of the notable locations in the subdivision. All places marked in the map are linked in the larger full screen map.</small>


=== Sights ===
=== Sights ===
{{unreferenced section|date=September 2019}}
[[File:While Orchid from Kurseong, Darjeeling.jpg|thumb|right|''[[Coelogyne cristata]]'', the white orchid from Kurseong]]
[[File:While Orchid from Kurseong, Darjeeling.jpg|thumb|right|''[[Coelogyne cristata]]'', the white orchid from Kurseong]]
[[File:Kurseong Railway Station.jpg|thumb|Kurseong Railway Station]]
[[File:Kurseong Railway Station.jpg|thumb|Kurseong Railway Station]]
Kurseong is surrounded by a myriad of tea gardens. These include ''Castleton'', ''Makaibarie'', ''[[Ambootia]]'' and ''Goomtee'', all of which can be visited.
Kurseong is surrounded by a myriad of tea gardens. These include ''Castleton'', ''Makaibari'', ''[[Ambootia]]'', although Castleton and Ambootia do not give tours.


The tracks of the 'Darjeeling Toy Train' run the length of the town, and the station is the nucleus of the town.
The tracks of the 'Darjeeling Toy Train' run the length of the town, and the station is the nucleus of the town.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gupta |first=Amitabha |date=December 7, 2021 |title=Tea gardens, colonial heritage and a Netaji connection at Kurseong |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/places/kurseong-offers-tea-gardens-heritage-orchids-and-history-to-visitors/cid/1842252 |access-date=March 25, 2024 |work=Telegraph India}}</ref>


===Religious sites===
===Religious sites===
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* Giddha Pahar Sita Ram Mandir
* Giddha Pahar Sita Ram Mandir
* Giddah Pahar Durga Mata Mandir.
* Giddah Pahar Durga Mata Mandir.
* [[Jagdish Mandir Kurseong|Jagdish Mandir]] - The Jagdish temple has very old idols (almost 300 years old) of Lord [[Jagannath]] (Lord Krishna). The specialty of this temple is that there are two idols of The Lord and both are of Lord Jagannath (Krishna).  In other temples of Lord Jagannath there are three idols - Lord Krishna, Lord [[Balram]] and Devi [[Subhadra]] (Sister of Lord Krishna and Lord Balram).  But in Jagdish Mandir - Kurseong both the idols are of The Lord.
* [[Jagdish Mandir Kurseong|Jagdish Mandir]] - The Jagdish temple has very old idols (almost 300 years old) of Lord [[Jagannath]] (Lord Krishna). The specialty of this temple is that there are two idols of Lord Jagannath (Krishna).
* Shree Shyam Mandir- Just behind the Jagdish Mandir temple there is a magnificient temple devoted to Shree Shyam Baba which is almost 200 years old. It's a beautiful temple visited by devotees from far-off-places.  
* Shree Shyam Mandir- Just behind the Jagdish Mandir temple there is a magnificent temple devoted to Shree Shyam Baba which is almost 200 years old.  
* St. Pauls Church on Hill Cart Road, near St. Joseph's School.
* St. Pauls Church on Hill Cart Road, near St. Joseph's School.
* Buddhist Gompa (monastery) in Monteviot.
* Buddhist Gompa (monastery) in Monteviot.
* Kunsang Choiling Monastery at Upper Naya Busty.
* Kunsang Choiling Monastery at Upper Naya Busty.
*
* Juma Mosque in Hat Bazaar.
* Juma Mosque in Hat Bazaar.
* Grotto and Catholic church in St. Mary's Hill.
* Grotto and Catholic church in St. Mary's Hill.
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===Natural sites===
===Natural sites===
* Eagle's Craig. It is situated in the centre of the town and is a viewpoint from which there are views of the tea estates, surrounding mountains, hills, hamlets, and slopes. The place gains its own importance with the construction of Sahid Smarak made in comm-oration of the Martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the course of the Gorkhaland movement.{{fact|date=December 2021}} Every year their sacrifice is remembered on the 27th of July which is marked as Sahid Diwas. It also has a water reservoir that supplies water to the adjacent areas, an observatory or watchtower, a small flower garden with a variety of flowers, and a cafeteria serving local organic hand-picked tea.
[[File:Dow Hill School in Kurseong 09.jpg|left|thumb|Dow Hill School in Kurseong]]
* Eagle's Craig. It is situated in the centre of the town and is a viewpoint from which there are views of the tea estates, surrounding mountains, hills, hamlets, and slopes. It also has a water reservoir that supplies water to the adjacent areas, an observatory or watchtower, a small flower garden with a variety of flowers, and a cafeteria serving local organic hand-picked tea.
* Rock garden.  the tip of the valley.
* Rock garden.  the tip of the valley.
* Deer Park - now known as Dowhill Park, on the Dowhill Road.  
* Deer Park - now known as Dowhill Park, on the Dowhill Road.  
* The Kholas (Water Falls - Springs) like Whistle Khola (named by the British, as there is a bend and the toy train whistles when passing through it). It is also known as Hussel Khola (means river in the local language). Although relatively dry during the dry months of winter, it comes alive during the monsoon season.{{fact|date=December 2021}} There is a story called the "gadiman" (bullock cart driver) by a local writer and is a staple story in the local school syllabus.
* The Kholas (Water Falls - Springs) like Whistle Khola (named by the British, as there is a bend and the toy train whistles when passing through it). It is also known as Hussel Khola (means river in the local language). Although relatively dry during the dry months of winter, it comes alive during the monsoon season.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}  
* The Kettle Valley
* The Kettle Valley


===Museums===
===Museums===
* Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum and NSC Bose Institute of Asiatic Studies, hosted in the house of his elder brother, Sarat Chandra Bose, are situated in the Giddhapahar area (5 to 10 minutes drive from the Railway station). Netaji was interned in this house by the British government in the late thirties. The house now displays priceless artifacts depicting the life of the freedom fighter. These include photocopies of the exchange of letters between Netaji and his would-be wife, Ms. Emilie, many rare photographs of his [[Indian National Army]] (INA), other memorabilia of the Indian Freedom Movement and a few personal belongings of Netaji and the Bose Family.{{Citation needed|date=October 2012}}
* Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum and NSC Bose Institute of Asiatic Studies, hosted in the house of his elder brother, Sarat Chandra Bose, are situated in the Giddhapahar area (5 to 10 minutes drive from the Railway station). Netaji was interned in this house by the British government in the late thirties. The house now displays priceless artifacts depicting the life of the freedom fighter{{Promotional inline|date=February 2025}}. These include photocopies of the exchange of letters between Netaji and his would-be wife, Ms. Emilie, many rare photographs of his [[Indian National Army]] (INA), other memorabilia of the Indian Freedom Movement and a few personal belongings of Netaji and the Bose Family.{{Citation needed|date=October 2012}}


===Other sites===
===Other sites===
* '''Chimney''': A walk or ride through the forest of ''Cryptomaria Japonica'' on the road, now called ''Aranya Sarani'', leads to open meadows at Chimney. The curious name of the place is reminiscent of the days when there was a bungalow here on the only road (Old Military Road) leading to Darjeeling. A long, dilapidated chimney, standing all alone, is the only remnant of the bungalow now.{{fact|date=December 2021}}
[[File:Chimney, a heritage British structure in Deorali village, Kurseong 11.jpg|left|thumb|90px|Chimney, the heritage British structure in Kurseong]]
 
* '''Chimney''': A walk or ride through the forest of ''Cryptomaria Japonica'' on the road, now called ''Aranya Sarani'', leads to open meadows at Chimney. The curious name of the place is reminiscent of the days when there was a bungalow here on the only road (Old Military Road) leading to Darjeeling. A long, dilapidated chimney, standing all alone, is the only remnant of the bungalow now.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}
* '''Naya Busty Park:''' Located just above the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum.
* '''Naya Busty Park''': Located just above the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum.
* '''All India Radio Kurseong''': Broadcasting station operated by [[All India Radio]] for its [[Nepali language]] radio station - Akashvani Kurseong.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All India Radio Kurseong |url=https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/All+India+Radio+Kurseong/@26.8763097,88.2748724,17z/data=!4m15!1m8!3m7!1s0x39e436cdecf9871d:0xa5de4f0b7e2c629!2sAll+India+Radio+Kurseong!8m2!3d26.8762783!4d88.2749495!10e5!16s/g/1v1sjmkk!3m5!1s0x39e436cdecf9871d:0xa5de4f0b7e2c629!8m2!3d26.8762783!4d88.2749495!16s/g/1v1sjmkk?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDEyMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw== |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Google Maps |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" />


== Civic administration ==
== Civic administration ==
[[File:Kurseong.JPG|thumb|A busy road in Kurseong]]
[[File:Kurseong.JPG|thumb|A busy road in Kurseong]]


Kurseong Municipality, which is over 125 years old (one of the oldest in the country), is the main civic administration body for the town of Kurseong. It is located at 13 Dowhill Road. The Municipality is divided into 20 wards [originally 12 wards] and each of the wards has its own ward commissioner. The current Chairman of the Municipal Committee is Mr. Birga Gurung @Brigen Gurung, presiding office since 10th June 2021.
Kurseong Municipality, which is over 125 years old (one of the oldest in the country){{According to whom|date=February 2025}}, is the main civic administration body for the town of Kurseong. It is located at 13 Dowhill Road. The Municipality is divided into 20 wards [originally 12 wards] and each of the wards has its own ward commissioner. The current Chairman of the Municipal Committee is Mr. Birga Gurung, presiding office since 10 June 2021.{{Citation needed|date=February 2025}}


The previous chairman, until 2008, was Mr. P. C. Agarwal. But in early March 2008 his political party, the [[Gorkha National Liberation Front]] (GNLF), lost the control of the Committee in a no-confidence vote to the other Gorkha political party, the [[Gorkha Janmukti Morcha]] (GJMM). Since 2007, the GJMM has been campaigning for the creation of a separate state for the [[Indian Gorkha]]s, the original goal of the GNLF. Because of the no-confidence vote, Mr. Agarwal was forced to resign and the Municipal Committee was suspended.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130216145717/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=554722 "GNLF loses control over Kursong civic board"], ''OutlookIndia.com'', 18 March 2008. Retrieved 2 February 2013</ref>
The previous chairman, until 2008, was Mr. P. C. Agarwal. But in early March 2008 his political party, the [[Gorkha National Liberation Front]] (GNLF), lost the control of the Committee in a no-confidence vote to the other Gorkha political party, the [[Gorkha Janmukti Morcha]] (GJMM). Since 2007, the GJMM has been campaigning for the creation of a separate state for the [[Indian Gorkha]]s, the original goal of the GNLF. Because of the no-confidence vote, Mr. Agarwal was forced to resign and the Municipal Committee was suspended.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130216145717/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=554722 "GNLF loses control over Kursong civic board"], ''OutlookIndia.com'', 18 March 2008. Retrieved 2 February 2013</ref>


Kurseong has its own Munsif Magistrate Court and has the Police Station and Town Out Post in P B Road. The S.D.O. (Sub Divisional Officer) is the head of the administration for the Town.
Kurseong has its own Munsif Magistrate Court and has the Police Station and Town Out Post in P B Road. The S.D.O. (Sub Divisional Officer) is the head of the administration for the Town.{{Citation needed|date=February 2025}}


Hospital and Health Care in Kurseong : Kurseong has a Sub Divisional Hospital and no private nursing homes or clinics unlike Kalimpong and Darjeeling.
Hospital and Health Care in Kurseong: Kurseong has a Sub Divisional Hospital and no private nursing homes or clinics unlike Kalimpong and Darjeeling.


===Gorkha Public Library===
=== Library ===
Gorkha Public Library or ''Gorkha jana pustakalay'' was established in the year 1913,<ref name=chalmers>{{cite book|last=Chalmers|first=Rhoderick|title=Indian Nepalis: Issues and Perspectives|year=2009|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|isbn=9788180694462|page=127|editor=Tanka Bahadur Subba|chapter=Education, institutions and elites building and bounding Nepali public life in early Twentieth Century India}}</ref> as an initiative of the Indian Gorkhas to develop their culture, language and literature in the small town of Kurseong. It was probably the first Nepali public library project.<ref name=chalmers /> This small initiative played a vital role in the development of Indian Gorkha culture, language and literature. The library still exists today, and among other things is used as a polling station in local elections.<ref>[http://darjeeling.gov.in/GTAele/2012/GTAElectionBooklet.pdf Information Booklet]. Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Sabha Election - 2012</ref>
Gorkha Public Library or ''Gorkha jana pustakalay'' was established in the year 1913,<ref name=chalmers>{{cite book|last=Chalmers|first=Rhoderick|title=Indian Nepalis: Issues and Perspectives|year=2009|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|isbn=9788180694462|page=127|editor=Tanka Bahadur Subba|chapter=Education, institutions and elites building and bounding Nepali public life in early Twentieth Century India}}</ref> as an initiative of the Indian Gorkhas to develop their culture, language and literature in the small town of Kurseong. It was probably the first Nepali public library project.<ref name=chalmers /> This small initiative played a vital role in the development of Indian Gorkha culture, language and literature. The library still exists today, and among other things is used as a polling station in local elections.<ref>[http://darjeeling.gov.in/GTAele/2012/GTAElectionBooklet.pdf Information Booklet]. Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Sabha Election - 2012</ref>


Bloomfield Library: A well stocked library opposite of the post office. The timings are fairly convenient and there is a minimal fee.
Bloomfield Library: A well stocked library opposite of the post office.  


== Education ==
== Education ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=June 2015}}
{{Unreferenced section|date=June 2015}}
[[File:Goethals Memorial School.jpg|thumb|right|Goethals Memorial School]]
[[File:Goethals Memorial School.jpg|thumb|right|Goethals Memorial School]]
Housing a number of schools, Kurseong is popularly nicknamed as "the school town" due to the emergence of many new schools in the town. The schools can be classified into two distinct groups. The English Medium and the Nepali Medium. The English medium schools are mostly affiliated to the [[Indian Certificate of Secondary Education]], Delhi while the Nepali Medium Schools are affiliated to the State Education Board i.e. [[West Bengal Board of Secondary Education]], Calcutta. Only one school Godwin Modern School is affiliated to the [[Central Board of Secondary Education]], Delhi in Kurseong Town.
Housing a number of schools, Kurseong is popularly nicknamed as "the school town"{{By whom|date=February 2025}} due to the emergence of many new schools in the town.{{OR inline|date=February 2025}} The schools can be classified into two distinct groups. The English Medium and the Nepali Medium. The English medium schools are mostly affiliated to the [[Indian Certificate of Secondary Education]], Delhi while the Nepali Medium Schools are affiliated to the State Education Board i.e. [[West Bengal Board of Secondary Education]], Calcutta. Only one school Godwin Modern School is affiliated to the [[Central Board of Secondary Education]], Delhi in Kurseong Town.{{Citation needed|date=February 2025}}


=== University Colleges ===
=== University Colleges ===
Line 187: Line 178:
[[Darjeeling Polytechnic|Darjeeling Polytechnic College]] offers courses in Civil, Computer and Electrical.
[[Darjeeling Polytechnic|Darjeeling Polytechnic College]] offers courses in Civil, Computer and Electrical.


From 1889-1971 there was even a theological college on St. Mary's hill ({{convert|2|km}} north on the way to Darjeeling) training the [[Society of Jesus|Jesuit seminarians]] to the [[Catholic priesthood]] until it was shifted to Delhi under the new name of [[Vidyajyoti College of Theology]].
From 1889 to 1971 there was even a theological college on St. Mary's hill ({{convert|2|km}} north on the way to Darjeeling) training the [[Society of Jesus|Jesuit seminarians]] to the [[Catholic priesthood]] until it was shifted to Delhi under the new name of [[Vidyajyoti College of Theology]].


The old Theologate's building now hosts the Eastern Forest Rangers College, which provides training courses to the would-be Forest Rangers of India. There is a West Bengal Forest School near Deer Park and Victoria Boys School, Dowhill which also provides training for foresters as well.
The old Theologate's building now hosts the Eastern Forest Rangers College, which provides training courses to the would-be Forest Rangers of India. There is a West Bengal Forest School near Deer Park and Victoria Boys School, Dowhill which also provides training for foresters as well.
Line 204: Line 195:
* St. Helen's Secondary School (Girls)
* St. Helen's Secondary School (Girls)
* Jnaneshwar Memorial Academy
* Jnaneshwar Memorial Academy
* [[Victoria Boys School]]  
* [[Victoria Boys' School (Kurseong)|Victoria Boys' School]]
* Daises School
* Daisies School
* Sunshine School
* Sunshine School
* Modern English School
* Modern English School
Line 226: Line 217:


== Transport ==
== Transport ==
[[File:DHR 780 at Kurseong 05-02-20 21.jpeg|thumb|Kurseong Railway Station]]
{{unreferenced section|date=February 2025}}[[File:DHR 780 at Kurseong 05-02-20 21.jpeg|thumb|Kurseong Railway Station]]


Kurseong is considered as midpoint between Siliguri and Darjeeling. The nearest airport is the [[Bagdogra Airport]] and nearest major railway hub is [[New Jalpaiguri railway station]]. Kurseong is well connected to [[Siliguri]], [[Darjeeling]] and [[Mirik]]. Several prepaid vehicles run from Kurseong to Darjeeling, Siliguri and Mirik. But Kurseong does not have a strong transport connection to [[Kalimpong]] and [[Gangtok]]. Only two vehicles to Gangtok and one vehicle to Kalimpong run from Kurseong every day. Taxis also run to Pankhabari, [[Ambootia]], Mahanadi, Tindharia, Latpanchor. North Bengal state buses also run from Darjeeling to Siliguri and NJP Station via Kurseong.
Kurseong is considered as midpoint between Siliguri and Darjeeling.{{By whom|date=February 2025}} The nearest airport is the [[Bagdogra Airport]] and nearest major railway hub is [[New Jalpaiguri railway station]]. Kurseong is well connected to [[Siliguri]], [[Darjeeling]] and [[Mirik]]. Several prepaid vehicles run from Kurseong to Darjeeling, Siliguri and Mirik. But Kurseong does not have a strong transport connection to [[Kalimpong]] and [[Gangtok]]. Only two vehicles to Gangtok and one vehicle to Kalimpong run from Kurseong every day. Taxis also run to Pankhabari, [[Ambootia]], Mahanadi, Tindharia, Latpanchor. North Bengal state buses also run from Darjeeling to Siliguri and NJP Station via Kurseong.


Kurseong also has a railway station where Toy Train runs to New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. Kurseong Station is a part of [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] and comes under Katihar Division of Northeast Frontier Railway.
Kurseong also has a railway station where Toy Train runs to New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. Kurseong Station is a part of [[Darjeeling Himalayan Railway]] and comes under Katihar Division of Northeast Frontier Railway.
Line 236: Line 227:
== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==
In 2011, the population of Kurseong Municipality was 42,446. The rural area in Kurseong Block had a population of 94,347.<ref name=kurseongpopulation/>
In 2011, the population of Kurseong Municipality was 42,446. The rural area in Kurseong Block had a population of 94,347.<ref name=kurseongpopulation/>
===Languages===
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Languages spoken in Kurseong (2011)<ref>[https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16T/DDW-C16-TOWN-STMT-MDDS-2000.XLSX 2011 census data] censusindia.gov.in</ref>
|label1= [[Nepali language|Nepali]]
|value1= 71.54
|color1 =red
|label2= [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
|value2 = 13.79
|color2 =orange
|label3 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]]
|value3 =5.80
|color3 =yellow
|label4 = [[Urdu language|Urdu]]
|value4 = 2.71
|color4 =green
|label5 = [[Lhasa Tibetan|Tibetan]]
|value5 = 1.32
|color5 =blue
|label6 = [[Marwari language|Marwari]]
|value6 = 1.30
|color6 =Brown
|label7= Others
|value7= 3.50
|color7 = white
}}
===Religion=== 
{{bar box 
|title = Religion in Kurseong subdivision (2011)<ref name="religion">{{Cite web |date=2011 |title=Table C-01 Population by Religion: West Bengal |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11396/download/14509/DDW19C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=censusindia.gov.in |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]] |access-date=17 March 2026}}</ref> 
|titlebar=#Fcd116 
|float=left 
|bars= 
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism in West Bengal|Hinduism]]|darkorange|74.00}} 
{{bar percent|[[Buddhism]]|yellow|12.00}} 
{{bar percent|[[Christianity in West Bengal|Christianity]]|dodgerblue|7.50}} 
{{bar percent|[[Islam in West Bengal|Islam]]|green|5.50}} 
{{bar percent|Others*|red|0.60}} 
{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.40}} 
|caption = <small>Others includes faiths like [[Kirat Mundhum]], [[Bon]], [[Mun (religion)|Mun]]</small> 
}} 
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
|+Religion in Kurseong subdivision (2011)<ref name="religion" /> 
! rowspan="2" |Religion
! colspan="2" |2011
|-
!Popul.
!(%) 
|- 
|[[Hinduism in West Bengal|Hinduism]] [[File:Om.svg|16x16px]] 
|278,240 
|74.00% 
|- 
|[[Buddhism]] [[File:Dharma Wheel (2).svg|15x15px]] 
|45,120 
|12.00% 
|- 
|[[Christianity in West Bengal|Christianity]] [[File:Christian_cross.svg|21x21px]]
|28,200 
|7.50% 
|- 
|[[Islam in West Bengal|Islam]] [[File:Star_and_Crescent.svg|15x15px]] 
|20,680 
|5.50% 
|- 
|Tribal religion [[File:Kirat flag-02.jpg|15x15px]] 
|2,256 
|0.60% 
|- 
|Others{{efn|Including [[Jainism]], [[Buddhism]], [[Zoroastrianism]], [[Judaism]], [[Kirat Mundhum]], or not stated}} 
|1,504 
|0.40% 
|- 
|'''Total Population''' 
|'''376,000''' 
|'''100%''' 
|} 
Hinduism is the majority religion in Kurseong subdivision. Buddhism and [[Kirat Mundhum]] are primarily practiced in the hill communities. Christianity has a notable presence among hill populations and tea garden communities. Islam is present in smaller numbers, mainly in semi-urban and market areas.<ref name="religion" />


==Media and communications==
==Media and communications==
[[All India Radio]] has a local station in Kurseong which broadcasts various programs of mass interest. It was established in the year 1962.
[[All India Radio]] operates a [[Nepali language]] radio station in Kurseong, broadcasting at a frequency of 103.5&nbsp;MHz ([https://akashvani.gov.in/radio/live.php#:~:text=Akashvani%20Kurseong webcast])<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 April 2019 |title=stations.pdf |url=https://akashvani.gov.in/files/air/custom-includes/stations.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917112752/https://akashvani.gov.in/files/air/custom-includes/stations.pdf |archive-date=17 September 2024 |website=Akashvani}}</ref> It was established in the year 1962.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peterson |first=Adrian |date=17 September 2022 |title=AIR Kurseong Celebrates 60 Years |url=https://www.radioheritage.com/air-kurseong-celebrates-60-years/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808165611/https://www.radioheritage.com/air-kurseong-celebrates-60-years/ |archive-date=8 August 2024 |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Radio Heritage Foundation |language=en-NZ}}</ref> In 2023, [[Prasar Bharati]] ordered [[Akashvani (radio broadcaster)|Akashvani]] Kurseong to be upgraded as the hub for Nepali language content generation and broadcasting in India.<ref>{{Cite web |last=PTI |date=2023-03-23 |title=Kurseong to be hub of Nepali radio broadcasting in India from Apr 1 |url=https://theprint.in/india/kurseong-to-be-hub-of-nepali-radio-broadcasting-in-india-from-apr-1/1466904/ |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=23 March 2023 |title=Kurseong to be Nepali radio broadcasting hub in India from Apr 1 |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/news/kurseong-to-be-nepali-radio-broadcasting-hub-in-india-from-apr-1/cid/1924532 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620030449/https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/news/kurseong-to-be-nepali-radio-broadcasting-hub-in-india-from-apr-1/cid/1924532 |archive-date=20 June 2024 |work=The Telegraph}}</ref>


==Notable residents==
==Notable residents==
* [[Ferdinand Perier]] (1875–1968), 3rd Archbishop of Calcutta (now [[Kolkata]]), (stayed during three years of his retirement (1962–1965))
* [[Ferdinand Perier]] (1875–1968), 3rd Archbishop of Calcutta (now [[Kolkata]]), (stayed during three years of his retirement (1962–1965))
* [[Jack Farj Rafael Jacob]] (1921-2016), Lieutenant General, Chief of Staff of the Indian Army's Eastern Command  
* [[Jack Farj Rafael Jacob]] (1921–2016), Lieutenant General, Chief of Staff of the Indian Army's Eastern Command  
* [[Jung Bahadur Rana]] (1816–1877), the Prime Minister of Nepal and the founder of the [[Rana dynasty]] of Nepal
* [[Jung Bahadur Rana]] (1816–1877), the Prime Minister of Nepal and the founder of the [[Rana dynasty]] of Nepal
* [[Fazlul Haque (judge)|M. Fazlul Haque]] (b. 1938), High Court Justice of [[Bangladesh]]
* [[Fazlul Haque (judge)|M. Fazlul Haque]] (b. 1938), High Court Justice of [[Bangladesh]]
* Helen Lepcha (1902–1980), freedom fighter who worked closely with [[Mahatma Gandhi]], B.V. Patel, L.B. Shastri, C.R. Das and J.L. Nehru.<ref name="Contributor 2021">{{cite web | last=Contributor | first=Guest | title=Unsung Teenage Heroine Who Helped Netaji Escape, Fought For 10,000 Tribal Workers | website=The Better India | date=2021-06-12 | url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/256684/helen-lepcha-savitri-devi-mahatma-gandhi-netaji-subash-chandra-bose-darjeeling-west-bengal-teenage-freedom-fighter/ | access-date=2023-03-07}}</ref>
* [[Peter Sarstedt]] (1941–2017), musician and singer, attended Victoria Boys' School
* [[Peter Sarstedt]] (1941–2017), musician and singer, attended Victoria Boys' School
* [[Sister Nivedita]] (1867–1911), Scots-Irish social worker, author, teacher and a disciple of [[Swami Vivekananda]]
* [[Sister Nivedita]] (1867–1911), Scots-Irish social worker, author, teacher and a disciple of [[Swami Vivekananda]]
* [[Dev Kumari Thapa]] (1928–2011), Nepali short story writer  
* [[Dev Kumari Thapa]] (1928–2011), Nepali short story writer  
* [[Banira Giri]] (1946–2021), Nepali poet and novelist (born and grew up in Kurseong, later moved to Kathmandu)
* [[Banira Giri]] (1946–2021), Nepali poet and novelist (born and grew up in Kurseong, later moved to Kathmandu)
* [[Crispin Chettri]] (1975-present), Coach of Indian women's football team, a resident of Kurseong


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Notelist}}{{Reflist}}


===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
Line 258: Line 333:
== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{Wikivoyage-inline|Kurseong}}
* {{Wikivoyage inline|Kurseong}}
* [http://kurseongmunicipality.org/history.php Official Website of the Kurseong Municipality]
* [http://kurseongmunicipality.org/history.php Official Website of the Kurseong Municipality]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070825005522/http://www.wb.nic.in/westbg/kurseong.html Information on Kurseong at West Bengal Government Website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070825005522/http://www.wb.nic.in/westbg/kurseong.html Information on Kurseong at West Bengal Government website] (archived 25 August 2007)


{{Darjeeling District}}
{{Darjeeling District}}

Latest revision as of 15:10, 17 March 2026

Kurseong
Town
Panorama of Kurseong with TV tower in the background
Panorama of Kurseong
Nickname: 
The School Town[1]
Location in West Bengal, India
Kurseong is located in India
Kurseong
Kurseong
Kurseong (India)
Coordinates: 26°52′40″N 88°16′38″E / 26.87778°N 88.27722°E / 26.87778; 88.27722
Country India
StateWest Bengal
DistrictDarjeeling
Government
 • TypeMunicipality
 • BodyKurseong Municipality
Area
[3]
 • Total7.50 km2 (2.90 sq mi)
Elevation
1,500 m (4,900 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total42,446[2]
Languages
 • OfficialBengali, Nepali & Hindi.[4]
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
734 203
Telephone code0354
Vehicle registrationWB-02, 73, 74, 76, 77
Lok Sabha constituencyDarjeeling
Vidhan Sabha constituencyKurseong
Websitewww.kurseongmunicipality.org

Kurseong (ne, bn) is a town and a municipality in Darjeeling district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is the headquarters of the Kurseong subdivision.

Located at an altitude of 1,482.55 metres (4,864.0 ft),[5] Kurseong is 32 kilometres (20 mi) from Darjeeling[6] and has a pleasant climate throughout the year.

Kurseong is 34 kilometres (21 mi) from Siliguri and is connected to the city by road and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra and the nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri, which is about 45 kilometres (28 mi) from the town. The economy is based primarily on education and tourism.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The origin of the name is unclear; stories suggest it comes from the Lepcha language word for "small orchid", kurson-rip because of the little white orchids (Coelogyne cristata) dotting the valleys, or perhaps the term for a stick made out of a local cane.(O'Malley 1999, p. 216)

History[edit | edit source]

The original inhabitants were the Lepcha people, who named their home "Kurseong", because every spring it was alive and bright with Kurson-Rip orchids. In the remote past, Kurseong was a part of the Kingdom of Sikkim, even before the British came to India. However, in around 1780 the Kingdom of Nepal conquered and annexed Kurseong and its surrounding areas. Then came the Gurkha War, which the Nepalese lost. The 1817 Treaty of Titalia restored Kurseong to Sikkim.[7]

With its mountains providing a cool and dry environment in the summer, Kurseong was a favourite of the BritishTemplate:OR inline. Nevertheless, they found travelling there from the plains of Bengal difficult, even on warm sunny days because of the mountainsTemplate:OR inline. Although a road was built from Kurseong to Darjeeling from Titalia in the 1770s and 1780s, its irregular maintenance soon made the new route, the Military Road, almost useless[citation needed]. The next route, Hill Cart Road (now Tenzing Norgay Road), opened in 1861 and fared better[citation needed].

Nevertheless, in 1835 the British decided that Darjeeling would make an excellent sanitorium and summer residence for their military and civilian officers along with their families[citation needed]. Negotiations with the Chogyal of Sikkim, Tshudpud Namgyal, provided them a strip of hill territory in Kurseong for an annual fee. As one of the hill stations on the road to Darjeeling, Kurseong began to develop.[citation needed]

Kurseong is home to one of the oldest municipalities in the state of West Bengal.[citation needed] Established as an independent Municipality in 1879, it did not become a Sub-Division until 1890, when the District of Darjeeling was formed. Kurseong and the District were added to the Rajshahi Division (now West Central Bangladesh) by the British Raj for the Bengal Presidency. In 1908, they were transferred to the Bhagalpur Division in the same Presidency.

Before Independence from the British, there were 12 ward commissioners[citation needed]. Four of them were appointed by the British Raj and it also appointed its own man, the Sub-Divisional Officer (S.D.O.), as their chairman[citation needed]. In 1939, when Bengal became a province of British India, Kurseong was allowed to elect its own member to be the chairman[by whom?], but the Raj continued to send ward commissioners until India gained independence. Nevertheless, between 1939 and 1942, Kurseong grew rapidly[according to whom?]. As of today Kurseong has 20 commissioners.[when?]

Geography[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
View of downtown Kurseong in the early evening.

Lua error in Module:OSM_Location_map at line 1984: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).

Location[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Night view of Kurseong town and Tindharia as viewed from Siliguri

Kurseong is located at 26°52′40″N 88°16′38″E / 26.87778°N 88.27722°E / 26.87778; 88.27722.

Area overview[edit | edit source]

The map alongside shows the eastern portion of the Darjeeling Himalayan hill region and a small portion of the terai region in its eastern and southern fringes, all of it in the Darjeeling district. In the Darjeeling Sadar subdivision 61.00% of the total population lives in the rural areas and 39.00% of the population lives in the urban areas. In the Kurseong subdivision 58.41% of the total population lives in the rural areas and 41.59% lives in the urban areas.[8][9] There are 78 tea gardens/ estates (the figure varies slightly according to different sources), in the district, producing and largely exporting Darjeeling tea. It engages a large proportion of the population directly/ indirectly.[10] Some tea gardens were identified in the 2011 census as census towns or villages.[11] Such places are marked in the map as CT (census town) or R (rural/ urban centre). Specific tea estate pages are marked TE.

Note: The map alongside presents some of the notable locations in the subdivision. All places marked in the map are linked in the larger full screen map.

Sights[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Coelogyne cristata, the white orchid from Kurseong
Kurseong Railway Station

Kurseong is surrounded by a myriad of tea gardens. These include Castleton, Makaibari, Ambootia, although Castleton and Ambootia do not give tours.

The tracks of the 'Darjeeling Toy Train' run the length of the town, and the station is the nucleus of the town.[12]

Religious sites[edit | edit source]

  • The Ambootia Shiva Temple.
  • Giddha Pahar Sita Ram Mandir
  • Giddah Pahar Durga Mata Mandir.
  • Jagdish Mandir - The Jagdish temple has very old idols (almost 300 years old) of Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna). The specialty of this temple is that there are two idols of Lord Jagannath (Krishna).
  • Shree Shyam Mandir- Just behind the Jagdish Mandir temple there is a magnificent temple devoted to Shree Shyam Baba which is almost 200 years old.
  • St. Pauls Church on Hill Cart Road, near St. Joseph's School.
  • Buddhist Gompa (monastery) in Monteviot.
  • Kunsang Choiling Monastery at Upper Naya Busty.
  • Juma Mosque in Hat Bazaar.
  • Grotto and Catholic church in St. Mary's Hill.
  • Sath Kaniya Devi Mandir at Uzari Busty Ward No 19 P B Road

Natural sites[edit | edit source]

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Dow Hill School in Kurseong
  • Eagle's Craig. It is situated in the centre of the town and is a viewpoint from which there are views of the tea estates, surrounding mountains, hills, hamlets, and slopes. It also has a water reservoir that supplies water to the adjacent areas, an observatory or watchtower, a small flower garden with a variety of flowers, and a cafeteria serving local organic hand-picked tea.
  • Rock garden. the tip of the valley.
  • Deer Park - now known as Dowhill Park, on the Dowhill Road.
  • The Kholas (Water Falls - Springs) like Whistle Khola (named by the British, as there is a bend and the toy train whistles when passing through it). It is also known as Hussel Khola (means river in the local language). Although relatively dry during the dry months of winter, it comes alive during the monsoon season.[citation needed]
  • The Kettle Valley

Museums[edit | edit source]

  • Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum and NSC Bose Institute of Asiatic Studies, hosted in the house of his elder brother, Sarat Chandra Bose, are situated in the Giddhapahar area (5 to 10 minutes drive from the Railway station). Netaji was interned in this house by the British government in the late thirties. The house now displays priceless artifacts depicting the life of the freedom fighterTemplate:Promotional inline. These include photocopies of the exchange of letters between Netaji and his would-be wife, Ms. Emilie, many rare photographs of his Indian National Army (INA), other memorabilia of the Indian Freedom Movement and a few personal belongings of Netaji and the Bose Family.[citation needed]

Other sites[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Chimney, the heritage British structure in Kurseong
  • Chimney: A walk or ride through the forest of Cryptomaria Japonica on the road, now called Aranya Sarani, leads to open meadows at Chimney. The curious name of the place is reminiscent of the days when there was a bungalow here on the only road (Old Military Road) leading to Darjeeling. A long, dilapidated chimney, standing all alone, is the only remnant of the bungalow now.[citation needed]
  • Naya Busty Park: Located just above the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum.
  • All India Radio Kurseong: Broadcasting station operated by All India Radio for its Nepali language radio station - Akashvani Kurseong.[13][14]

Civic administration[edit | edit source]

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A busy road in Kurseong

Kurseong Municipality, which is over 125 years old (one of the oldest in the country)[according to whom?], is the main civic administration body for the town of Kurseong. It is located at 13 Dowhill Road. The Municipality is divided into 20 wards [originally 12 wards] and each of the wards has its own ward commissioner. The current Chairman of the Municipal Committee is Mr. Birga Gurung, presiding office since 10 June 2021.[citation needed]

The previous chairman, until 2008, was Mr. P. C. Agarwal. But in early March 2008 his political party, the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), lost the control of the Committee in a no-confidence vote to the other Gorkha political party, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJMM). Since 2007, the GJMM has been campaigning for the creation of a separate state for the Indian Gorkhas, the original goal of the GNLF. Because of the no-confidence vote, Mr. Agarwal was forced to resign and the Municipal Committee was suspended.[15]

Kurseong has its own Munsif Magistrate Court and has the Police Station and Town Out Post in P B Road. The S.D.O. (Sub Divisional Officer) is the head of the administration for the Town.[citation needed]

Hospital and Health Care in Kurseong: Kurseong has a Sub Divisional Hospital and no private nursing homes or clinics unlike Kalimpong and Darjeeling.

Library[edit | edit source]

Gorkha Public Library or Gorkha jana pustakalay was established in the year 1913,[16] as an initiative of the Indian Gorkhas to develop their culture, language and literature in the small town of Kurseong. It was probably the first Nepali public library project.[16] This small initiative played a vital role in the development of Indian Gorkha culture, language and literature. The library still exists today, and among other things is used as a polling station in local elections.[17]

Bloomfield Library: A well stocked library opposite of the post office.

Education[edit | edit source]

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Goethals Memorial School

Housing a number of schools, Kurseong is popularly nicknamed as "the school town"[by whom?] due to the emergence of many new schools in the town.Template:OR inline The schools can be classified into two distinct groups. The English Medium and the Nepali Medium. The English medium schools are mostly affiliated to the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education, Delhi while the Nepali Medium Schools are affiliated to the State Education Board i.e. West Bengal Board of Secondary Education, Calcutta. Only one school Godwin Modern School is affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education, Delhi in Kurseong Town.[citation needed]

University Colleges[edit | edit source]

Kurseong has one college Kurseong College which is affiliated to the University of North Bengal. It provides undergraduate studies - Bachelor of Arts (General and Honours), Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Commerce (General).

Darjeeling Polytechnic College offers courses in Civil, Computer and Electrical.

From 1889 to 1971 there was even a theological college on St. Mary's hill (2 kilometres (1.2 mi) north on the way to Darjeeling) training the Jesuit seminarians to the Catholic priesthood until it was shifted to Delhi under the new name of Vidyajyoti College of Theology.

The old Theologate's building now hosts the Eastern Forest Rangers College, which provides training courses to the would-be Forest Rangers of India. There is a West Bengal Forest School near Deer Park and Victoria Boys School, Dowhill which also provides training for foresters as well.

About 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) north on the way to Darjeeling at Tung, there is an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) which offers various vocational course in plumbing, motor mechanics, and book binding.

Schools of Kurseong[edit | edit source]

ICSE & ISC STREAM

  • St Anthony's School (Separate Schools for Boys and Girls)
  • Dowhill school (co-ed till 3rd standard, All girls after that)
  • Cambridge English School
  • Little Flower School (Co-Ed)
  • Himali Boarding School (Co-Ed)
  • Goethals Memorial School (Boys)
  • St. Helen's Secondary School (Girls)
  • Jnaneshwar Memorial Academy
  • Victoria Boys' School
  • Daisies School
  • Sunshine School
  • Modern English School
  • Glenhill Public School
  • Bellvue School
  • Carmel High School
  • Bethany school

CBSE Stream

  • Godwin Modern School

WBBSE Stream

  • Ramakrishna Girls High School
  • Pushparani Roy Memorial School
  • St. Alphonsus School
  • St. Joseph's Girls High School
  • Scott's Mission School

Higher Secondary Vocational[edit | edit source]

  • Holy Cross Institute (Class 11 & 12)

Transport[edit | edit source]

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Kurseong Railway Station

Kurseong is considered as midpoint between Siliguri and Darjeeling.[by whom?] The nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport and nearest major railway hub is New Jalpaiguri railway station. Kurseong is well connected to Siliguri, Darjeeling and Mirik. Several prepaid vehicles run from Kurseong to Darjeeling, Siliguri and Mirik. But Kurseong does not have a strong transport connection to Kalimpong and Gangtok. Only two vehicles to Gangtok and one vehicle to Kalimpong run from Kurseong every day. Taxis also run to Pankhabari, Ambootia, Mahanadi, Tindharia, Latpanchor. North Bengal state buses also run from Darjeeling to Siliguri and NJP Station via Kurseong.

Kurseong also has a railway station where Toy Train runs to New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. Kurseong Station is a part of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and comes under Katihar Division of Northeast Frontier Railway.

There are three roads between Kurseong and Siliguri: National Highway, Pankhabari Road and Rohini Road.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

In 2011, the population of Kurseong Municipality was 42,446. The rural area in Kurseong Block had a population of 94,347.[2]

Languages[edit | edit source]

Languages spoken in Kurseong (2011)[18]
  1. Nepali (71.5%)
  2. Hindi (13.8%)
  3. Bengali (5.80%)
  4. Urdu (2.71%)
  5. Tibetan (1.32%)
  6. Marwari (1.30%)
  7. Others (3.50%)

Religion[edit | edit source]

Religion in Kurseong subdivision (2011)[19]
Hinduism
 
 74.00%
Buddhism
 
 12.00%
Christianity
 
 7.50%
Islam
 
 5.50%
Others*
 
 0.60%
Other or not stated
 
 0.40%
Others includes faiths like Kirat Mundhum, Bon, Mun
Religion in Kurseong subdivision (2011)[19]
Religion 2011
Popul. (%)
Hinduism Error creating thumbnail: File missing 278,240 74.00%
Buddhism Error creating thumbnail: File missing 45,120 12.00%
Christianity 28,200 7.50%
Islam Error creating thumbnail: File missing 20,680 5.50%
Tribal religion Error creating thumbnail: File missing 2,256 0.60%
Others[lower-alpha 1] 1,504 0.40%
Total Population 376,000 100%

Hinduism is the majority religion in Kurseong subdivision. Buddhism and Kirat Mundhum are primarily practiced in the hill communities. Christianity has a notable presence among hill populations and tea garden communities. Islam is present in smaller numbers, mainly in semi-urban and market areas.[19]

Media and communications[edit | edit source]

All India Radio operates a Nepali language radio station in Kurseong, broadcasting at a frequency of 103.5 MHz (webcast)[20] It was established in the year 1962.[21] In 2023, Prasar Bharati ordered Akashvani Kurseong to be upgraded as the hub for Nepali language content generation and broadcasting in India.[22][14]

Notable residents[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Including Jainism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Kirat Mundhum, or not stated
  1. ↑ "Kurseong Municipality Official Page". Archived from the original on 25 September 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "District Census Handbook, Darjiling" (PDF). Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal. 2011. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
  3. ↑ "Kurseong City". Retrieved 26 November 2020.
  4. ↑ "Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India: 50th report (delivered to the Lokh Sabha in 2014)" (PDF). National Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India. p. 95. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 July 2016. Retrieved 16 September 2015. The Official Language of the State is Bengali. Hindi & Nepali has also been declared as Official Languages in Darjeeling and Kurseong
  5. ↑ Vijay Kumar Gupta (1 March 1987). Tourism in India. Gyan Publishing House. pp. 213 ff. ISBN 978-81-212-0124-7. Retrieved 1 November 2012.
  6. ↑ M.S. Kohli (1 April 2004). Mountains of India: Tourism, Adventure, Pilgrimage. Indus Publishing. pp. 172 ff. ISBN 978-81-7387-135-1. Retrieved 1 November 2012.
  7. ↑ Kurseong Municipality, "History" [of Kurseong]. Retrieved 2 February 2013
  8. ↑ "Darjeeling". District Profile - General Information. District administration. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
  9. ↑ "District Statistical Handbook 2013 Darjeeling". Tables 2.2, 2.4b. Department of Planning and Statistics, Government of West Bengal. Archived from the original on 21 January 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
  10. ↑ "Darjeeling Tea". District administration. Archived from the original on 11 September 2019. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
  11. ↑ "2011 Census – Primary Census Abstract Data Tables". West Bengal – District-wise. Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
  12. ↑ Gupta, Amitabha (7 December 2021). "Tea gardens, colonial heritage and a Netaji connection at Kurseong". Telegraph India. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
  13. ↑ "All India Radio Kurseong". Google Maps. Retrieved 23 January 2025.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Kurseong to be Nepali radio broadcasting hub in India from Apr 1". The Telegraph. 23 March 2023. Archived from the original on 20 June 2024.
  15. ↑ "GNLF loses control over Kursong civic board", OutlookIndia.com, 18 March 2008. Retrieved 2 February 2013
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Chalmers, Rhoderick (2009). "Education, institutions and elites building and bounding Nepali public life in early Twentieth Century India". In Tanka Bahadur Subba (ed.). Indian Nepalis: Issues and Perspectives. Concept Publishing Company. p. 127. ISBN 9788180694462.
  17. ↑ Information Booklet. Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Sabha Election - 2012
  18. ↑ 2011 census data censusindia.gov.in
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 "Table C-01 Population by Religion: West Bengal". censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2011. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  20. ↑ "stations.pdf" (PDF). Akashvani. 1 April 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on 17 September 2024.
  21. ↑ Peterson, Adrian (17 September 2022). "AIR Kurseong Celebrates 60 Years". Radio Heritage Foundation. Archived from the original on 8 August 2024. Retrieved 23 January 2025.
  22. ↑ PTI (23 March 2023). "Kurseong to be hub of Nepali radio broadcasting in India from Apr 1". ThePrint. Retrieved 23 January 2025.
  23. ↑ Contributor, Guest (12 June 2021). "Unsung Teenage Heroine Who Helped Netaji Escape, Fought For 10,000 Tribal Workers". The Better India. Retrieved 7 March 2023. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]


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