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{{for multi|the village in Azerbaijan|Mirik, Azerbaijan|the village in Iran|Mirik, Iran}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2026}}
{{for-multi|the village in Azerbaijan|Mirik, Azerbaijan|the village in Iran|Mirik, Iran}}
{{cleanup|reason=unencyclopaedic and unreferenced information|date=August 2016}}
{{cleanup|reason=unencyclopaedic and unreferenced information|date=August 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2026}}
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->{{Infobox settlement
<!-- See [[Bharatpedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->{{Infobox settlement
| name                            = Mirik
| name                            = Mirik
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| demographics1_info1            = [[Nepali language|Nepali]], [[English language|English]]
| demographics1_info1            = [[Nepali language|Nepali]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[English language|English]]
| blank2_name_sec1                = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
| blank2_name_sec1                = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
| blank2_info_sec1                = [[Kurseong (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Kurseong]]
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'''Mirik''' is a small town and a Notified Area of [[Darjeeling district]] in the state of [[West Bengal]], [[India]]. It is the headquarters of the [[Mirik subdivision]]. The name ''Mirik'' comes from the [[Lepcha language|Lepcha]] words ''Mir-Yok'' meaning "place burnt by fire".  
'''Mirik''' is a small town and a Notified Area of [[Darjeeling district]] in the state of [[West Bengal]], [[India]]. It is the headquarters of the [[Mirik subdivision]]. The name ''Mirik'' comes from the [[Lepcha language|Lepcha]] words ''Mir-Yok'' meaning "place burnt by fire".


==History==
==History==
Mirik Bazar began a commercial centre of the region where people from the surrounding villages and [[Darjeeling tea|tea]] gardens came to trade and buy their necessities. The present lake area was a marshland with thick growth of ''sweet flag'' ([[Acorus calamus]], locally called ''bojho''). A playground stood in the present garden area where the [[British Raj|British]] officers played [[polo]].
Mirik Bazar began a commercial centre of the region where people from the surrounding villages and [[Darjeeling tea|tea]] gardens came to trade and buy their necessities. The present lake area was a marshland with thick growth of ''sweet flag'' ([[Acorus calamus]], locally called ''bojho''). A playground stood in the present garden area where the [[British Raj|British]] officers played [[polo]].


In 1969, the [[West Bengal]] tourism department began the process of acquiring 335 acres of land from the neighboring Thurbo tea estate. The work of developing this land into a tourist spot began in 1974 when [[Siddhartha Shankar Ray]] was the chief minister of West Bengal. The tourist spot, which included the newly built lake and the Day Centre, was inaugurated by the next chief minister of West Bengal, [[Jyoti Basu]], in April 1979. With the flourishing of tourism, Krishnanagar developed on the other end of the lake with hotels and restaurants catering to tourists.
In 1969, the [[West Bengal]] tourism department began the process of acquiring 335 acres of land from the neighbouring Thurbo tea estate. The work of developing this land into a tourist spot began in 1974 when [[Siddhartha Shankar Ray]] was the chief minister of West Bengal. The tourist spot, which included the newly built lake and the Day Centre, was inaugurated by the next chief minister of West Bengal, [[Jyoti Basu]], in April 1979. With the flourishing of [[tourism]], Krishnanagar developed on the other end of the lake with hotels and restaurants catering to tourists.


Mirik became the sub-divisional headquarters of [[Mirik subdivision]] on 30 March 2017.
Mirik became the sub-divisional headquarters of [[Mirik subdivision]] on 30 March 2017.
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|mark-coord3={{coord|26|57|58|N|88|17|10|E}}| label-pos3=right|label3=Sonada| numbered3=CT| mark-title3= [[Sonada]] (CT)
|mark-coord3={{coord|26|57|58|N|88|17|10|E}}| label-pos3=right|label3=Sonada| numbered3=CT| mark-title3= [[Sonada]] (CT)
|mark-coord4={{coord|27|0|30|N|88|10|1|E}}| label-pos4=left|label4=Sukhiapokhri| numbered4=CT| mark-title4= [[Sukhiapokhri]] (CT)
|mark-coord4={{coord|27|0|30|N|88|10|1|E}}| label-pos4=left|label4=Sukhiapokhri| numbered4=CT| mark-title4= [[Sukhiapokhri]] (CT)
|mark-coord5={{coord|26|52|25|N|88|10|30|E}}| label-pos5=left |label5=Mirik| numbered5=M| mark-title5= Mirik (M)|shape-color5=black| label-size5=13|label-color5=black <!-- make the subject of the article stand out with black colors -->
|mark-coord5={{coord|26|52|25|N|88|10|30|E}}| label-pos5=left |label5=Mirik| numbered5=M| mark-title5= Mirik (M)|shape-color5=black| label-size5=13|label-color5=black <!-- make the subject of the article stand out with black colours -->
|mark-coord6={{coord|26|57|50|N|88|9|20|E}}| label-pos6=left|label6=Chamong TG| numbered6=R| mark-title6= [[Chamong Tea Garden]] (R)| shape-color6=#C42222
|mark-coord6={{coord|26|57|50|N|88|9|20|E}}| label-pos6=left|label6=Chamong TG| numbered6=R| mark-title6= [[Chamong Tea Garden]] (R)| shape-color6=#C42222
|mark-coord7={{coord|26|55|35|N|88|11|40|E}}| label-pos7=right|label7=Dhajea TG| numbered7=R| mark-title7= [[Dhajea Tea Garden]] (R)| shape-color7=#C42222
|mark-coord7={{coord|26|55|35|N|88|11|40|E}}| label-pos7=right|label7=Dhajea TG| numbered7=R| mark-title7= [[Dhajea Tea Garden]] (R)| shape-color7=#C42222
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Mirik has become a tourist destination for its climate, natural environment and easy accessibility. The centre of all attraction is [[Sumendu Lake]], surrounded by a garden named ''Savitri Pushpaudyan'' (after Savitri Thapa, a martyr soldier of [[Indian National Army|INA]]) on one side and pine trees on the other, linked together by an arching footbridge called ''Indreni Pool'' (named after Indreni Thapa, a martyr soldier of INA). A 3.5-km-long road encircles the lake and is used for walks with the view of [[Kangchenjunga]] on the far horizon. Boating on the quaint boats and horse riding are available.
Mirik has become a tourist destination for its climate, natural environment and easy accessibility. The centre of all attraction is [[Sumendu Lake]], surrounded by a garden named ''Savitri Pushpaudyan'' (after Savitri Thapa, a martyr soldier of [[Indian National Army|INA]]) on one side and pine trees on the other, linked together by an arching footbridge called ''Indreni Pool'' (named after Indreni Thapa, a martyr soldier of INA). A 3.5-km-long road encircles the lake and is used for walks with the view of [[Kangchenjunga]] on the far horizon. Boating on the quaint boats and horse riding are available.


Mirik has an average elevation of {{convert|1495|m|abbr=on}}. The highest point is the Boker Monastery at about {{convert|1768|m|abbr=on}}. Mirik lake at about {{convert|1494|m|abbr=on}} is the lowest point. Mirik is {{convert|52|km|abbr=on}} northwest of [[Siliguri]] city and {{convert|49|km|abbr=on}} south-southwest of Darjeeling town.
Mirik has an average elevation of {{convert|1495|m|abbr=on}}. The highest point is the Bokar Monastery at about {{convert|1768|m|abbr=on}}. Mirik lake at about {{convert|1494|m|abbr=on}} is the lowest point. Mirik is {{convert|52|km|abbr=on}} northwest of [[Siliguri]] city and {{convert|49|km|abbr=on}} south-southwest of Darjeeling town.
[[Mirik subdivision]]. The name ''Mirik'' comes from the [[Lepcha language|Lepcha]] words ''Mir-Yok'' meaning "place burnt by fire".
[[Mirik subdivision]]. The name ''Mirik'' comes from the [[Lepcha language|Lepcha]] words ''Mir-Yok'' meaning "place burnt by fire".
[[File:Mirik Lake a.k.a Sumendu Lake.jpg|thumb|287x287px|Mirik Lake]]
[[File:Mirik Lake a.k.a Sumendu Lake.jpg|thumb|287x287px|Mirik Lake]]
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===Area overview===
===Area overview===
The map alongside shows a part the southern portion of the [[Darjeeling Himalayan hill region]]  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 [[Mirik subdivision]] 80.11% of the total population lives in the rural areas and 19.89% 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-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190121045803/http://www.wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook  |archive-date = 21 January 2019 |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}}</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 a part the southern portion of the [[Darjeeling Himalayan hill region]]  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 [[Mirik subdivision]] 80.11% of the total population lives in the rural areas and 19.89% 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-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190121045803/http://www.wbpspm.gov.in/publications/District%20Statistical%20Handbook  |archive-date = 21 January 2019 |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}}</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>
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[[File:Tourists boat in Mirik Lake.jpg|thumb|Tourists boating in Mirik Lake]]
[[File:Tourists boat in Mirik Lake.jpg|thumb|Tourists boating in Mirik Lake]]
[[File:Beautiful Mirik.jpg|thumb|Mirik skyline ]]
[[File:Beautiful Mirik.jpg|thumb|Mirik skyline]]


==Administration and health care==
==Administration and health care==
The urban hub at Mirik is administered by a [[Municipality]]/[[Nagar Panchayat (Notified Area Council)|Notified Area]] with nine wards while the outlying rural villages are taken care of by [[Mirik (community development block)|Mirik community development block]], which has six [[Gram Panchayat]]s: [[Panighatta|Chenga Panighata]], Pahilagaon School Dara–I, Pahilagaon School Dara–II, [[Soureni]]–I, Soureni–II and Duptin.
The urban hub at Mirik is administered by a [[Municipality]]/[[Nagar Panchayat (Notified Area Council)|Notified Area]] with nine wards while the outlying rural villages are taken care of by [[Mirik (community development block)|Mirik community development block]], which has six [[Gram Panchayat]]s: [[Panighatta|Chenga Panighata]], Pahilagaon School Dara–I, Pahilagaon School Dara–II, [[Soureni]]–I, Soureni–II and Duptin.


A Taluka Court, which has a Civil Judge and a Judicial Magistrate, operates in Mirik.
Mirik has both SDO and SDPO offices located near Mirik police station. Mirik SDO and SDPO as on 1 January 2025 are Ms. Tenzin Semkhyi Ogen, IAS  and Shri Vinod Kumar Meena, IPS. A Taluka Court, which has a Civil Judge and a Judicial Magistrate, operates in Mirik.


There is a government Primary Health Centre at Mirik with six general physicians and one dentist. There are no specialist doctors but there is an optometrician. There are several medical shops at Krishnanagar and one pathological lab cum optical shop. There are few more medicine shops at Mirik Bazar.
There is a government Primary Health Centre at Mirik with six general physicians and one dentist. There are no specialist doctors but there is an optometrician. There are several medical shops at Krishnanagar and one pathological lab cum optical shop. There are few more medicine shops at Mirik Bazar.
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[[Bagdogra]] (IATA airport code IXB) {{convert|52|km|abbr=on}} south of Mirik is the nearest airport and [[New Jalpaiguri]] adjacent to Siliguri is the nearest railway station.
[[Bagdogra]] (IATA airport code IXB) {{convert|52|km|abbr=on}} south of Mirik is the nearest airport and [[New Jalpaiguri]] adjacent to Siliguri is the nearest railway station.
[[File:Sumendu Lake at Mirik.jpg|thumb|right|Sumendu Lake at Mirik.]]  
[[File:Sumendu Lake at Mirik.jpg|thumb|right|Sumendu Lake at Mirik.]]  
Few buses ply from Mirik to Siliguri and Darjeeling and the fare is Rs. 70. Shared taxis operate from Mirik to Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kurseong, [[Kakarbhitta]] (Nepal), [[Sonada]], and Kalimpong. The fare has risen recently to Rs. 150 for Siliguri, Kurseong and Darjeeling (2021) and Rs 120* for Kakarvitta and Sonada (2018) per passenger. One can hire a taxi at a cost of Rs. 1500 to 2500 for Darjeeling, Kurseong, Siliguri and Kakarbhitta(Nepal)*. Shared taxis also operate from Darjeeling, Siliguri, Kurseong, Sonada and Kakarbhitta to Mirik.
Few buses ply from Mirik to Siliguri and Darjeeling and the fare is Rs. 70. Shared taxis operate from Mirik to Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kurseong, [[Kakarbhitta]] (Nepal), [[Sonada]], and Kalimpong. The fare has risen recently to Rs. 200 for Siliguri, Kurseong and Darjeeling (2025) and Rs 250* for Kakarvitta and Sonada (2025) per passenger. One can hire a taxi at a cost of Rs. 1700 to 2500 for Darjeeling, Kurseong, Siliguri and Kakarbhitta(Nepal)*. Shared taxis also operate from Darjeeling, Siliguri, Kurseong, Sonada and Kakarbhitta to Mirik.


Shared taxis are operated from Mirik by Mirik Tours & Travels (Krishnanagar). Taxis are available for internal transportation within Mirik to travel from Mirik Lake (Krishnanagar) to Mirik Bazar at Rs. 20 per head.
Shared taxis are operated from Mirik by Mirik Tours & Travels (Krishnanagar). Taxis are available for internal transportation within Mirik to travel from Mirik Lake (Krishnanagar) to Mirik Bazar at Rs. 20 per head.
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==Accommodation==
==Accommodation==
[[File:Tourists boating in Mirik Lake.jpg|thumb|Tourists boating in Mirik Lake]]
[[File:Tourists boating in Mirik Lake.jpg|thumb|Tourists boating in Mirik Lake]]
Mirik Bazar, Thana Line, Krishnanagar, Deuseydara, Thurbo, Mirik Busty and Byapari Golai are some localities in Mirik where accommodation is available for tourists such as Lake View Villa. However, the majority of the hotels and restaurants are in the Krishnanagar area of Mirik. The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration operates a motel at a hilltop near the helipad at Ahalay and another tourist lodge located near the lake. There are other good hotels in Krishnanagar and  some hotels in Mirik Bazar. There are many lodges and private guest houses. There is a Forest Rest House in Mirik that can be booked from the District Forest Office, Kurseong.{{citation needed|date=June 2018}} There is also a PWD (Public Works Department) Inspection Bungalow near the lake that can be booked from Siliguri PWD office.  
Mirik Bazar, Thana Line, Krishnanagar, Deuseydara, Thurbo, Mirik Busty and Byapari Golai are some localities in Mirik where accommodation is available for tourists such as Lake View Villa. However, the majority of the hotels and restaurants are in the Krishnanagar area of Mirik. The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration operates a motel at a hilltop near the helipad at Ahalay and another tourist lodge located near the lake. There are other good hotels in Krishnanagar and  some hotels in Mirik Bazar. There are many lodges and private guest houses. There is a Forest Rest House in Mirik that can be booked from the District Forest Office, Kurseong.{{citation needed|date=June 2018}} There is also a PWD (Public Works Department) Inspection Bungalow near the lake that can be booked from Siliguri PWD office.
 


There are also many home stays that have started sprouting in the region owing to the large number of tourists who flock in.
There are also many home stays that have started sprouting in the region owing to the large number of tourists who flock in.
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*[[Pashupatinagar, Mechi|Pashupatinagar]] - This border market with Nepal is a commercial center for trade in clothes, electronic and household goods.
*[[Pashupatinagar, Mechi|Pashupatinagar]] - This border market with Nepal is a commercial center for trade in clothes, electronic and household goods.
*Don Bosco Church- It is located near Don Bosco School. One of the bigger Catholic churches of Darjeeling district.  
*Don Bosco Church- It is located near Don Bosco School. One of the bigger Catholic churches of Darjeeling district.  
*Mirik Church (UCNI) - This is the oldest Church in Mirik, situated at Deosay Dara, Ward No. IV, Mirik. The church building being was constructed in 1962. The same old building still exists today. The church remains open every day for everyone. While Service starts at 11:00 am onwards. The Church is in close proximity with Darjeeling Hills Bible School (DHBS) which was the first school offering theological training in nepali language since 1954. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.co.in/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x39e4336664190f6b:0xb6b83d7aa277fe82!2m19!2m2!1i80!2i80!3m1!2i20!16m13!1b1!2m2!1m1!1e1!2m2!1m1!1e3!2m2!1m1!1e5!2m2!1m1!1e4!3m1!7e115!4s//lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iMfvjxDz0WM/WNSrcln3oLI/AAAAAAAAADM/UrXLHlXoS20VOsPV1pI1qLXUSSwEQ-FLQCLIB/w173-h230-k-no/!5s+-+Google+Search&imagekey=!1e3!2s-iMfvjxDz0WM/WNSrcln3oLI/AAAAAAAAADM/UrXLHlXoS20VOsPV1pI1qLXUSSwEQ-FLQCLIB |title = - Google Search}}</ref>
*Mirik Church (UCNI) - This is the oldest Church in Mirik, situated at Deosay Dara, Ward No. IV, Mirik. The church building being was constructed in 1962. The same old building still exists today. The church remains open every day for everyone. While Service starts at 11:00 am onwards. The Church is in close proximity with Darjeeling Hills Bible School (DHBS) which was the first school offering theological training in nepali language since 1954.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.co.in/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x39e4336664190f6b:0xb6b83d7aa277fe82!2m19!2m2!1i80!2i80!3m1!2i20!16m13!1b1!2m2!1m1!1e1!2m2!1m1!1e3!2m2!1m1!1e5!2m2!1m1!1e4!3m1!7e115!4s//lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iMfvjxDz0WM/WNSrcln3oLI/AAAAAAAAADM/UrXLHlXoS20VOsPV1pI1qLXUSSwEQ-FLQCLIB/w173-h230-k-no/!5s+-+Google+Search&imagekey=!1e3!2s-iMfvjxDz0WM/WNSrcln3oLI/AAAAAAAAADM/UrXLHlXoS20VOsPV1pI1qLXUSSwEQ-FLQCLIB |title = - Google Search}}</ref>
 
[[File:Bokhar Gumpha.jpg|right|thumb|Buddhist Monastery in Mirik.]]
==Banks and Financial Institutions==
There are six banks in Mirik, namely, [[State Bank of India]] (branch code: 7336) (Krishnanagar), [[United Bank of India]] (Krishnanagar), [[Indian Overseas Bank]] (Krishnanagar), [[Central Bank of India]] (Mirik Bazar), Uttar Banga Kshetriya Gramin Bank (Soureni Bazar, 6&nbsp;km on the way to Siliguri) and [[Punjab & Sind Bank]] (Mirik Bazar). There are seven ATMs, two of SBI (one located in Mirik Bazaar, one in Krishnanagar), one of Central Bank of India (Mirik Bazaar), one of HDFC Bank, one of [[Axis Bank]] (both located at Krishnanagar) and two of IndiCash ATM (one located in Thana Line, Mirik and one in Soureni Bazar).
 
Other financial institutes like Postal Savings, NABARD, Bandhan Finance, and Customer Service Points of private financial institutions are available.[[File:Bokhar Gumpha.jpg|right|thumb|Buddhist Monastery in Mirik.]]


==CBSE affiliated Schools==
==CBSE affiliated Schools==
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==College==
==College==
*[[Mirik College]] which is often referred to as "Mirik Degree College" by the locals, it is affiliated to [[North Bengal University]])(Initiated by Mirik Citizens Committee under Mr B. B. Lama and Mr. Sagar B Subba later taken over by Degree college Organizing Committee under Environmentalist Mr [[Lal Bahadur Dewan]])
*[[Mirik College]] which is often referred to as "Mirik Degree College" by the locals, it is affiliated to [[North Bengal University]]


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*  
* {{Wikivoyage inline}}
* [https://pradhanhotelmirik.com/bunkulung-mirik/ Bunkulung Mirik]
* [https://northbengaltourism.com/tour-packages/kalimpong/nbthp0040/ Explore Mirik]
{{Darjeeling District}}
{{Darjeeling District}}


[[Category:Cities and towns in Darjeeling district]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Darjeeling district]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Darjeeling district]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Darjeeling district]]

Latest revision as of 11:09, 14 March 2026

Template:For-multi

Mirik
Town
Mirik town with a view of Sumendu Lake
Mirik town with a view of Sumendu Lake
Location in West Bengal, India
Mirik is located in India
Mirik
Mirik
Mirik (India)
Coordinates: 26°53′13″N 88°11′13″E / 26.887°N 88.187°E / 26.887; 88.187
Country India
StateWest Bengal
DistrictDarjeeling
Government
 • TypeNotified Area
 • BodyMirik Notified Area
 • ChairmanL.B. Rai (TMC)
Area
[1]
 • Town6.50 km2 (2.51 sq mi)
Elevation
1,495 m (4,905 ft)
Population
 (2011)[1]
 • Town11,363
 • Density1,700/km2 (4,500/sq mi)
 • Metro
58,000
Languages
 • OfficialNepali, Bengali, English
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Lok Sabha constituencyDarjeeling
Vidhan Sabha constituencyKurseong

Mirik is a small town and a Notified Area of Darjeeling district in the state of West Bengal, India. It is the headquarters of the Mirik subdivision. The name Mirik comes from the Lepcha words Mir-Yok meaning "place burnt by fire".

History[edit | edit source]

Mirik Bazar began a commercial centre of the region where people from the surrounding villages and tea gardens came to trade and buy their necessities. The present lake area was a marshland with thick growth of sweet flag (Acorus calamus, locally called bojho). A playground stood in the present garden area where the British officers played polo.

In 1969, the West Bengal tourism department began the process of acquiring 335 acres of land from the neighbouring Thurbo tea estate. The work of developing this land into a tourist spot began in 1974 when Siddhartha Shankar Ray was the chief minister of West Bengal. The tourist spot, which included the newly built lake and the Day Centre, was inaugurated by the next chief minister of West Bengal, Jyoti Basu, in April 1979. With the flourishing of tourism, Krishnanagar developed on the other end of the lake with hotels and restaurants catering to tourists.

Mirik became the sub-divisional headquarters of Mirik subdivision on 30 March 2017.

Geography[edit | edit source]

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

Mirik has become a tourist destination for its climate, natural environment and easy accessibility. The centre of all attraction is Sumendu Lake, surrounded by a garden named Savitri Pushpaudyan (after Savitri Thapa, a martyr soldier of INA) on one side and pine trees on the other, linked together by an arching footbridge called Indreni Pool (named after Indreni Thapa, a martyr soldier of INA). A 3.5-km-long road encircles the lake and is used for walks with the view of Kangchenjunga on the far horizon. Boating on the quaint boats and horse riding are available.

Mirik has an average elevation of 1,495 m (4,905 ft). The highest point is the Bokar Monastery at about 1,768 m (5,801 ft). Mirik lake at about 1,494 m (4,902 ft) is the lowest point. Mirik is 52 km (32 mi) northwest of Siliguri city and 49 km (30 mi) south-southwest of Darjeeling town. Mirik subdivision. The name Mirik comes from the Lepcha words Mir-Yok meaning "place burnt by fire".

Mirik Lake
Sunset In Bokar Monastery
Tingling View Point

Area overview[edit | edit source]

The map alongside shows a part the southern portion of the Darjeeling Himalayan hill region 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 Mirik subdivision 80.11% of the total population lives in the rural areas and 19.89% lives in the urban areas.[2][3] 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.[4] Some tea gardens were identified in the 2011 census as census towns or villages.[5] 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.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

The 2011 Census of India recorded a population of 11,513 in Mirik Notified Area (i.e., urban unit). 5688 were males and 5825 were females.[6] Mirik rural area (under 6 gram panchayats) recorded a total population of 46,374. Males numbered 23,394 and females 22,980.[7]

As per the 2001 Census of India, Mirik urban area had a total population of 9141. Males numbered 4619 and females 4522. Mirik rural area had a total population of 42,237. Males numbered 21,112 and females 21,125. The decadal growth rate of population (1991–2001) was -1.33.

Tourists boating in Mirik Lake
Mirik skyline

Administration and health care[edit | edit source]

The urban hub at Mirik is administered by a Municipality/Notified Area with nine wards while the outlying rural villages are taken care of by Mirik community development block, which has six Gram Panchayats: Chenga Panighata, Pahilagaon School Dara–I, Pahilagaon School Dara–II, Soureni–I, Soureni–II and Duptin.

Mirik has both SDO and SDPO offices located near Mirik police station. Mirik SDO and SDPO as on 1 January 2025 are Ms. Tenzin Semkhyi Ogen, IAS and Shri Vinod Kumar Meena, IPS. A Taluka Court, which has a Civil Judge and a Judicial Magistrate, operates in Mirik.

There is a government Primary Health Centre at Mirik with six general physicians and one dentist. There are no specialist doctors but there is an optometrician. There are several medical shops at Krishnanagar and one pathological lab cum optical shop. There are few more medicine shops at Mirik Bazar.

Legislative segment[edit | edit source]

As per order of the Delimitation Commission in respect of the delimitation of constituencies in West Bengal, the area under Mirik municipality and Mirik block will be part of the Kurseong Assembly Constituency of West Bengal. Kurseong Assembly Constituency is an assembly segment of the Darjeeling Lok Sabha Constituency.

Transportation[edit | edit source]

Mirik is 52 km (32 mi) northwest of Siliguri city and 49 km (30 mi) south-southwest of Darjeeling town.

Bagdogra (IATA airport code IXB) 52 km (32 mi) south of Mirik is the nearest airport and New Jalpaiguri adjacent to Siliguri is the nearest railway station.

Sumendu Lake at Mirik.

Few buses ply from Mirik to Siliguri and Darjeeling and the fare is Rs. 70. Shared taxis operate from Mirik to Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kakarbhitta (Nepal), Sonada, and Kalimpong. The fare has risen recently to Rs. 200 for Siliguri, Kurseong and Darjeeling (2025) and Rs 250* for Kakarvitta and Sonada (2025) per passenger. One can hire a taxi at a cost of Rs. 1700 to 2500 for Darjeeling, Kurseong, Siliguri and Kakarbhitta(Nepal)*. Shared taxis also operate from Darjeeling, Siliguri, Kurseong, Sonada and Kakarbhitta to Mirik.

Shared taxis are operated from Mirik by Mirik Tours & Travels (Krishnanagar). Taxis are available for internal transportation within Mirik to travel from Mirik Lake (Krishnanagar) to Mirik Bazar at Rs. 20 per head.

Accommodation[edit | edit source]

Tourists boating in Mirik Lake

Mirik Bazar, Thana Line, Krishnanagar, Deuseydara, Thurbo, Mirik Busty and Byapari Golai are some localities in Mirik where accommodation is available for tourists such as Lake View Villa. However, the majority of the hotels and restaurants are in the Krishnanagar area of Mirik. The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration operates a motel at a hilltop near the helipad at Ahalay and another tourist lodge located near the lake. There are other good hotels in Krishnanagar and some hotels in Mirik Bazar. There are many lodges and private guest houses. There is a Forest Rest House in Mirik that can be booked from the District Forest Office, Kurseong.[citation needed] There is also a PWD (Public Works Department) Inspection Bungalow near the lake that can be booked from Siliguri PWD office.

There are also many home stays that have started sprouting in the region owing to the large number of tourists who flock in.

Getting around[edit | edit source]

Mirik Motel.
  • Sumendu Lake - It is the heart of Mirik. There is an 80-ft (24-m) long footbridge over the lake. One can boat in the lake or take a horse ride around the lake.
  • Rameetay Dara - A viewpoint near the town from where one can see the surrounding mountains and the vast plains below.
  • Bokar Monastery [8] - It is located on the way to Rameetay Dara and is a Buddhist meditation center.
  • Rai Dhap - Source of drinking water for Mirik and a picnic spot.
  • Debisthan - A temple of a Hindu goddess located on a hillock near the Sumendu lake.
  • Tingling View Point - A panoramic view of the tea gardens can be seen from here.
  • Tea Gardens - A number of tea gardens produce Darjeeling tea specially Thurbo, Soureni, Gopaldhara, Singbulli, Okayti and Phuguri are located in and around Mirik.
  • Manjushree Park - 20 mins drive from Mirik. Suitable for children and peace-seekers.
Tourist vehicles at Mirik.
  • Orange Orchards - Mirik is known for its high-quality oranges.[citation needed] These are grown in Mirik Busty, Murmah and Soureni Busty.
  • Orchids - Mirik has one of the best climate for a typical orchid called Cymbidium orchids, which fetches one of the highest prices in the world flower markets. One such Cymbidium orchid garden is "Darjeeling Gardens Pvt. Ltd." located in Rato Mate in Mirik.[9]
  • Bunkulung (Jayanti Nagar) - Ecotourism is being promoted here and several home-stay facilities are available.
  • Pashupatinagar - This border market with Nepal is a commercial center for trade in clothes, electronic and household goods.
  • Don Bosco Church- It is located near Don Bosco School. One of the bigger Catholic churches of Darjeeling district.
  • Mirik Church (UCNI) - This is the oldest Church in Mirik, situated at Deosay Dara, Ward No. IV, Mirik. The church building being was constructed in 1962. The same old building still exists today. The church remains open every day for everyone. While Service starts at 11:00 am onwards. The Church is in close proximity with Darjeeling Hills Bible School (DHBS) which was the first school offering theological training in nepali language since 1954.[10]
Buddhist Monastery in Mirik.

CBSE affiliated Schools[edit | edit source]

  • Snowdrops School (English medium) CBSE (Co-Ed)

CISCE Affiliated Schools[edit | edit source]

  • Glenmore International School (English medium)(Co-Ed)
  • Brindavan Boarding School (English medium)(Co-Ed)
  • Orange Lake School (English medium)(Co-Ed)
  • Lewis English School (English medium)(Co-Ed)
  • Green Lawn School (English medium)(Co-Ed)
  • Wood Lands Academy (English Medium)(Co-Ed)
  • Pinehall Academy (English Medium)(Co-Ed)
  • Temple of Wisdom (English Medium)(Co-Ed)

WBBSE and WBCHSE affiliated Schools[edit | edit source]

  • Don Bosco School (English medium) Madhyamik (WBBSE)(Co-Ed)
  • Mirik Higher Secondary School (English medium) Madhyamik (WBBSE) and Higher Secondary (WBCHSE); Vocational Education Travel and Tourism course (affiliated to W.B.S.C.V.E.T.)(Co-Ed)
  • Soureni Rabindranath High School (Nepali medium) Madhyamik (WBBSE) and HS (WBCHSE)(Co-Ed)
  • Phuguri High School (Nepali medium) Madhyamik (WBBSE) and HS (WBCHSE)(Co-Ed)
  • Thurbo High School, 9th Mile (Nepali medium) Madhayamik (WBBSE) and HS (WBCHSE)(Co-Ed)
  • Rasdal Gaon Junior High School (English medium) Madhayamik (WBBSE)(Co-Ed)
  • Murmah Prem Sundar High School (Nepali medium) Madhayamik (WBBSE)(Co-Ed)
  • Jogpal Jr High School (English Medium) Madhyamik (WBBSE)(Co-Ed)
  • Sophies Academy (Nepali and English medium), Secondary and Senior Secondary (NIOS)(Co-Ed)

College[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Mirik Info".
  2. ↑ "Darjeeling". District Profile - General Information. District administration. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
  3. ↑ "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.
  4. ↑ "Darjeeling Tea". District administration. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
  5. ↑ "2011 Census – Primary Census Abstract Data Tables". West Bengal – District-wise. Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
  6. ↑ Mirik Notified Area census, Census of India 2011.
  7. ↑ Mirik Subdistrict census, Census of India 2011.
  8. ↑ Ven. Bokar Rinpoche, Bokar Monastery.
  9. ↑ Rato Mate, Darjeeling Gardens Pvt. Ltd.
  10. ↑ "- Google Search".

mirik

External links[edit | edit source]

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