Chimeni

Chimeni – the name itself might excite you! And why not? The history behind this little unknown village is as exciting as its name. This Himalayan village is home to a 23-foot high chimney, which was probably built during the First World War by the British. When the British soldiers and officials trekked from Kurseong to nearby villages, they rested in this valley under the shadows of this Chimney and soon the village also got its name – Chimeni. This exotic destination nestles on a valley, overlooking River Teesta and River Mahananda and offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Kanchenjungha. Chimeni is surrounded by pine trees and dotted with numerous viewpoints. The mystical night view from Chimeni along the slopes of the Himalayas of Darjeeling is truly awe-inspiring.  Located just 8 kms from Kurseong, Chimeni is far from the tourist rush yet near to the tourist attractions. BOOKING DETAILS OF CHIMENI


Places to see in Chimeni: While touring Chimeni, do not miss the greatest attraction of the place, which is a 100-year old 23-foot high brick chimney built by the British. It was probably built during World war I. The region adjoining the chimney offers a splendid view of the Nathu-la and Kalimpong and you can also savor a view of Mt. Kanchenjunga from here.  The village of Chimeni is located on a valley and it is surrounded by pine and cedars.

Nearby attractions of Chimeny: Chimeny is very close to all the major attractions of Kurseong like its famous tea gardens – Makaibari, Castleton, Ambotia and Goomtee. The toy train station is one of the major attractions of Kurseong. Some major religious sites of the region are the Ambhotia Shiva Temple, Giddapahar Durga Mata Mandir, Jagdish Mandir on Bank Road (on way to Eagle’s Craig), St. Paulseak Church on Hill Cart Road, Buddhist Gompa in Downhill Road, Buddhist Gompa in Montieviot and Juma Mosque in Hat Bazaar. You can also visit the satelite zoo at Dow Hill in Kurseong.

The Chimney

You can also visit the Deer Park also known as DownHill Park on the Down Hill Road. The forest museum located in Down Hill Road is also worth a visit. You can also take a look at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum and NSC Bose Institute of Asiatic Studies, located at the Giddhapahar Area. The Eagle’s Craig viewpoint, which offers a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains, hills, slopes and hamlets is also located nearby. The location has a cafeteria, a watch tower and a flower garden. You can also visit the nearby village of Bagora, which is famously called Zero Point as the place boasts the highest altitude in Kurseong. The place also houses a base camp of the Indian Force with a helipad.

The grotto housing the statue of Virgin Mary is also located nearby. The place offers seclusion and it is visited by a number of devotees, who light candles here. The Bhangzang Salamander Lake is located 14 km from Kurseong. It is a beautiful green-hued lake that offers shelter to the rarest and most endangered species of salamanders – a species at the verge of extinction.

Chimeni Valley

Things to do in Chimeni: Explore the little village of Chimeni and savor its natural beauty. You can take a nature walk along the scenic landscape of the region, the forests and tea estates. Chimeni is also an ideal location for the trek enthusiasts. You can trek from Chimeni to the Mahananda Waterfall. You can also arrange a picnic in any scenic spot on Chimeni valley and enjoy your day. Watching a breathtaking sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjungha and bird watching in the surrounding forests are few other things you can do at Chimeni.

How to reach Chimeni: Chimeni is 53 kms from New Jalpaiguri and 8 kms from Kurseong. You can reach Kurseong by hiring any car from New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri and catch a local taxi from Kurseong to Chimeni. Our homestay also provides car pick-up and drop services from Chimeni to Kurseong. You can also catch a bus from Tenzing Norgay Bus stop at Siliguri to Kurseong, from where you can hire a local taxi.

Best time to visit Chimeni: Chimeni welcomes tourists all through the year. However, it is better to avoid the rainy season.

Chimeny Homestay

Lodging and dining facilities in Chimeni: Our homestay at Chimeni has beautiful views of the mountains and valleys. From the verandah of our homestay, you can see the beautiful Teesta and Mahananda Rivers too. A 10 minutes walk from our homestay would take you to a view point from where you can enjoy the magnificent views of Mt. Kanchenjungha. From our home stay facility, you can enjoy the view of a magnificent sunrise over the Himalayas. The Homestay facility is equipped with Double Bedrooms, Western Bathrooms with hot water facilities and all other necessities for a comfy stay. The rooms are located on the first floor with a verandah decked with orchids and flower plants. There is a guest lobby in the ground floor too. The home stay also has 2 double-bed bamboo cottages with attached western bathroom and fire place. Food is essentially Bengali and home cooked, served with lots of care.

Photographs by Subhasish Das, Sugam Subba.

BOOKING DETAILS OF CHIMENI