Area 335 ACRES (Tourism Project area), Altitude 1700 metres (5800 ft), Population 16,000 (approx) Climate - Summer : 29°C Max - Min 15°C, Winter : 13°C Max - Min 2 °C, Rainfall 279.4 cm (Annually), Best Season March to mid June, September to December, Clothing - Summer: Light Woollens & tropicals, Winter: Heavy Woollens, Language: English, Gorkha, Bengali & Hindi
A nest in the hills, Mirik is at an altitude of 1767 metres with its own special charms – 49 km. From Darjeeling and 52 km. From Siliguri. 1.25 km. Long Lake is fed by perennial streams. A floating fountain in the middle of the lake is a joy forever and very often you may find the glory of Kanchenjungha reflected in the lake waters. A rich forest with thousands of Cryptomaria-Japanica trees clothe the slopes on the west. A 3.5 km. zig-zag footwalk takes you along the lake – a sleek foot bridge connects the garden on the east with the woods on the west. Alone or in company, you are sure to enjoy a boat-ride in the lake.
The beautiful 1.25 km. long lake is the most attractive spot of the Mirik Tourism Project. The depth of the lake water varies from a minimum of 3 ft. to maximum of 26 ft. The walks on the 3.5 km. long promenade around the lake is a fascinating one. The 80 ft. long arch-type over bridge across the lake is a wonderful engineering skill of the project. Arrangements of fishing in the lake is to be implemented soon. Boating facility is also available in the lake.
For fabulous view of the plains as well as mountains. Beautiful view of sunrise and sunset can also be seen.
Another observatory point for stupendous landscape view.
An ideal picnic spot. It is the source of drinking water to the residents of the Mirik Tea Estates. There are eight tea gardens in Mirik area. Thurbo T.E., one of the best tea-estates, is only 2 kms. from the lake. The factory may be visited with the permission of the manager.
About two kilometers from Mirik, situated on the spur, one can seen beautiful orange orchards. Mirik is the largest supplier of orange in West Bengal. One can also have glimpse of the village life of hill areas.
Cardamom groves can be seen anywhere near the marshy land.
The famous Hindu-temples "Singha Devi Mandir" on the western bank of the lake.
The wonders of wilderness increase with height in these regions. Lava is located at a height of 7200 feet above the sea-level, while Lolegaon is situated at an altitude of 5500 feet. So up above the plains, Lava and Lolegaon in Darjeeling district seems closer to nature. Covered with thick mist and floating clouds, the place will have you enthralled and mesmerized. Jeeps are available in Darjeeling that will take to Lava and Lolegaon. The roads are enchanting which generally consist of winding mountain roads, deep valleys, towering mountains and trickling mountain streams.
The hill station of Lava and Lolegaon is lined by the tall pine trees. The Lolegaon Forest is a must-see at this place. Tall oaks and pines dominate the forest. Once inside this enchanting wilderness, you will be engulfed by a strange silence that will take you far from the worries that infest your daily city life. The Lava Monastery is also a place that you must visit. A bit colorful building from outside, it has a charming mystic feeling once you are inside the big door. The Lava Bazaar is also a quaint yet vibrant place. It sells some of the local vegetables and different types of noodles that are typical of this place. A few kilometers uphill from Lava and Lolegaon, you will arrive at a place called Tiffin Dara. You can drive to this place, but trekking up the pine covered wild roads has a much more enchanting effect. This little queer spot in Lava and Lolegaon is the window to a number of major peaks of the Himalayas. You should definitely wait to catch a glimpse of the glorious sunrise behind the beautiful Kanchenjunga ranges. The golden sun piercing through the cold darkness of the silent nights is a delightful sight which will remain in your memory for all the days to come.
Lava is situated at an altitude of 7200 feet, it is famous for its proximity to the Neora Valley National Park and its beautiful view of the Jelep La and Rechi La passes. Lava is about 32 km east of Kalimpong. Oak and fir trees welcome the visitor at Lava. During the rainy season, vegetation around the place gets covered with leeches. Common tourist places around Lava include Ratnarishi Gumpha, Neora Lake, Silviculture Research Centre, and Chhangey falls. Treks to the Neora valley starts from Lava. Apart from long treks across the valley, small treks are also possible in the region. Common treks include trek to Tiffin Dara, Aluabari etc. The small town is located at a distance of 12 km from Lava at an altitude of 5,500 ft. A spectacular view of the Himalayan snow will take you to a different world. Loleygaon offers panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga. The tranquility of the surrounding area remains unfazed by the increase in tourist influx. Nearby hilltop, Jhandi Dara offers beautiful views at sunrise.
Lolegaon is a small Lepcha village with a population of about 5000, situated in an extreme end of a Himalayan Ridge. It is in the middle of the heritage pine forest with excellent views of the Himalayan range. Lolegaon from Kalimpong situated at an altitude of nearly 1675 meters. Sunrise and sunset are worth watching from Jhandi Dhara. Lolegaon is a fabulous destination for the lovers of wildlife in their natural habitat. The age-old forest of towering pine, cypress and oaks with their mossy trunk is an ideal place for watching endangered Himalayan species like black bear and mountain goats, numerous colourful birds and butterflies and rare orchids. The unique 'Canopy Walk' over the century old mossy Oak and Cypress in the Heritage Forest is a thrilling experience.
