Eagle's Crag — Attraction in West Bengal

Eagle’s Crag, Kurseong Kurseong is a hill station in the town of Darjeeling which is in the state of West Bengal. In the Lepcha language it means the land of the white orchids. The weather in the town of Kurseong is always pleasant. The town is amongst the green canopy of myriad tea gardens. A well-kept secret from where one ca6n view an amazing sunset in all the desired calmness & silence. The most fascinating aspect about the Eagle’s Crag situated just a kilometre distance from Kurseong is that not many people know of it and hence there are few tourists around. Once one makes his/her way up the spiral staircase to the steel-caged observatory – the viewpoint, he/she is definitely in for a visual treat. The lookout point offers stunning panaromic view of the sunset and the lush green slopes around the small town of Kurseong. One can also see the river Teesta snaking its way through the valley. The Eagle’s Crag has an observatory close to it which is known as ‘Netaji Kothi’. It is called so because at one point of time it used to be the abode of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose. It is a peaceful place to visit and is famous with all the young couples. Perched on a cliff, the breath-taking view-point of Kurseong, gives a sweeping landscape of the surrounding mountain, hills, hamlets and slopes. Eagle’s Crag is the place to put your tired legs to rest and read a book, sitting at the quaint cafeteria that has a lovely watch tower and a flower garden. The panoramic view is any photographer’s delight. On a clear day, you get a magnificent view of Mt Kanchejungha and its ranges, the plains of Siliguri, the hills of Nepal, rivers and lush tea gardens. With an altitude of 4,800 feet above mean sea level, Kurseong is a beautiful hill station of North Bengal. Eagle’s Crag being one of its highest point also has a historic angle to it. This is a place that was visited by Rabindranath Tagore and Netaji Subhas Bose, who loved its serene beauty. Where the road from Kurseong takes a turn towards pine dhupi, right at the bend, one finds Eagle’s Crag. Many copper water pipelines are found along the road that carry water from a spring within the woods. However, the pipe connections at this part of the hill station dates back to 19th-century when Tagore, Bose and Sister Nivedita had been staying at nearby residences. Many of the old cottages are found even today, but being private properties, they are not much frequented...

Eagle’s Crag is truly one of the hidden gems of Kurseong and a must-visit if you’re in town. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, this viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and lush green tea gardens that Kurseong is so well known for. On a clear day, you can even get a glimpse of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga standing tall in the distance. What makes the experience even more magical is the mist and clouds slowly floating over the tea gardens—it feels like something straight out of a dream. The peaceful atmosphere and cool breeze make it an ideal spot to spend a relaxing evening, especially around sunset when the golden hues light up the sky and the hills.

While the views are nothing short of mesmerizing, one thing to keep in mind is the approach road to Eagle’s Crag. The lane leading up to the viewpoint is quite narrow—so narrow, in fact, that two cars cannot pass each other at the same time. This can make it a bit tricky if you’re driving, especially during peak hours or if another vehicle is coming from the opposite direction. The better and more enjoyable option is to walk up to the viewpoint from the main road. The walk is short and pleasant and the reward at the top is well worth the effort.

What adds a deep sense of meaning and history to the place is the Shahid Smarak, a memorial built to honor the brave Gorkha soldiers who laid down their lives for the country. It stands with dignity in the center of the park and offers a moment of reflection for visitors. Alongside, there are also several statues of dinosaurs and animals scattered around the lawn area. These are a hit with kids and families who love taking fun pictures with them. The park itself is neat and well maintained, making it a great picnic spot or simply a quiet place to soak in the views. All in all, Eagle’s Crag is not just about the scenery—it’s a complete experience of nature, history, and...

With an altitude of 4,800 feet above mean sea level, Kurseong is a beautiful hill station of North Bengal. Eagle’s Crag being one of its highest point also has a historic angle to it. This is a place that was visited by Rabindranath Tagore and Netaji Subhas Bose, who loved its serene beauty. Where the road from Kurseong takes a turn towards pine dhupi, right at the bend, one finds Eagle’s Crag. Many copper water pipelines are found along the road that carry water from a spring within the woods. However, the pipe connections at this part of the hill station dates back to 19th-century when Tagore, Bose and Sister Nivedita had been staying at nearby residences. Many of the old cottages are found even today, but being private properties, they are not much frequented by tourists.

It is a well-maintained park, full of flower plants with a tall octagonal watch tower at the centre. A monument with a kukri at the top (traditional Nepalese knife), titled ‘Shahid Smarak’ has been recently built in memory of the Gorkha war victims.

But the best part if the small cafeteria offering freshly made tea and snacks – so apt to the cloudy charm of the place! We had been there in the afternoon. Ordering Darjeeling tea and onion pakoda, we waited for the dusk to fall. Chirping of an unknown Himalayan bird, a hazy maze of Siliguri plains at the horizon, dim lights of Kurseong houses on right made it one of our best spent afternoons in the hills.

How to reach:- There’s no public transport in this route. One can take a long walk from Kurseong Dow Hill Road or hire a car from local taxi stand and include in itinerary as part of local sightseeing. You can take include this place in Darjeeling trip So that you can easily access this place via your hired car.

What to see:- Kurseong Railway Station, St. Andrew’s church, Dow Hill Road, Ambotia...