Sumendu Lake, Mirik: A Serene Himalayan Retreat

Tucked away in the quiet hills of Darjeeling district, West Bengal, Sumendu Lake is the sparkling centerpiece of the quaint hill town of Mirik. Surrounded by pine forests, manicured gardens, and scenic walking trails, Sumendu Lake offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of everyday life. Whether you're a nature lover, a honeymooner, or someone simply seeking solitude, Sumendu Lake in Mirik is a must-visit gem of the Eastern Himalayas. 

Here are the activities you can enjoy and the places you can explore in Darjeeling and Mirik.

 

Best Season to Visit Sumendu Lake, Mirik





Mirik has a mild and pleasant climate year-round, but the best seasons depend on your travel preferences:

·         Spring to Early Summer (March to May) – Best Time Overall

Temperature ranges between 12°C and 25°C.

Clear skies, vibrant flowers, and lush greenery.

Ideal for boating, photography, and nature walks.

·         Autumn (September to November) – Second Best Season

Post-monsoon freshness with clear views of the surrounding hills.

Comfortable temperatures and less crowded than summer.

Great for outdoor activities and local festivals.

·         Winter (December to February) – Chilly and Quiet

Temperatures can drop to 5°C or lower.

Crisp mountain air and fewer tourists.

Ideal for those who enjoy peaceful, foggy mornings and cozy retreats.

·         Monsoon (June to August) – Avoid if Possible

Heavy rainfall can cause slippery roads and landslides.

Misty charm but limited visibility and outdoor activities.

 

About Sumendu Lake

Size: About 1.25 km in circumference.

Surroundings: Flanked by Savitri Pushpaudyan Garden on one side and dense Dhupi pine forests on the other.

A beautifully arched footbridge (Rainbow Bridge) spans the lake’s width, creating a postcard-perfect scene.

Popular for boating, horse riding, picnicking, and leisure walks.

 












Top Things to Do at and Around Sumendu Lake

1. Boating

Paddle boats and rowboats are available for rent.

Offers a relaxing way to enjoy the reflections of pine trees and distant hills.

2. Horse Riding

Available along the lakeside trails.

A popular activity for kids and families.

3. Lakeside Walks

The path around the lake is ideal for serene morning or evening strolls.

Benches line the walkway, perfect for birdwatching and quiet reflection.

4. Photography

Best spots: the arched bridge, the garden side of the lake, and misty mornings with reflections on still waters.

5. Shopping and Eating

Small local stalls sell souvenirs, woollens, and snacks.

Try local treats like momos, thukpa, and Darjeeling tea at nearby eateries.

 

Nearby Places to Visit in Mirik

1. Bokar Monastery

A peaceful Tibetan Buddhist monastery just 3 km from the lake.

Offers panoramic views of Mirik and is home to practicing monks and scholars.

 

2. Tingling View Point

Offers spectacular views of the rolling tea gardens of Mirik and distant mountain ranges.

3. Orange Orchards (Mirik Bazar area)

Visit during December to February when oranges are in season.

Walk among orchard-lined slopes and try fresh produce.

4. Rai Dhap

A peaceful forested area and picnic spot just 2 km from the lake.

Source of drinking water for Mirik.

5. Debi Sthan

A small local shrine nestled in the forest.

Believed to be sacred by locals and surrounded by prayer flags.

 

How to Reach Mirik

Location:

Mirik is about 49 km from Darjeeling and 45 km from Siliguri.

By Road:

Well-connected by shared taxis and private cars from Siliguri, Bagdogra, and Darjeeling.

The road from Siliguri via Sukhiapokhri is scenic but winding.

By Air:

Bagdogra Airport (IXB) is the nearest airport (~50 km away).

Taxis are readily available from the airport.

By Train:

New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest major railway station (~52 km).

Well-connected to major cities in India.

 

Where to Stay in Mirik

Lakeside Hotels: Offer beautiful views of Sumendu Lake.

Homestays: Local family-run options available in Mirik Bazaar and nearby tea gardens.

Luxury Options: A few resorts offer upgraded amenities with Himalayan views.

Tip: Book in advance during peak seasons (April–May and October–November).

 

Local Culture and Events

People: A mix of Lepcha, Nepali, and Bhutia communities.

Language: Nepali is widely spoken; English and Hindi are understood.

Festivals: Losar (Tibetan New Year), Dasain (Nepali festival), and Diwali are celebrated with enthusiasm.

 

Travel Tips

Clothing: Light woollens in spring/autumn; heavy woollens in winter.

Health: Carry motion sickness tablets if prone to nausea on hilly roads.

Cash: ATMs are limited; carry enough cash for remote areas.

Sustainability: Avoid littering and use eco-friendly travel practices.

 

Final Thoughts

Sumendu Lake in Mirik is a peaceful Himalayan destination where tranquility meets natural beauty. Whether you're boating under a clear blue sky, sipping tea at a lakeside café, or simply watching the sun set over pine-draped hills, the serenity of Mirik will stay with you long after you leave. For travelers looking to explore a less-crowded alternative to Darjeeling, Mirik is a perfect choice—especially in spring or autumn when nature is at its best.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Top Reasons to Visit Kohima – Nagaland’s Cultural and Scenic Capital

Image
Nestled in the rolling hills of Nagaland, Kohima is a destination that beautifully blends history, culture, and natural beauty. As the capital city, it offers a window into the rich Naga heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and a sense of serenity that’s rare in bustling urban spaces. For travellers seeking an authentic and immersive experience, Kohima is a must-visit in Northeast India. One of the city’s most defining attractions is its deep historical significance. The Kohima War Cemetery, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, commemorates the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Kohima (1944) during World War II. Its peaceful lawns, set against the backdrop of misty hills, tell a moving story of courage and sacrifice — a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Kohima is also the heart of Naga culture. The world-famous Hornbill Festival, held every December at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, showcases the vibrant traditions of Nagaland’s 16 tribes through music, da...
Read more

Food in Bhutan: Must-try food dishes in Bhutanese cuisine

Image
Bhutanese food has been influenced by India, China, and Tibet, but the local food still remains unique.  The most distinctive characteristic of Bhutanese food is its spiciness, with chillies being an essential part of nearly every food item.  You will get a lot of options to choose from the Bhutanese cuisine. Some of the foods you need to definitely try on your next trip to the mountain kingdom are the delicious ema datshi a stew made with chillies and cheese, shamu datshi stew made with cheese and mushrooms, kewa datshi stew of cheese and potatoes,  gondo datshi etc. Bhutanese love their locally produced cheese and many dishes are made by using them. Apart from these popular foods in Bhutan do try the mouth watering gondo datshi also called as butter egg fry. This food in Bhutan is best eaten with Himalayan red rice. Shakam ema datshi is a non-vegetarian version of datshi made with dried beef. If you are a beef lover and always ready for challenges, this food i...
Read more

Winter in Bhutan – A Serene Himalayan Escape

Image
Winter in Bhutan, from December to February, is a season of quiet beauty and cultural richness. While many imagine harsh Himalayan cold, the weather in most valleys — including Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha — remains crisp, sunny, and pleasantly cool. This makes it an ideal time for travelers seeking a peaceful, scenic, and authentic Bhutan experience away from the usual tourist rush. One of the greatest charms of visiting Bhutan in winter is the clear mountain visibility. The skies are brilliantly blue, and the snow-capped peaks of the eastern Himalayas stand tall and dazzling. Paro and Thimphu offer stunning panoramic views, while Punakha’s warmer climate makes it perfect for exploring Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses, set at the confluence of two rivers. Winter also marks a vibrant festival season. The Trongsa Tshechu and Lhuntse Tshechu, held in December and January, showcase Bhutan’s deep spiritual traditions through masked dances, colorful costumes, and s...
Read more