Experience Mungpoo – A Blend of Nature, History & Culture

Experience Mungpoo Near Darjeeling

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What to expect at Mungpoo?

One of the tranquil villages located in the heart of West Bengal, with the serenity of the hills and excellent wilderness and natural beauty, Mungpoo (which is also spelt as Mongpu or Mungpo) is an enthralling escape especially for nature lovers, away from the bustling of city life and the crowded tourist locations across West Bengal.

This quaint village is perched at an approximate altitude of 3700 ft and is popular amongst tourists for its lush cinchona plantations, its historical linkage with the world-renowned Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and its enviously vibrant orchid nurseries.

Best Darjeeling Tour Packages

We present to you with our exclusive and wide range of Darjeeling tour packages which will ensure to offer you a comprehensive experience of this hill station, curled up in the arms of the majestic Himalayas. Our packages typically include a wide range of activities, starting from visiting iconic attractions like Tiger Hill, Tea Gardens, Peace Pagoda or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, which will cater to all families, adventure lovers and honeymooners, alike.

Best Time to Visit Mungpoo

Throughout the year, this picturesque village in the Darjeeling district experiences and enjoys a pleasant climate, with the summer season throughout June being mild.

This makes Mungpoo an ideal escape for tourists from the massive heat storms, especially in the northern and western parts of the country. The region enjoys moderate rainfall during the monsoon season, which enhances the overall natural wilderness and beauty of this gorgeous place. The Autumn season alongside the early winter phase, in the month of October to December is considered especially delightful by visitors who are greeted with clear azure blue skies and the gorgeous cinchona plantation blossoms. During this time, the temperature feels great with rare significant drops in the mercury and the average winter weather hovers around 4°C. thus, the best time to plan a trip to this wonderful destination with friends and family or for a solo trip is between October and December or during the month of June.

Weather Conditions and Temperatures in Mungpoo

Mungpoo offers a pleasant climate all year round. A detailed breakdown of Mungpoo’s weather and temperature is mentioned below-

Spring (March to May) enjoys a pleasant and clear weather with vibrant greenery and blooming flowers. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C, creating opportunities for sightseeing and peaceful stays.

Monsoon (Mid-July to September) experiences heavy rainfall with temperatures ranging between 16°C to 22°C. Travelling with caution is recommended.

Autumn (October to November) offers clear views with crisp, dry weather and temperatures between 10°C to 18°C. It is an ideal time for enjoying golden-hued landscapes.

Winter (December to February) comes with cold evenings and mornings with temperatures ranging between 5°C to 12°C. It is an ideal time for enjoying stargazing, bonfire nights and quiet retreats.

Geography and Natural Beauty

This small and old settlement under the Darjeeling district, Mungpoo evolved gradually as one of the favourite tourist places, much different from the popular places with a maddening crowd. The lush cinchona plantations at an impressive height/altitude of 3700 ft, the vibrancy of the orchid nurseries and the interesting historical association with Tagore for his frequent visit to this charming hill village.

This village has some great options to explore nature in its truest beauteous form, like the cascading waterfalls in Kalijhora, a tranquil retreat like the Rabindra Bhavan Museum, or the serenity and cultural enigma boasted by the popular Dinchen Sherap Choeling Monastery.

Mungpoo is easily accessible by tourists either via Sikkim Bengal National Highway 31A or through Peshok Road. The closest airport is the Bagdogra Airport and the closest Railway station is the NJP station.

All throughout the year, this excellent village experiences pleasant weather which is why Mungpoo has increasingly become one of the most ideal destinations for tourists, who seek to experience natural beauty and tranquillity.

Attractions and Activities

Places to Visit in and Around Mungpoo

Here is a list of some of the most popular Places to visit in and around Mungpoo which offer tourists a tranquil escape, away from the bustles of the city life, straight into the lush greeneries of the tea gardens, historic bungalows and the magnificent scenery of the expansive Himalayan range, a perfect blend for nature lovers.

Rabindra Bhavan (Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Museum)

This is a historic bungalow which is popular for being Kobiguru Rabindranath Tagore’s summer retreat, between the years 1938 and 1940. This summer retreat has now been transformed into a museum which houses the poet’s range of personal belongings, like his bed, mahogany desk, handwritten manuscripts and original paintings. This museum is open for visitors to explore, except on a Sunday.

Government Cinchona Factory

This Cinchona factory was established way back in the year 1864, and was then considered to have a pivotal role in producing quinine from the bark of the Cinchona tree. This is a vital anti-malarial drug to treat patients back then. You can opt to explore this place and learn about the process of extracting quinine, alongside the history of the cultivation of this medicinal plant across the region.

Mungpoo Cymbidium Orchid Park:

This orchid park in Mungpoo is situated nearly 7 km away from the main market in the region and boats brilliantly of over 150 varieties of orchids. If you are someone who appreciates floral beauty and brilliance, this place is a must-visit for you.

Dinchhen Sherap Choeling Monastery:

This Dinchen Sherpa Choeling Monastery is popular among tourists for its tranquil environment and is a reflection of the Buddhist culture from which locals and visitors draw insights about the Buddhist religion and their cultural tapestry. This monastery is located above the local market in Mungpoo.

Kalijhora Waterfall:

This is a magnificent tourist spot which is only a short drive from Mungpoo, with a picturesque cascading waterfall, from an impressive height of 550 ft, right into the Teesta River. The tranquillity in the surrounding nature has transformed this location into a popular picnic spot.

Mungpoo Viewpoint:

This is a vintage tourist point in Mungpoo which gives an excellent and panoramic view of the entire expansive mountain range and on clear days, you can witness the majestic, snow-dusted peak of Kanchenjunga. This popular tourist spot is indeed a splendid spot for soaking in its natural beauty and taking excellent photographs.

Mungpoo Bazaar

The local bazaar in Mungpoo is a must-visit, especially for the shopaholics, as the commodities here range from essential goods to local/traditional artefacts and Bhutanese and Nepali traditional goods, best for souvenirs. You can explore this local village market to capture insights about local life.

Flavours of Mungpoo: Top Local Foods to taste while in Mungpoo and Cultural and Historical Significance

The local fare of Mungpoo is pretty much a reflection of the diversity of the Bengali, Catholic, Tibetan and Nepali communities, which has had an influence on the local dishes as well. So, the local flavours and delicacies range from hot and finger-licking steamed dumplings popularly called Momo, to the fresh aromatic Tibetan noodles (Thukpa) and Nepali-styled Chowmein, all of which are easily available by the local eateries across Mungpoo.

Cinchona Plantations:

You can visit and explore this place to learn all interesting facts about cinchona plantations, and the history behind its production, which was then considered one of the vital anti-malarial drugs, extracted from this plant’s bark.

Rabindra Bhavan:

This place has now been transformed into a museum, which was once a summer retreat of Tagore, where now all his personal belongings are displayed to visitors to this museum.

More Places To Visit Near Mungpoo

Accommodations

There are a few accommodation options in Mungpoo, which are mostly peaceful homestays ideal for unwinding amidst heritage, history and nature. You will be offered local hospitality and cosy comfort in these accommodations. Although the amenities are modest, you will get an enriching experience here. It is recommended to book in advance, especially in the peak season from October to April. Some of the popular homestays of Mungpoo include- Pine Hill Retreat Homestay, Mungpoo Orange Valley Homestay, Cinchona Retreat Homestay and Rabindra Bhawan Homestay.

Homestays in Mungpoo

The homestays of Mungpoo reflects the simplicity and serenity of the place surrounded by cinchona plantations and memories of Tagore. Some of the recommended homestays of Mungpoo which offers calm, culture and comfort are- Tagore Hill View Homestay, Cinchona Retreat Homestay, Mungpoo Heritage Homestay, Hilltop Orchid Homestay and Sunset Nest Homestay

Where is Mungpoo?

Mungpoo, which is also popular by the name Mangpu is a tranquil, quaint village situated in the heart of Darjeeling district of West Bengal and is situated approximately 32 km east of Darjeeling and is at an elevation of nearly 3700 ft. Mungpoo gained increased popularity for its excellent cinchona plantations which has a pivotal role in the pages of history for its contribution to quinine production.

This quaint village is perched at an approximate altitude of 3700 ft and is popular amongst tourists for its lush cinchona plantations, its historical linkage with the world-renowned Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and its enviously vibrant orchid nurseries.

How to Reach Mungpoo

There are several transportation options available for tourists to travel to Mungpoo

By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport which is about 60 km away from Mungpoo. Tourists availing flights to Bagdogra are greeted with convenience as regular flights are connected to this airport from major Indian cities. Upon arrival to the airport, you can hire a taxi to travel to Mungpoo or get on a shared jeep, which will take you approx. 21/2 hours on road, via NH 10.

By Rail: the closest railway station to Mungpoo is the New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP), which is located approximately 52 km away from this place. This is a major railhead in the North Bengal region which is connected via rail with numerous important Indian cities. Upon arrival, you can either book a cab or get on a shared taxi which is readily available outside the station, for your journey to this quaint hill station.

By Road: All the nearby cities and towns are well-connected to Mungpoo. The distance from Darjeeling to Mungpoo is approximately 32 km and it is 52 km from Siliguri. The most convenient option to travel to Mungpoo is to hire a private taxi, for a comfortable ride, otherwise, shared vehicles are also available from a few of the locations.

Pro-Tips while travelling to Mungpoo

    Munpoo has a very scenic yet winding road; thus, travelling cautiously with an experienced driver is recommended.
    Mungpoo has a very unpredictable weather, thus pack some rain gear and a warm set of clothes.
    Withdraw cash from Teesta Bazaar or Darjeeling as there are no ATM in Mungpoo.
    There are limited accommodation options; thus, book your stay in advance.

Conclusion

Mungpoo offers a blended experience of nature, poetry and history effortlessly. It has its history bound with Tagore’s legacy and colonial charm, along with its misty path, making it an ideal getaway for peace seekers and history enthusiasts. The memories of Mungpoo will linger with you for ages after your trip.

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