Mungpoo
Mungpoo is a small serene mountain village located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India, at an altitude of about 3,500 to 3,700 feet. Situated approximately 25 to 33 kilometers from Darjeeling town and about 52 to 54 kilometers from Siliguri, it is known for its picturesque natural beauty, peaceful ambiance, and cultural significance.
Mungpoo is particularly famous for its historic cinchona plantations established in the 19th century. Cinchona bark was the source of quinine, a drug used to treat malaria, and Mungpoo housed a government quinine factory set up in 1864. Though artificial quinine has reduced its production, the cinchona plantations still exist and remain a source of local income.
The village is also famous for the Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore, who visited Mungpoo multiple times between 1938 and 1940. He found the area's calm and scenic beauty inspiring and stayed in the bungalow now known as Rabindra Bhavan Museum. This museum preserves his personal belongings and commemorates his association with Mungpoo, making it a cultural attraction for visitors.
Other notable sights include:
- The Orchid Center, which hosts over 150 varieties of orchids.
- The Dinchhen Sherap Choeling Monastery situated above the market.
- The Mungpoo viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the Kanchenjunga range.
- Nearby attractions such as Kalijhora Waterfall and surrounding tea gardens.
Mungpoo offers a tranquil escape with a cool, pleasant climate, making it ideal for visitors seeking peace away from busy tourist hubs. It is accessible by road from Siliguri, the nearest major transport hub, with the closest railway station being New Jalpaiguri and the nearest airport at Bagdogra.
The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and conducive to sightseeing.
In summary, Mungpoo blends natural beauty, historical cinchona plantations, and the cultural legacy of Rabindranath Tagore, making it a unique destination in the Darjeeling hills.
Citations:
[1] Mongpu or Mungpoo: The Summer Retreat of Tagore https://northbengaltourism.com/offbeat-destinations/darjeeling/mongpu/
[2] Mungpoo near Darjeeling Travel Tourism information https://www.marinetoalpine.com/mungpoo.php
[3] Tranquil Hamlet Mungpoo - HillsDooars https://hillsdooars.com/index.php/mungpoo
[4] Tour of Mangpu or Mungpoo https://www.darjeeling-tourism.com/darj_00011e.htm
[5] Tinchuley, Takdah & Mungpoo Tour Information https://www.visittobengal.com/tinchuley-takdah-mungpoo.php
[6] Mungpoo - Bhromondarrpan http://bhromondarrpan.com/mungpoo-quinine-homestay/
[7] Mungpoo, Places to visit in Mongpong, Siliguri to ... - Dooars Trip https://dooarstrip.com/mongpoo
[8] Mungpoo Homestays Attractions Darjeeling https://visitsunderbans.com/mungpoo-homestays.html
[9] Mungpoo https://www.east-himalaya.com/mongpu.php
[10] Mungpoo bungalow nourishes memories of Rabindranath Tagore https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blink/takeaway/a-bungalow-in-mungpoo-is-alive-with-memories-of-tagore/article33766511.ece
[11] All You Need To Know About Mungpoo, Bengals ... - Tripoto https://www.tripoto.com/west-bengal/trips/mungpoo
[12] Mungpoo Or Mongpu Near Kurseong In Darjeeling https://www.riddhimart.com/mungpoo-or-mongpu-near-kurseong-in-darjeeling
[13] Rabindra Museum https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabindra_Museum
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