Located in the beautiful hills of Mirik, West Bengal, Sumendu Lake or Mirik Lake as it is called by the locals, is a perfect place for a quiet vacation.But hidden amidst its serene beauty lies a fascinating tale: the Singha Devi Temple, which is located close to the city, is believed to have been a divine place which was favoured by the local deities through the Indreni Pull (Rainbow Bridge). It is said that the temple was constructed many centuries ago and that the prayers said in this temple can fulfil wishes – a testimony to the religious significance that people come to seek blessings amidst the scenic beauty of Sumendu Lake.
Sumendu Lake History
Image Credit: Shubh.ch1994 for Wikipedia
Sumendu Lake was once a marshland, but it has been developed into its present form with the construction of Indreni Pull, an 80-foot arch footbridge that adds beauty to the lake and also offers a beautiful walk through the bridge.
The grounds around the lake were beautified and landscaped to the maximum. What was once a British polo field has been turned into beautiful gardens and pine woods that now border the lake. This restoration project not only conserved the natural environment but also provided a tranquil place for tourists and residents to relax.
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Things To Do At Sumendu Lake
If you are around Sumendu Lake, you have the opportunity to experience a lot of fun activities. Listed here are a few fun things to do at Sumendu Lake that you can consider:
1. Explore The Garden On The Eastern Bank
Image Credit: Nelson Kandel for Wikimedia Commons
Located on the eastern side of the Sumendu Lake, the garden provides a beautiful, calm environment surrounded by greenery. It has neatly trimmed grass, colourful flowers and tall pine trees, providing a perfect background for picnicking and strolling. It is a secluded and quiet place where you can sit back and enjoy the beauty of nature, the lake and the hills. The garden has seating arrangements for visitors to relax and enjoy the cool breeze and serene environment. It is ideal for nature lovers and families who want to spend a quiet day in Mirik.
Days Needed: 1 day
Entry Fee: Free entry
2. Enjoy Boating On Sumendu Lake
Tourism is another activity associated with Sumendu Lake where visitors can take a boat ride and get to view the beauty of the lake. Sail across the lake and see the mirror like a reflection of the hills around the lake. This is accompanied by the floating fountain in the middle of the lake, giving the place a charming feel. There are boats for hire, and this makes it possible for families and friends to take a boat ride in the countryside. It is a perfect way to relax and enjoy the beauty of Sumendu Lake from a different perspective, and that is why it is an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Days Needed: 1 day
Sumendu Lake boating price: 200-800 INR depending on the type of boat
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3. Visit Singha Devi Temple
Image Credit: Gupuinsas1993 for Wikipedia
Located on the western side, Singha Devi Temple is a famous religious place with historical significance. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Singha Devi and is reachable through the beautiful Indreni Pull (Rainbow Bridge). The temple provides a splendid view of the lake and the surrounding areas. You will feel the magic of this temple as soon as you reach it. Pray and watch the priests performing rituals in the traditional etiquettes. The temple’s structure and location make it a perfect place for those interested in spiritual practices and culture, as it gives an idea of the locals’ faith and customs.
Days Needed: 1-2 day(s)
Entry Fee: 30 INR
4. Soak In The Scenic Views Of Rameetya Dara & Deosi Dara
Image Credit: Vyacheslav Argenberg for Wikimedia Commons
For the bird’s eye view of the snow-clad Himalayas and the valley’s greenery down below, one can visit the Rameetya Dara and Deosi Dara viewpoints near Sumendu Lake. These viewpoints give you the best vantage points for the region for incredible pictures with breathtaking natural scenery. This place is a must-visit if you like spending time in nature and taking photos. Tourists can relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and see the beautiful sunrises or sunsets over the great Himalayas. It is an ideal place to take photographs and have a feel for the natural beauty of Mirik.
Days Needed: 1 day
Entry Fee: Free entry
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Trek To The Indreni Pull (Rainbow Bridge)
Image Credit: Mr Debapriya Hore for Wikimedia Commons
Indreni Pull, or the Rainbow Bridge across Sumendu Lake, is a sightseeing in itself. This is an 80-foot arch footbridge which provides not only a passageway but also a scenic view of the lake and its environment. The arches of the bridge are painted in different colours and at night the bridge’s reflection on the calm water of the lake is breathtaking. People can walk through the bridge while taking a break and admiring the surrounding views of nature. It is a perfect place for photographers, bird watchers and those who want to spend some time in the lap of nature away from the hustle and bustle of Mirik. Do not let this architectural beauty go unnoticed, especially when captured against the backdrop of the beautiful Mirik.
Days Needed: 1 day
Entry Fee: Free entry
How To Reach Sumendu Lake
Image Credit: Vinayaraj for Wikipedia
By Air: The nearest airport to Sumendu Lake is Bagdogra Airport, which is about 55 km away. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mirik, which is approximately 2 hours’ drive away.
By Road: Mirik is well connected by road to other major cities and towns of West Bengal and the neighbouring states. Local government buses, local taxis, and car rental services are easily available from Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Kolkata to reach Sumendu Lake through the hills.
By Rail: The nearest rail head to Mirik is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is about 60 km away. From NJP, one can either hire taxis or board buses to Mirik, passing through the foothills of the Himalayas.
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The Sumendu Lake is a mirror-like lake with still waters, beautiful banks, and birdsong sounds. You can do a boat ride on the lake, explore cultural sites, or take a break in the natural environment. Sumendu Lake seems like a scene from a movie, therefore a trip to West Bengal would be incomplete without experiencing the charm of this Lake.
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Cover Image Source: Sujay25 for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Sumendu Lake
Is it possible to swim in Sumendu Lake?
Yes, swimming is prohibited in Sumendu Lake to avoid any mishaps that may occur to the visitors. However, recreational activities such as boating are possible for those interested in the activity.
Is there any hotel or any place of lodging around Sumendu Lake?
Yes, there are different types of lodgings starting from the cheap guesthouses up to the expensive resorts near Sumendu Lake with beautiful views and comfortable rooms.
Are cameras allowed at Sumendu Lake?
Yes, photography is allowed at Sumendu Lake so that the tourists can take pictures of the beautiful sceneries and the cultural attractions.
Are there any tourist attractions near Sumendu Lake?
Other tourist destinations in the vicinity are Rameetya Dara and Deosi Dara for the bird’s eye view of the Himalayas and Bokar Monastery for religious and archaeological sightseeing.
When is the best time to visit Sumendu Lake?
Sumendu Lake is best to visit throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is moderate for outdoor activities.
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