Ceded to the British by the King of Sikkim in 1835, as a small village, it gained prominence in 1880, when the Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway was extended to it on 23rd August, 1880, it was made Headquarters of the Sub-Division. The clean, well kept town of Kurseong is half way up the ladder at an altitude of 4,860 ft and is 33 km from Darjeeling. The "Toy Train" or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway runs on level with the street (one can even shop without leaving the seat). As the train leaves the town, mists envelope the landscape, then all of a sudden, they are gone and dazzled eyes get their first view of the mighty monarch, Mt. Kanchenjunga. A viewer standing on Eagle's Crag gets the view of the plains lying below reaching to the distant horizon - feels like you are God and watching down upon your children on earth.

White orchids grow in plenty around Kurseong. Its heaven for those who can't stand high altitudes. Besides, the nearby Tea Gardens provide leisurely walks making it possible to meet innocent labourers of the tea garden and simultaeneouly an opening before the visitor, the beauty of the tea plants spread over a vast region. There is a sericulture farm and an A.I.R. (All India Radio) Station on the Pankhabari Road, the shortest route to Darjeeling while coming from the plains. With its temperate climate, it is the seat of several educational institutions, among the most reputed ones are; the old St. Mary's School founded in 1881, St. Helen's School for girls, Victoria Boy's School, Himali Boarding School (Co-education) etc. With many pleasant walks to choose from, one is the Nagari Spur which affords appetising views of the forests and tea gardens. Another being a ride to a place called Chimney. During the British rule in India, they had constructed a huge chimney at this place and thats how the name got established. The chimney constructed be the Britisher's still stand and marks the place. Its a small village with innocent villagers providing breathtaking view of the plains lying below. Fresh vegetables are grown here which is supplied and sold not only in Kurseong, but in Darjeeling also.