Mungpoo is a charming village located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, 33 km east of Darjeeling and 52 km north-east of Siliguri. The journey to Mungpoo is picturesque, with tall pine trees, colorful flower nurseries, tea gardens, and clear streams. The village is well-known for its Cinchona plantations, which were established by the British in the 19th century to extract quinine, a key medicinal element for curing malaria. A big government-run quinine factory still exists here, which is a popular attraction for educational tours.
Mungpoo gained significant fame due to its connection with the Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore, who visited the town multiple times between 1938 and 1940. He was drawn to its peaceful and serene environment and found inspiration for several of his poems and letters here. His visits and his bond with Maitreyi Devi, the daughter of his friend Surendranath Dasgupta, are documented in the book 'Mungpoote Rabindranath'.
The bungalow where Tagore stayed has been beautifully converted into the Rabindra Bhavan Museum. The museum preserves his personal belongings, including the bed he slept on, the mahogany desk he used, and original paintings, writings, and photographs. The serene atmosphere of the museum provides a glimpse into the life and creative legacy of the great poet. The Dinchhen Sherpa Chhoeling Gumba, a Buddhist monastery located near the main market, is also a site of tranquility and a popular spot for tourists.
Besides its historical and cultural significance, Mungpoo is also a natural treasure. The stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga enhance its beauty. Other notable attractions include a large orchid center, which cultivates various types of orchids, and the vast Cinchona plantations themselves, which create a captivating landscape. The nearby village of Sittong is famous for its abundant orange cultivation from October to January.
