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Hill stations in East India are good places for a short trip or a long holiday. These towns have cool weather, green landscapes, and old buildings from the British period. Some places have tea gardens, while others have monasteries and local markets. Many visitors come here to see the mountains, try local food, and explore small villages. Some hill stations are busy, while others are quiet and less crowded. Travelling here is easy, with airports and roads connecting most towns. Below is a list of the best hill stations you can visit in East India.
Top 15 Hill Stations in East India
Discover the top 15 hill stations in East India, perfect for a relaxing getaway in the mountains.
1. Darjeeling
Darjeeling is one of the best hill stations in East India. It is famous for its tea gardens, British-era buildings, and clear views of Kanchenjunga. Many tourists visit this place to experience the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are many monasteries, temples, and markets in Darjeeling. The local food, influenced by Tibetan and Nepali flavours, is popular among visitors. Walking around the Mall Road, visitors can see shops selling woollen clothes, souvenirs, and handmade items. The best time to visit Darjeeling is autumn and winter from October to February when the weather is pleasant.
Major Attractions: Rock Gardens, Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Japanese Peace Pagoda
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (70 km)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Darjeeling For Your Next Summer Vacations
2. Rimbik
Photo: Santanu Chandra / Wikimedia Commons
Rimbik is a small East India hill station near the Singalila range. Many trekkers stop here before starting the Sandakphu trek. The town has a few lodges, homestays, and basic facilities. It is surrounded by forests and small villages, where visitors can see traditional wooden houses and farms. The people in Rimbik follow a simple lifestyle and grow crops like maize and potatoes. The weather remains cool for most of the year, and the best time to visit is between September and April. The roads leading to Rimbik can be rough, but the journey is memorable.
Major Attractions: Singalila National Park, Rimbik Monastery
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (115 km)
3. Sandakphu
Sandakphu is the highest hill station in East India, standing at 3,636 metres. It is famous for its views of four of the world’s highest peaks – Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. The place is mostly visited by trekkers, as there is no direct road for vehicles. The trek route passes through Singalila National Park, which has rare animals like red pandas and different kinds of birds. The temperature in Sandakphu can drop below freezing in winter. Many small tea houses and lodges provide basic food and accommodation for travellers.
Major Attractions: Phalut Peak, Tumling Village
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (120 km)
Suggested Read: Sandakphu Trekking
4. Kalimpong
Photo: Boudhayan Bardhan / Unsplash
Kalimpong is one of the famous hill stations in East India. It is known for its flower nurseries, Buddhist monasteries, and colonial churches. The town has a relaxed atmosphere, and many visitors come here for a peaceful break. The markets in Kalimpong sell traditional handicrafts, carpets, and fresh fruits. The British influence is visible in some of the old buildings. The weather is cool throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from March to June and September to November. The local food, including momos and thukpa, is popular among visitors.
Major Attractions: Durpin Monastery, Morgan House, Cactus Nursery
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (80 km)
5. Ghoom
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Ghoom is a small East India hill station located close to Darjeeling. It is mainly known for the Ghoom Monastery, which has a large statue of Maitreya Buddha. The town has the highest railway station on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway route. Many tourists visit Ghoom while travelling to Darjeeling. The roads in Ghoom have small tea shops, local restaurants, and markets selling woollen clothes. The place is usually covered in fog during winter, making it feel cold even in the daytime. The best time to visit is between October and March when the sky is clear.
Major Attractions: Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (75 km)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kalimpong
6. Mirik
Mirik is one of the best hill stations in East India. It is famous for Sumendu Lake, where tourists can go boating. The town has many tea gardens, orange orchards, and cardamom plantations. Mirik is smaller than Darjeeling but is a good place for a short stay. The weather remains comfortable for most of the year, and the best time to visit is from March to June and September to December. The local markets sell handmade woollen shawls, carpets, and tea. There are also several viewpoints around the town that provide beautiful views of the hills.
Major Attractions: Bokar Monastery, Tingling Viewpoint
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (50 km)
7. Dooars
Photo: Boudhayan Bardhan / Unsplash
Dooars is a region at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is not a single hill station but a group of towns and forests in North Bengal. This area is famous for its national parks, tea estates, and wildlife sanctuaries. Many people visit Dooars to see elephants, rhinos, and different birds in the forests. The best time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is dry and suitable for safaris. The roads in Dooars are good, and several small towns in the region offer accommodation for visitors.
Major Attractions: Gorumara National Park, Jaldapara National Park, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (90 km)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Dooars
8. Kurseong
Photo: Boudhayan Bardhan / Unsplash
Kurseong is a small East India hill station between Siliguri and Darjeeling. It is called the “Land of White Orchids” because of the orchids that grow here. The weather is cool, and the town has several British-era schools and churches. Kurseong is also known for its tea gardens, which produce high-quality tea. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway passes through this town. The best time to visit is from March to May and September to November. The markets in Kurseong sell tea, spices, and wooden handicrafts.
Major Attractions: Eagle’s Crag, Dow Hill, Makaibari Tea Estate
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (45 km)
9. Gangtok
Photo: Bhaskar Palit / Unsplash
Gangtok is one of the best hill stations in East India and the capital of Sikkim. It is a lively city with monasteries, shopping streets, and views of the Himalayas. MG Marg is a popular spot where visitors can walk freely, shop for local items, and taste Sikkimese food. Some of the Gangtok sightseeing places include Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass. Cable car rides give a good view of the city. Tsomgo Lake is one of the serene lakes in north east India. The best time to visit is from March to June and September to December.
Major Attractions: Rumtek Monastery, Ban Jhakri Falls Park, Tashi Viewpoint, Ganesh Tok
Nearest Airport: Pakyong Airport (30 km)
Suggested Read: Incredible Places To Visit In Gangtok For A Fun Trip
10. Takdah
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Takdah is a small hill station in East India near Darjeeling. It was once a British cantonment, and many old colonial bungalows still stand today. The town is surrounded by tea gardens and forests, making it a quiet place away from the crowds. Visitors can take walks through the tea estates and see local tea processing. Takdah also has a famous orchid centre where different types of orchids are grown. The weather stays cool almost year-round, and the best time to visit is from October to March.
Major Attractions: Rungli Rungliot Tea Garden, Takdah Monastery
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (70 km)
11. Pelling
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons
Perched at an altitude of 6,800 feet in West Sikkim, Pelling is a postcard-perfect hill town that offers panoramic views of the majestic Kanchenjunga, tranquil monasteries, misty forests, and more. One of the serene places to visit in East India, Pelling is an ideal destination for nature lovers. Some of the top attractions of Pelling include Pemayangtse Monastery, Sky Walk and Chenrezig Statue, Rabdentse Ruins, Singshore Bridge, Khecheopalri Lake, Rimbi and Kanchenjunga Waterfalls.
Major Attractions: Pemayangtse Monastery, Pelling Skywalk & Chenrezig Statue, and Rabdentse Ruins
Nearest Airport: Pakyong Airport (135 km)
Suggested Read: Explore Places To Visit In Pelling
12. Namchi
Photo: Subhrajyoti07 / Wikimedia Commons
Perched in the tranquil embrace of the Eastern Himalayas, Namchi, meaning “Sky High” in the local Bhutia language, is a spiritual and cultural sanctuary in South Sikkim. Located at an altitude of 5,500 feet, Namchi is celebrated for its peaceful ambience, panoramic mountain views, vibrant monasteries, and iconic religious landmarks. One of the top hill stations in East India, Namchi is an ideal destination for travellers seeking tranquillity. Some of the major attractions of Namchi include Char Dham, Samdruptse Monastery & Statue, Namchi Rock Garden, Temi Tea Garden, Ralong Monastery, and more.
Major Attractions: Char Dham, Samdruptse Hill & Statue of Guru Padmasambhava, and Namchi Rock Garden
Nearest Airport: Pakyong Airport (75 km)
13. Lachung
Photo: Jaiprakashsingh / Wikimedia Commons
Tucked away in the highlands of North Sikkim, Lachung is a tranquil mountain village. Located at an altitude of about 9,600 feet, Lachung is a gateway to the mesmerising Yumthang Valley. One of the serene hill stations in North East India, it is an excellent abode for travellers seeking a tranquil getaway in the lap of nature. Some of the major attractions of Lachung include Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, Lachung Monastery, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, and Bhim Nala & Naga Waterfalls.
Major Attractions: Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, and Lachung Monastery
Nearest Airport: Pakyong Airport (120 km)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Lachung For A Wonderful Vacation In Hills
14. Bomdila
Photo: Chaduvari / Wikimedia Commons
Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the eastern Himalayas, Bomdila is a serene and scenic hill station located in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. At an altitude of around 8,000 feet, this lesser-known gem offers spellbinding views of snow-capped mountains, peaceful monasteries, apple orchards, and a rich mix of Tibetan Buddhist and tribal cultures. It is one of the mesmerising hill stations in South East India. Some of the top attractions here include Bomdila Monastery, Bomdila View Point, apple orchards, Craft Centre and Ethnographic Museum.
Major Attractions: Bomdila Monastery, Bomdila View Point, and Lower Gompa & Upper Gompa
Nearest Airport: Tezpur Airport (160 km)
15. Dirang
Photo: J P Dutt / Wikimedia Commons
Tucked away in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, Dirang is a tranquil Himalayan village known for its untouched beauty, pleasant climate, and a mix of cultural richness and nature’s beauty. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers and peace seekers. Some of the major attractions of Dirang include Dirang Dzong, Dirang Hot Water Spring, Thupsung Dhargye Ling Monastery, Sangti Valley, National Research Centre, and more.
Major Attractions: Dirang Dzong, Dirang Hot Water Spring, and Sangti Valley
Nearest Airport: Tezpur Airport (200 km)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Dirang
Hill stations in East India are great for exploring local culture, trying different foods, and seeing beautiful places. Some towns are small, while others have many things to do. Each place has something interesting, from tea gardens to trekking spots. Plan your visit at the right time with TripXL to enjoy the best weather. Start your journey and explore these amazing hill towns.
Cover Photo: Boudhayan Bardhan / Unsplash
