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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 10 Hill Stations in East India
Discover the top 10 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 weather is pleasant throughout the year, but March to May and October to December are the best months to visit.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Major Attractions: Rock Gardens, Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Japanese Peace Pagoda
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (70 km)
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
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
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.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Major Attractions: Phalut Peak, Tumling Village
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (120 km)
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.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
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.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Major Attractions: Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (75 km)
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.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
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.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Major Attractions: Gorumara National Park, Jaldapara National Park, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (90 km)
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.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
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. The city is also the starting point for trips to Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass. Cable car rides give a good view of the city. The best time to visit is from March to June and September to December.
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Major Attractions: Rumtek Monastery, Ban Jhakri Falls Park, Tashi Viewpoint, Ganesh Tok
Nearest Airport: Pakyong Airport (30 km)
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.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Major Attractions: Rungli Rungliot Tea Garden, Takdah Monastery
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (70 km)
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
