Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Located in the eastern Himalayas West Bengal is gifted with beautiful hill stations with striking natural and man-made landscapes. The hill stations in West Bengal offer idyllic plantations and majestic views of Kanchenjunga famous for the horse rides often referred to as the Dhuk Dhuk Train and the marketplaces. Known for its monasteries, beautiful flowers, the river Teesta and astonishingly beautiful lake along with surrounding lush green pine forests. There is so much for adventure enthusiasts like fantastic trekking routes and camping destinations.
10 Hill Stations In West Bengal
Here is a list of hill stations in West Bengal that boast of glorious sceneries as well as diverse cultures.
1. Darjeeling
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Affectionately referred to as the `Queen of the Hills,` Darjeeling is blessed with breathtaking views of the snow-clad mountain Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. This alluring place is a primary centre for ecotourism and adventure sports lovers with its world-famous tea gardens, bustling town markets and the heritage Toy Train. In addition, tourists can visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Zoo and Tibetan Refugee Center which provide tourists with distinct views of the history and culture of the place.
Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal
Major Attractions: Kanchenjunga views, Toy Train, Tea estates
How To Reach: Accessible by road, rail, and flights to Bagdogra followed by road
2. Kalimpong
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the western Himalayas, it is also known for its rich culture and beautiful landscapes, with its renowned monasteries, flower nurseries and picturesque places stretching along the banks of stream Teesta. Kalimpong is less crowded than Darjeeling as it is known for sites such as the Durpin Dara Hill, the Deolo Hill and the old Zang Dhok Palri Monastery. This place is also known for its lively market that sells Tibetan crafts and a collection of colourful flowers.
Location: Kalimpong, West Bengal
Major Attractions: Zang Dhok Palri Monastery, Durpin Dara, Flower Nurseries
How To Reach: Nearest airport Bagdogra; well-connected by road
3. Mirik
Sumendu Lake, green pine trees and orange plantation characterize Mirik, a place where any nature lover can go and relax. People can sail in the lake on a boat and as well walk on the arch-shaped footbridge over the lake. Besides these, there are many tea gardens and sight points that offer good views making it a good place for families and honeymooners. Apart from the cultural significance and the beauty of nature that comprises forests, lakes and mountains, the geographical location of Mirik has a relaxing ambience.
Location: Mirik, West Bengal
Major Attractions: Sumendu Lake, Pine Forests, Orange orchards
How To Reach: Connected by road from Darjeeling and Siliguri
4. Sandakphu
Photo: Rajat63ghosh / Wikimedia Commons
Sandakphu, regarded as the highest peak in the state of West Bengal is located near the border of Nepal to the east and west of Sikkim and it is very famous among those who engage in trekking and mountaineering because of the stunning view of the peaks such as Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu which are the world’s highest peaks. This is a Sikkim trekking site, Sandakphu is challenging yet adventurous most particularly when rambling around in alpine forests, rhododendrons and bamboos.
Location: Near Darjeeling, West Bengal
Major Attractions: Trekking, Panoramic views of Himalayan peaks
How To Reach: Accessible via trek from Manebhanjan
5. Lava
Photo: Joydeep / Wikimedia Commons
Lava, a hill station sitting pretty some six thousand feet above sea level is known for its greenery, thick jungles and quiet monasteries. The National Park of Neora Valley nearby is another focal point for those fond of wildlife, as it contains a wide variety of fauna and flora. However, with moderate weather, beautiful sights and peace, Lava is quite a favourable place for birds as well as people who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities.
Location: Kalimpong district, West Bengal
Major Attractions: Neora Valley National Park, Lava Monastery
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Kalimpong
6. Lolegaon
Photo: Boudhayan Bardhan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Lolegaon, a little-known village some minutes away from Lava, is loved by many off-the-beaten-track tourists for its widespread greenery and calm atmosphere. This hill station is ideal for people who are fond of nature with its well-known sskywalkand picturesque angles of the Great Himalayan range, which draws a lot of tourists. They can also visit the nearby heritage forests, taand ke a few shots of rare birds without getting bored much since the place is remote and a great mountain village.
Location: Kalimpong district, West Bengal
Major Attractions: Canopy walk, Himalayan views, Heritage forest
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Kalimpong and Lava
7. Rishop
During their summer vacations, most of the visitors to Sikkim trek along the hilly terrains dotted with colourful flowers and the snow-capped Mt. Kanchendzonga in the Daramdin region. Rishop has a geographical advantage as the steep up-and-down slope terrains are predominantly filled with beautiful flowers, forests, green vegetation, water bodies and mountains. The experience encompasses the quaintness of the village and the fresh mountain air as well as the numerous available hikes around the region.
Location: Near Lava, Kalimpong district, West Bengal
Major Attractions: Kanchenjunga views, Nature trails
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Lava
8. Mongpong
Photo: শরদিন্দু ভট্টাচার্য্য / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
With the Teesta River on one side, Mongpong is an idyllic and tranquil place that offers extensive views of the river and the adjoining forests. It is also a birds’ paradise, thus luring the avian life enthusiasts. Ample activities are available for the visitors like sitting by the river bank, walking through the woods or enjoying the calmness of the place. Moreover, thrill seekers can also enjoy river rafting in the Teesta and relish the beauty and excitement that the river has to offer.
Location: Near Siliguri, West Bengal
Major Attractions: Teesta River views, Birdwatching
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Siliguri
9. Dooars
Photo: Rupeshsarkar / Wikimedia Commons
When it’s the natural beauty that surrounds the dense forests of tea gardens, wildlife, and everything else right at the base of the pervasive northern ranges, after the steepest gradient, you would more than certainly write about the placid region to capture its most fascinating landscapes along with its most peaceful environment. There are attractions such as river rafting, trekking or wildlife safaris in the famous Jorpokhri Wildlife Sanctuary, Gorumara National Park and more.
Location: North Bengal, West Bengal
Major Attractions: Tea gardens, National parks, River rafting
How To Reach: Accessible by train or road from major cities like Siliguri and Kolkata
10. Rimbik
Photo: Santanu Chandra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Rimbik is a humble locality wonderfully perched among the slopes of the vast and beautiful Himalayan range and its aura serves as the best for nature lovers. Known for its green vegetation, hilly terrain and rich sceneries, this place is also quite accessible for adventure activities like trekking. Rimbik is the starting point of several treks that advance towards the beautiful Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal which easily appeals to the adventurists who want to grasp the magnificence of the Himalayan range.
Location: North Bengal, West Bengal
Major Attractions: Trekking routes, Scenic views, Local culture
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Darjeeling and Kalimpong, with options for shared taxis or private vehicles
Various hill stations in West Bengal region are simply astonishing with marvellous views plus a peaceful break from the pressure of main cities. These are very ideal destinations for people who would enjoy nature or do extreme sports such as Darjeeling’s green slopes or the peaceful atmosphere of Kalimpong. Plan a trip with TripXL and don’t forget to get spoiled with joy in the Himalayas!
Cover Photo: rajat sarki / Unsplash
