Escape the urban bustle and engage yourself in the serene beauty of the hill stations near Durgapur, West Bengal. These hidden gems offer a refreshing and peaceful change of pace, with lush green landscapes, misty mountains, and cool, windy breezes. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquillity, or a cultural experience, these hill stations have something for everyone. From the quaint charm of Rishyap to the historical significance of Bankura, these destinations ensure a memorable visit. Embark on a journey to these hidden gems, where you can reconnect with nature and experience the true essence of serenity.
7 Hill Stations Near Durgapur
Here is a list of hill stations near Durgapur for a scenic retreat amidst nature with your loved ones.
1. Bankura
Photo: Arani Mukherjee / Unsplash
Bankura district, located in northwestern West Bengal within the Bardhaman Division, is part of the “Rarh” region. Known for its hot summers and mild winters, Bankura receives most of its rainfall from June to September, with an annual average of 1500mm. Geographically, the district features undulating hills and ridges, descending from the Chota Nagpur Plateau, with laterite-rich soil and a mix of scrub jungles and sal forests. Bankura is predominantly rural, with 89% of its population living in rural areas. Known for its cultural heritage, including art, music, and architecture, Bankura has become popular with tourists.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
2. Purulia
Photo: Supratik Deshmukh / Unsplash
Purulia district, located at the lowest step of the Chota Nagpur Plateau, features undulating land dotted with scattered hills. Most of the population (83.8%) in the Purulia Sadar subdivision lives in rural areas, with urbanization mainly around Purulia City. Known for its rich, mixed cultural heritage influenced by Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha, Purulia’s tribal culture is evident in its festivals and traditions. Popular tourist attractions include the scenic Ayodhya Hills, Turga Falls, heritage sites like Panchakot Raj Palace, dams such as Panchet and Murguma, and cultural experiences like the Chhau Dance and Jhumur Song, drawing numerous visitors each year.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
3. Bishnupur
Photo: Abhideep Mallick/ Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Bishnupur, located in the Bankura district of West Bengal, India, is known for its terracotta temples built by the Malla rulers and historic Radha Krishna temples as well as its famous Baluchari sarees. The annual Bishnupur Mela, held in late December, has been hosted in various locations, including the Raj Darbar and, in 2018, the temple complex, where it featured Gharana music. Terracotta art, including pottery, jewellery, and decorative items like jars, disks, and figurines of horses, elephants, Ganesha, and Nataraj, is a hallmark of Bishnupur. Beyond its historical significance, Bishnupur offers a serene atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
Best Time To Visit: October-March
4. Siliguri
Photo: Boudhayan Bardhan / Unsplash
Siliguri, also spelt Shiliguri, is a significant tier-II city in West Bengal, forming a “Twin City” with the nearby district headquarters of Jalpaiguri. Covering an area of 260 km² within the Siliguri Corridor, it is often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck.” The city, which is bisected by the Mahananda River, is surrounded by dense forests. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, operates a toy train between New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri, and Darjeeling, built between 1879 and 1881. Notable nearby attractions include the Coronation Bridge, or Sevoke Bridge, which spans the Teesta River about 20 km away.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
5. Darjeeling
Photo: Tselha Dolma / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Darjeeling is a city located in the northernmost part of West Bengal, India, known for its peak tourism seasons from September to November and April to May. The Chowrasta serves as a popular shopping and gathering spot where visitors can dress in colorful local attire for photos. The region’s tea plantations attract many foreign tourists, with some old bungalows converted into luxurious accommodations. Darjeeling’s culture is cosmopolitan, shaped by diverse ethnic groups and featuring a rich indigenous cuisine with many fermented foods and beverages.
Best Time To Visit: March to May, September to November
6. Kalimpong
Photo: Boudhayan Bardhan / Unsplash
Kalimpong is a town and the administrative headquarters of Kalimpong district in West Bengal, India, situated at an elevation of 1,250 meters. The majority of the population adheres to Hinduism, with the original settlers being the Lepchas, who are also a significant ethnic group in Sikkim and Bhutan. Most residents are ethnic Indian Gorkhas. Kalimpong is a major production center for gladioli and orchids, which are exported worldwide. The town features Rishi Bankim Chandra Park, an ecological museum, and the Citrus Dieback Research Station, focuses on disease control and the production of disease-free orange seedlings.
Best Time To Visit: From March to May, September to November
7. Mirik
Photo: Mr. Debapriya Hore / Wikimedia Commons
Mirik is a small town and Notified Area in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. The town’s centrepiece is Sumendu Lake, which features an 80-ft footbridge and offers boating and horse riding opportunities. Nearby, Rameetay Dara provides a viewpoint for stunning views of the surrounding mountains and plains. The Bokar Monastery, a Buddhist meditation centre, is located on the way to Rameetay Dara. Additional attractions include Rai Dhap, a source of drinking water for Mirik that also serves as a picnic spot, and Debisthan, a Hindu goddess temple situated on a hillock near Sumendu Lake.
Best Time To Visit: March to May, September to November
As you embark on a journey to the serene hill stations near Durgapur, you’ll discover a world of serenity, cultural richness, and mesmerizing natural beauty. From the historical sites of Bankura to the misty peaks of Rishyap, these destinations offer a refreshing getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore the hidden gems of West Bengal.
Cover Photo: Khushi Singh / Unsplash