West Bengal is a state with a rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. Also known as the City of Joy, it is the intellectual and cultural hub of India. The hill stations near West Bengal offer a fun-filled and picturesque vacation. There are a number of attractions here along with delicious food that you must try. These hill stations offer a great mix of scenic beauty and exceptional local life. This is a captivating destination that every traveller must visit once in their lifetime for a fun-filled vacation.
Top 10 Hill Stations Near West Bengal
Here are the top 10 hill stations near West Bengal which will render perfect landscapes and experiences during your summer vacay:
1. Darjeeling
Photo: Syed Sajidul Islam / Wikimedia Commons
It is a popular town in West Bengal which is situated at the Himalayan foothills. It is famous for its toy train which was completed in the year 1881. Known for black tea, this place has a scenic landscape which you can visit with your family and friends. This place is known for its rich culture and natural heritage. Enjoy a spectacular view of the range of Kanchenjunga mountains, having one of the world’s highest peaks, from Darjeeling.
Distance From Kolkata: 643 km
What To Do: Toy train ride, explore the tea Gardens and photography
2. Kalimpong
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
It is a stunning hill station in the state of Bengal. It is famous for Deolo Hills, one of the highest points in Kalimpong. The Durpin monastery has stunning architecture and houses Buddhist scripture. The cactus nursery has a collection of varieties of cactus from all over Asia. This is a great place to visit for plant enthusiasts. Dr Graham’s Home has a great history attached to it. Mangaldham Temple with its intricate architecture is a great place for spiritual reflection.
Distance From Kolkata: 651 km
What To Do: Explore the cactus nurseries, explore Deolo Hill and visit the temple
3. Rimbik
Photo: Santanu Chandra / Wikimedia Commons
This place has lush green landscapes and stunning mountain views. It is a great place for trekking enthusiasts. This is an offbeat destination for those who prefer less crowds. There’s Singalila National Park with great views of Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest. Local villages are home to local communities including Sherpa, and Lepchas. You can visit and experience their hospitality. Lodhoma is a small village with a serene environment and is close to Rimbik. It is a great destination for photography and relaxation in the middle of nature.
Distance From Kolkata: 703 km
What To Do: Visit the Singalila National Park and stroll through the Lodhoma village
4. Kurseong
Photo: Mayukh Ghose / Wikimedia Commons
Popularly known as the land of white orchids, it is a well-known hill station with beautiful waterfalls. It is a rather quiet hill station with great weather for tourists. The mild weather attracts visitors all around the year. You can visit Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum, Tea Gardens, and Eagles Crag viewpoint during your visit to this small hill town. It is a peaceful place where you can get a blend of beautiful colours in the sky. This place attracts nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts as they can visit the deer Park.
Distance From Kolkata: 613 km
What To Do: Explore Eagle’s Crag, tea gardens and deer park
5. Dooars Valley
Photo: Rajibnandi / Wikimedia Commons
This place is located on the foothills of the eastern Himalayas and is a panoramic destination for visitors. It is the gateway to the hill stations of North Bengal and has GoruMara National Park and Buxa Tiger Reserve in close vicinity. You can spot horned rhinos, elephants, gaurs and reptiles at this place. It also attracts adventure enthusiasts as they can try white water rafting, trekking and jungle safari. It has a lush green forest and river Teesta providing great views.
Distance From Kolkata: 741 km
What To Do: Nature walk, white water rafting, animal spotting
6. Sandakpu
Photo: Alexkom000 / Wikimedia Commons
It is a great destination to visit for experienced trekkers and fit individuals. Lying in the region of West Bengal, you can visit this place from April to May and October to early December for great views. This place overlooks the mighty Himalayas including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. It is a beautiful destination that got its name from Sandakpu which means the height of the poison plant. It is the hidden gem of Bengal. Explore Singalila National Park here as it is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Distance From Kolkata: 653 km
What To Do: Visit the Singalila National Park and trek to Sandakpu
7. Siliguri
Photo: Joydeep / Wikimedia Commons
This place is located in the northeast side of West Bengal and is a small but vibrant city. It has a prime location in this state and is famous for its tea, timber and tourism. You can visit the white-domed ISKCON Temple to offer prayers. Visit the Salugara monastery to reflect during your visit. Bengal Safari and the Savin Kingdom are other destinations that you must visit here. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a popular attraction in this region.
Distance From Kolkata: 585 km
What To Do: Explore tea estates, stroll around the area and visit the Salugara Monastery
8. Mirik
Photo: Mr. Debapriya Hore / Wikimedia Commons
This is a popular hill station in Darjeeling district which is known for its beautiful lake. This lake is situated in the heart of the town and provides boating opportunities to their visitors. The Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery is a great place to visit and pray. The charming footbridge, Rainbow Bridge is a beautiful spot for taking memorable pictures with their loved ones. The orange orchard provides a magnificent view during the winter season. Pashupati Nagar market is a popular attraction that you must explore.
Distance From Kolkata: 621 km
What To Do: Explore Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery, photography and tea estate exploration.
9. Samsing
Photo: Abhijit Kar Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
This place is known for its natural beauty and rolling green hills that attract visitors. You can visit Samsing and Zurantee Tea Gardens. Additionally, you must visit the Rocky Islands which are surrounded by boulders. You can reach Mouchuki after taking a small trek as this place is known for its rich biodiversity. This place is heaven for bird watchers. You can observe a variety of birds during a visit to this place. A walk around the Murthy River is the best way to explore this region.
Distance From Kolkata: 659 km
What To Do: Explore Mouchuki, visit the tea gardens and walk around the Murthy River
10. Takdah
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
This place has a British-era charm and less green forest that provides the sohi environment to relax. Takdah Orchid Center is a great place to visit with your family and friends. This is especially so if you want to observe the rare and exotic species of orchid. Dechhen Pema Tshoiling Monastery is a great spiritual place to visit to pray, meditate and learn more about Buddhist rituals. From here, you can take a day trip to Tinchuley for great viewpoints.
Distance From Kolkata: 643 km
What To Do: Visit the monastery, picnic and photograph
West Bengal is located in eastern India and has natural beauty, vibrant festivals and great hospitality. You can have a diverse range of experiences at this place as a visit with your family and friends. As you have explored the best hill stations near West Bengal, you must experience the charm first-hand. Now is the time to schedule a trip to West Bengal with your family and friends and book it today with TripXL. This trip guarantees golden memories which you are going to cherish for your entire lifetime.
Cover Photo: Subhamwiki1984 / Wikimedia Commons