Places To Visit In North Bengal: Explore The Beauty Of The Eastern Himalayas

Picturesque view of hills covered with lush green trees - places to visit in North Bengal

North Bengal is truly one of the most beautiful regions of West Bengal because of its greenery, hills, and colorful paradigm. This region is located in the Shivalik Hills range of the Great Himalayan range and is famous for its gardens, wildlife, and historical and archaeological sites. If you want to take in the peaceful environment of the natural beauty, places to visit in North Bengal offer history and culture of this culturally diverse area. This blog will take you through some of the most interesting places to visit when in and around North Bengal.

10 Places To Visit In And Around North Bengal

These are the amazing places to visit in North Bengal – the land of adventure and quietude.

1. Darjeeling

Darjeeling is a stunning place to visit in North Bengal, famous for its tea gardens

Photo: JyotiPN / Wikimedia Commons

Darjeeling is known as the “Queen of the Hills”, rich in tea gardens, and magnificent views of the Himalayas. Tiger Hill is a great place to watch the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway with UNESCO World Heritage Site, a wonderful toy train trip. Again the market in the local areas is ideal for buying beautifully crafted articles. Thanks to its pleasant climate and vibrant character, Darjeeling should be included in the list as one of the best places to visit in North Bengal, worth visiting by everybody who appreciates open-air activities as well as moments of calmness.

Major Attractions: Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda
Best Time To Visit: March to June
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station

2. Kalimpong

Kalimpong offers beautiful landscapes and is an interesting place to visit in North Bengal

Photo: Boudhayan Bardhan / Unsplash

Kalimpong is counted among the most popular hill stations in West Bengal and is famous for monasteries, flowers, and mountains. There are a number of places that are really a must-visit like Thongsha Gumpa which offers a feeling of spiritual satisfaction and peace or Zang Dhok Palri Phodang monastery. This area provides diverse trekking tracks for the people interested in this activity and customers can buy local souvenirs that make their tourists’ experience more individual.

Major Attractions: Deolo Hill, Kalimpong Arts and Crafts Centre
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station

3. Siliguri

Siliguri serves as a gateway and vibrant place to visit in North Bengal

Photo: Boudhayan Bardhan / Unsplash

Siliguri is the main commercial capital of North Bengal besides being the gateway to the seven northeastern states of India. This colorful town is especially famous for its numerous tea gardens and local markets where one can taste the local specialty – tea. Tourists also get the feel of religious tourism in Kali Mandir and South Dinajpur, and enjoy the natural beauty of birds and other animals spotted in Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Siliguri is one of the best places to visit in North Bengal.

Major Attractions: Kali Mandir, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Siliguri Junction

4. Cooch Behar

Cooch Behar Palace is a historic place to visit in North Bengal, showcasing royal heritage

Photo: Amartyabag / Wikimedia Commons

Cooch Behar is a town with historic importance and the town has a Royal Palace and its garden etc. One of the highlights of interest is the Cooch Behar known for Cooch Behar Palace, the flagship reflecting the royal flair of European structure. A traveler can go to different temples and parks where people can get acquainted with the culture and traditions of the place. Graffiti and paintings revealing the history of royal families and cuisine and customs showcasing traditions of ancestors and Bengal are depicted in the architecture of the infrastructures, festivals, and local functions.

Major Attractions: Cooch Behar Palace, Madan Mohan Temple
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Cooch Behar Railway Station

5. Rishop

Enjoy the serene environment at Rishop, a hidden gem among places to visit in North Bengal

Photo: Tiasha Dhar / Unsplash

Rishop is a beautiful hill station that attracts nature lovers and people who are in search of some quiet time. This area provides excellent opportunities for viewing treks of the Himalayan ranges, and bird watching in particular Rhododendrons blooms. The beauty of nature here makes people leave all their stress at home because they are left alone with nature at Rishop. Rishop offers a pleasant climate and extraordinary views; therefore, it is a perfect destination for a relaxing vacation in the background of nature, which becomes especially valuable when one is tired of work-crazed daily lives.

Major Attractions: Rishop Viewpoia, Neora Valley National Park
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport treksRailway Station: New Jalapan Figure Railway Station

6. Mirik

Mirik is a picturesque place to visit in North Bengal, perfect for family picnics

Photo: Mr. Debapriya Hore / Wikimedia Commons

Mirik is a beautiful place to visit and automatically, Sumendu Lake which is surrounded by gardens is famous here. It features calm waters where visitors can fish, and go boating among other water activities all within the background of surrounding hills. The town has amazing picnic areas hence is perfect for a family outing for individuals who desire to spend ample time together. The beauty of Mirik draws people to this place as one of the most appropriate tourist destinations that can yield maximum relaxation for families and friends.

Major Attractions: Sumendu Lake,Bokar Ngedon, and Cor Ling Monastery
Best Time To Visit: March to June, October to December
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
Timings: Open year-round

7. Lava

Lava is a serene place to visit in North Bengal, ideal for nature lovers and trekkers.

Photo: Saswatamandal / Wikimedia Commons

Lava still remains obscure and successive; it is one of the few villages on the way to Neora Valley National Park. It offers increased opportunities to learn about nature through its walk across the forest portion where tourists may be tourists to observe different wildlife species. The calm spiritual environment of our Lava Monastery adds another dimension of relaxation to make for a great escape. There are many trekking routes for travelers so that one can go out to explore the wonder of nature at its best. This is particularly because Lava is ideal for anyone who wants to get in touch with nature and do so in a quiet atmosphere.

Major Attractions: Lava Monastery, Neora Valley National Park
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station

8. Sukna

Sukna offers tranquil nature trails and is a charming place to visit in North Bengal.

Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons

Sukna is an excellent place near Siliguri with a beautiful greenish look and a peaceful atmosphere. Sukna River also flows in a leisurely manner across the site and this is a perfect place to enjoy snacks while enjoying the surrounding nature.Sukna’s location close to Siliguri has made this place a favorite tourist spot for anyone who wants to be bedded in nature’s bosom. It is surrounded by nature and the sound of running water, and the place is perfect for those who wish to escape the boring and stressful city life.

Major Attractions: Sukna River, Nature Trails
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Sukna Railway Station

9. Kurseong

Kurseong is a picturesque place to visit in North Bengal, known for its tea gardens and orchids

Photo: Boudhayan Bardhan / Unsplash

Kurseong, also called the “Land of the White Orchid” is a picturesque town turned hill station that has great vistas and a valuable tea legacy. Now that’s where Eagle’s Crag viewpoint comes into play whereby the viewer gains photographic views of the place or simply gazes at the natural beauty Most importantly, the local religious monasteries are a must-visit place giving the viewer religious prospects of the area. Sightseeing and touring can be done for tea gardens and for those interested in trekking there are nearby hills for that adventure.

Major Attractions: Eagle’s Crag, Giddapahar Mandir
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kurseong Railway Station

10. Buxa Tiger Reserve

Experience wildlife at Buxa Tiger Reserve, one of the top places to visit in North Bengal

Photo: Swaroop Singha Roy / Wikimedia Commons

Tourists who are interested in wildlife will be delighted when they visit the Buxa Tiger Reserve that is in Alipurduar. This enormous area boasts flora and fauna densities and is a natural habitat for the Royal Bengal Tigers among others. Jeep safaris and self-drive guided tours can still be accessed by tourists hence providing an opportunity to view the wetland and the various species of plant and animal life present in the area that they have come across.

Major Attractions: Wildlife Safaris, Birdwatching
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Alipurduar Junction

North Bengal remains an enchanting place full of varied terrains, vibrant culture, and thrilling activities. Every place starting with the colorful tea gardens of Darjeeling towards the peaceful Mirik Lake speaks volumes about this region. That said, let’s explore the places to visit in North Bengal which definitely enhance your traveling expedition. Thus North Bengal has everything from leisure to wild journeys. As you’re now inspired to travel now, book your tour package with TripXL to experience the Travel more in North Bengal.

Cover Photo: Tselha Dolma / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

It is recommended to travel to North Bengal from March to June and from early September to November.
Must-see attractions in Darjeeling include Tiger Hill for stunning sunrises, the scenic Toy Train ride, and beautiful Buddhist monasteries like Ghoom Monastery, showcasing the region’s rich culture.
In Siliguri, don't miss traditional Bengali dishes like fish curry, shorshe ilish (hilsa in mustard paste), and momo dumplings, which reflect the region's diverse culinary influences.
You can reach North Bengal via train to New Jalpaiguri, flights to Bagdogra Airport, or by road from nearby cities like Siliguri, ensuring convenient access to various destinations.
Darjeeling has a vibrant street food scene with options like chai (tea), egg rolls, and momos available at bustling stalls, perfect for quick bites while exploring the town.

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