10 Best Hill Stations In West Bengal – Best Time, How to Reach Highlights & FAQs
A hill station is a town located at places which is generally situated a bit higher than the plain land or the valley. When it comes to going to a place to enjoy a holiday from a busy and stressful working life Hill Stations are the best place. There are some hill stations near West Bengal that are perfect for enjoying the holiday and refreshment of the mind and soul.
The unique thing about these hill stations is the fact that the majority of the tourists don’t even know they exist because of how underrated they are. So, we have listed some of the best hill stations near West Bengal that are worth visiting.
Some Of The Best Hill Stations Near West Bengal-
There are 10 famous hill stations in West Bengal which are the most popular ones. The best hill stations of West Bengal are:
1. Darjeeling
Darjeeling the ‘Queen of Hills’, is, without doubt, the most popular hill station in West Bengal. Located in the lesser Himalayas at a height of 6700 ft,(2042.2 m) Darjeeling is worldwide also known for its tea gardens. The Darjeeling Himalayan railway is very famous and is considered a heritage site which is recognized by UNESCO. The mighty Kanchenjunga with its mesmerizing views, the third highest mountain in the world has attracted both tourists and mountaineers.
The beautiful fragrance of the tea from the tea gardens makes it very refreshing, especially in the morning, the fresh chilled breeze will make you fall in love with Darjeeling. The special flowers – Rhododendrons and Magnolia plants and the wild garden flowers that bloom in different colors look like a rainbow. The toy train is another attraction to tourists.
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | Mar to May & Sep to Nov |
Highlights:
- Borra caves, Damku view point, Araku Tribal Museum, Sangda Waterfalls.
How to Reach:
By Air:- Bagdogra International Airport is the nearest, which is about 67 KM and it will take about 2.5 – 3 hrs to reach.
By Train:- New Jalpaiguri which is the nearest railway station is about 73 KM and it will take around 2.5 hrs – 3 hrs to reach.
By Car:- Darjeeling is about 614 KM away from Kolkata. After a long drive to Malda halts there for one night. Then on the second day, you will reach Darjeeling.
2. Siliguri
Siliguri is also known as “the gateway of North India”, Siliguri is resting upon the banks of the Mahananda River and the Foothills of the Himalayas. Apart from offering a brilliant view and being a getaway, it is also famous for its tea, timber, and tourism.
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | October to December & February to March |
Things to do:
- The most famous thing to do here is traversing the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and visiting the Salugara Monastery.
Highlights:
- Bengal Safari and Hong kong market are a must-visit Hill station in West Bengal.
How to Reach:
By Air:- Siliguri is 15 minutes away from Bagdogra airport.
By Train:- The nearest railway station to Siliguri is New Jalpaiguri which is 8 km away.
3. Rimbik
Rimbik is popular amongst the trekkers and is one of the most loved hill stations in West Bengal, Rimbik is a small town situated in the Singalila National Park area of Darjeeling district. It is situated on the river Rammam and is close to Sikkim. It is located at an elevation of 2286 m, in the shadow of the mighty Kanchenjunga.
Rimbik is best known for attracting trekkers and offers two trekking routes that connect Sandakphu to Rimbik. One is a track from Bikebhanjan to Rimbik connecting directly through the woods. The other trekking path passes through Gurung and Srikhola to Rimbik.
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | Mar, Oct & Nov |
Highlights:
- Get a spectacular view of Kanchenjunga
- The world’s third-highest peak and visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.
How to Reach:
By Air:- The nearest airport to Rimbik is Bagdogra.
By Train:- The nearest railway station to Rimbik is Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri.
4. Sandakphu
Sandakphu or Sandakpur (3636 m; 11,930 ft) is a mountain peak in the Singalila Ridge on the border between India and Nepal. It is located in the Darjeeling district on the West Bengal-Nepal border. Sandakphu is a hill station in West Bengal that is known for having the highest peak in the State.
A paradise for the people who love trekking. It is a great place to visit because of the natural beauty and mild comfortable temperatures.
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | Apr to Jun & Oct to Dec |
Things to do:
- Trekking is the must have experience of this place.
Highlights:
- Get a view of the World’s four highest peaks namely- Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, Makalu.
How to Reach:
By Air:- The nearest airport to Sandakphu is Bagdogra.
By Train:- The nearest railway station to Sandakphu is New Jalpaiguri.
By Road:- Catch a bus from Siliguri to Maneybhanjan via Sukhiapokhri.
5. Kalimpong
Kalimpong is that hill station in West Bengal which is left unexplored by a lot of tourists. It is located an hour away from Darjeeling and offers a mesmerizing view of the Teesta valley. There are many popular monasteries, churches, and Tibetan handicrafts present in Kalimpong.
It has many historical buildings like- MacFarlane Memorial Church and Durpin Monastery. It is located at an average elevation of 1250 m (4101ft). The people generally speak Nepali. The town is on a ridge connecting two hills- Deolo Hill and Durpin Hill. River Teesta separates Kalimpong from the state of Sikkim.
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | March to June & Sept. to Dec. |
Things to do:
- Trekking is the must have experience of this place.
Highlights:
- Explore the home of tigers in Neora Valley National Park, Pine View Nursery and Kalimpong Science Centre, many Buddhist monasteries.
How to Reach:
By Air:- The nearest airport to Kalimpong is Bagdogra.
By Train:- The nearest railway station to Kalimpong is New Jalpaiguri.
6. Mirik
Mirik ” the Valley of the Sun”, Mirik is famous for its beautiful mountains and lakes. It is the only hill station in West Bengal where you can spend peaceful moments, or do some shopping in a bazaar or go on a boat ride. Its average elevation is 1,495m . The highest peak present there is the Biker Monastery 1,768m (5,801ft).
It has many historical buildings like- MacFarlane Memorial Church and Durpin Monastery. It is located at an average elevation of 1250 m (4101ft). The people generally speak Nepali. The town is on a ridge connecting two hills- Deolo Hill and Durpin Hill. River Teesta separates Kalimpong from the state of Sikkim.
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | March, April, Oct. & Nov. |
Things to do:
- Trekking is the must have experience of this place.
Highlights:
- Sumendu Lake, Orange Orchards, Don Bosco Church and Bokar Monastery.
How to Reach:
By Air:- The Nearest airport to Mirik is Bagdogra.
By Train:- The nearest railway station to Mirik is New Jalpaiguri.
7. Dooars
Dooars is known as India’s gateway to Bhutan. As it is a gateway it is also known as the Door to Bhutan so its name is called the Dooars. This hill station in West Bengal starts from River Teesta in the East to River Sankosh in the West and Dooars. The elevation of the Dooars area ranges from 90 to 1,750 m.
It offers a huge variety of wildlife like deer, elephants, one-horned rhinos, guars, and reptiles. Also, it is known for its deep forests. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers. Many wildlife sanctuaries are also present here.
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | Sep. to May. |
Things to do:
- Trekking is the must have experience of this place.
Highlights:
- Champrapari Wildlife Sanctuary and Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to Reach:
By Air:- Bagdogra airport is the nearest to Dooars.
By Train:- The nearest railway station to Dooars is New Jalpaiguri.
8. Kurseong
Kurseong is famous for its temples, museums, parks, waterfalls, churches, and Buddhist gompas and is also one of the most visited hill stations in West Bengal. Its cool and dry climate made it a favorite for the tourists which helps them to escape the scorching heat of the plains during summer.
It is located at an altitude of 1458 mt(4783 ft) Kurseong is only 32 km away from Darjeeling. Its beautiful vistas, pictures of scenery, and tracks of the Darjeeling Toy Train running through the heart of the town give it a romantic view.
This scenic place is said to be the home of 300-year-old idols of Hindu gods attracting tourists to visit this place . Kurseong is the home of several temples such as Ambootia Shiva Temple, Buddhist Gompa, Grotto, and Catholic Church in St Mary Hill.
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | Mar to Jun & Sep. to Dec. (Avoid Monsoon Specially) |
Things to do:
- Trekking is the must have experience of this place.
Highlights:
- Toy train ride gives a spectacular view of the whole place.
How to Reach:
By Air:- The nearest airport to Kurseong is Bagdogra.
By Train:- The nearest railway station to Kurseong is New Jalpaiguri.
9. Gangtok
Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim,north east India is a Buddhist haven. It is situated on a tributary of the Tista River in the southeast-central part of the state at an elevation of about 5,600 feet (1,700 metres).Gangtok has clear and clean surroundings, for which it is an epitome of neatness and is one of the few such places in India. It is recognised as one of the cleanest places of India .
Offering the best tourist places in Gangtok, this place is also famous for its food, of which Momos and Kinema, are an excellent example. Thus, it is a really good place for the foodies. Gangtok is a city of good food, breathtaking sceneries and beautiful Buddhist monasteries, for ex- Rumtek and Enchey .
Another attraction is The Nathu La Pass and Tsomgo Lake. Gangtok is also a hub to the unique fashion sense of the North East peoples . The people there are known to have a good sense of style and have a totally generic way of wearing the most casual outfits. Gangtok also has a live-music sentiment.
Combination of ancient and modernity: Gangtok is a town with impressive natural heritage. It also has many resorts. Mountain views which acts as the backdrop to holidays in Gangtok, where much of the focus also lies on the monasteries, shrines, and temples. The Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage is also a very good place to visit.
Best time to visit: During its main season, that is from September to June, Gangtok remains the most crowded , and the months of September – October and from Spring to summers that is from March to June .
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | September to June (Main Season), September – October (Most Crowded), March to June (Ideal Time). |
Highlights:
- Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple.
- Nathula Pass.
- Banjhakri Water Falls.
- MG Marg.
- Hanuman Tok.
- & Many other hill stations present near gangtok.
How to Reach:
Well the only possible way to reach Gangtok is by road from Bagdogra that is the closest airport, Siliguri that is the closest area where you can get many ways to travel and New Jalpaiguri that is the closest railway station.
10. Takdah
If you are looking for some unexplored hill stations in West Bengal to spend your time in peace then, Takdah forms an ideal spot for you. Situated at an altitude of 4000 feet above the sea level, this hill station is a treasure trove of beauty and soothing environment. The village has everything to make you fall in love with itself.
Surprisingly it is just 28 Km away from Darjeeling city but it still stands isolated and hidden from the rest of the world and also very lesser known.
Offering the best tourist places in Gangtok, this place is also famous for its food, of which Momos and Kinema, are an excellent example. Thus, it is a really good place for the foodies. Gangtok is a city of good food, breathtaking sceneries and beautiful Buddhist monasteries, for ex- Rumtek and Enchey .
Another attraction is The Nathu La Pass and Tsomgo Lake. Gangtok is also a hub to the unique fashion sense of the North East peoples . The people there are known to have a good sense of style and have a totally generic way of wearing the most casual outfits. Gangtok also has a live-music sentiment.
Scenic Beauty: With snow covered roads , thick forests, and continuous chirping of birds in its background, Takdah is truly a heaven on earth. Moreover, the village also contains numerous British style bungalows which are catchy to the eyes . This place is rich in vegetation.
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | October to March |
Highlights:
- Orchid Center
- Tea gardens such as Teesta Valley Estate, Poomong, and Rungli Rungliot.
- Durpin Viewpoint
How to Reach:
Takdah is located at a distance of 60 Km from NJP and Bagdogra airport. It will take you around 2.5 Km to cover this journey by car. You can easily get reserved taxis from Siliguri, Darjeeling, and NJP. If you want, you also get options for shared taxis or jeeps.
“If you have been excited to plan your trip to one of the hill stations near West Bengal then these are some of the best hill stations you can hop into hope this will help you select your favourite .“
List of 10 Best Hill stations in West Bengal
10 Best hill stations in West Bengal
There are 10 famous hill stations in West Bengal.
Darjeeling – The Queen of Hills
Siliguri – The gateway of northern India
Rimbik – Attractive spots
Sandakphu – Scenic beauty touching the limits of sky
Kalimpong – Unknown historical sitings
Mirik – Valley of refreshment
Dooars – Base for wildlife
Kurseong – Scenic environment and home of many temples
Gangtok – An amazing magical spot
Takdah – The hidden beauty
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s for Hill stations in West Bengal
Are the hill stations near West Bengal capable of attracting tourists outside India?
Yes, all the hill stations near West Bengal are capable of attracting tourists all over the world as each of the hill stations has its own uniqueness and many foreigners tend to visit this hill stations.
Does the hill stations remain covered with snow throughout the year?
No, the hill stations does not remain snow covered throughout the year. One can experience snow fall in the winter seasons especially during the months of December and January. So, many people love to visit this hill stations during the winter seasons.
Are the hill stations safe for older people?
Yes, the hill stations are completely safe and sound not only for older people but also people belonging to any age. Many people also take their small children with them to visit the hill stations.
Which hill station is best for shopping near West Bengal?
Gangtok and Mirik are the two hill stations which are best for shopping for its handicraft items and other goods sold in the markets which are cheap and worthy to buy.
Can we see wild animals in the hill stations?
Hill stations are a habitat for the wild animals. But the animals present there are generally deer, dogs, squirrel,etc. But if you visit Dooars you can see a number of wild animals which are kept protected in the wildlife sanctuaries.
So, the prices of tickets go high occasionally?
The prices of tickets may go high due to occasional purposes but it also depends on the weather conditions and the flow of tourism in the hill stations. If you want to visit in the off seasons you will get tickets at a very cheap price but you will not get the proper view and enjoyment of the hill stations that people get going during the peak seasons which is extraordinary.
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