Best 5 Hill Stations Near Kolkata
Whether you are craving for a single traveler, a family, who is looking for a luxurious retreat, or looking for a romantic shelter to a couple, these hill stations provide a fresh summer migration to suit all kinds of wanders. These places are not just about beautiful ideas; They offer lively local cultures, colonial attractions, Buddhist monasteries, wildlife safari, tea tasting experiences, and more.
Cool Mountain Breeze, Mist-Laden Morning, and Starry Nights make for a magical experience that lasts long after the journey ends. This guide examines five best hill stations near Kolkata – how to reach, top attraction, best time to travel, things to travel, and required trips to help you avoid the right mountain. You can read Why Choose Jim Corbett for Your Next Corporate Group Tour?
Overview
Nestled at ~2,050 m in the Lesser Himalayas, Darjeeling is famed for its tea estates, colonial heritage, panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, and the UNESCO-listed Toy Train. By air/rail : Fly to Bagdogra or take the train to NJP.
: Fly to Bagdogra or take the train to NJP. By road : A 3-hour scenic drive (~90 km) along winding hills brings you to Darjeeling. Tiger Hill : Spectacular sunrise views of Kanchenjunga, Everest & Makalu .
: Spectacular sunrise views of Kanchenjunga, Everest & Makalu . Batasia Loop & War Memorial.
& War Memorial. DAR Himalayan Railway ride.
ride. Tea estates like Happy Valley.
like Happy Valley. Peace Pagoda, colonial Chowrasta , and local markets.
Mid-March to June offers crisp, clear skies ideal for sightseeing. October–November is also pleasant post-monsoon. Sunrise at Tiger Hill.
Ride the Toy Train.
Tea plantation tours & tastings.
Stroll Mall Road, enjoy local momos & Darjeeling tea. Book early during peak summer and clear days.
Mornings for mountain views; afternoons often misty.
Layers are essential—even summers can be chilly at dawn.
Overview
Sitting at ~1,247 m, Kalimpong is a serene Himalayan ridge-top town overlooking the Teesta Valley. Known for its slower pace, monasteries, and flower nurseries. Via NJP/Bagdogra + ~2.5-hour ride (about 100 km). Deolo Hill for valley views & paragliding.
for valley views & paragliding. Durpin Monastery .
. Cactus Nursery —Asia's biggest commercial collection.
—Asia's biggest commercial collection. Morgan House , a historic colonial mansion.
March to June when flowers bloom and skies are clear. Paragliding off Deolo.
Quiet monastery meditation.
Exploring local bazaars; savor Tibetan-Bengali snacks.
Nurseries full of exotic plants. Avoid heavy monsoons—landslides can occur .
Evenings can be cool—pack a light jacket.
Stay centrally to avoid long climbs.
Overview
A peaceful lakeside town in the Darjeeling district, known for its serene atmosphere and tea gardens From NJP/Siliguri: approx. 2.5-hour drive (~130 km). Mirik Lake (Sumendu Lake) with boating and lakeside walks.
(Sumendu Lake) with boating and lakeside walks. Nearby tea gardens and lush orange orchards.
and lush orange orchards. Walk the quaint Fishery Market for fresh trout & local flavors.
April to June: pleasant weather and blooming gardens Paddle on the lake.
Trek through tea plantations.
Sample fresh fish and local cabbage curry. Ideal for a peaceful 2‑day escape.
Best when journeying between Darjeeling and Kolkata or blending with Kalimpong.
Overview
The vibrant capital of Sikkim at ~1,650 m, Gangtok is a blend of monasteries, mountain views, and cultural charm. Via NJP/Bagdogra, then ~4‑hour mountain drive (~140 km). MG Road : clean, pedestrian-friendly hub.
: clean, pedestrian-friendly hub. Enchey Monastery, Rumtek Monastery .
. Day-trips to Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass .
and . Hanuman Tok for sunset panoramas.
Best Time to Visit
March–June and post-monsoon Sept–Dec Explore monasteries.
Take cable car rides.
Shop Sikkimese handicrafts.
Visit wildlife sanctuaries just outside town. Carry permits for border areas.
Bring warm gear—it can get cold at altitude and in evenings.
Plan buffer time for day-trips due to traffic and altitude.
Overview
A lush, sub-Himalayan forest expanse at the foot of the eastern Himalayas, teeming with wildlife, rivers, and grasslands Road or rail from Siliguri (approx. 2 hours, 80 km). Samsing, Suntalekhola : riverside charm and forest treks.
: riverside charm and forest treks. Mahananda & Chapramari Sanctuaries for wildlife and safari.
for wildlife and safari. Latpanchore Tea Gardens : rich bergamot landscapes.
November–March, with dry, wildlife-friendly conditions Jeep safaris and elephant rides in jungles.
Bamboo rafting / mild river rafting on Teesta or Jaldhaka.
Birding in wet grasslands.
Walks through tea estates. Reserve forest lodges early in peak season.
Mosquito repellent is essential early spring and monsoon.
Hiring a local guide boosts wildlife spotting chances. Advance booking is key in peak summer (Apr–Jun).
is key in peak summer (Apr–Jun). Layered clothing —prepare for cold mornings/evenings even in summer.
—prepare for cold mornings/evenings even in summer. Check the road/landslide conditions during monsoon (Jun–Sep).
during monsoon (Jun–Sep). For Sikkim (Gangtok) and border excursions, secure permits well ahead.
well ahead. Combine trips efficiently: e.g., Darjeeling → Kalimpong → Mirik, or Siliguri → Dooars.
efficiently: e.g., Darjeeling → Kalimpong → Mirik, or Siliguri → Dooars. Stay properly hydrated and rest-acclimatize , especially climbing to higher altitudes.
Q1: What are the best hill stations near Kolkata for summer?
A: Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik, Gangtok, and Dooars Valley are the most popular options.
Q2: How far is Darjeeling from Kolkata?
A: Around 615 km. You can reach via train to NJP or by flight to Bagdogra followed by a 3-hour drive.
Q3: Is a permit required to visit Gangtok?
A: No permit is needed for Gangtok city, but inner-line permits are required for places like Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake.
Q4: What is the best time to visit these hill stations?
A: March to June and September to November offer the best weather.
Q5: Can these places be covered in a single trip?
A: Yes! Many travelers do a loop covering Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik, and Dooars in 5–7 days.
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Forte Village Case in point: Heinz Beck–the charismatic maestro behind the iconic La Pergola, Rome's only three-Michelin-starred restaurant–first unveiled his seaside Beachcomber restaurant at Forte Village in 2019, and he's back this summer, personally overseeing operations with his signature aplomb. Overlooking the beach and the cyan sea beyond, the breezy alfresco eatery serves up dishes like barbecued Amberjack with parsnip and Kefir lime, followed by gnocchi with spinach cream, mussels, lemon, and caviar, and washed down with a crisp vintage from a wine cellar stocked with more than 600 premium labels. Tables draped in pastel-hued linens and adorned with fresh flowers amplify a casually elegant ambience that's la dolce vita at its best. Last month saw the opening of Forte Village's newest fine-dining destination: Ristorante da Cracco, a pop-up from Michelin-starred chef and Italian TV personality Carlo Cracco. The culinary force behind Milan's acclaimed Cracco in Galleria marries tradition and innovation in plates like handmade ravioli stuffed with Sardinian suckling pig and smoked scamorza cheese foam; and langoustine with saffron zabaglione sauce, served on an intimate oceanside veranda to a soundtrack of tides lapping the shore. Ristorante Belvedere serves up an artful fusion of Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine on a scenic terrace amidst the treetops. Forte Village Meanwhile, over on the treetop-ringed rooftop terrace at Hotel Villa del Parco & Spa, Chef Giuseppe Molaro–of Michelin-starred Contaminazioni, located near Naples–deftly fuses Japanese techniques and ingredients with Mediterranean inspiration at Ristorante Belvedere, where dishes like tuna tartare with seaweed vinegar and dried bonito; and tagliatelle with seafood ragout, parsley sauce, and crispy 'nduja earn rave reviews. The remaining restaurant lineup leaves guests spoiled for choice. Ristorante Sardo, the resort's welcoming Sardinian eatery, celebrates the island's one-of-a-kind cuisine, including culurgiones –dumplings resembling wheat sheaves and filled with potato, pecorino, and mint; pane carasau , its beloved paper-thin flatbread; and pork and lamb dishes that nod to Sardinia's centuries-old shepherding culture . For inspired cocktails and sushi, it's tough to top the vibe at Tiki Beach, where colorful lanterns hung from the trees and a pulse-pounding soundtrack create a prime perch for a piña colada and a dragon roll. Thai and Japanese cuisine join forces with contemporary European influences at the new Chang Restaurant, while new Indian restaurant offers elevated street food options, while Pizzeria wows with sizzling pies straight from the oven. The atmospheric Tiki Beach is a ideal stop for a zingy cocktail and a sushi snack. Forte Village A World-Renowned Spa Offering Given its rarefied standing as a locale with wellness literally in its DNA–Sardinia was the first of the world's five Blue Zones to be identified, owing to its outsize population of centenarians, largely concentrated in its mountainous eastern region–it's no surprise that naturally therapeutic resources and world-class spa destinations abound on the island. And Forte Village hosts one of its most renowned. Tucked away inside a four-acre tropical garden, the Aquaforte Thalasso & Spa offers a singular spa experience–led by its patented thalassotherapy circuit– that combines Sardinia's spectacular natural bounty with its age-old traditions. The spa's renowned, six-pool thalassotherapy circuit draws visitors from around the world. Forte Village Sardinia's connection to the healing power of seawater dates back to the island's Nuragic civilization of 1800 BC, which practiced water rituals aligned with lunar and astronomical cycles. The Greeks later embraced this reverence for the sea–'thalassotherapy' is derived from the Greek words thalassa (sea) and therapeia (treatment)—as did the Romans, who established renowned healing hubs like the Terme a Mare , whose footprint remains at the archaeological site of Nora, one of Sardinia's most notable landmarks, located close to Forte Village. The regimen harnesses southern Sardinia's environmental advantages with an innovative circuit of six pools, each a different temperature and concentration of magnesium and sodium salt. Forte Village's unique microclimate, slightly warmer than Cagliari and its surroundings, enhances the seawater's therapeutic benefits, as does its unique constitution: due to its location, the Gulf of Santa Margherita di Pula's waters are shielded from extreme winds, while the ocean temperature never falls below 50 degrees, even in winter. Collected more than 300 feet offshore at depths of nearly 35 feet, the water undergoes a treatment process inspired by salt pans, which enhances the saline density to nearly twice that of the Dead Sea. The pools, each a different temperature and salinity, help and eliminate excess fluid and boost endorphins, among other benefits. Forte Village The result of this process: 'sea oil'–a therapeutic, magnesium-rich solution with exceptional detoxifying and anti-inflammatory benefits. The circuit, which ranges from pools of pure sea oil to pure seawater, also helps eliminate excess fluid, boost endorphin production, treat psoriasis and other skin conditions, and aid in muscle and joint recovery. Exclusive treatments designed to complement the circuit include cryotherapy with sea oil and aloe, a sea mud shaping treatment, and a thalasso massage, conducted in the circuit's third pool, whose buoyancy optimizes the experience. For an ultra-exclusive wellness extravaganza, there's also private spa experience, which accommodates up to ten people in a 3,200-square-foot sanctuary complete with a four-pool thalasso circuit, as well as a hammam, solarium, and dedicated treatment room for two. Fully revamped in 2022, the spa also offers bespoke wellness programs spanning 4-7 days (new biohacking wellness programs among them), along with holistic and ayurvedic treatments. Unmatched Sports & Recreation Facilities Active travelers keen to work up a sweat, take note: likely no other resort on the planet rivals Forte Village in terms of both sports and recreational programming and facilities. Sports academies this summer include the Real Madrid Fundación Clinic (staffed with UEFA-licensed coaches), a basketball academy helmed by former San Antonio Spurs assistant coach, Ettore Messina; padel and pickleball academies, and a new fencing academy led by six-time Olympic gold medalist, Valentina Vezzali. Tennis fans can work on their serve on one of the resort's 13 clay courts with coaching from Wimbledon champ Pat Cash. Forte Village's world-class sports and recreation facilities are located steps from the sea. Forte Village Climbing, swimming, sailing, and scuba diving academies number among the other options, as do chess, go-karting, biking (both mountain and road), and even DJing. Booking at least a day or two in advance is recommended. Fitness enthusiasts can also burn off indulgent pasta dinners with a full schedule of light Pilates, Zumba, and AquaGym classes daily. The Baia delle Palme pool zone features seven water slides and interactive water games. Forte Village Few warm-weather escapes are complete without plenty of pool time–and the resort's Baia delle Palme pool, an expansive aquatic zone, raises the bar for splish-splashy fun in the sun. At its heart lies a spectacular aquapark designed especially for kids, featuring seven water slides, a paddling area with interactive water games, and a pirate ship complete with water cannons. Beyond the myriad sports academies, other activities for children include art, science, and magic workshops, as well as a Barbie Experience, where kids can paint, make jewelry, explore their creativity inside a bona fide pink Barbie House. Newly unveiled this year, the Forte Village Nature Park–an ambitious environmental enhancement project–provides yet another reason to visit. Designed for visitors of all ages and spread over 17 acres, the park offers a guided immersion in various animal and plant species, as well as nature trails and other recreational amenities. Besides stables housing Sardinian donkeys, Shetland ponies, and native Giara horses, there's a 20,000-square-foot Great Aviary, one of the park's standout attractions. The new nature park features a range of animals, as well as nature trails and a zipline. Forte Village Nearly 35 feet high, the birdlife wonderland–complete with vegetation including trees and shrubs, as well as a pond and stream–counts scarlett ibis, crowned cranes, turacos, black swans, and peacocks among its residents. The park also allows visitors to explore the plant world–like the synergistic garden, where they'll learn about aromatic and medicinal herbs, and sustainable agriculture that respects biodiversity. Chilean flamingos number among the many feathered residents of the nature park. Forte Village Beyond flora and fauna, there are nature trails prime for surveying the picturesque landscape, and a zip line that's scheduled to open at the end of August 2025. The park currently offers twice-weekly guided tours for guests, and private tours that can be booked anytime during the week. Additional phases of the project will debut next season. Forte Village is open through the end of October, and reopens in April. For more information and to book, visit the website.
