Best 5 Hill Stations Near Kolkata
As soon as he holds his grip on Kolkata in summer, many passengers breathe fresh air in the nearby hills. Fortunately, Eastern India is blessed with a series of amazing Best 5 Hill Stations Near Kolkata that are not only visible, but also culturally rich and easy to use. Every destination offers an ideal migration from the legendary tea gardens of Darjeeling to the spiritual peace of Gangtok, and from the blurred peace of Kalimpong to the beauty of the forest of the Dures Valley – the beauty of the forest of the Dures Valley.
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.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
9 hours ago
- Time Business News
Sikkim Tourism Guide for Nature, Culture, and Peace Seekers
Sikkim, tucked in the northeast of India, offers a rare balance of nature, culture, and calm. With its high-altitude lakes, ancient monasteries, and green valleys, Sikkim Tourism has grown steadily among travelers who prefer raw beauty and depth over commercial hotspots. It's a region where every road leads to a story—be it of snow peaks, prayer flags, or age-old traditions. What makes Sikkim Tourism stand out is not just the place but the pace. Unlike crowded tourist zones, Sikkim still holds its identity. Whether you're a solo traveler seeking silence, a photographer chasing Himalayan sunrises, or a family looking to spend slow days in nature—Sikkim fits. The people are warm, the food is simple yet rich, and the environment breathes purity. You can reach Sikkim via Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri railway station in West Bengal, followed by a road journey. The new Pakyong Airport near Gangtok has also made access smoother. The best months to visit are from March to June and from late September to December. Winters turn the higher regions icy and magical, while spring dresses the land in blooms. Gangtok is the state's capital and the primary hub for Sikkim Tourism. It's not just a base for other destinations, but a blend of tradition and modernity. You can walk the MG Road without being chased by vendors, visit monasteries like Rumtek and Enchey, and sip butter tea in a quiet café—all in one day. Gangtok is clean, disciplined, and rich with charm that sticks. Lachung, Yumthang Valley, and Gurudongmar Lake form the soul of North Sikkim. These areas demand permits due to their proximity to international borders, but the extra steps are worth it. Gurudongmar, one of the world's highest lakes, remains frozen for most of the year and reflects a stillness that's hard to put into words. Lachung is a sleepy village with wooden homes and whispers of the past. The journey to these places is bumpy, slow, and often unpredictable—but that's what gives it value. Sikkim Tourism here is less about comfort and more about presence. South Sikkim attracts fewer tourists but holds some of the most important cultural sites. Namchi, the district headquarters, has the massive statue of Guru Padmasambhava on Samdruptse Hill. Temi Tea Garden, the state's only tea estate, offers walks among rolling hills and green rows that seem painted on the land. For those interested in religious history, Char Dham and the Siddheswar Dham complex in Namchi blend pilgrimage and architecture with quiet hill views. If Sikkim Tourism has a spiritual side, it resides in West Sikkim. Pelling, a small town, is home to Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most revered in the region. From here, the views of Kanchenjunga—India's second-highest peak—are breathtaking on clear mornings. Khecheopalri Lake, sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus, lies quietly in this region. The lake is never allowed to be disturbed; even leaves are said to be swept away by birds. This region teaches patience and rewards it with depth. The famous Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake) and Nathu La Pass to the China border fall under East Sikkim. These spots are frequently visited under Sikkim Tourism due to their iconic status and easy reach from Gangtok. Tsomgo Lake changes color with seasons—sometimes blue, sometimes icy white. Nathu La, if open to tourists on specific days, is a reminder of Sikkim's location at the edge of India. The crisp air and waving flags make these spots more than just checkpoints—they are landmarks of pride. Sikkim's food is clean, local, and deeply influenced by its geography. You'll find dishes like Phagshapa (pork with radish), gundruk soup (fermented leafy greens), and the famous momo served at street corners and homestays alike. The food here tells a story—of highlands, resourcefulness, and community. The cultural blend of Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalese communities gives Sikkim Tourism its emotional tone. Festivals like Losar (Tibetan New Year), Pang Lhabsol (honoring the mountain guardian), and Tihar (like Diwali) are all celebrated with spirit. Due to its proximity to international borders, Sikkim requires permits for many regions, especially for non-Indian nationals. The Protected Area Permit (PAP) and Inner Line Permit (ILP) are handled easily by tour operators and government counters. What adds true value to Sikkim Tourism is the state's approach to conservation. Plastic is banned. Homestays are encouraged over large hotels. Locals participate in every aspect of tourism—from guiding to cooking. As a traveler, it's essential to match that respect. Avoid litter, stay with locals when possible, and engage rather than consume. No trip through Sikkim Tourism is complete without stopping at local markets. The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom in Gangtok is a great place to understand and buy local crafts—thangkas (painted scrolls), wool carpets, carved wooden tables, and handmade paper products. Rural weekly markets in smaller towns are also treasure troves. Instead of souvenirs, you'll find hand-woven items, organic honey, and pickles passed through generations. Monasteries in Sikkim are more than religious structures—they're silent keepers of time. Rumtek Monastery, the largest, is colorful and calm. Enchey Monastery sits close to Gangtok but feels miles away from noise. Tashiding Monastery, in the west, requires a small trek but the quiet at the top is worth it. Each monastery has chants, murals, and incense that wrap you in a feeling both warm and humbling. Spiritual tourism is not a buzzword here—it's woven into daily life. Though it's often seen as a calm destination, Sikkim Tourism also includes rugged treks and river thrills. The Goechala Trek is popular among serious hikers—it takes you close to Kanchenjunga and through dense forests, rhododendron trails, and alpine lakes. White-water rafting on the Teesta River and paragliding near Gangtok are available for those looking for action. Mountain biking, especially in the South and West districts, is slowly growing. One of the strongest pillars of Sikkim Tourism is its village homestay movement. Places like Dzongu (a Lepcha reserve), Yuksom, and Kewzing offer stays with local families. These homes may not offer room service, but they give you priceless conversations, homemade food, and insight into real life in the hills. Waking up to wood-fired kitchens, stepping out to fields, and sitting on wooden porches under starry skies—that's what many find more memorable than hotel stays. Sikkim is India's first fully organic state. No chemical fertilizers, no pesticides. From cabbage to cardamom, what grows here is clean and cared for. The government has strict rules against deforestation and plastic use. Solar lights, composting toilets, and rainwater harvesting are becoming common, even in villages. These efforts make Sikkim Tourism sustainable—not just in brochures but in action. As a visitor, supporting this effort by traveling light and shopping local helps sustain what makes the place special. The real essence of Sikkim Tourism isn't captured in one destination or picture. It's felt when you walk slow, eat slow, and listen more than you speak. It's in the wind chimes at a monastery gate, in the eyes of a smiling yak herder, and in the silent snow that falls on a remote trail. This is not a place to tick off a list. It's a place to pause. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
19 hours ago
- Time Business News
Darjeeling Tour Packages & Tourism Guide 2025 – Toy Train, Tea Gardens & Himalayan Views
Set in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Darjeeling is where colonial charm, tea-scented breezes, and Kanchenjunga sunrises come together. It's a place that blends serenity, culture, and natural beauty — perfect for honeymooners, families, and solo travelers alike. Whether you're sipping tea on a foggy morning or riding the UNESCO-listed Toy Train, Darjeeling tourism offers more than just a trip — it offers timeless memories. And with our expertly curated Darjeeling tour packages, you can experience the very best of this charming hill town without the hassle of planning. 🚞 This is your one-stop guide to Darjeeling tourism and the best-value Darjeeling tour packages ✅ Highlight 💡 What You'll Experience Himalayan Sunrises View of Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill Iconic Toy Train Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (UNESCO) World-Famous Tea Visit and taste at Happy Valley Tea Estate Peaceful Monasteries Ghoom, Dali, and Japanese Peace Pagoda Colonial Heritage British-era schools, churches & architecture Family & Couple Friendly Safe, walkable, and culturally rich Day Experience Day 1 Arrival, stroll along Mall Road & Observatory Hill Day 2 Tiger Hill Sunrise, Batasia Loop, Ghoom Monastery, Toy Train Ride Day 3 Himalayan Zoo, HMI, Tea Garden Visit, Peace Pagoda Day 4 Local market shopping + departure 🧘 You can add Kalimpong, Mirik, or Lamahatta as optional day trips. Package Name Duration Price (Per Person) Darjeeling Scenic Getaway 3 Days / 2 Nights ₹6,999 Classic Darjeeling Tour 4 Days / 3 Nights ₹9,499 Darjeeling + Kalimpong Combo 5 Days / 4 Nights ₹12,500 Family Holiday in the Hills 5 Days / 4 Nights ₹11,499 Darjeeling Honeymoon Delight 4 Days / 3 Nights ₹13,999 Darjeeling Tea & Heritage Trail 5 Days / 4 Nights ₹14,800 🧾 All packages include hotel stay, breakfast/dinner, sightseeing, permits & private vehicle. ✈️ Flight/train fare can be added on request. If you're visiting Darjeeling and want to add a short Himalayan trek to your trip, the Sandakphu Phalut Trek is a perfect extension. Located just a few hours from Darjeeling town, Sandakphu (11,930 ft) is the highest point in West Bengal and offers panoramic views of four of the five highest peaks in the world — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga — in one stunning frame. EasoTrip specializes in organizing guided Sandakphu treks with comfortable homestay stays, experienced local guides, and optional Land Rover safaris for non-trekkers. Whether you're a first-time trekker or looking for a peaceful mountain experience, EasoTrip's Sandakphu packages provide a seamless and scenic extension to your Darjeeling holiday. Trek along the India–Nepal border ridge ridge Pass through beautiful villages like Tumling and Kalipokhri Stay in warm homestays (no tents needed) (no tents needed) Spot red pandas and blooming rhododendrons in season View the Sleeping Buddha range at sunrise from Sandakphu 🏞️ Perfect for those who want to explore beyond tea gardens and monasteries. This is where Darjeeling meets raw Himalayan adventure. 👉 For detailed Sandakphu trek itinerary, cost, and travel guide, click here. Hotel Name Location Why Stay Here Cedar Inn Near Mall Road Heritage luxury + valley views Mayfair Darjeeling Opp. Governor's House 5-star colonial vibe Hotel Seven Seventeen Gandhi Road Budget + central location Windamere Observatory Hill Classic British-era charm Muscatel Himalayan Resort Near Clock Tower Affordable & modern From Mode Details Bagdogra Airport Flight + Road 3.5 hrs by private cab NJP Railway Station Train + Road 3–4 hrs drive to Darjeeling Siliguri Shared taxi / car Available all day 🚞 Toy Train runs between NJP → Ghoom → Darjeeling (limited tickets). Watch the Kanchenjunga Sunrise from Tiger Hill from Tiger Hill Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train Visit Batasia Loop & Ghoom Monastery & Ghoom Monastery Explore the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Zoo & Zoo Sip tea at Happy Valley Tea Estate Walk to the Japanese Peace Pagoda Shop for woolens, local art, and Darjeeling tea at Mall Road Day Trip to Lamahatta Eco Park Explore Mirik Lake & Pine Forests Paragliding in Kalimpong Stay at a tea bungalow Sunrise Photography at Tinchuley Hike to Tiger Hill View Point (early morning walk) ✅ Honeymoon Specials – Romantic stays with decorated rooms, private cab, and candlelight dinners ✅ Family Packages – Includes Toy Train ride, Himalayan Zoo visit, and kid-friendly stays ✅ Budget Backpacker Options – Affordable homestays, shared cabs, and local experiences ✅ Senior Citizen Itineraries – Fewer hotel transfers, relaxed sightseeing, and attentive care ✅ Darjeeling + Sikkim Combo Tours – Seamless travel plans connecting both regions Whether you're traveling with your partner, family, or solo — EasoTrip's Darjeeling experts design packages that balance comfort, safety, and local experiences. With verified drivers, handpicked hotels, permit assistance, and 24×7 support, you're in safe hands from pickup to drop. 📞 Ready to plan your Darjeeling escape? Contact EasoTrip now via WhatsApp or call: +91 70017 24300 Or visit: 🎒 Trusted. Transparent. Tailored for You. Q1: Is Darjeeling safe for solo travelers or couples? Yes! It's one of the safest, cleanest, and most welcoming hill stations in India. Q2: Can I visit Darjeeling year-round? Yes. March–May and October–December are ideal. Winter (Dec–Feb) is great for clear skies and fewer crowds. Q3: What's the best view spot in Darjeeling? Tiger Hill at sunrise – shows the Sleeping Buddha (Kanchenjunga range). Q4: Is Darjeeling good for families with kids? Absolutely. Zoo, Toy Train, and gardens keep kids entertained while adults relax. Can I extend to Sikkim or Kalimpong? Yes – we can build combo tours (Darjeeling + Gangtok + Pelling + Kalimpong). Want to visit Sikkim but not sure where to begin? 👉 Click here to explore your perfect Sikkim trip now — plans for every traveler, every season. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Forbes
20 hours ago
- Forbes
Lake Geneva's Terraced Lavaux Vineyards Gaining Deserved Notice
The terraced vineyards of Lavaux on Lake Geneva are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Credit: Maude Rion If Switzerland hardly jumps to mind as a wine producing nation and the white grape variety Chasselas rings no bell, expect that to change as the stretch of steep Lake Geneva shoreline called Lavaux gains ever more recognition. Between Lausanne and Montreux in the canton of Vaud, Lavaux's south-facing terraced vineyards are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town of Vevey makes an ideal base for exploring this section of the broader area known as the Montreux Riviera. You can dispel with thoughts of only the usual trifecta of Swiss watches, cheese and chocolate as your goal here. Perhaps you already know the small Italian-speaking canton of Ticino as a prime wine growing region. Some 2,000 acres harvested here in Lavaux represent an even tinier fraction of the wine world, but it's all packing an ever great wallop on the enotourism scene. Even without vineyards that go back to Roman times, the views from Lavaux to the Alps on the southern French side of Lake Geneva are spectacular. Switzerland's exceptional train system with its unlimited Swiss Travel Pass makes it a mere hour ride to get here from Geneva and twenty minutes from Lausanne. From the train stop at Grandvaux village, a wander down the slopes toward the lake takes you through the heart of this unique physical and cultural environment. With their stone houses, hamlets dotted throughout the Lavaux terraced landscape look much like they have for centuries. Credit: Maude Rion You would do well in advance to engage the services of UNESCO-certified guide Marc Checkley who has lived in Lavaux for nearly a decade. The New Zealand native with an infectious enthusiasm for the region is adept at walking backward downhill as he explains 15,000 years of geologic time; how a retreat of the Rhône Glacier began creating the deep lake; and, how, like right out of a Hollywood cataclysmic event, the 6th-century Tauredunum mountain collapse triggered a tsunami and caused massive shoreline destruction all the way to Geneva on the lake's southwestern tip. As you walk through hamlets and between 280-miles-worth of high stone walls that monks built a millennia ago to create the terraces, Checkley explains how the walls breath and retain the solar heat that keeps the narrow lanes and vines themselves warm at night. The sun reflecting off the lake adds to the ripening process. To the English ear, domaine sounds like a grand name for what here at Domaine Potterat is, like most Lavaux wineries, a quintessentially small family run operation. In the post card-perfect village of Cully, Eliane and Guillaume Potterat work over a six-hundred-year old cellar. Their late-19th-century press is primitive enough that it takes a team of workers to push the heavy timber lever to crush the grapes, but its cast iron mechanics are a thing of late-industrial era beauty. Among the some 30,000 bottles that Domaine Potterat produces annually, their Epesses Grand Cru, Courseboux and Côtes de Courseboux white wines are among the best known. You'll find a weekly farmers market just outside their operation in the narrow streets of Cully, while in springtime some performances of the Cully Jazz festival are held in their cellar and garden. The CGN fleet of historic ships plies the waters of Lake Geneva, with a stop at Lavaux. Credit: Marie Contreras Uncommonly these days, all harvesting in Lavaux is done by hand—given the challenging terrain, not such a remarkable practice. Just enjoying the exquisite countryside here might be good enough reason to come back in the fall to sign up with a vintner and join in the labor yourself. With plenty of helpful signage along the paths and roads, you can't get lost among the Lavaux terraces. Down in Cully proper, one of various docks on Lake Geneva is a stop for the CGN fleet of Belle Époque steam paddle boats that still ply the waters. To be sure, a few in the fleet of eight are no longer steam powered, but the big red paddle wheels on either side remain a romantic element. With Lake Geneva having thirty species of fish, trout, perch or monkfish may well be on the menu for lunch that can be booked onboard, along with wine tastings. A cruise is also the chance to spot some of 230 bird species at home here, from ducks of all manner to mute swans, gray herons, great crested grebes and great cormorants. In the town of Vevey, the Hôtel des Trois Couronnes lies right on Lake Geneva. Credit: Leading Hotels of the World Two Leading Hotels of the World member properties lie within minutes of one another. Le Mirador Resort and Spa on Le Mont-Pèlerin looks far over the lake. In the town of Vevey, the Hôtel des Trois Couronnes with origins back to 1842 retains its old world flair—attic rooms have heavy timber crossbeams that run low through the middle, so watch your head. It should be a rule that dining under the Le 3C Restaurant patio awning be followed by a walk on the lake promenade. The property's Puressens Spa includes a long ground floor lap pool. Two doors from the hotel, the Alimentarium museum takes up a handsome early 20th-century Neo-classical lakefront building. As it once housed Nestlé headquarters, no surprise that the museum is devoted to food and nutrition around the world. La Fourchette , or the Fork of Vevey, is an instantly recognizable Instagram star of a 26-foot-tall stainless steel sculpture that sticks up from the lake water. Just outside of Vevey, fans of the seminal modern architect Le Corbusier can drop in for a look at his mid-1920s Villa Le Lac on the water. Minutes away inland, the Chaplin's World museum is housed in Manoir de Ban where the early cinema genius Charlie spent the last 25 years of his life, and is devoted to his work.
