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Time Business News
24-06-2025
- Time Business News
Best Hill Stations in West Bengal
West Bengal, a culturally rich and geographically diverse state, is home to some of the most scenic hill stations in Eastern India. From the misty slopes of Darjeeling to the peaceful valleys of Kalimpong and the lush wilderness of the Dooars, these hill retreats offer a perfect escape from the chaos of city life. Whether you're looking for a serene family vacation, a romantic escape, or an adventurous trek, the best hill stations in West Bengal promise something for everyone. You can read Best Hill Stations In Himachal Pradesh Darjeeling's colonial charm, Kurseong's quiet orchards, Sandakphu's majestic Himalayan views, and Mirik's calm lakeside—each destination has its own unique story and charm. The breathtaking landscapes, cool climate, tea gardens, monasteries, and traditional hill culture create an unforgettable travel experience. Easily accessible from Siliguri and Bagdogra, these hill towns are not just tourist spots but living expressions of Bengal's diversity—blending natural beauty with heritage. This guide covers everything you need to know: how to reach, the best time to visit, places to see, activities to do, and essential travel tips for Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik, Sandakphu, Rimbik, Kurseong, Dooars, and Siliguri. Read on to explore the most enchanting hill stations in West Bengal and plan your next mountain escape! Overview: Known as the 'Queen of the Hills,' Darjeeling is famous for its sprawling tea gardens, panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, and colonial charm. How to Reach: Nearest airport: Bagdogra (70 km) Nearest railhead: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Well connected by road via Siliguri. Best Time to Visit: March to May and October to December. Best Places to Visit: Things to Do: Sip local tea at a plantation Ride the toy train Trek to Sandakphu Visit monasteries Travel Tips: Layered clothing is recommended due to weather changes Book the toy train in advance 12 Best Hill Stations In India Travelers Paradise Overview: A quiet retreat away from Darjeeling's crowds, Kalimpong is known for its monasteries, colonial architecture, and vibrant orchid nurseries. How to Reach: 50 km from Darjeeling and 70 km from NJP/Bagdogra Best Time to Visit: March to June and September to December Best Places to Visit: Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery Deolo Hill Durpin Dara Hill Things to Do: Explore nurseries Visit the Lepcha Museum River rafting in Teesta Travel Tips: Carry cash as card facilities are limited Ideal for a relaxed itinerary Best Hill Stations in Uttarakhand: Scenic Escapes in the Himalayas Overview: A scenic hamlet set around the Sumendu Lake, Mirik is perfect for laid-back holidays amidst pine forests and tea estates. How to Reach: 49 km from Darjeeling, easily accessible by road Best Time to Visit: October to March Best Places to Visit: Sumendu Lake Bokar Monastery Tea Gardens Things to Do: Boating on the lake Horse riding around Mirik Tea tasting Travel Tips: Choose homestays for authentic experiences Avoid monsoon season due to landslides Top 10 Places to Visit in India during October Overview: The highest point in West Bengal, Sandakphu is a trekker's paradise offering views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. How to Reach: Start from Manebhanjan (Darjeeling district) Trek or take a 4×4 jeep Best Time to Visit: April to May and October to December Best Places to Visit: Sandakphu Peak Singalila National Park Things to Do: Trekking Photography Birdwatching Travel Tips: Hire a local guide for trekking Prepare for altitude and cold Visit these places once in a life : Discover the Wonders of India Overview: A small village near the Indo-Nepal border, Rimbik is known for its serene beauty and is a base for the Singalila trek. How to Reach: Via Darjeeling – Manebhanjan – Srikhola – Rimbik (90 km) Best Time to Visit: March to May and October to November Best Places to Visit: Things to Do: Trekking to Sandakphu and Phalut Camping Local cuisine tasting Travel Tips: Best for offbeat travelers Basic accommodations available Overview: Known as the 'Land of White Orchids,' Kurseong is a tranquil hill station ideal for short getaways and peaceful retreats. How to Reach: 30 km from Darjeeling, accessible via toy train or road Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November Best Places to Visit: Eagle's Crag Dow Hill Makaibari Tea Estate Things to Do: Visit haunted Dow Hill Tea plantation tours Walk through pine forests Travel Tips: Ideal for couples and writers Less crowded than Darjeeling Overview: Not a hill station in the strictest sense but a forested foothill region, Dooars is rich in biodiversity and perfect for wildlife lovers. How to Reach: NJP/Bagdogra is the main gateway Best Time to Visit: October to March Best Places to Visit: Gorumara National Park Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary Buxa Tiger Reserve Things to Do: Jungle safaris Nature walks River rafting Travel Tips: Carry binoculars for birdwatching Wear earth-toned clothes during safaris Overview: While primarily a transit city, Siliguri offers views of the Himalayas and is a shopping hub with access to nearby hill stations. How to Reach: Major rail and road junction with Bagdogra Airport Best Time to Visit: October to March Best Places to Visit: Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary ISKCON Temple Salugara Monastery Things to Do: Shopping in Hong Kong Market Explore local food Visit Science City Travel Tips: Excellent road connectivity Best as a starting point Q1. Which is the most famous hill station in West Bengal? A: Darjeeling is the most famous hill station, often called the 'Queen of the Hills.' Q2. When is the best time to visit West Bengal hill stations? A: The best time is from March to June and October to December for pleasant weather and clear views. Q3. Are these hill stations suitable for family travel? A: Yes, most are family-friendly with good accommodation, scenic spots, and gentle activities. Q4. Which is the highest hill station in West Bengal? A: Sandakphu, at 3,636 meters, is the highest point in West Bengal. Q5. What are the transportation options from Siliguri? A: You can travel by road or shared taxis to most hill stations; toy trains are available to Darjeeling and Kurseong. West Bengal's hill stations offer an incredible variety of experiences, from trekking in Sandakphu to sipping tea in Kurseong. Whether you're after adventure, tranquility, or culture, the best hill stations in West Bengal guarantee a memorable trip for every traveler. Pack your bags and explore the charm of Bengal's hills today! TIME BUSINESS NEWS
India.com
08-06-2025
- India.com
5 Best Hill Stations Near Kolkata For A Refreshing Summer Getaway
The cultural hub of India known as Kolkata maintains a reputation for both bright cultural heritage and lengthy hot seasons. Summer temperatures push people toward nearby hill stations since these destinations provide relief from hot weather conditions. The hill destinations combine their beautiful natural setting of mountains and peaceful landscapes with pleasant temperatures along with active activities and recreational treatments. This article examines the most favorable hill destinations that surround Kolkata which serve as perfect summer getaways. 1. Darjeeling: The Queen of Hills Darjeeling stands as an Indian hill station landmark which is approximately 520 kilometers from Kolkata. Situated in the western part of the Himalayas at an elevation of 2053 meters above sea level this town claims its position as the 'Queen of Hills'. Darjeeling gains fame from tea plantation areas together with colonial buildings and the UNESCO World Heritage-status toy train known as Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Visitors engage in activities such as trekking plus river rafting or they visit spiritual sites including Ghum Monastery and Bhutia Busty Gompa. The area delivers both a pleasant atmospheric environment alongside captivating natural landscape that functions as an ideally refreshing spot to escape the heat of Kolkata summers. 2. Kalimpong: A Serene Escape As its distance from Kolkata reaches 550 kilometers Kalimpong stands as another brilliant attraction within the Eastern Himalayas. Whose peaceful environment together with superb vistas sets Kalimpong apart from nearby tourist areas and appeals to visitors who seek relaxation. The area contains numerous flower cultivation centers together with Zang Dhok Palri Phodang monastery and educational institutions built by Christian missionaries. Tourists who love nature should check out Neora Valley National Park in addition to exploring Pine View Nursery. Kalimpong offers visitors relief from the bustling city life because of its tolerable summer weather and lush natural landscapes. 3. Mirik: A Picturesque Lake Town Mirik stands as a little but enchanting hill station which embraces the landscape of orange orchards and cardamom plantations and dense forests at approximately 550 kilometers from Kolkata. Sumendu Lake serves as the main attraction in Mirik because people can ride boats while they gaze upon the beautiful mountain landscapes. Bokar Monastery stands alongside the Tibetan Buddhist center as main attractions in addition to the active local market that sells handmade crafts and souvenirs. The station's position at a lower elevation provides pleasant climatic conditions during summer thus attracting many families as well as couples. 4. Gangtok: Gateway to Sikkim The small city of Gangtok exists in Sikkim although tourists can easily reach it by road or air travel from Kolkata which needs a journey of 600 kilometers. The capital city of Sikkim Gangtok presents visitors with colorful cultural hotspots and magnificent scenery and important spiritual sites. Visitors should explore the popular attractions of Rumtek Monastery combined with Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass which requires proper authorization. The site attracts thrill-seekers who love paragliding along with trekking and taking yak rides as their activities. Gangtok provides an ideal getaway for Kolkata residents because it offers pleasant summers coupled with stunning natural landscapes. 5. Lava and Loleygaon: Offbeat Treasures The townships of Lava and Loleygaon function as truly unconventional mountain towns that exist near Kalimpong. These elevated locations provide visitors with clean forests and opportunities to spot rare wildlife together with breathtaking views of snow-covered summits. Lava protects the famous Neora Valley National Park which hosts both endangered red pandas and clouded leopards together with numerous other endangered species. The main attraction of Loleygaon is its canopy walk alongside its popular Rock Garden. These peaceful places offer visitors cancellation from the busy tourist areas. Final Words The Eastern Himalayan proximity of Kolkata enables its local residents to book simple trips to these attractive hill stations with ease. Every hill station profiled here provides distinct attractions that can fulfill any traveler's desires including adventure experiences, spiritual encounters or relaxing relaxation. The combination of lively Darjeeling charm with the untainted locations in Lava and Loleygaon provides visitors with remarkable mountain experiences surrounded by natural beauty. Take this chance to visit these refreshing retreats during summer since they provide both restful tranquility and exciting experiences just near Kolkata.
