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India.com
28-05-2025
- India.com
The Most Beautiful Hill Stations Near Kolkata For a Quick Escape During Weekends
The cultural center of India known as Kolkata exists as a place that showcases vibrant festivals and holds rich heritage while offering a fast-paced urban way of life. The hot and moist conditions of the city sometimes push residents toward fast nature-based escapes from the area. Good luck awaits at multiple charming hill stations which can be reached by car or train a short distance from Kolkata. The destinations provide visitors with stunning views combined with peaceful surroundings together with relief from city life. Visitors seeking restoration will find the following list of stunning hill stations that reside near Kolkata. 1. Darjeeling: The Queen of Hills Darjeeling stands as India's most popular hill station which exists at a 520-kilometer distance from Kolkata. The 'Queen of Hills' title accurately describes this place because visitors can see both Himalayan snow peaks and tea plantation fields combined with heritage buildings. Travelers can experience the UNESCO-protected Darjeeling Himalayan Railway ('Toy Train') to enjoy a traditional mountain railway journey. Visitors should experience dawn at Tiger Hill since it offers breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga which ranks as the world's third-tallest peak. 2. Kalimpong: A Tranquil Retreat Kalimpong rests in the Eastern Himalayas where it occupies a position about 550 kilometers distant from Kolkata. The hill town provides an optimal environment for people looking to escape urban pressures. Zang Dhok Palri Phodang together with Durpin Dara form two of the many monasteries that attract visitors to admire their religious sites and mountainscapes. Tourists interested in nature can discover the Neora Valley National Park which protects both rare plant species and endangered red panda along with their ecosystems. Those who visit Kalimpong can find pleasure in both its flower nursery complexes and traditional handcrafted items available in local markets. 3. Mirik: A Hidden Gem Travelers tend to overlook Mirik although its 550 kilometer distance from Kolkata fails to diminish its status as a hidden gem for tourists. Visitors can experience lake activities such as boating while walking the promenade that surrounds Sumendu Lake in this charming hill station. The setting of Mirik consists of both orange orchards and cardamom plantations which provide visitors with a revitalizing experience. Bokar Gompa presents itself as a quiet Buddhist monastery that visitors must experience during their trip. 4. Gangtok: Gateway to Sikkim The provincial capital status of Sikkim belongs to Gangtok despite its minimal 600 kilometers distance from Kolkata where locals enjoy weekend trips. From its location at 1650 meters Gangtok shows breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga range and vibrant Tibetan culture. You can find the Rumtek Monastery as well as Banjhakri Falls while admiring the beauty of Tsomgo Lake in this region. The adventure lovers can participate in activities like trekking while river rafting and going on yak safaris. 5. Dooars: Nature's Paradise Those who want to unite their affection for hills and wildlife should consider Dooars as their destination. The territory extends across dense forests, rolling hills and tea estate expenses situated 450 kilometers away from Kolkata. Visitors to this location find the Jaldapara National Park with Gorumara National Park as their principal draws because both facilities allow rhino elephant viewings with jeep rides and elephants. Nature enthusiasts find Dooars to be a beautiful place because of its refreshing climate and its lush natural environment. 6. Lava and Loleygaon: Offbeat Escapes Lava and Loleygaon offer distinctive destinations which can be found in proximity to Kolkata. The two locations exist more than 600 kilometers beyond Kolkata inside the unexplored areas of West Bengal. The town of Lava holds a special place thanks to its close position to Neora Valley National Park but what truly distinguishes it is its unmatched views of the Greater Himalayan mountain range. The main attraction of Loleygaon consists of its famous canopy walk and suspension bridge. The locations serve as ideal spots for nature-focused tourists who seek to experience sustainable interaction with the environment. 7. Pelling: A Blend of Adventure and Spirituality Pelling which lies about 600 kilometers west of Kolkata offers visitors the advantage of being near popular landmarks in Sikkim. Tourists visit this location to witness both the Kanchenjunga range as well as Pemayangtse Monastery and Sangachoeling Monastery along with their spiritual significance. The area provides both trekking opportunities towards Khecheopalri Lake and a chance to explore the remains of Rabdentse Palace. Families with solo travelers find the relaxed atmosphere of Pelling to be perfect for either group. Conclusion The mountain destinations surrounding Kolkata serve various purposes because they welcome visitors who wish to experience adventures and nature together with individuals who want peaceful moments. Three destinations in northeastern India offer visitors the chance to experience fresh tea tasting in Darjeeling followed by meditating in Kalimpong's monasteries while sightseeing different views of Gangtok and the Himalayas. Travelers from Kolkata can now access hill stations more conveniently because of their accessibility by road and rail and commercial flights. Travelers should bring luggage to escape city commotion while exploring the peaceful natural surroundings of these magical elevations.
Mint
15-05-2025
- Mint
Cancelling Turkey and Azerbaijan plans? You can visit THESE 10 beautiful places in India
Amid ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, public anger is mounting in the country against Turkey and Azerbaijan for backing Islamabad during the recent tensions and allegedly providing it with military assistance. The outrage follows the two countries' open support for Pakistan as India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people. In response, Indian citizens have launched a campaign calling for an economic and social boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan, accusing them of siding with terrorism. One of the most visible impacts has been on tourism. Both Turkey and Azerbaijan have become popular among Indian travellers in recent years, owing to their mix of affordability, visa access and cultural appeal. But now, thousands are cancelling or avoiding trips to these countries in protest. In their place, many are turning their focus inward, rediscovering India's vast and varied travel landscape. From Himalayan hamlets to island shores, here are 10 exceptional Indian destinations, some famous, others off the beaten path, that offer experiences as enriching and scenic as any international trip. A high-altitude desert nestled between the Karakoram and the Himalayas, Leh has long been a haven for adventure seekers and spiritual travellers. Visitors can explore ancient Buddhist monasteries like Hemis and Thiksey, traverse the dramatic Khardung La Pass, or relax by the shimmering Pangong Lake. With its unique terrain and rich cultural fabric, Leh remains one of the most visually arresting destinations in India. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is a testament to the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire. Its surreal landscape, marked by giant boulders, ornate temples, and riverfront ruins, draws both history enthusiasts and backpackers. Key attractions include the stone chariot at Vittala Temple and the vibrant Hippie Island across the Tungabhadra River. Famous for its 13th-century Sun Temple, Konark offers more than just architectural splendour. Its nearby Chandrabhaga Beach provides a peaceful escape, while the annual Konark Dance Festival turns the historic temple complex into a stage for classical Indian dance forms. The town is also part of Odisha's growing ecotourism circuit. Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is a haven of biodiversity and cultural richness. The capital, Gangtok, offers panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga, while the peaceful town of Pelling boasts the towering Chenrezig statue and India's first glass skywalk. Explore the alpine beauty of Tsomgo Lake, visit the ancient Rumtek Monastery, or trek through the flower-laden meadows of Yumthang Valley, often referred to as the 'Valley of Flowers'. Darjeeling, with its emerald tea gardens and colonial charm, offers a refreshing escape. Travellers can ride the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, affectionately known as the 'Toy Train', through misty mountains and quaint villages. They can also visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, explore the vibrant local markets, and wake up early to witness the first rays of sun illuminating the majestic Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill. 6. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh Remote and relatively untouched, Spiti is becoming increasingly popular among domestic travellers looking for offbeat options. Known for its stark landscapes and ancient Tibetan-style monasteries, Spiti also offers thrilling treks, village homestays, and excellent opportunities for astrophotography thanks to its clear night skies. Nicknamed the 'Scotland of India,' Coorg is celebrated for its rolling coffee plantations, waterfalls, and Kodava heritage. Adventure activities like river rafting on the Barapole, wildlife spotting at Nagarhole, and plantation tours make it an ideal family destination. The misty climate and peaceful resorts also attract honeymooners. A key cultural and commercial hub of Assam, Guwahati blends urban development with spiritual heritage. The revered Kamakhya Temple sits atop Nilachal Hill, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike. Visitors can also cruise the Brahmaputra River, explore Assamese cuisine, and use the city as a launchpad for trips deeper into the Northeast. Unlike the more commercialised Kovalam, Varkala offers a laid-back vibe with red cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. Papanasam Beach is a spiritual and scenic retreat, while the cliffside cafes, yoga centres, and wellness resorts have made Varkala a favourite for solo travellers and international backpackers. 10. Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Now renamed Swaraj Dweep, Havelock Island has emerged as one of India's premier beach destinations. Apart from the famed Radhanagar Beach, visitors can witness the rare phenomenon of bioluminescence, where the sea glows at night due to phytoplankton activity, especially at Vijaynagar and Govind Nagar beaches. Night kayaking here is an unforgettable experience.
