Welcome to the gateway of endless summer adventures! As the sun stretches its golden rays across the horizon and the days grow longer, it’s time to seize the season and embark on a journey filled with exhilarating escapades and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re craving the thrill of outdoor adventures, the tranquillity of scenic retreats, or the cultural richness of new destinations, the summer holidays offer boundless opportunities for exploration and relaxation. From sun-kissed beaches and rugged mountain trails to vibrant city streets and lush countryside, there’s something for every traveller seeking to make the most of these cherished months. So dust off your sense of adventure, pack your bags, and get ready to dive headfirst into a summer filled with endless possibilities.
14 Hill Station in West Bengal
Straight out of a postcard, West Bengal boasts of a myriad of hill retreats, each offering its unique charm and allure. From the lush tea gardens of Darjeeling to the misty peaks of Kalimpong and the tranquil forests of Kurseong, these hill stations beckon travellers with promises of rejuvenation and tranquillity amidst nature’s bounty. Whether you’re seeking respite from the sweltering heat of the plains or yearning for a blissful escape into the lap of the Himalayas, the hill station in West Bengal are haven waiting to be explored and cherished.
Samsing
Samsing is located between Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri, offering a perfect view of captivating tea estates, tranquil riverbanks, magical forests, and breathtaking mountain views. If you are searching for unusual hill stations in West Bengal, Samsing ought to be on your itinerary.
Darjeeling
Located in the Mahabharata Range, Darjeeling is well-known for its thriving tea industry. Darjeeling is one of the best hill stations in West Bengal because of its captivating sunrises, pristine hill charm, hospitable communities, and vintage charm from bygone eras. This town is a dream come true if you enjoy trekking, toy trains, and tea gardens. Singalila National Park, Happy Valley Tea Estate, and Peace Pagoda are a few of the well-known locations in this area.
Siliguri
Siliguri is located between the Doar area and the Himalayan foothills on the banks of the Mahananda River. This hill station in West Bengal is also called the ‘Gateway to North East India,’ due to its transport network to northeastern states along with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway begins at Siliguri. Whether it is touring the Mahananda Weir National Park, going on a jungle safari in the Chilapata Forest, or bargaining at the Honk Kong Market, the city will not disappoint.
Lava
Lava is a hill station in West Bengal, that is perhaps the state’s best-kept secret. It is a small village that’s only 34 km from Kalimpong; making it the perfect weekend getaway stay. Some of the best things to do in Lava are hiking, bird watching, and taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas.
Kalimpong
Kalimpong is the home to Shivalik Hills and the Indian Army’s Mountain Division 27. Its favourable weather is attributed to its abundant rainfall. This hill station in West Bengal is known for its Tibetan handicrafts, churches, and Buddhist monasteries. Among the things to do in Kalimpong are hiking up the Deolo Hills, strolling through the Cactus Nursery, spending time at the Durpin Monastery & MacFarlane Memorial Church, and tiger watching at the Neora Valley National Park. Kalimpong offers a stunning view of the Teesta Valley.
Kurseong
Known as the ‘Land of White Orchids,’ Kurseong is a hill station in West Bengal known for its pilgrimage site, with year-round access to the Buddhist Gompa, the Ambootia Shiva Temple, and the Catholic Church in St. Mary’s Hill. The 300-year-old Hindu god idols in Kurseong’s temples draw mythology enthusiasts. Innumerable tea gardens and cascading waterfalls further enhance its beauty. Visitors can go white water rafting, rock climbing, and take a hot air balloon ride in Kurseong.
Mirik
Mirik, located in the Eastern Himalayas at 1495 meters above sea level, translates to ‘place burnt by fire.’. This hill station in West Bengal is mostly known for its beautiful mountains and Buddhist monasteries. Boating is a popular pastime for both locals and visitors in Mirik, due to its proximity to Sumendu Lake. When here, check out the Rai Dhap, Bokar Monastery, and the viewpoint at Rameetay Dara. This area is well-known for its orange orchards, tea gardens, lakes, and mountains.
Sandakphu
Sandakphu offers majestic views of Everest and Kanchenjunga. You should not miss the Sandakphu-Phalut Trek to the Sleeping Buddha. This hill station in West Bengal is near the Nepal border in the Darjeeling district.
Dooars
Another charming hill station in West Bengal is Dooars, also referred to as India’s entryway to Bhutan. It begins at the River Teesta in the east and ends at the River Sankoshi in the west. Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary are accessible to visitors in Dooars. The Dooars are the eastern Himalayan foothills, encircled by exotic flora and fauna, wild jungles, and breathtaking streams. The best locations to see wildlife are Buxa Tiger Reserve, Neora Valley National Park, and Gorumara National Park.
Fagu
Picture tea gardens, pine and sal trees, and the stars at night. All these breathtaking sceneries can be found in Fagu. We suggest taking a day or two to explore the colonial charm of the bungalows at the tea estate of Fagu. Changey Waterfall, Salem Fort, and the Chapramari forests are great choices as well.
Ajodhya Hills
Ajodhya Hills is a hill station in West Bengal located in the Eastern Ghats. Tucked away in West Bengal’s Purulia district, this hill station is a part of the Chhotanagpur plateau. In Hindu mythology, Lord Ram and Sita sought refuge here during their banishment. As a result, many devotees visiting Ajodhya Hills en route to other West Bengal hill stations frequent this place.
Takdah
Takdah, which means ‘mist’ in the Lepcha language, is a hill station in West Bengal and was once a British cantonment. There are a lot of tea gardens here, as it is located in the Darjeeling district. In addition, Takdah Monastery, Dara Dokan (weekly market), and the Orchid Center are its main draws. Even though it’s only 28 kilometres away from Darjeeling, this area is still undiscovered and remote.
Rishop
Recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of Rishop due to its understated charm, which best represents the Lepcha community. If you enjoy taking in the breathtaking views of high peaks and would love to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, Rishop will fulfil all of your fantasies! Numerous locations within this hill station offer views of Mt. Kharg, Mt. Kokthang, Mt. Rathung, Mt. Kabru, Mt. Talung, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Simvo, Mt. Narsing, and Mt. Siniolchu.
Rimbik
Near Sikkim, Rimbik is tucked away on the banks of the Rammam River, surrounded by little settlements. Trekkers are drawn to this hill station because of its exploratory trek. This hill station in West Bengal serves as a prelude to numerous trekking routes, including the Gorkhey and Sandakphu Treks. In addition, you can pay respect to the Dhirdam Temple, whose architecture combines Tibetan and Hindu elements.
Image Courtesy – Tusk Travel
