When we think of the hills of India, the first names that come to our mind are Himachal or Uttarakhand. But did you know that West Bengal also has some breathtaking hilly places that you cannot miss? Mist-shrouded mountains, green tea gardens and beautiful villages – this is why the hill stations of West Bengal are a great to vacation with you family or friend. Let’s take a look at 9 Beautiful Hill Stations in West Bengal that you should definitely put on your travel list.
9 Beautiful Hill Stations in West Bengal, Overview
From well-known gems like Darjeeling to untouched retreats like Rishop and Pedong, West Bengal offers a stunning variety of hill stations, but in this article we described only 9 beautiful hill stations in West Bengal.
01.Darjeeling โ The Queen of Hills
Why Visit Darjeeling
Darjeeling is not just a hill town – it is a dream. Situated at an altitude of 6,700 feet, it offers a magnificent view of Kanchenjunga. On one hand, there is a touch of the British era, on the other hand, the beauty of green tea gardens and the peaceful presence of Buddhist culture – which do not come together so beautifully anywhere else.
Top Attractions
- Tiger Hill Sunrise View
- Batasia Loop
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)
- Peace Pagoda
- Happy Valley Tea Estate
How to Reach
- By Air: Bagdogra Airport (70 km), then a 3-hour drive.
- By Train: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Station, followed by a shared cab or toy train.
- By Road: Accessible via Siliguri with frequent taxis and buses.
Best Time to Visit
March to May for pleasant weather or October to December for a crisp winter vibe.
02.Kalimpong โ Serenity with Colonial Charm
What Makes Kalimpong Unique
Similar to Darjeeling, Kalimpong is a quiet and peaceful hill town. Situated at an altitude of about 4,100 feet above sea level, this place is home to beautiful monasteries, flower nurseries and stunning colonial-era architecture. The beautiful environment here is an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Must-Visit Places
- Durpin Monastery
- Deolo Hill
- Cactus Nursery
- Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery
How to Reach
- By Air/Rail: Reach Bagdogra/NJP, then 2.5 hours by road.
- By Road: Taxis from Siliguri and Darjeeling are available.
Ideal Season
March to June and October to December.
Also Read:Darjeeling Must-Visit Places | Top 7 places Full Details
03.Lava โ Gateway to Neora Valley
Natureโs Paradise
If mist-shrouded forests and bird watching are your thing, then Lava will captivate you. It is located right at the entrance to the Neora Valley National Park, which is rich in biodiversity.
Best Things to Do
- Neora Valley exploration
- Lava Monastery visit
- Nature walks and photography
How to Get There
- From Kalimpong (34 km) by shared jeep or taxi.
- Nearest railhead is NJP.
When to Go
October to April is ideal for clear views and trekking.
04.Lolegaon โ The Hidden Hamlet
Offbeat Vibes
Looking for some peace and quiet away from the tourist crowds? Lolegaon is a quiet village on the banks of the lava, surrounded by deodar forests and deep silence. It’s the perfect hill station destination for a peaceful weekend!
Things You Shouldnโt Miss
- Canopy Walk on hanging bridges
- Lolegaon Viewpoint for sunrise
- Heritage Forest trail
Connectivity
- 2.5 hours from Kalimpong or 4.5 hours from Siliguri by road.
Best Visiting Time
October to February for a cozy, misty retreat.
Also Read:Exploring the Enchanting Village of Kharka Gaon, Kalimpong
05.Rishop โ A Peaceful Retreat
Perfect for Quiet Escapes
Rishop (or Rishyap) is a small hill village where time seems to have stood still. You will wake up in the morning to the sound of birdsong and the magnificent view of the snow-capped Himalayas in the distance. The peaceful atmosphere here will completely soothe your mind.
Top Activities
- Trek to Tiffin Dara viewpoint
- Watch the stars at night
- Explore the pine forests
Reaching Rishop
- Jeep from Lava or Kalimpong is the best route.
- Be prepared for a short uphill trek.
Weather & Travel Tips
March to June and October to December are ideal. Carry warm clothes and walking shoes.
06.Mirik โ Lakes, Tea, and Tranquility
Nature Loverโs Escape
Mirik is a beautiful place, home to Sumendu Lake, orange groves, and lush green tea gardens. With it’s peaceful atmosphere and romantic ambiance, this place is ideal for family tour or honeymoon.
What to Explore
- Boating in Sumendu Lake
- Tingling View Point
- Bokar Monastery
- Thurbo Tea Estate
Travel Options
- 49 km from Darjeeling and 45 km from Siliguri via road.
- Nearest airport: Bagdogra
Time to Visit
February to May or September to November.
Also Read:Mirik Lake West Bengal | How to Reach, Attractions…
07.Sandakphu โ Trekkerโs Paradise
Highest Peak in West Bengal
Sandakphu, which is situated at an altitude of 11,930 feet, is not only the highest point in West Bengal – it is also a must-see destination for any travel lover. From here, you can see four of the five highest mountains in the world at once! The experience of visiting this place will give you a new sense of life.
Major Highlights
- Panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu & Kanchenjunga
- Singalila National Park trek
- Alpine flora and fauna
Reaching the Summit
- Trek from Manebhanjan (a 4-day trek) or take a 4×4 jeep.
- NJP to Manebhanjan by road (~4 hrs)
Best Season for Trekking
AprilโMay and OctoberโNovember.
08.Kurseong – Land of White Orchids
British Era Vibes
Kurseong means โplace of white orchidsโ. It is a quiet and beautiful hill town, known for its cool weather, British-era ambiance, and lush gardens. Coming here, you will feel like you are lost in the lap of nature.
Attractions to Explore
- Eagleโs Crag viewpoint
- Dow Hill Forest
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum
How to Reach
- 30 km from Darjeeling and 40 km from Siliguri via road.
- Toy train also connects Kurseong with NJP.
Best Time
March to May and September to November.
Also Read:7 Offbeat Monsoon Destinations in West Bengal
09.Pedong – The Untouched Beauty
Cultural and Scenic Blend
Pedang is a quiet, little-known hill town close to Kalimpong. The Lepcha culture, historic monasteries, and amazing mountain views are all very attractive. Pedang might be the ideal location if you want to get away from the crowds and take in some mountain alone time. In fact, here, you can actually find a different kind of peace and harmony with nature.
What to See
- Sangchen Dorjee Monastery
- Cross Hill viewpoint
- Historical Damsang Fort ruins
Getting There
- 22 km from Kalimpong by road.
- Closest railway station: NJP
Ideal Months
March to May and October to November.
๐โโ๏ธ FAQs
1. Which is the coldest hill station in West Bengal?
Sandakphu, being the highest point in the state, is the coldestโtemperatures can drop below freezing in winter.
2. Is it safe to visit these hill stations during monsoon?
Itโs best to avoid the monsoon due to landslides. Stick to MarchโJune or OctoberโDecember.
3. Can I cover Lava, Lolegaon, and Rishop in one trip?
Yes! These three destinations are very close and often combined in a 3โ4 day itinerary.
4. Which hill station is best for trekking in West Bengal?
Without a doubt, Sandakphu is the ultimate trekking destination in West Bengal.
5. Do I need permits for visiting Neora Valley?
Yes, permits are required to enter Neora Valley National Park, and can be arranged in Lava.
Hope you liked this article on 9 Beautiful Hill Stations in West Bengal. Do share your views with me within the comments section below. If this article was helpful, do share this post with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. It would mean a lot.
Hey there! I’m Santu Chakraborty and I’m not your typical traveler. By day, I wrangle circuits and solve electrical mysteries as an engineer, but my true passion lies in exploring the world and sharing those experiences with you. For the past five years, this blog has been my canvas, where I paint stories of adventure, practical travel tips, and cultural insights to ignite your wanderlust. So, come join me on my journeys and discover the magic that awaits just beyond the horizon!
by Santu Chakraborty 