The beauty of Eastern India, West Bengal is one of the beautiful states gifted to Indian Tourism. Surrounded by the mighty Himalayas, the backdrop of hills and valleys, and lush green forests make the entire state look charming. In addition to all these, West Bengal’s Sundarban mangroves add more importance to the tourism of the state. West Bengal’s tourism from its natural beauty to the serene space found here attracts travelers from all around the world to step in.
Being nestled close to the Himalayan mountains and rich green valleys, you can have an array of beautiful hill station spots. The different hill stations covered with rich greenery, tranquil atmosphere, and mountain views venues are perfect summer retreat destinations. Simply, West Bengal’s fabulous hill stations offer you unforgettable memories in your travel diaries.
Here is a list of 6 Best Hill Stations in West Bengal:
Let’s have a look at what are the best and most prominent hill stations to cover in West Bengal. Take a small read of what they are.
1. Darjeeling:
If you ask for a suggestion on which is the best hill station in West Bengal, everyone will speak about Darjeeling. It is such a wonderful and lovely hill station of the state perched at an altitude of 2,050 mt above sea level.
On the Mahabharata range, this pretty hill station is located. Wherever you see, the tea plantations, hilltops, beautiful landscapes, and evergreen forests highlight the beauty of Darjeeling. In a few words, Darjeeling is the best of the best Eastern Indian hill stations.
Attractions to explore: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Batasia Loop, Tiger Hill, Nightingale Park, Darjeeling Rock Garden, Singalila National Park, etc are the finest places to explore in the hill station. The must-do things here enjoy mean ropeway, river rafting in Teesta, and shopping in Darjeeling.
Best time to visit: February to March and September to December.
2. Kalimpong:
Neighboring hill station to Darjeeling, Kalimpong is a small and picturesque hill station to explore in West Bengal. Located at an altitude of 1250mt the foothills of the Shivalik ranges offer fantastic sights from the hill station.
Home to numerous churches, monasteries, and temples Kalimpong is known for its religious prominence. Different festivals celebrated here are worth visiting. This hill station receives good rainfall that’s why here you can see rich biodiversity. Especially, this place is home to tigers.
Attractions to explore: The floral and fauna wealth of the hill station in the form of Neora Valley National Park, Cactus Nursery, Durpin Dara Hill, and Deolo Hill are the best attractions to visit. As known before monasteries and Gompas like Jang Dog Palriffo Brang Gompa, Thongsa Gompa, Tharpa Choeling Gompa, Durpin Monastery, MacFarlane Memorial Church, etc are famous attractions. However, never forget to visit the Teesta bazaar for shopping, here Tibetan handicrafts are worth buying.
Best time to visit: March to June and September to December.
3. Rimbik:
If you are searching for the best offbeat hill stations in West Bengal, Rimbik is the best find. Nestled on the banks of the Rammam River in the Singalila National Park, Rimbik is quite famous for adventure seekers. For trekking and adventurous acts, Rimbik is the name. the surroundings of the hill station with small villages offer a tranquil atmosphere to explore. For your trekking, Sandakphu to Rimbik, Bikebhanjan to Rimbik, and Gurdung and Srikhola to Rimbik are the best trails to dwell in the adventure. To enjoy the trip with adventure activities means, this hill station is an ideal choice.
Attractions to explore: The place may not host great tourist attractions but presents wonderful opportunities to enjoy trekking. Apart from adventure acts, the picturesque views of the Kanchenjunga range and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park are prominent attractions to explore. Many endangered animal species get shelter in this park. Snow leopards and red pandas are the attractions to witness here.
Best time to visit: March, October, and November months are ideal to visit.
4. Siliguri:
Familiarly known as the “Gateway of North India”, Siliguri is a well-known hill station in West Bengal. Rested on the banks of the Mahananda River and between Himalayan foothills and the Doar region, Siliguri has its beauty and prominence.
Different wildlife parks and the serene atmosphere of the hill station made it famous. From the trade point of view, for tea and timber, this place is quite famous. A very important thing about this hill station is it is also a gateway to neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
Attractions to explore: The major attractions to explore here means its wildlife destinations the Jaldapara National Park and the Mahanadi Wildlife Sanctuary. These destinations house royal Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, etc many endangered animal species. Salugara Monastery, the Science City, Dudhia, Coronation Bridge, and Madhuban Park are the other key attractions to visit. Also, try to visit the Hong Kong market for shopping. Here you can have whatever you want.
Best time to visit: October to December and February to March.
5. Sandakphu:
Sandakphu is another famous adventure-lover hill station in West Bengal. This hill station is located on the West Bengal and Nepal border. It is also the highest peak on come hill station compared to all other hill stations in West Bengal.
From this pioneer hill station, you can capture the breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga. You will be mesmerized by the surroundings of the hill station. A small village perched on the hill station is a great attraction to witness.
Attractions to explore: In the surroundings of Sandakphu Peak the five famous hill towns are great attractions to explore. Namely Manebhanjan, Tumling, Chitrey, Tonglu, and Bikeybhanjan. These five places for their tranquil atmosphere and lush greenery valleys and forests are quite famous. As we know, trekking is the most lovable thing to do here.
Best time to visit: April to June and October to December.
6. Mirik:
Just to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere on your trip means, Mirik is a wonderful option. Amid the Eastern Himalayas, Miriki elevated at a 1495mt high above sea level offers panoramic views of mountains. Popular as the “Valley of Sun”, Mirik is a beautiful hill station surrounded by serene lakes and mountains.
Moreover, boat rides on the waters of serene lakes are a must-do thing to enjoy nature. Besides, the Buddhist monasteries of the hill station are also great attractions to explore in Mirik.
Attractions to explore: The major attraction of the place is Sumendu Lake. The surroundings of the lake and its 80ft long bridge on the waters are the key attractions. Later, Orange orchards, Bunkulung, Mirik Tea Gardens, Bokar Monastery, and Rameetay Dhara, are the other key attractions to explore in the place. Pashupati Nagar market is also an interesting place to visit here. Because half of the market locates in Mirik and the other half in Nepal.
Best time to visit: March, April, October, and November are ideal for the visit.
