40 Cool Hill Stations near Kolkata for a Perfect Weekend!
Explore Top 40 Incredible Offbeat Hill Stations near Kolkata in North Bengal
Here is a full bucket list of top 30 offbeat hill stations near from Kolkata in North Bengal.Jaw-dropping locales, mesmerising sunrises, the untouched beauty of the hills, the old-world charm of the past, and the welcoming smiles of the local people all add up to make Darjeeling one of the most beautiful hill stations in Eastern part of India. Spread over a steep mountain ridge, nestled amidst acres of lush green tea plantations, Darjeeling stands at the height of 2,050 meters above sea level, thus boasting of cool climes all year round. This scenic hill station is the perfect getaway for a romantic honeymoon and is just around 700 kilometres away from Kolkata.So explore offbeat places in Darjeeling & kalimpong.
1>Sangsay/Sangser, in lap of Delo Hills,Kalimpong
Sangsay or Sangser – a small beautiful Himalayan village in Kalimpong Dist. surrounded by the Delo hills is relatively a new place for travelers. Blessed with the views of Mt. Kanchenjungha and River Teesta. Misty Meadows homestay at Sangser offers clean and cozy rooms with attached western baths. Tasty local foods are served from the home kitchen.
Location:Delo Hills in Kalimpong
Distance: 80 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra via Mungpoo
Best time to visit: September to March
Milan Busty,near Sigtom Tea Garden,3km from Darjeeling
Gurung Homestay in Milan Busty provides an ambient, homely & peaceful environment from where the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga can grace your senses. Local and authentic Nepali food is also served here.
Location: Darjeeling District.
Distance: 3 kilometers from Darjeeling
Best time to visit: September to June
39>Tukvar (Pattabang) tea Garden,6km from Darjeeling
Tukvar Tea Retreat is located in Puttabong Tea Garden, formerly known as Tukvar Tea Estate, which is just 8 km away from Darjeeling Town towards Lebong Cart Road. This Tea Garden is located on state border of Sikkim.
Location: Darjeeling District.
Distance: 8 kilometers from Darjeeling
Best time to visit: September to June
26>Mim Tea Garden,near Lepcha Jagat
Mim Busty is a small Tea Village near Lepcha Jagat of Darjeeling District, this place is famous for its great view of Darjeeling town along with the Kanchenjunga range. It is a tranquil village ideal for the nature lovers who want a peaceful sojourn in the hills.
Location: Darjeeling District.
Distance: 13 kilometers from Ghum/Ghoom
Best time to visit: September to June
4>Kurseong Town
Kurseong is a hill station (and sub-divisional town) situated in Darjeeling District of West Bengal, India. Located at an altitude of 1458 meters (4864 ft), Kurseong is just 30 km from Darjeeling. It has a pleasant climate throughout the year and the winters are not as severe as Darjeeling's. The local name of Kurseong is "Kharsang" which in the Lepcha language means "Land of White Orchids".offbeat places to visit in Darjeeling.
Location: Darjeeling District.
Distance: 45 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra via Rohini
Best time to visit: September to June
6>Taba Kosi Tea Village,Mirik
Tabakoshi is a tiny hamlet in the lap of tea garden in Mirik,is a small hamlet near the Gopaldhara Tea Estate a few kilometers away from Mirik. The place is relatively unknown to the tourists and is quite peaceful unlike the crowd of Mirik or that of Dooars.
From Mirik, Tabakoshi is just 8 kilometers downhill near the Gopaldhara tea estate standing at a height of about 5000 ft. Tabakoshi is such a hamlet, around which several tea gardens are spread out.
Location: Darjeeling District.
Distance: 60 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra via Mirik
Best time to visit: September to June
7>Ghalaytar,Kurseong
Ghalaytar is in Upper Sittong with great views of the Kanchenjunga massif. Also the place is quite close to Latpanchar and Namthing Pokhari area, It is just 76 km away from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station / Siliguri / Bagdogra Airport (IXB).One of the most untouched parts of the Darjeeling Himalayan foothills, Sittong is a treasure trove yet to be discovered. This little picturesque Lepcha village lies is a valley crisscrossed by a rivulet (Khola) and guarded by lush green hills. Every house in Sittong has a garden and every garden has orange trees. The whole village turns onto yellow during the winter. offbeat places to stay in Darjeeling.
Location: Darjeeling District.
Distance: 65 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra
Best time to visit: September to June
8>Sittong
SITTONG “ The Orange Village “ situated in deep valley beside Riyang River . It is just 76 km away from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station / Siliguri / Bagdogra Airport (IXB).One of the most untouched parts of the Darjeeling Himalayan foothills, Sittong is a treasure trove yet to be discovered. This little picturesque Lepcha village lies is a valley crisscrossed by a rivulet (Khola) and guarded by lush green hills. Every house in Sittong has a garden and every garden has orange trees. The whole village turns onto yellow during the winter.
9>Rangaroon Tea Estate
Rangaroon is a small scenic tea garden located 6000 feet above sea level and 16 kilometres from Darjeeling with a great view of Mt. Kanchenjungha. With a small population and a tea-growing area of around 90 hectares, it is a popular destination among tourists who wish to extend their Darjeeling trip and take in the natural sights and sounds of the hills.Its most offbeat hill station from Kolkata
Location: Darjeeling District.
Distance: 70 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra
Best time to visit: September to June
10>Ahaldara & Latpanchar
Ahaldara is a hilltop situated 5 kms away from Latpanchar with an exotic 360 degree view.Ahaldara is located in Shelpu Hills. Ahaldara is famous for its breathtaking view of sunrise and snow capped Kanchenjunga peaks. On a clear sunny day the Gangtok, Kalimpong, Algara, Bagora, Tinchuley hills are visible from Ahaldara. It is located in Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. It's a bird watcher's paradise.
Location: Darjeeling District.
Distance: 55 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra
Best time to visit: September to June
11>Lamahatta,Darjeeling
A quiet and serene village 5700 ft, 23kms from Darjeeling with a vast beautiful roadside garden, great views of Kanchenjunga peaks & rivers, nature trails etc. Although it's just a small village where farming and cattle rearing are the main sources of livelihood, Lamahatta is well connected by the Darjeeling-Kalimpong state highway.Its most unexplored hill station from Kolkata in Darjeeling
Location: Darjeeling District.
Distance: 70 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra via Jorebunglow
Best time to visit: September to June
12>Maldiram,Kurseong
Maldiram 5800ft is a small Hilltop village with magnificent view of Mt.Kanchenjunga, surrounded by Tea Garden. Maldiram is located inside the Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary.best offbeat places in Darjeeling.
Nearby places-You can visit Bagora, Chimney, Latpanchar, Shivakhola,Mungpoo from here. It's just 28 km from Darjeeling.
Distance: 60 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra via Dilaram
Best time to visit: September to June
13>Takdah Heritage Bungalow
Want to avoid visiting tourist congested hill towns like Darjeeling? But still like to enjoy the lovely mountains & scenic views, the tea gardens, blooming orchids, the walking trails through the coniferous forests on mountain slopes? Then Takdah can be a perfect answer. The original name was pronounced as 'Tukdah', which is a Lepcha word meaning mist or fog. Takdah started as a military cantonment during the British colonial days in early 1900s. During those days, many senior British officers frequently visited this place. And therefore many bungalows and houses came up here for their accommodations. Those houses were built in traditional British architecture with slanted roofs.
14>Tinchuley
A calm and quiet village at an altitude of about 5800 ft, 32kms from Darjeeling and offering wonderful view of the majestic Kanchenjunga and the Himalayan range. The word Tinchuley means Three Ovens (i.e. Tin Chullahs). And such name to the village has been given because of the three prominent hill tops that surround the place and which from far look like ovens or chullahs. Tinchuley faces the Kalimpong hills.
Location: Darjeeling District.
Distance: 73 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra, 32kms from Darjeeling
Best time to visit: September to June
15>Majua Busty,Manebhanjan
Situated at an altitude of 5042fts & 4km away from Manebhanjan (Indo Nepal Border).It rests on the lap of Mother nature on the bank of Sawaji Khola. It is embraced with two beautiful villages Majuwa and Singbungdera and surrounded by Singalila Forest range,with untouched flora and fauna,pollution free environment with soothing chirps of birds and the magical dance of varieties of butterflies.This place is ideal for bird watcher & those who wants to enjoy the solitude,calm and peaceful environment.
Location: Darjeeling District.
Distance: 87 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra
Best time to visit: September to June
16>Chatakpur,Senchal WLS
Chatakpur is one such small eco friendly village within the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary in Darjeeling District, West Bengal.Chatakpur is only about 80 Kms from NJP or Bagdogra, 26 Kms from Darjeeling and 17Kms from Jorebunglow, Ghoom.Located at an altitude of 7,887 feet, Chatakpur is a paradise for nature lovers as one can get a spectacular view of the imposing mountain range of Kanchenjunga and at the same time experience the overwhelming lush green forest in a quiet village setting with a population of only around 90 people and 18 village houses.
Location: Darjeeling District.
Distance: 80 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra,26 Kms from Darjeeling
Best time to visit: September to June
17>Dawaipani
Dawaipani is small Himalayan village in North Bengal under fascinating Darjeeling district. The village situated in opposite hill of Darjeeling town that is the famous for Tiger Hill. Dawaipani is located just 15 km away from Darjeeling town, nearest junction is Jorebunglow, just 7 km away from this beautiful destination. The place where one can take the breath on the lap of nature, village consists of only 135 – 150 houses. This village is a paradise for bird lovers, bird watching is one of the best activity in Dawaipani.
Distance: 77 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra, 32kms from Darjeeling via Jorebunglow
Best time to visit: September to June
18>Lepchajagat,Ghoom
Lepchajagat is a small village located in wilderness at an altitude of 6,956 ft (i.e. 2123 meters) and only 19kms away from Darjeeling hill town. Although it's quite close to Darjeeling's main hub and takes only about 45 minutes by taxi, it has a world of its own.Lepchajagat is all about dense forested area full with pines, oaks and rhododendrons. And all that is combined with magnificent views of Kanchenjunga peaks, wonderful birdlife and serene tranquility.
Distance: 80 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra,26 Kms from Darjeeling
Best time to visit: September to June
19>Kalej Valley Tea Garden
Here, you would find a village resort within a tea estate, overlooking the valleys, forests and tea gardens. While staying here, you can visit the ‘Queen of the Hills’ – Darjeeling just 15 kms. away in day trips and take local sightseeing trips to Ghoom Monastery, Batasia Loop or Kurseong. If you are of the adventurous type, then you can trek to the nearby Indrani Waterfalls, go for bird watching in the surrounding forests or try out angling in the Balasun River. The famous Tiger Hill is just 10 kms from here and you can take a short trip early morning from Rongbull Village to witness the golden hue over Mt. Kanchenjungha during sunrise.
Location: Darjeeling District.
Distance: 80 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra,26 Kms from Darjeeling
Best time to visit: September to June
20>Ramdhura,Kalmpong
Ramdhura is a small hamlet located on the lap of the Himalayas, surrounded by Pine and Cedar trees. Ramdhura is just 7 to 8 kms away from Delo and is even at a distance of 80 kms from Siliguri. Nearby Places-This area is famous for its proximity to other tourist hotspots like- Lava, Lolegaon and Silleygaon.
Location: Kalimpong District.
Distance: 115 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra
Best time to visit: September to June
21>Bijanbari Bamboo Resort,Darjeeling
This Farm House Built with local materials, and with on-site solid waste management,this is really a green stay. It’s a house of bamboo and tented camps about 90 minute drive from Darjeeling with the most gorgeous views of hills, valleys, rivers and natural forests. The farm is unique in its own way with its sustainable designed bamboo units, tented camps and on-going groomed landscapes and plantations. It is eco-tourism in its true sense.
You get to stay in well-designed bamboo units, and you get access to the entire farm and kitchen in case you want to cook your own meals. You can do hiking,trekking,bird watching,riverside camping or simple nature walking.
22>Rishyap,Kalimpong
Rishyap is located at an altitude of 8,500ft and about 2 hours drive from Kalimpong. If you are a nature lover, this is where you will want to go. There is hardly any other place that offers 180 degree view of the Himalayan range on a vast stretch of continuous snow. Being part of Neora Valley, you will also see abundance of flora and fauna including forests of pine, birch and fir along with colorful orchids.
Location: Kalimpong District.
Distance: 120 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra, via Gorubathan.
Best time to visit: September to June
23>Samabeong Tea Estate-Lava,Kalimpong
Lava is a small hamlet situated 34 kilometres east of the town of Kalimpong near Algarah in Kalimpong district of the state of West Bengal, India. Lava is situated at an altitude of 7,016 feet. It is one of the few places in West Bengal to receive snow in winter. Nestled at the periphery of Neora Valley National Park is a quaint hamlet Lava. Lava with its serene ambiance and virgin alpine forest has become the paradise.
24>Loleygaon & Kafer Gaon
Loleygaon (also known as Kaffer village) is at a lower altitude of 5,500ft. Loleygaon is a quiet and peaceful hamlet located at an altitude of 5,520ft and surrounded by towering dhupi and cypress forests. Several locations in the village offer sweeping views of Kanchenjunga range. You can also see a range of orchids and other flowering plantations here. It's also a great place for bird watchers.
Location: Kalimpong District.
Distance: 125 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra, via Gorubathan
Best time to visit: September to June
25>Sillery gaon & Icchey Gaon
Visit Zuluk and The Historic Silk Route
Looking for a quaint sleepy hamlet in the mountains with abounding nature, laid-back village life and magnificent views of Himalayan range including Kanchenjunga peaks? Then Sillery gaon might be the answer for you. Sillery Gaon is only 23kms away from Kalimpong and located at an altitude of around 6,000ft in Kalimpong sub-division. A narrow winding gravel road bifurcates from the road that leads to Pedong, then winds through a forested land offering wonderful glimpses of Kanchenjunga and finally leads up to this dreamy village with only 45 odd families.
27>Chotamangwa,Kalimpong
Chota Mangwa is one and half hours drive from Darjeeling and can also be reached via Teesta bazar from NJP/Bagdogra. From Darjeeling it took us about 40 minutes to cross Ghoom and then take a left turn from Jorebangla. Drive up to 6th-mile and then take a right turn to proceed down towards Takdah which is about 8kms from here.
Location: Darjeeling District.
Distance: 45 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra
Best time to visit: September to June
28>Phurun Gaon near Pedong
Phurun Gaon is a unknown sleepy village near Pedong in Kalimpong district. It is almost 4500 ft from sea level.If you love serenity,then it's a perfect place for hide yourself.Phurun Gaon is just 14km from Kalimpong Town.
Location: Kalimpong District.
Distance:From Kalimpong you will reach Algarah in about 40 minutes (15kms) along Rishi Road. Here you need to go to Pedong-Rishi road which goes all the way to Pedong.
Best time to visit: September to June
29>Charkhole,Kalimpong
Charkhole is one of the newest destinations on the Eastern Himalayas just 15 kms off Lolegaon tourist din and 30 kms from Kalimpong. Situated 5200ft amidst the deep, moist woods of towering pine, cypress, oak and rhododendrons, this sleepy valley of Charkol is also a bird watcher’s delight. In Charkhole, you can build a bonfire at night under the star studded sky, take a nature walk along the coniferous forests under the warm glow of sun with birds and colorful flora everywhere or brisk on the village resort’s jogging track. But, the best thing you can do is to sit on the on the soft mushy grass of the valley with your cup of tea and watch the riot of colours on Mt. Kanchenjungha.
Location: Kalimpong District.
Distance: 115 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra via Lolegaon
Best time to visit: September to June
30>Sandakphu by Land Rover
So what's the big deal if you can't trek or don't want to do it? You can in fact relax and equally enjoy the magnificent views of Sandakphu and Phalut without exhaustion???
Here are five reason-
1>Sandakphu is the only place with views of 4 (Everest, Kangchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse)of the tallest mountains in the world & highest peak of India(Mt.Kanchenjunga),highest peak of Bhutan(Mt.Chomba Lanzo) & highest peak of the World(Mt.Everest).
2>We can't see snow in Darjeeling Town,come here to touch it.
3>Come here for Guras(Rhododendron)-a riot of colors which you do not want to touch
4>Another surprise waiting for you-Red Panda...
Itinerary -Sandakphu by Land Rover 4nights & 5days
Day 1 - Siliguri to Manebhanjan via Mirik and then to Tumling and night stay there.
Day 2 - Tumling to Sandakphu and Night stay
Day 3 - Full day leisure at Sandakphu, or you can go to Phalut by trekking.night stay
Day 4 - Sandakphu to Majua Busty or Lepchajagat via Manebhanjan
Day 5- Transfer to New Jalpaiguri/ Siliguri/ Bagdogra airport.
31>Schooldara near Mirik
The home-stay is located at 4 KM away from the Mirik Lake. Our Homestay is amidst the nature with full of greenery and surrounded by the orange orchards.Our Homestay offers peace and quiet ambience to retrieve from the rigours of city life, scenic views, nature’s bounty, and a glimpse of quaint life.
32>Lamahatta Boutique Hotel
Warm & welcoming, Lamahatta Boutique Hotel is nestled in the gentle slopes of Lamahatta. Flanked by manicured lawns and offering a stunning view of Mount Kanchendzonga, the resort promises tranquillity and complete relaxation.
33>Sourenee Tea Garden,Kalimpong
Sourenee Tea Retreat offers panoramic views of mountains, green valleys and tranquil streams — douse in the lap of nature at , located near Mirik on Siliguri-Mirik-Darjeeling highway. A mere one hour drive from Bagdogra Airport, best place to stay near Mirik and its a perfect place to spent some recluse time with your loved ones.
Location: Near Mirik,Darjeeling District.
Distance: 5 kilometers before Mirik
Best time to visit: September to June
34>Barmek or Burmiak in Kalmipong
Barmek or Burmiak is a small Himalayan village in Kalimpong hills. It is very close to Echey gaon. Mighty River Teesta & mesmerizing view of Mt.Kanchenjunga both are visible from here. It’s located almost of 4800 ft. from sea level.
Location: Kalimpong District.
Distance: 65 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra
Best time to visit: September to June
35>Tendrabong,Mayrong Forest in Kalimpong
Mangerjung is surrounded by forests overlooking Mt. Kanchenjungha and River Teesta. Far from the tourist rush – it’s a refuge for the soul searchers. Here, you wake up to bird calls and fall asleep to starry nights.
Location: Kalimpong District.
Distance:Pedong is 75 kilometers from Darjeeling and 85 kilometers from both Siliguri and Gangtok. Tendrabong is another 8km from Pedong town.
Best time to visit: September to June
36>Bara Mangwa near Tinchuley,Darjeeling
Bara Mangwa village is gaining fame as a calm tourist destination along with Chota Mangwa and Tinchuley. A mountain slope, famous for the Orange Orchard, Bara Mangwais settled atop Darjeeling Hills towards the western side of the Kalimpong hills in the Teesta Valley,
Location: Darjeeling District.
Distance:Bara Mangwa is 62 K.M. from New Jalpaiguri Jn.
Best time to visit: September to June
37>Rampuria Village inside Senchal WLS,Darjeeling
Rampuria Forest Village is located in Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary which lies 20 km South-East of Darjeeling town.Rampuria Village is one of the Bird Lover’s paradise.You can also see the entire range of Mt.Kanchenjunga from this village.
Location: Darjeeling District.
Distance:Rampuria Forest village is 18 km from Tiger Hill, 14 km from Ghoom Monastery, The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, 79 km away.
Best time to visit: September to June
38>Badamtam Tea Garden,Lebong,Darjeeling
Badamtam Tea Retreat-is located in Lebong area, just 16 km from Darjeeling City Centre.Away from the hustle and bustle of the main town you get a beautiful luxury stay, surrounded by tea gardens and overlooking the Kanchendzonga Range.
Location: Darjeeling District.
Distance:It is located in Lebong area, just 16 km from Darjeeling City Centre
Best time to visit: September to June
40>Relling beside Rangit River,Bijanbari-Darjeeling
A beautiful River side resort which is pet friendly and also a perfect place to visit in. Surrounded with tea estates and the mighty Himalayan range, located beside serene Rangit River.
Location: Darjeeling District.
Distance: 85 kilometers from NJP/Bagdogra,15 Kms from Darjeeling
Best time to visit: September to June
