Top 17 Hill Stations in West Bengal

When it comes to West Bengal, the landscapes vary widely. For example, you can find the delta in the south, plains in the central, and spectacular mountains in the north. All year round, tourists from around the country visit the hill stations in West Bengal and enjoy themselves to the fullest. For your upcoming vacation, West Bengal can be a great destination as the hill stations have a lot to offer.

The hill stations of West Bengal are surprisingly refreshing, and the warmth and humbleness of the people are unmatched. So, if you are travelling to West Bengal, be prepared to experience the refreshing and fresh zephyr, stunning vistas, the warmth of locals, and some luscious delicacies. Nevertheless, if you are sorting out places to visit, here is the list of top hill stations of Bengal.

1. Darjeeling

Darjeeling is one of the favourite destinations of Bengalis and is adorned with some spectacular peaks and lush green tea gardens. When you walk on the streets of Darjeeling, you can smell the aroma of tea gardens in proximity and feel the fresh cool breeze from the mountains. Although monsoon is one of the least favourite seasons to visit any hill station, Darjeeling looks stunning after a rain session with dripping drops from the dense evergreen forests of Oak and Sal.

• Best Time to Visit: October to May.
• Top Things to Do: Trekking, paragliding, camping, photography, and nature exploration.
• Top Places to Visit: Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Tiger Hill, Peace Pagoda, Happy Valley Tea Estate, and others.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 5,000 per person (3 Days/2 Nights)
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road.

2. Rimbik

Rimbik is best known among trekkers and is one of the most loved hill stations in West Bengal. This place is located in the Darjeeling district in the Singalila National Park area near river Rammam. Although the trekkers mostly visit this place, tourists can also visit Rimbik to see its stunning panoramic views and natural beauty.

• Best Time to Visit: March, October, and November
• Top Things to Do: Trekking, camping and nature exploration.
• Top Places to Visit: See Kanchenjunga and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 5,000 per person (3 Day/2 Nights)
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road.

3. Sandakphu

Sandakphu is located in the Darjeeling district on the West Bengal and Nepal border. Every year thousands of trekkers from around the country gather here for a trekking experience like nothing other. Moreover, Sandakphu has the highest peak in West Bengal and provides a breathtaking view of nature and lofty mountains. So, if you love natural beauty and exploration, you must visit Sandakphu.

• Best Time to Visit: April to June and October to December.
• Top Things to Do: Trekking, camping, photography, paragliding and nature exploration.
• Top Places to Visit: Get stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 2,000 per person (1 Day)
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road.

4. Kalimpong

Kalimpong is also one of the most preferred destinations in West Bengal during the summer months. Located at a height of approximately 4000 feet, Kalimpong is comparatively less strenuous to explore and is an attractive option for older individuals. Moreover, the freshness and stunning colonial architecture make this place an idyllic hill station to explore. While exploring Kalimpong, you will come by Deolo Hill, the town's highest point. Also, this is the heart of the town, and you can start your trekking journey from here.

• Best Time to Visit: October to May.
• Top Things to Do: Trekking, paragliding, camping and nature exploration.
• Top Places to Visit: Pine View Nursery, Army Golf Club, Graham’s House, Deolo Hills, etc.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 5,000 per person (3 Day/2 Nights)
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road.

5. Mirik

Similar to the other hill stations, Mirik is known for its beautiful mountains and sparkling lakes. You can get ample opportunity to keep yourself busy in the markets and explore nature. Also, you can visit the tea gardens and orange orchards and take stunning photos for your social media. Moreover, this place is easily accessible from the nearby cities by road, or if you want a more comfortable ride, you can hire a private taxi.

• Best Time to Visit: March, April, October, and November
• Top Things to Do: Photography and nature exploration.
• Top Places to Visit: Sumendu Lake, Don Bosco Church, Orange Orchards, and Bokar Monastery.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 6,000 per person (4 Day/3 Nights)
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road.

6. Kurseong

Kurseong is one of the best hill stations in West Bengal and is regarded as the "Land of White Orchids." This place is surrounded by the serene views of Mount Kanchenjungha and River Teesta, making it a perfect place to relax during a holiday. One of the most notable attractions of Kurseong is that this entire destination is surrounded by the tracks of toy trains, making it beautiful to watch. Moreover, one of the major attractions of Kurseong is Dow Hill, which is spectacular and is rumoured to be haunted. So, if you are feeling adventurous and love nature, this will be a thrilling place for you.

• Best Time to Visit: October to May
• Top Things to Do: Photography and nature exploration.
• Top Places to Visit: Hill Cart Road, Eagle Craig, Water Reservoir, Dow Hill Park, Giddapahar Viewpoint, etc.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 5,000 per person (4 Day/3 Nights)
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road.

7. Takdah

If you can't decide where to go in West Bengal, Takdah might be the one for you. This place is relatively less known to tourists, and even during peak time, you will not experience any frenetic situations. Moreover, Takdah is easily accessible from the nearby cities, and there are ample sightseeing spots there. The major attraction here is the tea gardens and the surrounding green mountains, which will easily make you fall in love.

• Best Time to Visit: September to May
• Top Things to Do: Photography and nature exploration.
• Top Places to Visit: Lamhatta Village, Takdah monastery, Mongpu, Takdah Orchid Center, etc.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 2,000 per person (2 Day/1 Night)
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road.

8. Sillery Gaon

Sillery Gaon is one of the best off-beat hill stations in West Bengal. This hamlet is located 96 km away from Jalpaiguri at an altitude of 6,000 ft. It gives an enchanting view of Mt. Kanchenjungha, with a green and clean environment. As this place is relatively unexplored, you can roam around to explore some undiscovered views of this place. Sillery Gaon is a paradise for nature lovers, and the entire area is covered with Cinchona Plantation, which is absolutely breathtaking to see.

• Best Time to Visit: October to May
• Top Things to Do: Photography and nature exploration.
• Top Places to Visit: View of the Kanchendzonga, Sangchen Dorjee Monastery, Ramitey viewpoint, Tinchuley, Damsang Fort, etc.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 2,000 per person (1 Day)
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road.

9. Sitong

One of the recently found gems of North Bengal is the small village of Sitong, perched at an altitude of 4,000 ft. This quaint place is surrounded by orange orchards and alpine forests and is relatively less visited by tourists. Besides this, if you are a fanatic traveller and have a yen to explore off-beat destinations, you must visit this place. Moreover, this place's calm and serene environment will captivate your senses for a tranquil trip.

• Best Time to Visit: November to December
• Top Things to Do: Photography and nature exploration.
• Top Places to Visit: Dilaram, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Mungpoo, Latpanchar etc.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 2,000 per person (1 Day)
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road.

10. Lava

Among all the West Bengal hill stations, Lava is one of the most popular choices. Lava is set to provide you with the splendour of nature and serenity away from home. This is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit for a relaxing time in lush greenery amidst the wilderness. It is one of the places in North Bengal highly influenced by Buddhism, which is visible from the monasteries that accentuates the beauty even more.

• Best Time to Visit: September to June
• Top Things to Do: Photography, hiking, trekking and nature exploration.
• Top Places to Visit: Pedong, Lava monastery, Rachela Pass, Kolakham, etc.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 3,000 per person (2 Day/1 Night)
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road.

11. Lolegaon

Lolegaon is located in proximity to Lava, and with a population of 5000 people, it is one of the most placid hill stations of West Bengal. This beautiful destination has luxurious hotels and is perfect for a comfortable tour. Moreover, the entire place is covered with Pine and Fir trees that spread greenery throughout the place.

• Best Time to Visit: September to February and March to May
• Top Things to Do: Photography, sightseeing and nature exploration.
• Top Places to Visit: Canopy walk, Tiffindara sunset point, Changey waterfall, etc.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 3,000 per person (2 Day/1 Night)
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road.

12. Rishop

Rishop is located close to Lava and Lolegaon, and you can book a cab easily to reach here. This is a village hidden in the Eastern Himalayas, and you can see some of the most spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks here. Although the roads are motorable, you can opt for a 5 km trek from Lava to reach this destination.

• Best Time to Visit: September to June
• Top Things to Do: Trekking, sightseeing and nature exploration.
• Top Places to Visit: Jhandidara, Tiffindara, Pedong, Kolakham, etc.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 2,000 per person (1 Day)
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road.

13. Fagu

Fagu is located between Lava and Gorubathan and is relatively less visited by tourists. So, if you are willing to explore some of the best off-beat hill stations in West Bengal, Fagu might be the right choice for you. This place is located at an altitude of 6200 ft., and you can witness some of the most amazing panoramic views of white mountains and coniferous trees. Also, you can find authentic North Bengal tea here, which is perfect to start your day at this refreshing destination.

• Best Time to Visit: October to December, and March to May
• Top Things to Do: Nature exploration, sightseeing, trekking and photography.
• Top Places to Visit: Jhandidara, Mahananda River Valley, Fagu tea estates, etc.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 2,000 per person (1 Day)
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road.

14. Tinchuley

Another off-beat destination of North Bengal is Tinchuley, absolute heaven for those who want a break from the city's pandemonium. Tinchuley is located in the Darjeeling district and can be easily reached from the nearby cities. You can see some of the prominent peaks, and recently this place has developed some homestays to welcome tourists across the country.

• Best Time to Visit: October to April
• Top Things to Do: Nature exploration, sightseeing, and photography.
• Top Places to Visit: Tinchuley monastery, Tinchuley view point, Orange orchards, Gumbadara viewpoint, etc.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 1,200 for two adults (1 Day Hotel cost)
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road.

15. Ajodhya Hills

Besides the pleasant mountains of North Bengal, you can also find Ajodhya Hills in the Purulia district of West Bengal. This place has mythological importance, as it is believed that Lord Rama and Sita lived here during their exile. Moreover, Ajodhya Hills can be easily accessible from Kolkata, and you can see forests, dams and waterfalls.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Top Things to Do: Sightseeing and photography.
• Top Places to Visit: Ajodhya Hills 
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 1,500 for two adults (1 Day)
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road.

16. Mongpu

Mongpu is another off-beat but famous hill station of West Bengal, which is recently coming into the limelight for its beautiful scenery. This place is famous for its Cinchona forests and the lush greenery that produces great scenery. Also, if you are a bibliophile, Mongpu is an ideal place for you as amidst the beautiful clouds and pleasant zephyr, you can enjoy your solo time here.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Top Things to Do: Sightseeing and photography.
• Top Places to Visit: Rabindra Bhavan, Jogighat Bridge, Shelpu Bazar, etc.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 1,000 per person (1 Day)
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road.

17. Lamahatta

If you are in North Bengal, you should visit Lamahatta. This place is unique among other West Bengal hill stations as it was recently developed and tailored for tourists. It is now an eco-tourism spot, and you can see parks and surreal views of snow-capped peaks. 

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
• Top Things to Do: Sightseeing and photography.
• Top Places to Visit: Lloyd Botanical Garden, Lamahatta Eco Park, Yiga Choeling Monastery, Zoological Park, etc.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 1,000 per person (1 Day)
• How to Reach: By air, rail and road. 

Here is the list of the best hill stations in West Bengal. One can refer to this piece to make an informed decision and plan his or her trip accordingly.