Are you tired of the city’s heat and noise? Do you want to escape to a cooler and quieter place for a few days? Then, pack your bags and head to the nearest hill station. Luckily, there are several hill stations near Kolkata that can be visited throughout the year. In this article, we will explore 15 refreshing hill stations near Kolkata that you can visit to beat the heat and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Darjeeling – The Queen of Hill Stations
- Kalimpong – A Quaint Hill Station
- Gangtok – A Heavenly Retreat
- Pelling – A Serene Hill Station
- Lava and Loleygaon – A Twin Delight
- Mirik – A Hidden Gem
- Kurseong – A Small Hill Town
- Sandakphu – A Trekker’s Paradise
- Charkhole – A Peaceful Getaway
- Latpanchar – A Birdwatcher’s Haven
- Rishop – A Lesser-Known Gem
- Tinchuley – A Scenic Delight
- Namchi – A Spiritual Retreat
- Ravangla – A Hill Station with a View
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
Kolkata, the City of Joy, can be quite exhausting, especially during the summer months. That’s why it’s always a good idea to plan a quick getaway to a nearby hill station. From the popular Darjeeling to the lesser-known Tinchuley, there are several hill stations near Kolkata that can offer a refreshing break from the city’s chaos.
Darjeeling – The Queen of Hill Stations
Darjeeling needs no introduction. It’s one of the most popular hill stations in India, located at an altitude of 6,700 ft. Known for its tea gardens, toy train, and panoramic views of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is a must-visit destination. You can also visit the famous Tiger Hill to catch the sunrise over the mountains.
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Kalimpong – A Quaint Hill Station
Located at an altitude of 4,101 ft, Kalimpong is a charming hill station known for its colonial architecture, Buddhist monasteries, and flower nurseries. You can also visit the famous Durpin Monastery and the Deolo Hill for stunning views of the Himalayas.
Gangtok – A Heavenly Retreat
The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, is a hill station that can be visited throughout the year. It’s known for its picturesque landscapes, serene monasteries, and adventurous activities like paragliding and river rafting. Don’t miss out on visiting the famous Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass.
Pelling – A Serene Hill Station
Located at an altitude of 7,200 ft, Pelling is a serene hill station known for its breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. You can also visit the Pemayangtse Monastery and the Sangachoeling Monastery for a glimpse of Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage.
Lava and Loleygaon – A Twin Delight
Located in the Kalimpong district, Lava and Loleygaon are twin hill stations that offer a tranquil getaway. You can go for a nature walk, birdwatching, or trekking in the Neora Valley National Park. Don’t forget to visit the famous Canopy Walk in Loleygaon.
Mirik – A Hidden Gem
Mirik is a hidden gem located in the Darjeeling district. It’s a peaceful hill station that’s ideal for a relaxing getaway. The highlight of Mirik is its serene lake, which is surrounded by lush green forests and hills. You can take a boat ride on the lake or just sit by the banks and enjoy the view.
Mirik is also known for its tea gardens and orange orchards. You can take a tour of the tea gardens to learn about the tea-making process or visit the orange orchards during the harvest season to pick fresh oranges. Don’t forget to buy some tea or oranges to take back home as a souvenir.
Kurseong – A Small Hill Town
Kurseong is a small hill town located at an altitude of 4,864 ft. It’s known for its tea gardens, heritage toy train, and stunning views of the Himalayas. You can take a ride on the toy train or visit the famous Makaibari Tea Estate to learn about the tea-making process. Kurseong is also a great place for trekking and birdwatching.
Sandakphu – A Trekker’s Paradise
Sandakphu is a trekker’s paradise located at an altitude of 11,929 ft. It’s the highest peak in West Bengal and offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including the Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. The trek to Sandakphu is a challenging one, but the views are worth the effort.
Charkhole – A Peaceful Getaway
Charkhole is a peaceful hill station located in the Kalimpong district. It’s known for its serene surroundings, apple orchards, and stunning views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. You can go for a nature walk, visit the nearby Loleygaon, or just relax and enjoy the view.
Latpanchar – A Birdwatcher’s Haven
Latpanchar is a hidden gem located in the Darjeeling district. It’s known for its rich biodiversity and is a paradise for birdwatchers. You can spot several rare and exotic bird species here, including the Himalayan Griffon, Red-headed Trogon, and Blue-fronted Robin. You can also visit the nearby Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary for a glimpse of the region’s wildlife.
Rishop – A Lesser-Known Gem
Rishop is a lesser-known hill station located in the Darjeeling district. It’s known for its peaceful surroundings, stunning views of the Himalayas, and serene forests. You can go for a nature walk, visit the nearby Tiffin Dara, or just relax and enjoy the view.
Tinchuley – A Scenic Delight
Tinchuley is a scenic hill station located in the Darjeeling district. It’s known for its picturesque landscapes, orange orchards, and tea gardens. You can go for a nature walk, visit the nearby Gumbadara, or just relax and enjoy the view.
Namchi – A Spiritual Retreat
Namchi is a spiritual retreat located in the South Sikkim district. It’s known for its several monasteries and is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists. You can visit the famous Char Dham and the Samdruptse Monastery for a glimpse of Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage.
Ravangla – A Hill Station with a View
Ravangla is a hill station located in the South Sikkim district. It’s known for its stunning views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range and is a popular destination for trekking and hiking. You can also visit the famous Buddha Park and the Ralong Monastery for a glimpse of Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the refreshing hill stations near Kolkata that you can visit for a quick getaway. Each hill station has its unique charm and offers a different experience, whether it’s trekking to Sandakphu, birdwatching in Latpanchar, or just relaxing by the serene lake in Mirik.
No matter which hill station you choose to visit, make sure to take some time to appreciate the natural beauty and immerse yourself in the local culture. These hill stations are the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and offer a refreshing change of pace.
So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure to one of these refreshing hill stations near Kolkata. You won’t be disappointed!
FAQs
- How far are these hill stations from Kolkata? The distance varies depending on the hill station, but most are within a range of 100-200 km from Kolkata.
- What is the best time to visit these hill stations? The best time to visit these hill stations is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and mild.
- Can I drive to these hill stations from Kolkata? Yes, most of these hill stations are accessible by road from Kolkata.
- Is it safe to travel to these hill stations during the monsoon season? It’s not recommended to travel to these hill stations during the monsoon season due to heavy rains and landslides.
- Are there any adventure activities available in these hill stations? Yes, most of these hill stations offer trekking, hiking, birdwatching, and other adventure activities.