West Bengal, a state located in eastern India, is famous for its rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and scenic beauty. The state boasts of many popular hill stations, which offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, we bring to you the top 5 hill stations in West Bengal that you must visit to experience the natural beauty and serenity of the Eastern Himalayas.
Introduction
West Bengal is a state with a diverse geography, ranging from the mangrove forests of Sundarbans to the Himalayas in the north. The state is home to several hill stations, which are popular tourist destinations for their scenic beauty, pleasant weather, and adventure activities. In this article, we will explore the top 5 hill stations in West Bengal that you must visit to experience the natural beauty and serenity of the Eastern Himalayas.
Darjeeling – The Queen of the Hills
Darjeeling, located at an altitude of 6,710 ft, is a popular hill station in West Bengal, known for its scenic beauty and tea plantations. The town is surrounded by lush green hills, and the view of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga range from Tiger Hill is a sight to behold. Darjeeling is also famous for its toy train, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town has several attractions like the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and Japanese Peace Pagoda.
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Kalimpong – The Offbeat Destination
Kalimpong is a lesser-known hill station in West Bengal, located at an altitude of 4,101 ft. The town is known for its serene atmosphere, beautiful monasteries, and orchid nurseries. Kalimpong offers stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range and the Teesta River. The town has several attractions like the Durpin Monastery, Deolo Hill, and Cactus Nursery.
Kurseong – The Land of White Orchids
Kurseong, located at an altitude of 4,864 ft, is a quiet hill station in West Bengal, known for its tea plantations and beautiful white orchids. The town has a rich colonial history and is home to several heritage buildings like the Kurseong Railway Station, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kurseong has several attractions like the Eagle’s Crag, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Museum, and Giddapahar Viewpoint.
Mirik – The Unexplored Gem
Mirik is a beautiful hill station in West Bengal, located at an altitude of 5,390 ft, known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings. The town is situated around a man-made lake, which offers boating and fishing facilities. Mirik has several attractions like the Bokar Monastery, Orange Orchards, and Rameetay Dara Viewpoint.
Lava and Loleygaon – The Twin Treasures
Lava and Loleygaon are twin hill stations in West Bengal, located at an altitude of 7,016 ft and 5,500 ft, respectively. The towns are known for their beautiful forests, trekking trails, and stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range. Lava is a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it is home to several rare bird species. The town has several attractions like the Neora Valley National Park, Changey Waterfalls, and Lava Monastery. Loleygaon, on the other hand, is a quieter destination, known for its beautiful sunrise and sunset views. The town has several attractions like the Canopy Walk, Kaffer Danga Viewpoint, and Charkol Village.
Conclusion
West Bengal is a state with a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The state’s hill stations offer a perfect escape from the chaotic city life, with their pleasant weather, scenic beauty, and adventure activities. The top 5 hill stations in West Bengal that we have discussed in this article – Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik, and Lava-Loleygaon – offer a unique experience to the visitors, with their own set of attractions and activities.
FAQs
- Which is the most popular hill station in West Bengal?
- Darjeeling is the most popular hill station in West Bengal, known for its scenic beauty and tea plantations.
- Which is the best time to visit the hill stations in West Bengal?
- The best time to visit the hill stations in West Bengal is between October to March when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear.
- Are there any adventure activities available in these hill stations?
- Yes, there are several adventure activities available in these hill stations, like trekking, rafting, paragliding, and mountain biking.
- Which is the most offbeat destination among these hill stations?
- Kalimpong is the most offbeat destination among these hill stations, known for its serene atmosphere, beautiful monasteries, and orchid nurseries.
- Can I get a glimpse of the Himalayas from these hill stations?
- Yes, you can get a glimpse of the Himalayas from most of these hill stations, with Darjeeling and Lava offering the best views of the Kanchenjunga range.