Best Hill Stations in West Bengal

West Bengal is an East Indian state with an extensive backdrop consisting of incredible scenic beauty. The state is blessed with picturesque natural beauty, with the prominent Himalayan Mountain-ranges and rich Gangetic plains adding to its charm. The place is home to the Sundarban mangroves, which is its key interesting feature. Due to its mountainous countryside, the state has the most fascinating sights to offer. There are many tourist places in the State. Among them, the best hill stations of the state are Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Mirik.

Darjeeling:

Darjeeling is a beautiful hill station also known as the queen of all hill stations. The hill station is world famous for its natural beauty, clean fresh air, pleasant climate, picturesque tea estates and also the most popular Darjeeling Tea. The place is also referred as the 'Dream-land of the East'.

The hill station is strategically very important due to its proximity with Nepal and Bhutan borders. It is located in the Lesser Himalaya at an elevation of 2,042 m above sea level. The third highest peak of the world and the highest in India, the majestic Kanchenjunga peak is clearly visible from here and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the peak.  

The place is a true delight for all kind of travellers. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the UNESCO World Heritage site. The toy train, established in 1881 still runs in this part. Here, you can find many beautiful colonial architecture including mansions and churches. The town is also known for its cultural diversity as the place is fully inhabited with people from Tibet, Nepal, and nearby Indian states. Some of the most popular attractions here include ancient monasteries, botanical gardens, a zoo, and the Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway cable car which is the longest Asian cable car. This is a wonderful place for nature walks, to explore the tea estates, and also to know the village lifes of the State.

The main tourist attractions here are Batasia Loop, Tiger Hill, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Observatory Hill, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Rock Garden, Nightingale Park, Singalila National Park, and Sandakphu.

The place offers a wide area view of the highest peaks of the world Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse.The hill station has some of the best trekking routes in the world. Singalila range is one of the most popular trekking routes while Sandakphu & Singalila Trek, Phalut Trek and Sikkim Trek - Dzongri & Goechala are some of the other trekking routes in Darjeeling.

There are many shopping areas in the hill station. You can also find here some of the traditional arts and crafts of Tibet and Sikkim. Travellers will also get to taste many delicious local cuisines such as Momo, Thukpa, Phagshapa, Sael Roti, Niguru with Churpi, Gundruk, and Chang (Thomba).

The best time to visit the hill station is from March to June and again from September to December.

Kalimpong:

Kalimpong is a quiet, scenic hill station located at an elevation of 1,250 m above sea level on the banks of the River Teesta. It is located at the foothills of the Himalayas at an altitude of 1250 m, adjacent to the state of Sikkim and very close to Darjeeling and Gangtok. The small town is inhabited by Nepali, Bhutanese, Bengali and Tibetan population which can be witnessed in its fusion culture and heritage.

The place inhabits Nepalis, Lepchas, other ethnic groups and non-native migrants from other parts of India and so has a varied culture. The people here are extremely hospitable. This is a religious centre of Buddhism. The Buddhist monastery Zang Dhok Palri Phodang here has a number of rare Tibetan Buddhist scriptures. The main tourist attractions here are Buddhist Monasteries, Hindu Temples, Christian Churches, Flowers, Orchids and exotic flora, old colonial bungalows, scenic picnic spots and also the panorama of snows. Every buildings here has a lot tell about the rich history and culture the place.

This small hill station is beautifully blessed with some of the most breath-taking mountains, gardens and lakes and is often regarded as nature lovers’ paradise. The place also offers many unlimited adventure options to its visitors. Travellers can go for trekking through the lush green pine covered hills and through tea gardens. You can also go for leisurely nature walks to view the most amazing view of the snow covered Kanchenjunga.

The hill station is a great place for shopping. The place offers a range of things to including handicrafts and food items. In the local markets here you can find woodcarvings, Tibetan handicrafts, woollen garments and copper and silver ware. Thangka, is a special painting found here made on silk with embroidery. This is a Buddhist religious painting that portrays excellent artwork of Tibetans.

The main local food that you must taste here are Momos and Thukpa (i.e. noodle soup).  The place enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year. Kalimpong can be visited anytime in a year except the monsoon season.

Mirik:

Mirik is a picturesque hill station situated in the tranquil hills of Darjeeling district. The main tourist attraction of the place is the Sumendu lake, surrounded by a flower garden on one side and pine trees on the other and linked together by an arching footbridge called Indreni Pull (Rainbow Bridge). This man made lake has a floating fountain at its centre. Travellers can go for nature walks around the lake with the far view of the majestic Kanchenjunga. Boating and pony rides are also available.

The hill station is also famous for its oranges. You can walk through orange orchards either on foot or on hired ponies. Tourists can take a tour to the cardamom and tea plantations. There are around 8 tea gardens in the hill station. Another must visit place here is the Rameetay Dara which is a viewpoint from where you can get beautiful views of the plains and the mountains. Sunrise and sunset seen from this point are really amazing.

The hill station has become a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty, pleasant climate and easy accessibility. The best time to visit Mirik is between Mid March to End May, and Mid September to December.

The hill stations of the state offer a quite and relaxed holiday against the backdrop of Kanchenjunga. There are many budget holiday homes in West Bengal which offers a comfortable stay for the travellers along with the spectacular view of the mountain ranges.