Top 4 Hill Stations Near Kolkata That You Must Visit

Some of the most famous hill stations near Kolkata include Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik, Ajodhya Hills, Simultala, Netarhat, Dooars Valley, Pedong, and Sandakphu. These hill stations are all located near Kolkata and offer a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular activities include hiking, trekking, camping, bird watching, and visiting tea gardens.

1. Darjeeling

Darjeeling is the most popular hill station near Kolkata and is known for its stunning views of the Himalayas, its colonial architecture, and its tea gardens. There are many things to see in Darjeeling which include: -

• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: You can visit the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Chowrasta Market: Chowrasta Market is the main market in Darjeeling. It is a great place to shop for souvenirs, including tea, spices, and handicrafts. The market is also a great place to sample the local cuisine.
• Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Do not miss the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, it is home to a variety of animals from the Himalayas. It has animals like Snow Leopards, Tibetan wolves, Red Pandas and other highly endangered animal species of the Eastern Himalayan Mountains.
• Tiger Hill: If you wish to go hiking you can go to Tiger Hill and enjoy stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. Darjeeling is one of the nearest hill stations to Kolkata where you can enjoy mountaineering. If you are someone who wants to try mountaineering, you can visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, a training school for mountaineers in Darjeeling.
• Enjoy local cuisine: Do try the local cuisines like Tibetan, Nepali, and Indian dishes there, you will surely love to taste them.
• Cable car ride: Do add taking a ride on the Darjeeling Ropeway to your itinerary. It is a cable car that offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding mountains.

2. Sandakphu

This hilly area near Kolkata is known to be the highest peak in the state of West Bengal. If you are planning to go to a hill station near Kolkata by car, you can keep this as an option. It is located on the border between India and Nepal and is known for its stunning views of the Himalayas, including Mount Kanchenjunga. Here are some of the things you can see in Sandakphu:

• Trek to Sandakphu: It is a challenging but rewarding experience. The trek takes about 5 days to complete and offers stunning views of the Himalayas along the way.
• Visit the Sandakphu View Point: It is the highest point in Sandakphu and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. From this viewpoint, you can see Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest, and other peaks in the Himalayas.
• Visit the Sandakphu Wildlife Sanctuary: It is home to a variety of animals, including snow leopards, red pandas, and Himalayan tahr. The sanctuary is also home to a variety of birds, including the blood pheasant and the satyr Tragopan.
• Visit the Sandakphu Tea Garden: It is a tea garden located at the base of Sandakphu. The tea garden offers stunning views of the Himalayas and is a great place to learn about the process of tea making.
• Enjoy the local cuisine: The local cuisine in Sandakphu is a blend of Tibetan, Nepali, and Indian cuisine. Some of the popular dishes in Sandakphu include momos, thukpa, and chowmein.

3. Simultala

Simultala is one of the best hill stations near Kolkata located in the state of Bihar. The town is known for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills, lush forests, caves and waterfalls. There are a number of things to see and do in Simultala which includes: -

• Hiking and trekking: There are several hiking and trekking trails in Simultala. The most popular trail is the Lattu Pahar Trek, which takes you to the top of Lattu Pahar, the highest hill in Simultala that is near Kolkata. The views from the top of the hill are spectacular.
• Visit Lattu Pahar: Lattu Pahar is a hill with a panoramic view of the surrounding area. It is the highest hill in Simultala and is a popular destination for hikers and trekkers.
• Swimming in the waterfalls: There are a number of waterfalls in Simultala. The most popular waterfall is the Dewodah Waterfall, which is a beautiful waterfall with a pool at the bottom. The waterfall is a popular spot for swimming and family picnics.
• Take a boat ride on the nearby river: There is a river that flows through Simultala. You can take a boat ride on the river and enjoy the scenery.
• Take blessings in Baidyanath Temple: The Baidyanath Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site that is located about 10 kilometres from Simultala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva.

4. Mirik

Mirik is a small town in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. It is 600 Km away from Kolkata, it is one of the most exquisite hill stations near Kolkata. It is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills, lush forests, and lakes. The best time to visit its numerous viewpoints such as temples, monasteries, orange orchards, and tea gardens is during the months of autumn. There are a number of things to see and do in Mirik, including: -

• Visit the Mirik Lake: The Mirik Lake is a clear blue water lake. The lake is surrounded by hills and forests. You can take a boat ride on the lake or simply enjoy the scenery.
• Stop by the Bokar Monastery: It is a Buddhist monastery that is located on a hill overlooking Mirik. The monastery was founded in the 17th century and is one of the oldest monasteries in the region.
• See the Tingling Viewpoint: It is a popular spot for viewing the surrounding area. It is located on a hilltop and offers panoramic views of Mirik Lake, the hills, and the plains. You can visit the viewpoint in the morning or evening to enjoy the views.
• Go around the Pashupati Market: It is a local market where you can buy souvenirs, local handicrafts, and food. The market is a great place to experience the local culture.
• Hiking and trekking: There are a number of hiking and trekking trails in Mirik. You can hike to the top of the hills or through the forests. Hiking and trekking lets you enjoy the natural beauty of Mirik.

If you wish to go the extra distance, you can also visit some of these places near Kolkata. Here are some brief details about the hill stations near Kolkata.

• Kalimpong: Kalimpong is a smaller hill station than Darjeeling and not that near to Kolkata, but it is still home to a variety of attractions, including the Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, and the Salugara View Point.
• Kurseong: Kurseong is a charming hill station located at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is known for its scenic beauty, its Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and its annual flower show.
• Ajodhya Hills: Ajodhya Hills is a lesser-known hilly area near Kolkata located in the southern part of West Bengal. People come here to see the beautiful lush forests, waterfalls, and temples. You can also take part in rock climbing and trekking activities in Ajodhya hills. This hill station nearby lies within 100 km of distance from Kolkata.
• Netarhat: Netarhat is a hill station located in the Jharkhand state which is near Kolkata. It is known for its cool climate, its forests, and its views of the Chotanagpur plateau.
• Pedong: Pedong is located in the Dooars Valley and it is known for its scenic beauty, its hot springs, and fabulous views of the Himalayas. One can easily go to this hill station near Kolkata by car.
• Ranchi: Ranchi has some of the most unexplored hilly areas near Kolkata. It has waterfalls, temples and scenic viewpoints.  Ranchi Lake is an ideal place for a relaxed evening, as it offers good space for family picnics and boat rides. Located at the base of Ranchi Hill, it is one of the best picnic spots near Kolkata. Another must-visit place in Ranchi is the Rock Garden. It is located on a small hill by the Kanke Dam. This dam gives you a chance to see undulating hills and offers charming views of the city. Besides this, it also has other places that you can visit such as Dassam Falls, Jonha Falls, Patratu Valley, Hundru Falls, Birsa Zoological Park and Panch Gagh Falls.