25 surprisingly Cool Hill Stations Near Kolkata. No. 17 Will Blow Your Mind

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Is hill stations near Kolkata is what you are looking for? Then you are in the right place.

Kolkata is blessed with a great geographic location that allows close access to the Himalayan hill stations. With easy access from North Bengal to Sikkim, from Meghalaya to Assam Kolkata is ‘the’ spot to be in if you are a hill lover. Most of the common destinations like Darjeeling, Gangtok etc. has lost its sheen due to rampant tourist activities and fast commercialization.

However, these places are so beautiful that every nook can become a destination. In Nomadic we champion the cause of offbeat tourism. We love to take you to places that will surprise you with its simplicity and charm. We love it even more when the simple, earthy people of these places get enough money to send their kids to school.

So, here we go. This is a carefully chosen list of 25 such awesome hill stations near Kolkata that you will absolutely love to go once in a while. These places are mostly offbeat locations in North Bengal. We have not picked locations that are a little challenging for kids or elderly travellers. Our team has been to all these places and we can certify about the quality of holiday that it will offer.

01. Darjeeling Offbeat

Darjeeling the ‘Queen of Hills’, is, without doubt, the most popular hill station near Kolkata. The recorded history of Darjeeling starts from the early 19th century until then Darjeeling was controlled by Sikkim. At the beginning of the 19th century, the Gorkhas had overrun Sikkim and made ambitious attempts to capture the entire region, which was thwarted by the Brits.

In 1828 it was decided that this hilly town would be used as a sanatorium for British soldier’s and subsequently tea plantations made it famous. Located in the lesser Himalayas at a height of 6700 ft,(2042.2 m) Darjeeling world’s heart for its Tea. Also famous is the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which has been named as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

hill-stations-near-kolkata — Mt. Kanchenjunga as seen from Darjeeling

And yes, the mighty Kanchenjunga with its mesmerizing views, the third highest mountain in the world has captivated both tourists and mountaineers.

As you look up and catch a glimpse of the mighty Kanchenjunga, which might not be clear from the town, fret not, visit the Sunrise point at Tiger Hill, and you will once again realize why life is worth living. Turley a humbling experience.

Though Darjeeling is the major tourist puller, the outskirts or what we like to call offbeat Darjeeling is a completely different experience. After the 10 Sq. Km area of the Darjeeling city. Nature remains the same but takes a much upper hand. The same weather, the same flora, and fauna, the same Kanchenjunga just less crowded, less polluted and less celebrated.

Small farm houses and their smiling owners will be all decked up and ready there to greet you. That’s offbeat Darjeeling for you.

How to Reach:

Air: The nearest Airport is Bagdogra International Airport, which is about 67 KM and it will take about 2.5 – 3 hrs to reach.

Train: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, which is about 73 KM and it will take around 2.5 hrs – 3 hrs to reach.

Car Distance: Darjeeling is 614 KM away from Kolkata. You can take a long drive to Malda for one night halt. Then on the second day, you can reach Darjeeling.

Best time to Visit:

March-May

September- November, is a lovely time.

Do avoid the Monsoons

General Weather:

General weather is cool, comfortable, windy at times, with ample sunshine, and misty when the fog comes in. It was chosen as a sanatorium after all!

Summer: 5-15 degree centigrade
Winter : 1-10 degree centigrade

Cool Places to Stay in Darjeeling Offbeat:

Darjeeling offbeat has some great places for short trips or weekend getaways. They all the close to nature, secluded and scenic. They all have modern amenities to make your stay comfortable yet not compromising on the serenity of the place. If you are looking for a relaxing trip to offbeat areas of Darjeeling you can pick from the following options.

You can click on the Image link to know more about them:

hill-stations-near-kolkata-maldiram — **Tea Garden Retreat Maldiram**

Bamboo-resort-hill-station-near-kolkata — **Chongtong Bamboo Resort**

Dawaipani Retreat

02. Kalimpong

A quaint hill station in the Indian state of West Bengal. In the early days, it was used as a gateway for trade between Tibet and India, before China annexed Tibet and the subsequent Sino Indian War. As the Brits came, the temperate climate prompted them to develop this tiny hamlet as alternate to Darjeeling, as to escape the scorching summer of the plains.
Slowly trade too brought more people into this hamlet, and with the coming of the Scottish Missionaries, education followed. One of its examples is Dr. Graham’s Home.

Located at an average elevation of 1250 m (4101ft). The official language is Nepali. The town centre is on a ridge connecting two hills, Deolo Hill and Durpin Hill. River Teesta flows in the valley below and separated Kalimpong from the state of Sikkim. Mt Kanchenjunga at 8586m (28,169ft)is the world’s third tallest peak and is clearly visible from Kalimpong.

Hill-Stations-Near-Kolkata-Kurseong — **Kalimpong Golf Course**

Kalimpong has earned its glory as tourist destination owing to its temperate climate, magnificent Himalayan views, lovely locals, delicious food and proximity to popular tourist destinations.

Horticulture had added to its fame, beautiful orchids bring in a riot of colours and strengthen the economy with its export. The Tibetan monastery, Zang Dhok Pairi Phodang, consecrated by the visiting Dalai Lama in 1976, housing many Buddhist scriptures is a must visit. Kalimpong Science Center, Lepcha Museum and yes delicious food, such as Momo, Churpee a type of hard cheese, Thupka are some of the must-try dishes. A cool temperate climate with five distinct seasons makes it comfortable and enjoyable.