Known For : Mahanada Wildlife Sanctuary Sumsing and Suntalekhola Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary
Starting from river Teesta in the East to river Sankoshi in the west, Dooars is the gateway to Sikkim, Bhutan and North Bengal. It is blessed with green tea gardens, meandering streams, and lush forests. Dooars is also dotted with some wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, thus making it an ideal hill station to visit in West Bengal.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Tiger Hill Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Batasia Loop
Jaw-dropping locales, mesmerising sunrises, the untouched beauty of the hills, the old-world charm of the past, and the welcoming smiles of the local people all add up to make Darjeeling one of the most beautiful hill stations in West Bengal. Some of Darjeeling's most popular attractions include monasteries, botanical gardens, a zoo, and the Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway cable car, which is the longest Asian cable car.
Best Time: February to March, September to December
Rimbik is a lesser-known hill station in West Bengal, located about 56km from Darjeeling. Located very close to the India-Nepal border, it is popular for its trekking trails. It is also a hub for trekking to Singalila National Park and Sandakphu. The natural beauty of this quaint town is mesmerising. Since it is a small town, homestays are the best accommodation available here.
Known For : Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Museum Ambotia Shiva Mandir Tea Gardens in Kurseong
Also known as the 'Land of White Orchids', Kurseong is a hill station in West Bengal located close to Darjeeling. It is famous for its waterfalls, temples and Buddhist gompas apart from the excellent view that the place provides. Kurseong enjoys milder and pleasant weather most times of the year. It is a great stopover for tourists looking for a more peaceful alternative to Darjeeling.
Best Time: April to May, August to October
Known For : Mirik Lake Pashupati Nagar Orange Orchards
Located on the banks of a huge lake, the hill town of Mirik adds to North Bengal's bounty. Amidst the Himalayan Valley, Mirik has more to offer than just beautiful mountains and lakes. From boating experiences for your romantic getaway to temples for the faithful to orchids and gardens for nature's child, Mirik is one of the best hill stations in West Bengal.
Best Time: March to July
Known For : Morgan House Durpin Dara hill Cactus Nursery
Kalimpong is a virgin hill station in West Bengal renowned for its panoramic valley views, Buddhist monasteries and churches and Tibetan handicrafts etc. It is dotted with ancient Buddhist monasteries, centuries-old churches and exquisite revered temples.
Best Time: March to June, September to December
Known For : Salugara Monastery ISKCON Temple, Siliguri Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated on the banks of the river Mahananda, Siliguri is a tiny hill station in West Bengal nestled in between the Himalayan foothills and the Dooars region. Also known as the Gateway to North East India, Siliguri serves mainly as a base for tourists to camp in before moving out to explore nearby tourist attractions such as Kalimpong, Darjeeling and Gangtok. However, Siliguri itself is a perfectly good holiday destination, with sufficient things to see and do.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Jaldhaka River Valley Coronation Bridge Gorumara
Jaldhaka is a valley town hidden in the hills of Darjeeling. It takes you back in time when nature was, all that man cared about. This hill station in West Bengal is one of those that will combine the beauty of a relaxation trip with the thrill of an adventure getaway.
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Rishyap Canopy Walk lo Lolegaon Viewpoint
Located about 120 Kms from Siliguri, Lava and Lolegaon are merely 25 kms apart. These two pristine villages offer beautiful snow-capped mountains and ancient Buddhist monasteries, among other enthralling sights. If you want to experience nature as nature intended, this is the perfect hill station in West Bengal to visit.
Best Time: October to June
Which of these hill stations in West Bengal have you visited so far?