Posted on by StoryTailors

West Bengal summer destinations: 10 lesser-known hill stations for a much-needed break

On the other hand, the mercury touched an unbearable 47.2 degrees Celsius in Paschim Medinipur's Kalaikunda on April 30. Taking stock of the intense heatwave, the state government preponed summer holidays for government schools to April 22 from the original May 6 start date. As the mercury rises in West Bengal, the CNBC-TV18 Travel Desk has handpicked destinations nearby with a cooler climate for you to escape the heat with family and friends. Let's take a look at these places to take a break.
On the other hand, the mercury touched an unbearable 47.2 degrees Celsius in Paschim Medinipur’s Kalaikunda on April 30. Taking stock of the intense heatwave, the state government preponed summer holidays for government schools to April 22 from the original May 6 start date. As the mercury rises in West Bengal, the CNBC-TV18 Travel Desk has handpicked destinations nearby with a cooler climate for you to escape the heat with family and friends. Let’s take a look at these places to take a break. (Image: Reuters)
No 1. Darjeeling | Undoubtedly the most famous hill station of West Bengal, this place remains on every traveller’s bucket list and is best known for its tea gardens and toy trains. If you love trekking, then this place in the foothills of the Himalayas is the one that should definitely not be missed out. Some of the popular places here include Singalila National Park, Happy Valley Tea Estate and Peace Pagoda among others. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 2. Rimbik | This hidden treasure located in the Singalila National Park area of the Darjeeling district is extremely popular among the trekkers. Sitting on the river Rammam, this place is close to Sikkim and offers two trekking routes that connect Sandakphu to Rimbik. Besides that, you can also look forward to the Dhirdam Temple, which features a perfect blend of Hindu and Tibetan architecture.
No 2. Rimbik | This hidden treasure located in the Singalila National Park area of the Darjeeling district is extremely popular among the trekkers. Sitting on the river Rammam, this place is close to Sikkim and offers two trekking routes that connect Sandakphu to Rimbik. Besides that, you can also look forward to the Dhirdam Temple, which features a perfect blend of Hindu and Tibetan architecture. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 3. Siliguri | Often called the 'Gateway of North India', Siliguri rests on the banks of Mahananda River and the foothills of Himalayas. The best part is that it is located hardly 15 minutes away from the Bagdogra Airport. This is should be on the wishlist of those who love nature at its finest. Some of the popular places here include Mahananda Weir National Park, Honk Kong Market and the jungle safari in the Chilapata Forest.
No 3. Siliguri | Often called the ‘Gateway of North India’, Siliguri rests on the banks of Mahananda River and the foothills of Himalayas. The best part is that it is located hardly 15 minutes away from the Bagdogra Airport. This is should be on the wishlist of those who love nature at its finest. Some of the popular places here include Mahananda Weir National Park, Honk Kong Market and the jungle safari in the Chilapata Forest. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 4. Sandakphu | This hill station in West Bengal stands tall at the highest point of the Singalila Ridge. Located in the Darjeeling district close to the Nepal border, Sandakphu is considered a paradise for those who love trekking, besides showcasing a breathtaking view of the mountains. Known for its natural beauty and pleasant temperatures, Sandakphu can be the perfect place for your vacation this summer season. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 4. Sandakphu | This hill station in West Bengal stands tall at the highest point of the Singalila Ridge. Located in the Darjeeling district close to the Nepal border, Sandakphu is considered a paradise for those who love trekking, besides showcasing a breathtaking view of the mountains. Known for its natural beauty and pleasant temperatures, Sandakphu can be the perfect place for your vacation this summer season. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 5. Kalimpong | This hidden gem in West Bengal is home to several popular monasteries, churches, and Tibetan handicrafts. Located almost an hour away from Darjeeling, this hill station gives a perfect view of the Teesta valley, besides featuring few colonial-era buildings like Durpin Monastery and MacFarlane Memorial Church. Also, do not miss a visit to the Deolo Park if you are planning a vacation here.
No 5. Kalimpong | This hidden gem in West Bengal is home to several popular monasteries, churches, and Tibetan handicrafts. Located almost an hour away from Darjeeling, this hill station gives a perfect view of the Teesta valley, besides featuring few colonial-era buildings like Durpin Monastery and MacFarlane Memorial Church. Also, do not miss a visit to the Deolo Park if you are planning a vacation here. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 6. Mirik | This small town located in the Darjeeling district is known for its peaceful atmosphere, that can be a perfect getaway if you are looking to keep the daily hustle and bustle aside for a few days. Settled near the Sumendu Lake, this place is famous for its lakes and mountains as well as the orange orchards and tea gardens.
No 6. Mirik | This small town located in the Darjeeling district is known for its peaceful atmosphere, that can be a perfect getaway if you are looking to keep the daily hustle and bustle aside for a few days. Settled near the Sumendu Lake, this place is famous for its lakes and mountains as well as the orange orchards and tea gardens. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 7. Dooars | Surrounded by beautiful streams, wild jungles, and exotic flora and fauna, Dooars is known as India’s gateway to the neighbouring country, Bhutan. This hill station in West Bengal is famous for its deep forests that should be explored atleast once in a lifetime. This is yet another place in the state that can be a perfect destination for nature lovers.
No 7. Dooars | Surrounded by beautiful streams, wild jungles, and exotic flora and fauna, Dooars is known as India’s gateway to the neighbouring country, Bhutan. This hill station in West Bengal is famous for its deep forests that should be explored atleast once in a lifetime. This is yet another place in the state that can be a perfect destination for nature lovers. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 8. Takdah | Takdah, which used to be a British cantonment before the independence, is an ideal getaway spot for those who are looking for some unexplored hill stations. Also famous among locals as 'Tukdah', this place has tea gardens in abundance and is known for its Orchid Center and Takdah Monastery. Interestingly, this place is located around 28 km from Darjeeling, but still stands isolated and yet to be explored by many.
No 8. Takdah | This hill station, an earstwhile, British cantonment before Independence, is an ideal getaway for those who are looking for unexplored destinations. Famous among locals as ‘Tukdah’, this place has tea gardens in abundance and is known for its Orchid Center and Takdah Monastery. Interestingly, this place is located around 28 km from Darjeeling, but still stands isolated and yet to be explored by many. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 9. Kurseong | If you are looking for a ride on a hot air balloon, willing to try out rock climbing or try out rafting, then Kurseong is the place to be. Counted among the most visited hill stations in the state, this place is popular for its waterfalls, parks and museums along with the temples and churches.
No 9. Kurseong | If you are looking for a ride on a hot air balloon, willing to try out rock climbing or try out rafting, then Kurseong is the place to be. Counted among the most visited hill stations in the state, this place is popular for its waterfalls, parks and museums along with the temples and churches. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 10. Samsing | Samsing, which is situated between Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, is another perfect place to be in West Bengal, known for its scintillating mountain views, deep forests and serene riverbanks. This offbeat hill staion is yet another beautiful place which remain less explored by the tourists. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 10. Samsing | Located between Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, Samsing is another perfect place to be in West Bengal during summer season. It is known for its scintillating mountain views, deep forests and serene riverbanks. This offbeat hill staion is yet another beautiful place which remain less explored by the tourists. (Image: Shutterstock)