Top 5 Hill Stations In West Bengal

Imagine you’re standing on a quiet hilltop with your hands wrapped around a steaming cup of chai. The air is cool and filled with the scent of pine. As far as your eyes can wander, rolling green tea gardens stretch into the distance and disappear into misty hills. Down below, winding roads disappear into the clouds. There is no rush here, just stillness, beauty, and the soothing green cover. 

Now tell me, don’t you already want to be there?

We all carry little weight, like deadlines, noise, and endless scrolling. Sometimes, we need a pause for moments—an escape to places where your morning starts with hummingbirds instead of alarms—somewhere you can breathe deeper and feel just a bit more in peace. 

That’s where the Hill stations come in, especially the ones in the West Bengal peaks. But you might wonder, “Why West Bengal?”. The hill stations of West Bengal are unlike the overcrowded hill towns of North India. Many of Bengal's mountain gems still feel untouched and beautifully raw. 

In this blog, we’ll take you through the 5 Best Hill stations in West Bengal, and each of them has its soul, charm, and reasons to visit. 

Top 5 Hill Stations In West Bengal

1. Darjeeling - Queen of the Hills

2. Kalimpong - The Hills of Orchids

3. Lava - The Misty Escape

4. Lolegaon -  Wooden Bridges and Pines

5. Sandakphu - A Trek to Touch the Sky

1. Darjeeling- The Queen with a Crown of Clouds

There is no way we can begin this list without the Queen of the Hills-Darjeeling Hills. The most iconic hill station in Bengal welcomes you with a swirl of mist and the scent of tea leaves. The best time to visit Darjeeling is between March to May for summer, and for winter experiences, visit September to November. The town is a beautiful blend of colonial charms, majestic views, and the cheerful chaos of life in the hills. 

Must-Experience Moments:

1. Watch Sunrise from Tiger Hill: Wake up before sunrise and book a cab to reach Tiger Hill. From here, you will witness a sight engraved in your memory forever. The golden sun rays gently kiss the snow-covered peak of Kanchenjunga. It’s one of those rare moments that no photo camera captures how it feels to witness it in real life.

2. Ride Darjeeling Toy Train: Hop on a joyride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO heritage toy train. The train takes you through the lush green hills while whistling through the clouds.

Ride Charges: 

• Diesel Engine: Rs.1,000 per person

• Steam engine: Rs.1,500 per person

Route: Darjeeling-Batasia Loop-Ghum-Darjeeling

3. Sip World Famous Darjeeling Tea: Visit the Happy Valley Tea Estate to learn how this world-famous Darjeeling tea gardens are grown. Don’t forget to take a sip of freshly brewed tea from the heritage tea estate.

4. Explore Monasteries, colonial buildings, and the Vibrant Chowrasta(Mall Road). Try some local foods like thukpa and momo.

Where to Stay:

1. The Elgin, Darjeeling

An experience of a slice of colonial elegance. The vintage chandeliers, warm fireplaces, and cozy rooms offer views of endless green hills.

2. Dekeling Hotel

A warm, homely hotel located close to the Mall Road. The hotel is loved for its friendly staff, mountain views, and that homely feeling. 

3. Local Homestays

Perfect for those seeking authentic, slow living, and soulful experiences. Try a homestay experience near the Tumsong or Lebong villages. 

Must Visit Cafes and Restaurants

1. Kaventer’s

An old vibe cafe with a stunning view of mountains. You can’t miss this legendary breakfast spot. Their classic English breakfast is a meal to remember forever.

Must Try: Sausage platters, bacon, ham sandwiches, and their famous hot chocolate.

2. Kunga Restaurant

Did you know that this is Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor’s favorite spot? A small, homely Tibetan restaurant that always stays crowded with people. The food is amazing here, no fancy, just authentic flavors. Since it's so popular, be prepared to wait a bit for a table.

Must Try: Pork Momo, Chicken Thukpa, Shapta(stir-fried meat)

3. Tibet Kitchen

It’s a bit bigger than the Kunga restaurant. They serve a wide variety of Tibetan foods. One of the best spots to have lunch.

Must Try: Chicken momo, Thenthuk, and Gyathuk (flat Tibetan noodle soup).

4. Glenary’s

Everyone knows Glenary’s. It’s an experience from fresh bakes to fine dining and a bar upstairs. It’s a favorite for both locals and tourists.

Must Try: Pastries, cakes, and Darjeeling tea.

5. Fiesta

If you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy evening snacks, Fiesta is the place to go. They serve delicious pizzas, burgers, and some comfort foods. 

You can end your day here with a cozy dinner accompanied by live music. 

Must Try: For snacks: Pizza, Pasta, burgers, coffee

For Dinner: Chilli Paneer, Veg fried rice, Chicken Manchurian, Hakka Noodles.

For more on Darjeeling travel guides, sights, stays, and secrets, read our dedicated Darjeeling post!

2. Kalimpong- The Hills of Orchids

Just a couple of hours' drive away from Darjeeling. Kalimpong hill stations is less crowded and one of the untouched hill stations of Bengal. Kalimpong sightseeing feels personal and every path leads to a quiet moment. 

The town rests along a ridge that offers stunning views of Teesta River valley, chilling weather, and a deep connection of culture and spirituality.

Must-Experience Moments:

1. Visit Zang Dhog Palri Monastery: Take a walk through one of the iconic Kalimpong Monasteries, Zang Dhog Palri. It is the home of many Buddhist monks. 

2. Deolo Hill: Get a panoramic view of the town from Deolo Hill. It's the perfect spot for a lazy afternoon picnic and beautiful nature photography. 

3. Pine View Nursery: Kalimpong is a paradise for flower lovers. Also, a cactus nursery which is one of Asia's largest. It’s a perfect photogenic spot full of surprises to explore.

4. Try some locally-made cheese and lollipops. Also, don’t forget to get orchids from roadside stalls.

Where To Stay:

1. The Elgin Silver Oaks: A beautiful colonial-era property with wood-paneled rooms, green gardens, and helpful staff. Ideal for a luxury stay.

2. Sood’s Garden Retreat: A mid-range stay option with lovely garden views, and decent food. It is located away from the main town hustle. 

3. Homestays: You will find several homestay options in the Deolo or Relli Road area. Serves hot home-cooked meals with decent amenities.

Must Try Cafes & Restaurants:

1. Lin Restaurant

One of the newest favorites in Kalimpong. It's a perfect spot for lunch, dinner, or just chilling drinks.

Must Try: Pork Thukpa, Yunani, Leung Mian (Cold Noodles).

2. Gompu’s Hotel & Restaurant

This is one of the oldest restaurants and a local legend of Kalimpong. The restaurant is famous for serving traditional Chinese-style food.

Must Try: Pork fried Rice, Chicken Chili, and Wonton soup.

3. Roxberry Pub & Cafe

A vibrant spot that combines a lively atmosphere with a diverse menu. It’s another favorite spot among locals and tourists. The cafe has a bar also offering a wide selection of beverages like cocktails, wines, and crafted beers. Also offers live DJ performances on weekends. 

Must try: Peri-Peri Chicken, Farmhouse Pizza, Cheese Balls, White Sauce Pasta, Tandoori Paneer pizza.

If you’re curious to explore more about Kalimpong tourism and nearby gems, don't miss our detailed guide on Mirik and Kalimpong tourist attractions.

3. Lava- The Misty Escape

One of those places that doesn't show on Instagram feeds often and that’s what makes it perfect. A hidden gem surrounded by thick forest and covered in mist most of the year. A perfect escape from the scorching summer heat. It’s the gateway to Neora Valley National Park which is a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. 

What Makes Lava Tourism Special:

1. Lava Monastery: A peaceful hilltop gompa where you can sit, reflect, or watch the clouds float over distant ridgelines.

2. Neora Valley: Go for a forest trek and stay there for moments. If you’re lucky, you might witness red pandas and some exotic birds. 

3. Changey Waterfalls: A lovely waterfall nestled in the forest. Perfect spot for picnics and nature walks.

4. Enjoy foggy mornings and end the day with a cozy bonfire night with your friends and family. 

Must Try Cafes & Restaurants

1. Hotel Mahakala@Lava

The hotel is located near Bhishnu Mandir in Lava Main Market. They offer a rooftop cafe with panoramic mountain views. The foods served are delicious and hygienic. 

Must Try: Veg & Non-veg thali, momo.

2. Sangharsh Fast Food By Babita Mukhia

A simple, no fancy decor local food stall. This local gem serves the authentic Himalayan street food flavors. 

Must Try: Thukpa, momo, Sel roti. 

3. Lava Junction Cafe

A cosy little off the beaten path cafe. It’s a perfect spot for a calm break. If you’re lucky, you might get to try some special local treats here.

Must Try: Phumbi/Laphing, Tingmo with curry, Chili pork.

Where to Stay:

WBFDC Lava Forest Lodge: The offers rooms that are simple yet charming with unbeatable views, and gives cabin in the woods vibes.

Local Homestays: Clean and cozy rooms hosted by the kindest locals. They serve warm and home-cooked meals, not only stomach-filling but also make you feel at home. 

4. Lolegaon- Wooden Bridges and Pines

From Lava, it takes just 1.5 hours to drive to reach Lolegaon. A hidden gem where nature is in its purest form. The village forest feels like it's been lifted straight out of a fairytale. The air smells of pine, and wooden bridges, and clouds sail through the dense forest. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and so do you. 

Must-Experience Moments:

1. The Canopy Walk: Stroll across the famous hanging bridge through the dense forest treetops. As you Walk among the towering trees and drifting clouds, you get fully mesmerized by the beauty of the forest.

2. Jhandi Dara Viewpoint: Wake up early and pack some necessary items to hike up to this spot. If you’re lucky to reach on time and the sky stays clean, you catch one of the most breathtaking sunrises you’ll ever witness. The Kanchenjunga and surrounding peaks in gold, stay in you forever.

3. Leisure Walks and Experience Village Life: Simply walking through the lanes of Lolegaon with colorful cottages, waving prayer flags and smiling faces of locals feels like therapy. Explore the local Loleygaon sightseeings while taking meal breaks in between.

Where to Stay 

Eco-tourism Lodges: Managed by WBFDC(west Bengal Forest Development Corporation). Offers basic yet cozy rooms right inside nature's lap.

Homestays: Warm, welcoming, and perfect to taste the local life. 

5. Sandakphu- A Trek to Touch the Sky

The highest peak in West Bengal, Sandakphu is not just your typical hill station. It is located within the Singalila National Park, near the Indo-Nepal border.

You can trek for 4-5 days through different villages or just hop on a jeep from Manebhajan to reach the ultimate Sandakphu peak. What awaits at the peak is one of the most breathtaking mountain views in the world. You’ll see Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga all at once.

Must-Experience Moments: 

1. View of the Sleeping Buddha: The snow-covered mountains form together the illusion of sleeping Buddha, a beautiful sight that feels like a blessing to witness. 

2. Stargazing in silence: No city lights, away from pollution, and noise. The night sky with a sky full of stars is a show you must not miss. Just lie back and watch the universe glitter. 

3. Singalila National Park: Home of red pandas, and Himalayan black bears. Amazing for a nature walk and birdwatching.

3. Trekking through Rhododendron Forests: For adventure seekers, pack light and get ready for a Sandakphu trekking. In spring, this forest comes alive with bursts of red, pink, and white rhododendrons. 

4. End the day by the Fireplace: After a long day of trekking, sit comfortably with a hot cup of tea, and soft blankets near a warm fire. 

5. Explore nearby spots like Tumling, Kalipokhri, Phalut, Gairibas, and Bikeybhajan.

Note: Before entering Singalila National Park from Manebhanjan for the trek you must take a permit pass from the Forest Check Post.

Fee: 

• Rs.120 for Indians/ Rs.500 for Foreigners

• Camera charges extra (100 still/400 video)

• Hiring a local guide is mandatory.

Where to Stay

GTA(Gorkhaland Territorial Administration) Lodges: Government-run lodges offer budget-friendly rooms with warm beds, hearty meals, and beautiful views. 

Local Homestays: Maintained by the locals. These stays offer a true taste of hill life. 

Trekkers’ Huts: If you’re trekking, trekkers’ huts at key points like Tumling, Kalipokhri, and Sandakphu offer warm rooms to crash after a long hike day.

Must Try Cafes & Restaurants:

1. Sandakphu Tea Room

This tea room is located in the heart of Sandakphu. They are renowned for their specialty Nepali Organic teas. It’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy your chai with the panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas. 

Must try: Green Pearl Tea

Pro Trips For You:

1. Pack warm clothes even in Summer: Mountain weather is moody. The mornings can be sunny, afternoons foggy and by the nights become cold. So, always carry light sweaters, warm shoes, or an umbrella/raincoat just in case.

2. Carry Cash: Places like Lalogaon and Sandakphu are located in remote areas. So, it’s better to carry enough cash for food, and transport.

3. Be respectful towards nature and locals: These are some untouched beauty of nature. Avoid littering, respect local customs and make memories, not wildflowers or stones.

4. Book Advance: During the peak seasons and weekends, places like Darjeeling and Sandakphu get crowded. So, make an early booking for a better experience.

5. Take it Slow: Don’t rush through these places. The beauty of the hills lies in slow mornings, long walks and chai breaks in between with mountain views.

6. Wake early: The early morning sunrise view over the snow-covered mountains is something you must not miss out on for some extra 10 minutes of nap. 

The slow, soothing rhythm of misty mountains, golden peaks, and dense forest trails is going to stay with you long after you leave these places. 

Each Place, whether it’s the Queen of Hill, Kalimpong, Lava, Lalogaon, or Sandakphu invites you. Take a breath a little deeper, wander a little slower, and slowly fall in love with the magic of the Bengal’s Hills.

The hills are waiting. Are you ready to answer their calls?