Close your eyes and let yourself be engulfed by the vast stretches of lush green hills, calming chirping of birds, soothing whistles of the wind, and the captivating views of snow-clad Mount Kanchenjunga in the distance. Sure, you can always head to the popular hill stations of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong - But why not take a road less travelled this time and explore the hidden gems of the hilly West Bengal?
Sometimes, it makes sense to ditch the popular tourist traps and explore these lesser-known gems that have its own unique charm. So here are 7 beautiful unknown hill stations that’ll help you experience the thrill of pure and untouched wilderness near Kolkata.
1.) Lava
Lava, 34 km east of Kalimpong, is a beautiful hamlet perched at 7016 ft (2138m). Flanked by lush tropical deciduous vegetation, alpine trees, rolling hills, and views of Jelep La and Reche La passes, it has a tranquil charm.
A highlight of the area is Neora Valley National Park, offering visitors the chance to explore the forests for Himalayan black bear and barking deer, enjoy the Changey Waterfalls or visit the Lava Jamgyong Kongtrul Monastery. It also serves as an ideal place for birdwatchers and those looking for a peaceful holiday not far from Kolkata!
How to reach:
Lava is conveniently connected to Bagdogra Airport (35 KM, 1 - 1.5 hrs) and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (30 KM, 1 - 1.5 hrs).
2.) Lolegaon
Lolegaon, a small Lepcha village nestled in the corner of a Himalayan Range 24 km away from Lava, is a popular hill station near Kolkata famous for its breathtaking views of the entire Kanchenjunga range. Trekking through its peaceful forests and visiting other nearby locations like Kalimpong, Lava, and Rishop will give you a glimpse of nature’s beauty.
Don’t miss out on visiting Kaffer, 1 km away from Lava, for its panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and a canopy walk to experience the call of birds amidst the park and forest. Sunrise from Jhandi Dara is also an awe-inspiring sight.
How to reach:
The closest airport to Lolegaon is Bagdogra International Airport, located 103 KM away and takes 4-4.5 hrs to reach Lolegaon. Alternatively, New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is 99 km away.
3.) Fagu
Fagu, an offbeat destination nestled in the Dooars region, is a beautiful valley, home to panoramic views of the Mahananda River valley and the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga. Its lush forests of Sal and Pine trees, sunrise and sunset points, exquisite flora & fauna, exquisite tea gardens, and local brew Samabeong, make it the ideal getaway for nature lovers. Don't miss the nearby Gorumara, Chapramari forests and the ruins of the Bhutanese Salem Fort, with the stunning Changey waterfalls - all packed in a surreal and serene retreat!
How to reach:
The nearest airport to Fagu is Bagdogra International Airport, which is 96 KM away and will take approx. 3-3.5 hrs to reach. The nearest railway station is New Malda Junction, which is 35 KM away and will take approx. 30-45 mins to reach. Travelling from Kolkata will take about 1 night halt at Malda before you reach Fagu.
4.) Charkhole
Charkhole, a tiny hamlet nestled at an altitude of 5500 ft surrounded by lush green forests, is a place of natural beauty and tranquillity. It's a haven for birdwatchers as the Neora Valley National Park surrounding the village has plenty of species of birds and wildlife. On clear days, the mighty Mt. Everest is visible from here. Visitors to Charkhole can also immerse themselves in the rustic village life and explore nearby destinations such as Lava, Loleygaon and Jhandi. Adventure seekers can look forward to the Motor Car Rally at the highest point of Charkhole. All this makes Charkhole an idyllic offbeat destination near Kolkata.
How to reach:
Explore the beauty of Charkhole with a scenic drive from Kolkata. Take a break at Malda in between and you'll reach in two days. The closest airport, Bagdogra International Airport, is 80 km and it will take about 4 hr – 4.5 hrs to reach. If taking a train, the closest railway station, New Jalpaiguri, is 73 KM and it would take 3 hr – 3.5 hrs.
5.) Maldiram
Maldiram is a must-visit hilltop village located at 4800 ft, boasting an incredibly mesmerising view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Surrounded by lush green tea gardens and nearby orange orchards, Maldiram is a picturesque destination with the sky frequently dotted with clouds and mist adding to its charm.
On a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga, framed by emerald green tea gardens and a brilliant blue sky. An ideal destination for both nature lovers and adventurers, Maldiram is cuddled inside the beautiful Mahananda Wild Life Sanctuary.
How to reach:
The nearest airport to Malda is Bagdogra and it will take about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach. Similarly the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, again less than 3 hours away from Malda. Or you can take a long drive from Kolkata and reach Malda after one night halt, a distance of 596 km.
6.) Peshok
Pine forests, rare species of flowers and awe-inspiring views of Mount Kanchenjunga from a watchtower - this is Peshok, the picturesque hill station near Kolkata. Enjoy peaceful solitude surrounded by views of Namchi and its carpet of flowering gardens, embark on walks through the park with its many exotic orchids, and take in stunning views of the Sikkim Hills, River Teesta and Rangeet from the Watchtower. Peshok is the perfect nature getaway!
How to reach:
Reach Peshok from Kolkata by air, train or car. Fly to Bagdogra International Airport (76 KM), board a train to New Jalpaiguri (72 KM) or take a car drive (621 KM) with a one-night halt at Malda.
7.) Ramadhura
If reconnecting with nature is what you seek, Ramdhura is the perfect destination! Nestled in a forest of emerald pines, the serene hamlet of Ramdhura offers unmatched views of Mt. Kanchenjunga at an altitude of 5000 ft. With the name derived from the local language of "Ram'' for the Hindu god and "Dhura" for village, the untouched beauty of the destination will leave you spellbound. So, if Kolkata calls for a quick escapade, Ramdhura is the place to be!
How to reach:
Travel to Ramdhura from Kolkata is possible by air, train or car. Bagdogra International Airport (90 KM) and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (84 KM) are the closest options for air and train respectively. The car ride is a 637 KM journey with an overnight halt in Malda.
Offbeat and wild, these lesser known paradiscal hill stations near Kolkata are the perfect retreat for a soulful escape from the humdrum of everyday life. Surrounded by lush green forests, unspoiled landscapes, and breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks in the distance, these destinations offer plenty of fun activities for nature lovers as well as adventure seekers alike.
So, if you are seeking something new and unexplored this time, visit these riveting places and experience beauty at its rawest!
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