Enjoyable Road Trips to Hill Stations Near Kolkata

Mother Nature has also blessed the vicinity of the city with pearls of its treasure – from sea to forests, from valleys to swamps – you get to see everything. Adding to its immense charm, there are some breathtakingly beautiful hill stations within reachable distance from Kolkata. Being near to the foothills of the robust Himalayas, the sombreness of the mountains exudes a kind of aura that makes one feel humble and purified. Many travellers opine that Himalayas have such strong attraction, that they have to keep coming back. However, if you are driving out of Kolkata, reaching the mighty mountains may take a very long time; but don’t lose heart — there are other hilly options closer to home. However, if your heart is set on the Himalayas, we have you covered too. Just read on!

Have you ever heard of a city with a soul? We know about one! And it’s called Kolkata. The three centuries old metropolitan city is loaded with gems of every kind – from historical monuments to natural beauty, from museums to mausoleums, from world renowned heritage educational centres to famous sports stadium, from theme parks loaded with fun rides to zoo, from nationally acclaimed libraries to heritage eateries – there is something for everybody. Naturally, it is rightly called the “Intellectual Capital of India”. Still reeking of the city’s eventful history, the northern part of Kolkata proudly hosts some decades old mansions and monuments reminding people of the remnants of the city’s proud history. But these memories never held back the rapid industrial development in this place and urbanisation — and that’s why you would also see oodles of progress and modernity in Kolkata’s cityscape

Quick Information:

• Best time to take a road trip from Kolkata

Though the best time to travel to Kolkata is always the winter and autumn season of the city, but if you are tortured by the extremely harsh heat of the sun here, you can start your car and wheel towards these magnificent hill stations even during summers to cool down.

• Things to do in Kolkata

For all who think there aren’t many things to do in Kolkata, you are sadly mistaken. This city provides you with lots of culturally diverse locations like Victoria Memorial, Kalighat Temple, Belur Math, Fort William, Indian Museum, Howrah Bridge, Birla Mandir to explore, Tagore’s house at Jorasanko – and so much more, that the list would become endless.

1. Netarhat

Taking you decades back in time, Netarhat is a small, hidden hill station, known as Queen of Chhota Nagpur. From directly gazing at the floating clouds above the small town, to enjoying the natural coolness of the pristine waterfalls in the place, Netarhat is surely charming in all aspects. It’s specially recommended if you are craving for a peaceful time near pure and unexplored natural bounties.

• The distance from Kolkata to Netarkhat – 575 km
• Time you’ll need to reach here – 11 and a half hours
• Famous for — Betla National Park, Magnolia Point, spectacular waterfalls.

2. Kurseong

A simple yet majestic hill station which boasts of fabulous tea plantations and lush green estates, some really magnificent mountain slopes, decades old temples and churches, and a very rich historical background. You can enjoy sightseeing in this perfect town and get some awesome pictures clicked with a stunning natural backdrop. Apart from this, there are lots Museums to visit in this place along with wildlife parks too.

• The distance from Kolkata to Kurseong – 584 km
• Time you’ll need to reach here – 12 hours
• Famous for — Ambotia Shiva Temple, Darjeeling Railway museum, Subhash Chandra Bose Museum, Eagle’s Craig and Deer park.

With these spectacular destinations easily reachable from Kolkata, you’ll surely be spoilt for choices. As each of these hill stations have their own unique charm, their beauty is incomparable, and we invite you to try and visit all of them at your own pace. For a the freedom of movement and a relaxed itinerary choose the self drive car rentals in Kolkata from Negi RK

3. Ajodhya Hills

An important stopping point of Lord Ram during his exile to Ayodhya, the Ajodhya hills are truly a gem that is less frequented. This should come in your bucket-list when you are exploring nearby hilly places to visit around Kolkata. From the spectacular hills to the gushing waterfalls and the lush greenery that surrounds it, you could never get enough of this place. Soak in the beauty with an overnight stay! And when you are rested after the drive, you may even turn your attention towards trekking and hiking activities here.

• The distance from Kolkata to Ajodhya – 304 km
• Time you’ll need to reach here – 7 hours
• Popular for – Dimna Lake, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, zoological parks and various waterfalls.

4. Darjeeling

         Image: Source

The most enchanting and popular hill station in the area, rightly known as the Queen of Hill Stations in India, Darjeeling has a unique charm in its naturally captivating surroundings. Apart from the lush tree gardens, you will be mesmerised by its high and mighty mountains that often turn white with snow. Also, the lakes and waterfalls in this town are something really magical. You should also check the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway while you are here, as it is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites of India that’s present in Darjeeling.

• The distance from Kolkata to Darjeeling — 615 Km
• Time you’ll need to reach here — 13 hours
• Famous For — Singalila National Park, the Himalayan Zoological Park, Tiger Hill, Happy Valley tea Estate and Japanese Peace pagoda.

5. Mirik

Nestled deep within the Darjeeling Hills is this fascinating destination, Mirik (pronounced as Mir-Yok). It’s a heavenly hill station that’s full of natural beauty and greenery around it.  The pleasant weather throughout the year makes it even more alluring. The best part of this hill station is the Lake Sumendu that is surrounded by Savitri Garden from both the sides creating a wonderful spot for both tourists and locals alike. The huge pine trees, amazing Monasteries and meditation centre, apart from the naturally beautiful viewpoints – these are what make this town a must in your travel wish-list.

• Distance from Kolkata to Mirik — 608 km
• Time you’ll need to reach here — 12 and a half hours
• Famous for — The Mirik Lake, Bunkulung, orange orchards, Borak Monastery and tea gardens

6. Siliguri

A really small yet famous and divine hill station near Kolkata offers the best sightseeing in hill places. Known for its natural and lush green fields, virgin waterfalls and lakes and some gloriously snow clad peaks, it’s truly a beauty that would be entrancing to explore. You can visit the ancient temples here, stroll across the local markets and enjoy a trip to the wildlife sanctuary to enjoy more.

• The distance from Kolkata to Siliguri – 560 km
• Time you’ll need to reach here— 11 hours
• Famous for — Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Kali Mandir, Hong Kong Market, Coronation Bridge.