Retreat to These Hill Stations Near Kolkata for a Perfect Weekend Getaway

The weather and calmness of the hills is something nobody really wishes to miss out on! The Eastern Himalayas are the haven you’d be daydreaming about during sweltering Kolkata days, when the weather is way too brutal! These hilly destinations close to the “City of Joy” ensure you have somewhere pleasant to escape to where you won’t be drowning in your own sweat.

1. Kalimpong

Monasteries, fancy tea estates, colonial bazaars, a hub of artefacts and handicrafts, with some adrenaline-pumping adventure activities, Kalimpong is a wholesome hill station experience for the next time you need to find solace at a mountain top. You can see the Kanchenjunga from plenty of strategic vantage points in the city, raft down the menacing Teesta River, spend many moments of peace and quiet in the many monasteries like Thongsa Gompa, Tharpa Choeling Gompa etc and see the biologically rich Neora Valley National Park.

How to Get There: The nearest airport is Bagdogra, from where you can take a cab to reach Kalimpong. For slightly longer weekends, you can opt to drive down.

Where to Stay: One night's stay in the beautiful estate, Windsongs will cost you around Rs. 3500 for a deluxe room.

2. Gangtok​

Holidaying in the hills? Sikkim’s your best bet. Gangtok is almost mentioned as a twin city to Darjeeling most of the time and is also one of the most accessed destinations in the Northeast. A reasonably short cab drive away, Gangtok isn’t going to disappoint. If you’ve got time on your hands, club West Sikkim and North Sikkim together for a memorable getaway. The Lake Tsongmo, the Gurudongmar Lake and the monasteries of Sikkim make for a wholesome experience. White water rafting in various parts of Sikkim is also a treat!

How to Get There: Fly to Bagdogra which is about 96 KM away and take a cab to Gangtok. The drive to Gangtok is exceptionally scenic.

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Where to Stay: Summit Golden Crescent Resort and Spa

3. Dooars

Close to the Bhutan border and really close to the verdant Northeastern States, blessed with a bountiful green cover and zig-zagged by the mighty river Teesta, Dooars is a pleasant relief if you’re looking for a hilly getaway. Visit the Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary when you’re there.

How to Get There: If you prefer taking a train from Kolkata, there are regular trains to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. You can then hire a cab to the Dooars. Alternatively, one can drive down from Kolkata, or get a flight to Bagdogra and then hire a cab to the Dooars.

Where to Stay: Forest rest houses are a clean and affordable option for a short stay. There are also resorts to suit all budgets. The Sinclairs Resort, Dooars is a wonderful place to stay in if you want a luxury holiday in the lap of the mighty mountains. 

4. Darjeeling - Mirik

If you’ve grown up in the Eastern bits of the country, you probably see Darjeeling as some sort of “Holy Grail”, whose bookings you’ve to make months in advance in order to gain some respite from the crazy heat. The beautiful toy train of Darjeeling is too beautiful to miss. Additionally, Mirik is a tranquil lakeside paradise, which is a twin to Darjeeling town. You can relax here like there’s nowhere to be on the morrow.

How to Get There: Fly to Bagdogra which is about 96 KM away and take a cab to Darjeeling. Alternatively, you could also opt for a train journey. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, from where you could take local buses or cabs to Darjeeling. Mirik is accessible by local transport as well as private cabs.

Where to Stay: Choose Hotel Sinclair for a medium budget stay option in the heart of Darjeeling city.

5. Netarhat

Take a different vacation this time. Don’t resign yourself to the exact same hill stations of the world. Chart new territory. Explore the wild side of the Eastern Region. Jharkhand, a hidden gem of Eastern India, has a lot of surprises to offer. Netarhat has a wildlife sanctuary, undulating hills and really pleasant weather. If you’re a fan of natural, virgin environments, Netarhat will not disappoint.

How to Get There: You Can drive here from Kolkata or if you’re in the neighbouring states. Netarhat is about 575 KMs from Kolkata.

Where to Stay: Forest division guest houses and local resorts for medium budgets can be found.