Hill Stations near Jalpaiguri
Hill Stations around Jalpaiguri
These hill stations near Jalpaiguri are the perfect travel destinations
for all nature and adventure lovers with their breathtaking glimpses of
snow clad mountain peaks, fresh and cold air, trekking routes and
architectural heritage as summer destinations during British colonial
rule in India:
Darjeeling
A View of Kanchenjunga from Darjeeling (Source: flickr)
Situated at an altitude of 6, 710 ft., Darjeeling is aptly known as the “Queen of Hills”. It is one of the most sought after hill stations in India. Darjeeling has an extremely salubrious climate and has a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It is also noted for its natural and cultural heritage. The UNESCO heritage Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway nicknamed as the “Toy Train” takes the tourist from NJP to Darjeeling in a fantastic journey covering picturesque mountain views, zig-zag loops, tunnels and even village main streets. The breathtaking Himalayan peaks especially the sunrise from Tiger Hill attract millions of tourists each year. In fact tourism and the tea manufacturing are the key contributors to the region’s economy.
Apart from its mesmerizing hill clad beauty, Darjeeling is noted for its diverse range of tourist attractions. Some of these include the Himayalan Mountaineering Institute constructed by the first Sherpa Everest conqueror Tenzing Norgay, the Victorian styled Mall Road, Tiger Hill featuring a resplendent sunrise which changes the colour of the surrounding mountains, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Shrubbery Park, Natural History Museum and Llyod’s Botanical Garden. The Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway is the oldest passenger cable car in India constructed by the British and has transformed into a major tourist attraction in Darjeeling.
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Kalimpong
Orchid nursery in Kalimpong (Source: flickr)
Some of the local attractions in Kalimpong are the Durpin Dara, an observatory point offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, the Kalimpong Arts and Craft Centre, Pedong Monastery, the Tharpa Choling Monstery and the Durpin Dara Monastery situated on a hill by the same name. The Gouripur House, Lion’s Golf Course, Darmodaya Vihar, Swiss Welfare Dairy and the Central Sericulture Station, Dairy and the Central Serciulture Station are other places in Kalimpong worth visiting.
Mirik
Sumendu Lake in Mirik (Source: flickr)
Besides the ubiquitous Sumendu Lake, Mirik is also famous for other tourist attractions like the Rameetay Dara viewpoint offering a bird’s eye view of the mountains and plains. The Deosi Dara is another observation point at a higher altitude and dazzles the tourist with its unforgettable sunrise and sunset views. The Swiss Cottage gives you a sweeping view of the entire region of Mirik including the Sumendu Lake. Raj Dhap is an idyllic picnic spot, while the religiously inclined can always go to pray in the nearby Devi Sthan temple and the Singha Devi Mandir.
Kurseong
Kurseong (Source: flickr)
The hill stations near Jalpaiguri can be easily accessed through motorable roads from Siliguri and Jalpaiguri. NJP is the nearest railway station while Badogra is the closest airport. Regular bus services operate between Siliguri and Darjeeling. Besides the fastest mode of travel is by taking private vehicles which will take you to all the favoured hill destinations like Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Mirik. Enjoy the scintillating mountain views as you ride up and escape the humdrum of your hectic life. Have a pleasant journey!