Darjeeling is one of India’s most beautiful and popular hill stations that is surrounded by lush green tea gardens, rhododendrons and orchid gardens, rolling mountain ranges and striking sights.
Situated at a height of 2,045 meters in the Shivalik mountain range of the lower Himalayas in West Bengal, the town is famous for its mesmerizing sunrise, majestic Kanchenjunga, amazing hills, friendly local people, pleasant climate, beautiful green tea plantations and traditional Tibetan cuisine.
But do you know what makes Darjeeling even better? Nearby charming hill stations! You can book a Darjeeling car rental from a reliable agency like SDT to explore the famous tourist attractions in and around Darjeeling at budget-friendly rates. Continue reading the blog for the list of 6 amazing hill stations near Darjeeling!
List of 6 Best Hill Stations Near Darjeeling
The quaint houses, snowy misty hills, unspoiled natural beauty and lush green landscapes of the hill stations near Darjeeling will remind you of a fairy tale. These hill stations are best for a relaxing trip as well as an adventurous vacation with your family and loved ones.
Below are the 6 best hill stations around Darjeeling that you can include in your Darjeeling tour package:
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Mirik
Mirik is a picturesque and quiet hill station that tourists mostly visit on their way to Darjeeling, as it is only 49 km away. It is one of the most famous hill stations near Darjeeling, perfect for visitors who want a glimpse of the mountain Kangchenjunga. Since the place is not very crowded, it is the best place to enjoy a relaxing tip.
Serene ambiance, pleasant climate and easy accessibility are some things that make Mirik popular. The best time to visit this hill station Darjeeling is from March to April and October to November. The Mirik Lake, Bokar Monastery, Pushupati Nagar, Sumendu Lake and Don Bosco Church are some top attractions in Mirik.
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Sandakphu
Sandakphu is the highest point of Singalila Ridge. Located at an altitude of 11,930 ft, Sandakphu’s trekking trails make it popular among adventure lovers and trekkers. Although the trekking routes in this area are a bit difficult, it is definitely worth it.
The place is the most sought-after hill station Darjeeling that offers magnificent views of the top 4 sky-high peaks in the world- Mt. Lhotse, Mount Everest, Mount Kanchenjunga and Makalu. So, overall, Sandakphu is an amazing spot to make new memories and enjoy a relaxed vacation away from the hectic city life.
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Tinchuley
If you are visiting Sikkim from Darjeeling, do not forget to visit Tinchuley on the way. It is a charming town in the Eastern Himalayan foothills that is 32 km from Darjeeling. Situated on the West Bengal and Sikkim border, Tinchuley is no less than a hidden treasure that provides panoramic views of the nearby mountain peaks.
Fresh fruit orchards, where you can taste fruits directly from the tree, and green tea plantations, where you can take many beautiful pictures, add to the unique charm of this hill station Darjeeling.
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Kurseong
Known as the Land of White Orchids, Kurseong is a lively town that is just 1 hour and 20 minutes from Darjeeling. The town is well known for its spectacular views, rich plant and animal life, temples, Buddhist gompas and waterfalls. Kurseong is called the “Botanist’s Paradise” because of its stunning nature.
You will always find pleasant weather in this Darjeeling hill station as it experiences soothing weather all year round. Ambotia Shiv Temple, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum, Eagle’s Crag View Point, tea gardens and Downhill are some of the must-visit places in Kurseong.
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Kalimpong
Another best Darjeeling hill station on this list is Kalimpong. You can easily reach this exquisite hill station from the main town in Darjeeling by road as it is just 50 km away and only takes around 2 hours. Kalimpong overlooks the Teesta River and boasts natural beauty, cultural richness and many sightseeing spots.
The stunning churches (a reminder of the British era), lush green valleys, colonial buildings and flower markets in Kalimpong attract many tourists from across the world.
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Siliguri
Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas and alongside the Mahananda River, Siliguri is a beautiful spot with many natural wonders, such as tea gardens, wildlife sanctuaries and snowy mountains. This nearest tourist place from Darjeeling is a great holiday destination because it blends nature and culture perfectly.
You can visit the Kalachakra and Salugara Monastery in Siliguri to learn about Buddhist traditions. Some other most-visited tourist attractions in this hill station include ISKCON Temple, Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, Coronation Bridge, Bengal Safari Park, etc.
Also Read: 13 Top Things To Do In Sikkim - The Must-Do Activities For An Eventful Holiday
Final thoughts
So these were the best hill stations near Darjeeling that you can visit. Now, the only question is, how can you reach these hill stations? Since no direct buses are available in most hill stations discussed in this blog, hiring a taxi from Darjeeling is a quick and affordable way to reach.
Choose Sikkim Darjeeling Taxi for the best taxi service in Sikkim and Darjeeling and get affordable and reliable car rental service. Contact us today to get the best advice from our expert trip advisor!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1- What is the best time to visit the hill stations near Darjeeling?
Ans. The best time to visit the hill stations varies depending on the location:
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Mirik- March to April and October to November
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Sandakphu- April to June and September to November.
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Tinchuley- March to June and September to December
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Kurseong- Any time of the year
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Kalimpong and Siliguri-March to June and September to December
Q2- How can I travel to Darjeeling hill stations?
Ans. The most convenient way to travel to hill stations Darjeeling is by hiring a taxi or car rental service. We at Sikkim Darjeeling Taxi provide reliable and budget-friendly transportation. Choose us to ensure flexibility and comfort during your journey.
Q3- What types of accommodation are available in hill stations near Darjeeling?
Ans. Each hill station offers a range of accommodation options. Here are those:
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Mirik- Cozy guesthouses and mid-range hotels
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Sandakphu- Trekking lodges and basic guesthouses
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Tinchuley- Homestays and boutique hotels
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Kurseong and Kalimpong- Mix of budget hotels, luxury resorts and charming heritage properties.
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Siliguri- Hotels and lodges to suit different budgets.
