Are you tired of the endless traffic jams in Manali, Shimla, and Rishikesh during the peak holiday season? If you want to escape the severe heat of Delhi and do not mind venturing off the beaten track, you should skip the usual North Indian tourist circuit. North Bengal is home to charming hill stations, misty forests, and stunning mountain views, offering a much quieter alternative to overcrowded tourist hotspots. Better yet, you can comfortably plan a trip for under twenty thousand rupees per person.

Getting to Bagdogra

There are two convenient ways to reach North Bengal from Delhi: by train or by flight. If you prefer travelling by train, the Rajdhani Express from the New Delhi Railway Station is among the most comfortable options available. A confirmed ticket costs around three thousand five hundred rupees one way, bringing your round-trip travel cost to roughly seven thousand rupees. Flights are faster, although prices depend entirely on when you book because airfares are dynamic. Booking in advance is highly recommended to secure the most affordable travel dates.

Beautiful Mirik and Rishop

Outside Bagdogra Airport, you will find plenty of shared and private vehicles heading towards Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim, and Bhutan. For a budget-friendly option, you can visit Mirik, located about 53 kilometres from the airport. Built around the picturesque Sumendu Lake, this small town offers pine forests, orange orchards, and sprawling tea gardens where visitors can spend hours boating or walking. Homestays here range from five hundred to eight hundred rupees per night. Alternatively, Rishop is tucked away in the Himalayas about 121 kilometres from the airport. This tiny village rewards visitors with uninterrupted views of the Kanchenjunga range and budget cottages for just fifteen hundred rupees.

Temi Tea Estate

Another excellent destination is the century-old Temi Tea Estate in Namchi, South Sikkim, which is approximately 121 kilometres from Bagdogra. While technically in Sikkim, it is a highly popular budget destination for those exploring the region. The estate offers a glimpse into the traditional tea-producing process surrounded by lush green fields. You can stay at the Temi Guest House for about fifteen hundred rupees per person, which includes lodging and food.

Lava Lolegaon and Sittong

If you want a mountain holiday where the loudest sound is birdsong, Lava and Lolegaon should definitely be on your radar. Nestled in the Kalimpong hills, these neighbouring hamlets offer spectacular Himalayan views, dense forests, and a canopy walk that allows visitors to walk above the treetops. Hotels and homestays are available from 1500 rupees per person. Finally, Sittong is located 60 kilometres from the airport and is known as the Orange Valley of Darjeeling. This charming hamlet features beautiful orchards that burst into colour during winter. The village offers a quieter alternative to bustling tourist circuits, with cosy homestays, home-cooked meals, and long conversations with locals forming a large part of the experience.

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Five budget-friendly hill stations in North Bengal

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