India is a land of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and scenic beauty. One of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of India is by taking a tour of its hill stations. Pelling is one such hill station in the northeastern part of India, located in the state of Sikkim. In this article, we will take you on a tour of Pelling and explore some other popular hill stations in India. 

Introduction to Pelling 

Pelling is a picturesque hill station situated at an altitude of 2,085 meters above sea level. It is located in the western part of Sikkim and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and waterfalls. Pelling is known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayas, the Kanchenjunga mountain range, and the Khangchendzonga National Park. The town is also known for its ancient monasteries and cultural heritage. 

How to reach Pelling 

Pelling is well connected to major cities in India through road and rail networks. The nearest airport is Bagdogra airport, which is approximately 160 km away. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri railway station, which is about 150 km away. From these points, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Pelling. 

Places to visit in Pelling 

Pelling has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing and adventure activities. Some of the popular places to visit in Pelling are: 

Pemayangtse Monastery - It is one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in Sikkim. It is a three-story building that houses many ancient artifacts and scriptures. 

Khecheopalri Lake - It is a sacred lake surrounded by dense forests and is considered a wish-fulfilling lake. It is a popular spot for picnics and trekking. 

Sangachoeling Monastery - It is another ancient monastery located on a hilltop and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. 

Rabdentse Ruins - It is a historical site that was once the capital of the former kingdom of Sikkim. 

Khangchendzonga National Park - It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan tahr. 

Best time to visit Pelling 

The best time to visit Pelling is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. 

Other popular hill stations in India 

India is blessed with many other beautiful hill stations, each with its own unique charm and beauty. Some of the popular hill stations in India are: 

Darjeeling 

Darjeeling is one of the most popular hill stations in India and is located in the state of West Bengal. It is known for its tea gardens, scenic beauty, and panoramic views of the Himalayas. 

Shimla 

Shimla is the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh and is known for its colonial architecture, lush greenery, and snow-capped mountains. It is a popular destination for adventure activities like trekking, skiing, and paragliding. 

Ooty 

Ooty is a beautiful hill station located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its beautiful gardens, tea plantations, and scenic beauty. It is also a popular destination for trekking and wildlife safaris. 

Manali 

Manali is a popular hill station located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its scenic beauty, snow-capped mountains, and adventure activities like trekking, skiing. 

Mussoorie 

Mussoorie is a beautiful hill station located in the state of Uttarakhand. It is known for its colonial architecture, beautiful waterfalls, and stunning views of the Himalayas. It is a popular destination for trekking, camping, and sightseeing. 

Munnar 

Munnar is a picturesque hill station located in the state of Kerala. It is known for its tea plantations, rolling hills, and lush greenery. It is also a popular destination for trekking, wildlife safaris, and sightseeing. 

Coorg 

Coorg is a beautiful hill station located in the southern state of Karnataka. It is known for its coffee plantations, beautiful waterfalls, and stunning views of the Western Ghats. It is also a popular destination for trekking, camping, and adventure activities like river rafting and rock climbing. 

Nainital 

Nainital is a beautiful hill station located in the state of Uttarakhand. It is known for its beautiful lakes, stunning views of the Himalayas, and lush greenery. It is a popular destination for boating, trekking, and sightseeing. 

How to reach Pelling hill stations by air and nearest airport? 

Pelling is well-connected to the rest of India via air, road, and rail. The nearest airport to Pelling is Bagdogra airport, which is approximately 160 km away. From Bagdogra airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Pelling. The drive from Bagdogra airport to Pelling takes approximately 5-6 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. Alternatively, you can also take a flight to Kolkata or Guwahati and then take a train or hire a taxi to reach Pelling. The nearest railway station to Pelling is New Jalpaiguri, which is approximately 135 km away. From New Jalpaiguri, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Pelling. The drive from New Jalpaiguri to Pelling takes approximately 4-5 hours. 

How to reach Pelling hill stations by train and nearest railway station? 

FAQs 

What is the best time to visit Pelling?

The best time to visit Pelling is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. 

Which is the nearest airport to Pelling?

The nearest airport to Pelling is Bagdogra airport, which is approximately 160 km away. 

What are some of the popular places to visit in Darjeeling?

Some of the popular places to visit in Darjeeling are the Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Ghoom Monastery, and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. 

What is the best time to visit Coorg?

The best time to visit Coorg is from October to May when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. 

What are some of the popular adventure activities to do in Manali?

Some of the popular adventure activities to do in Manali are trekking, skiing, river rafting, and paragliding.