Hill Stations Near Bihar: My Personal Guide to Cool Escapes

Published: 4 Oct 2025

If you have ever lived in Bihar or traveled here, you will know—our summers can be harsh and sometimes all you want is a break in the cool hills. That’s exactly how I felt last year when I packed my bags in Patna and set out in search of hill stations nearby. And trust me, I was surprised at how many refreshing getaways are just a short trip away.

This guide is me sharing my own journey—what I saw, what I loved, and the little tips I wish someone had told me before I went. Whether you are planning a day trip, a weekend escape, or a longer holiday, these hill stations near Bihar will give you the perfect dose of peace, adventure and cool mountain air.

Table of Content

Quick Comparison of Hill Stations Near Bihar
A). Hill Stations Near Bihar
1. 1⇒ 🌄 Rajgir – Ropeways, Hot Springs and Ancient Hills
2. 2⇒ 🌿 Simultala – The “Mini Shimla of Bihar”
B). Weekend Escapes Near Bihar
1. 3⇒ 🌅 Netarhat – The Queen of Chotanagpur
2. 4⇒ 💦 Ranchi – Waterfalls and Hills
C). Longer Escapes (A Bit Further, Totally Worth It)
1. 5⇒ 🌸 Darjeeling – Tea Gardens & Toy Train
2. 6⇒ 🌼 Kalimpong – Quiet Hills & Monasteries
Best Time to Visit Hill Stations Near Bihar
Sample Itineraries
Travel Tips & Practical Info
Conclusion
FAQs

Quick Comparison of Hill Stations Near Bihar

Hill Station	Distance from Patna	Travel Time
Rajgir (Bihar)	100 km	2.5 hrs
Netarhat (Jharkhand)	250 km	6 hrs
Ranchi (Jharkhand)	325 km	7 hrs
Darjeeling (West Bengal)	550 km	Overnight train + drive
Kalimpong (West Bengal)	600 km	Overnight train + drive
Simultala (Bihar)	220 km	5 hrs

A). Hill Stations Near Bihar

These hill stations are very close to Bihar, and you can even consider these as inside Bihar.

1⇒ 🌄 Rajgir – Ropeways, Hot Springs and Ancient Hills

Rajgir was my very first hill escape from Patna, and honestly, it felt like stepping into history wrapped in nature. The road trip itself is short, about 2.5 hours and suddenly you’re surrounded by green hills.

What I loved most?

The ropeway rides to Vishwa Shanti Stupa. It’s not fancy but the thrill of hanging above the valley is unforgettable.
The hot springs—locals believe they have healing powers. I just dipped my feet and felt instantly relaxed.
Exploring old caves and Buddhist sites. Rajgir is not just hills; it’s a storybook of India’s past.

👉 Travel Tip: Carry some snacks and water because apart from small dhabas, there aren’t many fancy cafés here.

2⇒ 🌿 Simultala – The “Mini Shimla of Bihar”

I discovered Simultala thanks to a local friend who swore it was once the summer retreat of British officials. And he was right, it has that old-world charm with pine-covered hills and quiet pathways.

Things I enjoyed in Simultala:

Long morning walks—mist in the air, birdsong all around.
Small picnic spots perfect for family outings.
Visiting old bungalows that tell silent stories of the past.

👉 Travel Tip: Trains from Patna stop at Simultala station but the schedules can be tricky—book in advance.

B). Weekend Escapes Near Bihar

If you have two days and you want to get the most out of it on a weekend like me, then here are my favourite two spots for weekend getaway near Bihar.

3⇒ 🌅 Netarhat – The Queen of Chotanagpur

Netarhat holds a special place in my heart. It’s called the “Queen of Chotanagpur” and once you see the sunrise at Magnolia Point, you will know why. I still remember standing there, wrapped in a shawl, watching the sky turn golden.

What makes Netarhat magical?

Sunset at Koel View Point—the river shining like liquid silver.
Long drives through forest roads where monkeys suddenly cross your path.
A peaceful vibe—perfect for couples or anyone needing a break from city noise.

👉 Travel Tip: Nights get chilly even in October. Pack a sweater.

4⇒ 💦 Ranchi – Waterfalls and Hills

Ranchi is more than a city, it’s a mix of urban energy and natural beauty. When I went, I combined sightseeing with short treks.

Highlights:

Dassam Falls and Hundru Falls—both massive, roaring and so refreshing.
Patratu Valley drive—I still remember the curvy roads lined with greenery.
Street food in Ranchi—don’t miss the litti chokha stalls.

👉 Travel Tip: Start early if you want to cover multiple waterfalls in one day. Roads can get crowded.

C). Longer Escapes (A Bit Further, Totally Worth It)

Sometimes you get heavily distracted by the heat and want to go far ahead of the city. Thus I have also gathered some noticeable options.

5⇒ 🌸 Darjeeling – Tea Gardens & Toy Train

Ah, Darjeeling. Just the name feels romantic, right? I took an overnight train from Patna to New Jalpaiguri and then a shared taxi. By the time I reached, the cool misty air was hugging me like an old friend.

Must-dos in Darjeeling:

Ride the toy train—slow, scenic, nostalgic.
Visit Tiger Hill for sunrise over Kanchenjunga.
Sip tea at a local estate. Honestly, it tastes different here—fresher, lighter.

6⇒ 🌼 Kalimpong – Quiet Hills & Monasteries

If Darjeeling feels busy, Kalimpong is its quiet cousin. I loved the peaceful monasteries, the flower nurseries, and the relaxed vibe. It’s where you go if you want to read a book with a mountain view.

👉 Travel Tip: Kalimpong has cute little cafés—perfect for couples who want cozy evenings.

Best Time to Visit Hill Stations Near Bihar

Summer (Mar–Jun): Escape the heat—Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Netarhat are great.
Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Lush greenery, but check road safety.
Winter (Oct–Feb): Best for misty mornings, foggy valleys and cozy stays.

Sample Itineraries

1-Day Trip: Patna → Rajgir → hot springs → ropeway → return.
Weekend Trip: Patna → Netarhat → Magnolia sunrise → forest drive → return.
Extended Escape: Patna → NJP → Darjeeling & Kalimpong loop (5–6 days).

Travel Tips & Practical Info

🚗 Transport: Trains are budget-friendly but shared taxis save time in the hills.
💰 Budget: Expect ₹1,500–₹6,000 per day depending on your style (basic homestays vs resorts).
🧳 Packing: Always carry a light sweater, umbrella and power bank. Hills surprise you.
🍲 Food: Try local snacks—litti chokha in Bihar, pua in Jharkhand, momos in Darjeeling.

Conclusion

When I think back on these trips, I don’t just remember the hills. I remember the laughter on the ropeway in Rajgir, the golden sunrise in Netarhat, the taste of Darjeeling tea and the calm evenings in Kalimpong. These places are not far, yet they feel like a world away from the busy plains of Bihar.

If you are craving cool air, scenic drives and a break that truly feels refreshing, the hills are calling. Maybe it’s your turn to pack a bag and follow the road from Bihar into the clouds. 🌿

FAQs

Here is the list of FAQs:

Which hill station is nearest to Patna?

Rajgir is the closest, just 100 km away. This is the perfect Hill stop for a quick 1-day trip.

Which is the most beautiful hill station near Bihar?

Netarhat wins my heart for its sunrise and peaceful vibe while Darjeeling is the classic beauty.

Are there budget-friendly options?

Yes! Rajgir and Simultala are both affordable, with rooms starting from ₹800–₹1000.

Can I travel with kids?

Absolutely—Rajgir, Ranchi and Simultala are family-friendly with safe spots and easy travel.

How far is Darjeeling from Patna?

Around 550 km. The easiest way is by train to New Jalpaiguri (8–9 hours) and then a 3-hour taxi ride.