Kalimpong is a tourist destination in the state of West Bengal, settled at an elevation of 4,091 feet from the sea level in the Himalayan foothills having River Teesta at the base. The small town is positioned in a way that it offers the breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga, world’s third highest peak. However, Kalimpong was ignored by the tourists for the other popular places like Gangtok and Darjeeling. But, adventure lovers and nature admirers are showing interests to unravel the beauty of this small yet perfect town. If you are one such traveler, here’s a guide to Kalimpong. The place is worth a visit!
Kalimpong is a tourist destination in the state of West Bengal, settled at an elevation of 4,091 feet from the sea level in the Himalayan foothills having River Teesta at the base. The small town is positioned in a way that it offers the breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga, world’s third highest peak. However, Kalimpong was ignored by the tourists for the other popular places like Gangtok and Darjeeling. But, adventure lovers and nature admirers are showing interests to unravel the beauty of this small yet perfect town. If you are one such traveler, here’s a guide to Kalimpong. The place is worth a visit!
Location
Located between two hills Durpin and Deola, Kalimpong is at the extreme northern region of West Bengal. Not too far from Sikkim border. It is situated at a distance of 50 kilometers from Darjeeling and around 75 kilometers from Gangtok.
How to reach Kalimpong
When the question, ‘how to reach Kalimpong?’ strikes your mind, remember the closest airport is Bagdogra in the state of Bagdogra – 3 hours’ drive. Hiring a taxi from the airport would charge you around INR 2,600 to reach Kalimpong.
To reach the town by train, take a train to New Jalpaiguri, the nearest railway station from Kalimpong. From New Jalpaiguri, hire a cab or taxi to reach Kalimpong (a two and half hours’ drive).
If you are traveling to Kalimpong from Darjeeling or Gangtok, you can get a private taxi for a price of INR 2,700. You can pay less if you are good at bargaining. Well, that’s an art!
Things to do in Kalimpong
Before moving to sightseeing in Kalimpong, let us tell you about the best time to visit the amazing destination. To have a clearer view of the mountains, the ideal time to visit is from October to May.
There are local private tour guides and operators, taxi drivers who offer half-day sightseeing of the area. They will take you to the key attractions in the Northeast Kalimpong region of Deola Hill and Southwest Kalimpong region in Durpin Hill. To choose which area you would like to explore on the first day, let us unveil the main attractions of the regions:
Northeast Kalimpong attractions:
Mangal Dham: It is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Guruji Shri Mangaldasji Maharaja and Lord Krishna. Built in the year 1993, the temple showcases captivating interiors with the life scenes of Lord Krishna encrypted on the walls.
Thongsa Gompa: It is the oldest monastery existing in Kalimpong. Often called Bhutanese Monastery, the structure was built by the Bhutanese after occupying the town of Kalimpong.
Tharpa Choling Gompa: Another famous monastery built in the year 1912 by Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang, a famous Tibetan Buddhist Monk. You can also visit the Chinese museum and temple inside the premises.
Durga Mandir: It is a famous temple dedicated to Hindu Goddess Durga
Sherpa Taar: It is a popular viewpoint for the scenic beauty of Kalimpong – overlooking the magnificent River Teesta creating a border between Sikkim and West Bengal.
Dr. Graham’s Homes: Established in 1900, it is a school and orphanage for underprivileged children. There is a small museum and an ornate church resembling the structures in Scottish countryside.
Deola Hill: It is the highest viewpoint in the Northeast part of Kalimpong, at an altitude of 5,500 feet from sea level. You can capture spectacular views of sunrise from behind Mount Kanchenjunga.
Southwest Kalimpong attractions:
Gouripur House: It is the place where the famous Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore composed some of his brilliant works. Unfortunately, the place is into ruins now. You can visit Pratima Tagore House that was constructed by his daughter-in-law in the year 1943. The place is well-maintained and has some of his great works to cherish.
Army Golf Club: It is a fantastic landmark golf course maintained and founded by Indian Army.
Nature Interpretation Center: It is an ecological museum managed by the forest department of the town.
Durpin Monastery: Officially named, Zang Dhok Palri Monastery, it is the largest monastery in Kalimpong built in the year 1972 on Durpin Hill. It was during the period when Tibetan monks came to Kalimpong and the place was consecrated in 1976 by Dalai Lama.
Jelep La Viewpoint: From this viewpoint below Durpin Monastery, you can witness the confluence point of Reang, Relli and Teesta rivers.
Where to stay in Kalimpong
With the eventually growing tourism in the area, there are several comfortable hotels in Kalimpong today. If you want to get the historic feel in the town, book a room in the oldest hotel of the region, Himalayan Hotel, built in the year 1905. It has been recently renovated by the name of Mayfair Himalayan Spa Resort.
You can also stay at Elgin Silver Oaks, another luxury heritage property dating back to 1930. It was home to a rich British jute magnate.
Other good places to stay in Kalimpong include Holumba Haven, The Soods Garden Retreat, Mansarovar Homestay and Kalimpong Village Retreat. Find cheap flight tickets to Kalimpong at Indian Eagle.
