Kalimpong Travel Guide - A Serene Himalayan Retreat
Kalimpong doesn’t fail to capture the essence of nature’s beauty in the truest sense. Here, you get to experience the panoramic valleys, the local architecture, the culture, and everything that is just spellbinding.
Located on the foothills of the Shivalik ranges at an altitude of about 1250 m, this area was ruled by the Bhutanese until the 19th century. Keep reading to learn more about Kalimpong.
History of Kalimpong
Kalimpong’s history shows how this city was ruled by the Bhutanese and Sikkimese kings until the 19th century. For instance, in the early 1700s, the king of Bhutan won this region in a battle against the Sikkimese people and renamed it Kalimpong.
Then, in 1864, there was another war between the Britishers and the Bhutanese people, in which the Britishers emerged victorious. Soon after the war, Kalimpong was added to Darjeeling in 1866. Thus, since then, Kalimpong has become a subdivision of the Darjeeling district. However, in 2017, it was officially made a separate district.
Best Places To Visit In Kalimpong
If you wish to make the most of this stunning city, then we advise you to add the below mentioned famous tourist attractions in Kalimpong for a wonderful experience.
1. Durpin Dara Hill
If you want to witness the panoramic views of Kalimpong and the snow-capped mighty Himalayan mountains, then you should definitely go to this hill. This place is among the famous Kalimpong tourist places that will offer you majestic views. Apart from the lush views of nature, you can also explore the Golf Course, Zang Dhok Palri Monastery, and so much more here.
2. Morgan House
Mr. and Mrs. Morgan built this house in the 1930s. It is among the famous places to visit in Kalimpong which is an example of colonial architecture of that time and is famous for its haunted stories. It has been converted into a lodge for local and foreign tourists.
3. Deolo Hill
Situated at about 2,000 m, this place is a must-visit for any travel enthusiast, as its perfect for Kalimpong sightseeing. If you want to see the unending views of mountains and the infinite sky, visit here. You wouldn’t want to go away after witnessing the sunset and sunrise from Deolo Hill.
4. Kalimpong Kali Mandir
This is among the most popular places to see in Kalimpong, which is beautifully perched on a serene hilltop. This sacred hilltop is dedicated to Goddess Kali and offers majestic views of Himalayas.
5. Durpin Monastery (Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery)
A famous Buddhist monastery with rare Tibetan scriptures and a stunning hilltop view.
6. Thongsa Gompa (Bhutanese Monastery)
The oldest monastery in Kalimpong, offering spiritual peace and traditional Buddhist architecture.
Things to Do in Kalimpong
- Take a nature walk through pine forests and flower gardens.
- Enjoy paragliding at Deolo Hill for stunning aerial views.
- Visit local handicraft markets for traditional Tibetan souvenirs.
- Try Tibetan and Nepali cuisine, including momos, thukpa, and churpi.
- Explore colonial-era churches like St. Theresa Church and MacFarlane Church.
- Take a relaxing boat ride on the nearby Teesta River.
- Witness a mesmerizing sunrise from Deolo Hill.
Best Time to Visit Kalimpong
- Spring & Summer (March to June) - Best time to visit, with pleasant weather (10°C to 25°C) and clear skies.
- Monsoon (July to September) - Lush greenery, but frequent rainfall and landslides may affect travel.
- Autumn (October to November) - Crisp air, beautiful mountain views, and blooming flowers.
- Winter (December to February) - Cold but serene (5°C to 15°C), with misty mornings and fewer tourists.
How to Reach Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a beautiful hill station in West Bengal. To reach it, you will need to cover a total distance of about 1,524, 2,363, 632, and 2,572 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, respectively. Check out the following details on how to reach Kalimpong.
How to Reach Kalimpong By Air
The nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in Siliguri, about 70-80 km away. The airport caters to both domestic and international flights. It is majorly operated as a civil enclave at the AFS Bagdogra of the Indian Air Force. This airport has good flight connectivity with various Indian cities via direct and connecting flights. From the airport, consider booking a taxi or some other means of transportation to reach your destination.
How to Reach Kalimpong By Train
The nearest train station from Kalimpong is New Jalpaiguri, about 70-80 km away. Established in the 1960s, it is considered an A1 category station with good facilities for tourists and passengers. The New Jalpaiguri Station is regarded as the most significant and busiest railhead in North-Eastern India and has been given the 10th rank in terms of hygiene and cleanliness as per the 2016 survey. After deboarding at the station, you must cover the remaining distance by local transportation.
How to Reach Kalimpong By Road
Depending upon your location, consider travelling to Kalimpong via motorable networks of roadways and national highways. You can take state-run buses or a taxi, depending on your comfort and budget availability. However, if you want to travel at your own pace, nothing can beat the fun of travelling in your own vehicle.
- From Patna - 524 km via NH27
- From Jalpaiguri - 118 km via NH10
- From Darjeeling - 50 km via Rishi Road
Conclusion
So, are you ready to explore this paradisiacal hill station in West Bengal? If yes, then why wait any longer? Book now with adotrip.com and let the adventure roll in.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kalimpong
Q. What are the top tourist attractions in Kalimpong?
A. Some of the top tourist attractions in Kalimpong include Durpin Dara Hill, Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Gompa, Kali Mandir, and Deolo Hill.
Q. What is Kalimpong famous for?
A. Kalimpong is famous for its stock fair, agricultural produce, and its intricate handicrafts.
Q. Is Kalimpong a part of Sikkim?
A. Kalimbong is a district in West Bengal, India.
Q. Is Kalimpong a hill station?
A. Kalimpong is a small yet beautiful hill station located between Siliguri and Gangtok in Darjeeling district in West Bengal state.
Q. How many days are enough to explore Kalimpong?
A. A 2 to 3-day trip is ideal to explore its attractions, monasteries, and nature spots.
Q. Is Kalimpong better than Darjeeling?
A. Kalimpong is quieter and less crowded, ideal for relaxation. Darjeeling is more commercialized with a lively atmosphere. Both have unique charm.
