Kalimpong Town

Kalimpong is a charming hill town in West Bengal that was once part of the Darjeeling district. In 2017, it was designated as its own district, making Kalimpong both a town and a district today.

Nestled in the Himalayas, Kalimpong is a peaceful bazaar with a rich cultural and religious heritage. Historically, it served as a crucial trade link between Tibet and India via Sikkim. Up to the early 1700s, it was under the Sikkim Raja's domain before being taken over by Bhutanese kings in the early 18th century. Following the Anglo-Bhutan War in 1865, Kalimpong was annexed to Darjeeling. Scottish missionaries arrived in the late 1800s, and the growth of tea estates in Darjeeling brought many labourers to Kalimpong. The town thrived as a trade centre with Tibet until the Chinese invasion ended this trade in 1959.

Today, Kalimpong is home to a diverse population of Nepalese, Tibetan, Bhutanese, and Lepcha people. It is known for its prestigious schools, making it a popular spot for retirees and a tranquil hill resort for tourists. Being overshadowed by Darjeeling and Gangtok, it attracts a steady flow of tourists, which contributes to its unique charm.

Most of the drive to Kalimpong from Siliguri is along the forests fringing the Teesta River. Built into a steep gorge, the road overlooks this beautiful river as it tumbles and slides, a crystal icy green, through the Himalayan foothills and onto the plains of Bengal. 

Things to See and Do

The diverse groups who have traded with and settled in Kalimpong over the centuries have contributed various architectural styles to its temples, churches, and monasteries, giving the town a cosmopolitan ambience. Kalimpong is renowned for its excellent missionary schools and flower nurseries established by missionaries, which produce 80% of India's gladioli, along with orchids, roses, and other flowers. The town offers panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga Range and the Teesta Valley, adding to its scenic charm.

Colonial relics

Kalimpong still evokes strong memories of the Raj, with its colonial bungalows and old hotels, most of which were built by British wool traders and are located on Rinkingpong Road and Hill Top Road. Notable examples include the charming Morgan House, Crockety, Surya Sadan, Galingka, Tashiding, and Ringking Farm. Today, Morgan House and Tashiding serve as state-run tourist lodges.

On the way to Deolo Hill is Dr. Graham’s Home, a sprawling campus covering 500 acres. Founded in 1900 by Rev. Dr. J.A. Graham, a Scottish missionary, the institution was originally established for children born to British planters and local women. Today, it functions as a public school with approximately 1,300 students. The 14th Dalai Lama was welcomed here during his first escape from Tibet in 1956.

St. Theresa Church, constructed by local craftsmen to resemble a gompa, features woodcarvings that depict biblical scenes, with figures that look like Buddhist monks. Visitors can tour the campus and often bring picnic lunches to enjoy a day trip in the scenic surroundings.

Deolo Hill

As you drive up to this scenic viewpoint, you'll encounter several sights along the way. First, there's a statue of the Buddha seated upon a lotus, surrounded by rocks and lush greenery. Behind the statue is a small gompa.

Next, stop at Sherpa Taar, or Sherpa View Point, which offers a stunning view of the hills rising to meet the mountains and the valley below. You can see the beautiful Teesta River, which forms the boundary between West Bengal and Sikkim. The views are exceptional from both the Durga Mandir and the nearby viewing gallery. Close to the Durga Mandir is Hanuman Park, featuring a 30-foot-high statue of Hanuman. Climb the steps for a chance to glimpse Kanchenjunga on a clear day.

Finally, you reach Deolo Hill. At 5,413 feet, it is the highest point in Kalimpong and offers a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the entire region. Kanchenjunga proudly rises to the north, beyond the hills of Sikkim. From here, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Dr Graham’s Home, Kalimpong, and Durpin Dara Hill. Deolo Hill also features a park showcasing Kalimpong’s exotic flora, and children can enjoy pony rides. The Deolo Tourist Lodge is a great place to stay, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Durpin Dara Hill

This hill, located on the southern edge of the town, serves as an excellent vantage point. "Durpin" means telescope in Nepali, fitting for a spot offering expansive views of the Teesta and Rangeet rivers below. On a clear day, you can admire the full splendour of Kanchenjunga. Additionally, you can see parts of Sikkim, Kurseong, Tiger Hill, the Takdah, Peshoke, and Glenburn tea estates situated between Kalimpong and Darjeeling, and even Siliguri in the plains.

Army Golf Course

The army’s Lion’s Golf Course offers a magnificent view of the mountains. This nine-hole course, the highest in West Bengal, is nestled along the undulating slopes of Durpin Ridge. Its vibrant green fairways are a delight but present a challenging terrain for golfers, who must navigate the steep hills. About 1,000 Dhupi, cypress, and silver oak trees have been planted along the course, enhancing its beauty. Visitors need permission from the army post to play, and it is essential to bring your own golf kit, as rentals are not available.

Monasteries

Among the monasteries nestled in Kalimpong’s lush surroundings, the Thongsha Gompa, or Bhutanese Monastery, is the oldest, established in 1692. The original structure was destroyed in an inter-clan war before the British arrived. Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Gompa, consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 1976, is located on Durpin Dara Hill. It houses the Kagyur in 108 volumes, brought by the Dalai Lama during his escape from Tibet. The prayer room features beautiful wall paintings, and upstairs, there is a rare three-dimensional Mandala. This monastery, also known as Durpin Monastery, offers another excellent vantage point for viewing the snow-capped mountains and the valley.

The Nurseries

Flower nurseries are a major attraction in Kalimpong, drawing floriculture enthusiasts and businesses from across India. The town is renowned for its wide variety of flowering plants, including gladioli, orchids, cacti, amaryllis, anthuriums, and roses.

One notable nursery is Pine View Nursery, located about 2 km from Kalimpong town on Atisha Road. It boasts the largest collection of exotic cacti in Asia, with nearly 1,500 varieties. The Pradhan family, who runs the nursery, also accommodates tourists at their resort on Atisha Road.

Universal Nursery, 3 km from Kalimpong on Teesta Bazaar Road, offers glimpses of Cactii, orchids, amaryllis and succulent flowers. Standard Nursery at Chibo Basti is appreciated for its special roses. Murgi Hatta, below the motor stand, is known for its brilliant gladioli. 

Where to stay in Kalimpong

Kalimpong offers a wide range of tourist accommodations to suit every taste and budget. At the luxury end, several colonial buildings have been converted into elegant lodgings, with the Elgin Silver Oak being the oldest among them. There are also modern properties with up-to-date amenities and construction.

The mid-range segment features a mix of old and new buildings. West Bengal Tourism properties, including Morgan House, Tashiding, and the Hilltop, are classic old-world accommodations, but there are also plenty of modern options in this category.

For budget travellers, there are numerous hotels located in and around the town centre. Homestays are another viable option, particularly on the budget end, with many available throughout Kalimpong town and its surrounding areas. For personalised recommendations, guests can consult with guest service experts by calling them to find the best accommodation option to suit their needs.

Getting There

Kalimpong is conveniently located just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Bagdogra airport, making it an ideal starting or ending point for a Sikkim-Darjeeling tour. The region's key cities—Gangtok, Siliguri, and Darjeeling—are all nearly equidistant from Kalimpong. Gangtok, to the north, is about 75 km away and a three-hour drive. Darjeeling, to the west, is 55 km away and takes approximately two and a half hours by car. Siliguri, with its airport and railway station, is around 65 km away, also about a two-and-a-half-hour drive.

Kalimpong's unique location means that all vehicles connecting these major cities typically pass through NH 10, which is just a half-hour drive from the town centre. This strategic position makes Kalimpong a distinctive and convenient destination for tourists exploring the region.

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The best time to visit Kalimpong

Kalimpong's climate is unique, making it suitable for travel year-round. In the summer months of April, May, and June, temperatures used to be comfortably in the mid-20s Celsius, offering relief from the heat. However, recent climate changes have led to temperatures occasionally reaching as high as 30 degrees Celsius during midday. As a result, some homes and hotels have begun installing electric fans, a rarity in Kalimpong until a few years ago.

During the monsoon months, heavy rainfall is common, and while landslides are not frequent within the town, NH10, the main connecting road to Kalimpong, is prone to landslides during this time.

October and November mark the post-monsoon season when the weather is at its finest, with clear visibility and comfortable temperatures. December through February constitutes winter in Kalimpong, with temperatures dropping significantly. While the town typically does not experience snowfall during these months, visitors may need heavy woollens to stay warm.