Kalimpong
Attraction
Hilltops, Monastery
Elevation
4,101 Ft.
Languages
Hindi, Nepali, English
Food
Multi Cuisine
Kalimpong is a vibrant hill station in the Indian state of West Bengal. Situated at an altitude of 4101 feet, Kalimpong is an alluring city full of tourist-friendly attractions. Once known to be the major trading hub between India and Tibet and just about 50 km away from the "Queen of Hills" Darjeeling, Kalimpong is truly a traveller's retreat in the true sense. Replete with countless scenic attractions, the tourism in Kalimpong is growing rapidly and in the following lines, let's know about these attractions.
Sightseeing Places in and around Kalimpong
Kalimpong is poured with the fascinating Himalayan beauties and the scenic sightseeing places. One such sightseeing place is Deolo top, a beautiful hilltop points from where one can have a look for the surrounding valleys, rivers and mountain ranges like Kanchenjunga.
Visiting Durpin Dara hill is one of the amazing things to do in Kalimpong, one can have a panoramic view of Kalimpong town. Moreover, the western part of Sikkim can also be seen from this top. Dr. Graham's house, the famous educational institute built in the early decades of the 1900s by Sir Anderson Graham of England is also a famous sightseeing place of Kalimpong.
Apart from these above-mentioned sightseeing places, one can visit the Cactus Nursery, one of the largest in the entire Kalimpong. Here one can witness numerous species of cacti as well as 400 types of orchids. Kalimpong is one of the religious hubs for Buddhists as you can see many monasteries here such as Zong Dhog Palri Fo Brang Monastery aka Durpin Monastery.
Things to Do in and near Kalimpong
Even though Kalimpong is a tiny hill station, it does not disappoint its visitors when it comes about adventurous outdoor activities which also help to increase tourism here. One can indulge in Paragliding which is the latest form of adventure sports that are boosting the tourism of this place quite significantly.
River Rafting in Teesta is another thrilling outdoor activity to do here. One can feel the adrenaline rush in their body while enjoying the activity. Apart from river rafting, one can enjoy Mountain Biking with his/her companion through the holy terrain of Kalimpong.
Trekking enthusiasts will not be disappointed too as this tiny city has several trekking trails connected with it. While trekking one will witness luminous and gorgeous blooms his trek. Furthermore, pristine streams and cascading waterfalls on the trekking route will make the entire journey a memorable one to cherish for a lifetime.
How to Reach this Hill Station
Reaching this thriving tourism hub named Kalimpong is quite easy and convenient. Here are the transportation options one can opt to reach.
- By Road: The best way to reach Kalimpong by road is via Siliguri, which is connected to all the major cities nearby.
- By Air: The nearest airport to Kalimpong is Bagdogra. Direct flights are available from Delhi, Kolkata, Howrah, Guwahati and many other notable cities.
- By Train: The major railway station is New Jalpaiguri Station. This particular railway station is well connected with Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Varanasi and other major cities of India.
Accommodation to Stay in this Hill Station
There are homestays, resorts and hotels are available to stay here. Budget, as well as luxurious options are there with all the latest amenities such as attached western bathrooms, electricity, comfortable bedrooms and delicious foods.
Best Time to Visit Kalimpong
Kalimpong, with its jaw-dropping natural phenomena and charming weather, can be visited at any time of the year. But, the months of March to May and also September to December are considered to be the best time.