An erstwhile British cantonment, Kalimpong is a small hill town in West Bengal that is all about a quaint getaway amidst nature.

The 2023 Netflix Hindi film Jaane Jaan headlined by actress Kareen Kapoor Khan set in Kalimpong, shows the destination in all its glory and it was this film that led me to visit the destination eventually.

Natural Nuances

A roughly close to three hour drive from Darjeeling brings me to my destination at Kalimpong and the best introduction came during the journey. This was courtesy a stop at Lamahatta Eco Park on the highway with well-manicured gardens bursting in colorful hues with flowers in full bloom. With this colorful introduction, we head to Kalimpong that sits pretty at a height of 4091 feet above sea level. The topography is interesting too as it sits on a ridge that connects the Deolo and Durping hills. With the Eastern Himalayas and Teesta River surrounding the region, you are guaranteed pristine, picturesque sights everywhere.

Lamahatta Eco Park

Cactus World

My first stop was at the Pine View Nursery or the Kalimpong Cactus Nursery. This space is home to a variety of cacti and orchids that are housed in dome-like structures. Several cacti also have flowers and if you are a lover of plants, this place is sure to warm your heart. Located on an elevation, this place also has traditional species of roses on display. Look around and you can see marvelous views of Kalimpong from the top. You can also grab a quick tea to refresh yourself here. With 1500 species of cacti in a two acre space, this is also a great way to understand the local flora of the region.

Scientific Temper

If you love science, or are keen to understand how some concepts work, the Kalimpong Science Centre is the place to head to. Keeping scientific concepts simple, interesting, and practical, the center has several interactive exhibits that will explain the concepts simplistically. You can also try your hand at some of the activities and experiments as well. And if you even did not like science in school, this space is sure to change your thinking. From pouring baking soda to create a volcano effect, to grasping a ball that you cannot feel but see, this will be a nostalgic trip to a science lab. Outside the museum are large dinosaur models that kids are sure to enjoy.

Parks in Kalimpong

Monastery Hopping

The town is home to several monasteries and the Zang Dhok Palri Monastery on the Durpin Dara Hill is among the larger ones. Started in 1970 by Dudjum Rinpoche, this is an important Buddhist site. The exterior façade is ornate with Buddhist architectural style and the interiors have sculptured walls, pillars, ancient paintings and three dimensional artworks. What makes this place special is that it is home to 108 volumes of the sacred Kangyur that are said to be carried by the Dalai Lama during his exile. Towering at 1372 meters above sea level, you can see both the stunning snowcapped Kanchenjunga peaks and the Teesta River below. Another interesting monastery is Tharpa Choling Monastery, which was started by Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang in 1912. Belonging to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the monastery houses several sacred Buddhist scriptures and old literary works. There are three idols representing Bhaisajya, Sakyamuni and Maitreya Buddhas. When here make sure to visit the museum which has a collection of old scriptures and artifacts that document the Dalai Lama’s visit to the monastery. The large complex also houses the Chinese temple, Temple of Naga, Mani Lhagang and Shrine of Shangmo Dorje Bhuti.

Tharpa Choling Monastery

History Beckons

Being a cantonment, Kalimpong has an old world charm that is unmissable. Drive around and you are bound to see many heritage buildings. Like the Graham House that was built in the 1930s and is also the oldest colonial bungalow here. You can also check out the complex of school buildings located on the opposite side of the bungalow to see some charming heritage buildings. Also check out the British era bungalow The Crockety for some more architectural nostalgia.

Sights & Sounds

If you want to simply do nothing and soak in the sights and sounds of nature here. Walk around the narrow roads and admire the small houses that are lined with flowering pots. Birders can enjoy the birdsong – there are several species that the discerning ones can spot too. When in Kalimpong do not miss the local food – it combines the flavours of the Lepchas, Nepalese, Bengali, and ethnic communities to create a delightful palate. Special mention must be made of Momos, Thukpa and Churpee (yak milk cheese) that are things you must try. In all, a holiday in Kalimpong is a great lesson in slow travel and soaking in nature in its purest form. When are you going?

Fact File

Reach: Bagdogra International Airport located 106 km away is the nearest airport and is well connected to most cities in India and a few international destinations as well.

Stay: Sterling Park Kalimpong is a heritage property that has an old world charm and offers rooms that are reminiscent of the past as well as great food.