Nestled in the lush green eastern mid-ranges of the Himalayas, Kalimpong is not just a Land of Orchids and verdant rolling valleys. This bustling bazaar town is sprawled on a mountain ridge overlooking the roaring Teesta River and is lorded over by the summit of Kanchenjunga. Smaller and more laid-back than Darjeeling, Kalimpong boasts Himalayan views, Buddhist monasteries, and a fascinating nursery industry, all linked by some fine hikes. A melting pot of cultures and cuisines, Kalimpong sets itself apart by being the amalgamation of Bengali, Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepali culture. You can lose yourself in the charm of Kalimpong for three days or more. Here’s what you can do here.
State: West Bengal
Destination Type: Mountain
Destinations Nearby: Durpin Monastery - 4 km, Triveni Ghat Rapids - 21 km, Deolo Hill Park - 11 km
Languages: Bengali, Nepali and English
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Station
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Summer: March to May. Temperature ranges between 16°C to 27°C.
Monsoon: June to September. Temperature ranges around 13°C.
Winter: December to February. Temperature ranges between 5°C and 17°C.
Climate: mild and temperate throughout the year
Best time to visit: March to May or September to November
Zang Dhok Palri is a Buddhist monastery located atop Durpin Dara Hill. Popularly called as Durpin Monastery, it is one of the largest in Kalimpong and among the well-known Buddhist monasteries in West Bengal.
Pine View Nursery is a private commercial nursery established in 1971 and is known for its exotic cactus collection.
Lamahatta is a picturesque mountain village situated near Kalimpong.
Teesta River has become one of the most popular hotspots for White Water Rafting in eastern India and is among the must-do activities when visiting Kalimpong.
One of the two hills that the town of Kalimpong stands between, the hill is 5,590 feet high and is the highest point of Kalimpong town.