Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a town and the headquarters of an eponymous district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located at an average elevation of 1,250 metres. The town is the headquarters of the Kalimpong district.
Video and credit to Birbal Dibucha
Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a quiet hill station and district headquarters in West Bengal, known for its panoramic mountain views, rich floriculture, colonial-era educational institutions, and a blend of Nepali, Tibetan, and Bhutanese cultures. It is a less crowded alternative to Darjeeling, offering a relaxed holiday experience.
Key Information
- Location: Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,250 meters (4,100 feet) in the Eastern Himalayas, overlooking the Teesta River valley.
- Views: Offers stunning, often 360-degree, views of the snow-clad Himalayan ranges, including the world’s third highest peak, Mount Kanchenjunga.
- Culture & History: Originally a trading post on the old silk route to Tibet, it has a diverse population and a history influenced by British, Bhutanese, and Sikkimese rule.
- Economy: Key industries are tourism, education (known for its colonial-era boarding schools), and horticulture, particularly the export of exotic flowers, orchids, and cacti.
Top Attractions and Activities
- Deolo Hill: The highest point in the town, offering a full panoramic view of the town, surrounding valleys, and the Kanchenjunga range. It features a park and is a hub for activities like paragliding and horse riding.
- Durpin Dara Hill: Another excellent viewpoint (Nepali for “binocular hill”) with sweeping views of the Teesta River and the plains. The Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery, consecrated by the Dalai Lama, is located here and houses rare Tibetan Buddhist scriptures.
- Dr. Graham’s Homes: A famous educational institution and orphanage founded in 1900 by a Scottish missionary, located on a sprawling 500-acre campus on the slopes of Deolo Hill.
- Flower Nurseries: Kalimpong is renowned for its commercial nurseries, such as the Universal and Ganesh Moni Pradhan Nurseries, which specialize in orchids, cacti, and other ornamental plants.
- Adventure Sports: The region offers white-water rafting on the Teesta River, trekking in nearby areas like the Neora Valley National Park, and mountain biking on scenic routes.
- Local Cuisine and Shopping: Explore the local markets for unique Tibetan and Nepali handicrafts, locally produced cheese, and popular snacks like momos and thukpa.
Getting There
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in Siliguri (approx. 75 km away), with direct flights to major Indian cities. The smaller Pakyong Airport (PYG) in Sikkim is also an option.
- By Train: The closest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in Siliguri (approx. 72 km away), which is well-connected to Indian metropolitan cities.
- By Road: Kalimpong is easily accessible by road via NH10 from Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Gangtok. Taxis and shared jeeps are readily available for the scenic journey.
Best Time to Visit
The weather is generally temperate and pleasant year-round.
- Peak Season: March to June and October to mid-December offer the best weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities, with clear views of the Himalayas.
- Monsoon: July to September brings heavy rainfall, which can cause landslides, though the landscape is lush green.
- Winter: December to February is cooler, often foggy, but provides excellent, crisp visibility of the mountains when the skies are clear.