Kalimpong is a small hill station in West Bengal located very close to Darjeeling. As a renowned tourist destination, the place is surrounded on all sides by a rich panorama comprising majestic mountains, natural springs and lakes and lush green tropical forest. In fact, it is the ideal paradise for nature lovers. Whether you are an adventurer looking for an adrenaline rush or want to spend a peaceful holiday nestled in the Himalayas away from the hassles of the city, Kalimpong is the ideal destination for you. The place is rich in monasteries and temples. Foodies will be delighted as the place also offers endless options of delicious dishes to satisfy their taste buds.
how to reach
The area of the small municipality does not have its own air port. The closest is Bagdogra in Siliguri, about a three-hour drive away. Bagdogra airport is well connected to all major cities in the country. Kalimpong is easily accessible by car from Darjeeling, Siliguri and Gangtok. In fact, the road trip is the best option if you are going from Darjeeling because of the spectacular views of the mountains and the lush evergreen forests in between.
Things to do in Kalimpong
· Deolo Hill
It is the highest point in the entire Kalimpong area and offers you the greatest view of the valley covering about 1,700 square meters. It is even possible to identify the towns and cities dotted in the distance from here. Here you can search for a number of adventure sports such as paragliding, horse riding and trekking in the mountains. There are a number of springs and mountain sources nearby. You can enjoy family picnics in those picturesque places under the bright sun. Early risers love to watch the sunrise here. In addition, there is a recreational park where you can enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
· Visit the cactus nursery
It is one of the largest commercial flower nurseries in the valley and is home to a wide range of exotic flowers and plants. The place also acts as a great learning center for children about nature and its conservation. You can see some of the rare orchids and cacti here. The nursery curves out of a fantastic natural landscape. People come here also to enjoy the serene environment along with stunning panoramic views.
· Soak up the beauty of the Durpin Dara Hills and be intoxicated
The hill is located in the southern part of the town and is the second highest point in the region. This place offers one of the best views of the Kanchenjunga. Two torrential mountain rivers, the Teesta and the Range, flow through the site. The famous Durpin Monastery is also located here, which houses some exceptionally rare Buddhist manuscripts. One can easily spend a fun-filled and memorable day by visiting the monastery.
· Zong Dog Palri Fo Brand Gompa
Tea gompa The monastery is a wonderful specimen of genuine Buddhist architecture. It was built almost half a century ago under the noble leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The monastery holds a very special place in the hearts of the local Buddhist community. Popular for its religious activities, the center is also an impressive repository of rare texts, manuscripts and paintings on Tibetology.
· crockety
It is actually a British style cottage built during the days of the Raj. The property boasts of its architectural grandeur even to this day. Interestingly, in the early 1900s it served as a trading house as wool merchants from all over the world used to gather here to conduct their trading activities. The property includes adjoining gardens and lawns which are maintained with great care and effort.
· Great nature activities at the Morgan house.
Kalimpong is also on the ghost map! Many movies have already been made where it is about an old house built on top of a hill and haunted by ghosts. In Kalimpong, you can visit such a property in person. Some Mr. and Mrs. Morgan built this house sometime in the 1930’s. Over time, a thick web of supernatural incidents has been woven around the property. To cut a long story short, local legend has it that the House of Morgan is haunted by ghosts. However, the property is a good testimony of the bygone colonial era and its architectural marvel is worth admiring. In addition, it is located in a beautiful mountainous landscape. The property is currently managed as a hotel by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of West Bengal. But that will not stop you from crossing the threshold and calmly looking around you.
The best time to visit
Nestled in the Himalayas, the place has a relaxing climate almost all year round. In other words, you can come here at any time. However, like most other hill stations in India, the best time to visit here is between the end of February and May, when summer is at its peak. During these months the average temperature ranges between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius; the climate is very pleasant, neither too cold nor too hot to wander in the sun. And more importantly, during summers you can be sure to get the best and clearest view of the Kanchenjunga and the Seven Sisters. In monsoons, due to gloomy sky, vision is quite low while in winters it is due to cloudy atmosphere. Once the monsoon sets across the region, rain sweeps it away from June to late September. During this time of year, landslides and roadblocks are very common. In fact, the monsoon is risky to visit the hills. From October to early February, the temperature drops below freezing and snowfall is common. If you can handle the cold, then winter is a great time to vacation in Kalimpong.
