Kalimpong is a hill town in East India, located in the foothills of the Himalayas in West Bengal. It sits on a ridge above the Teesta River and is known for its colonial-era buildings, including the MacFarlane Memorial Church, named after a Scottish missionary. To the south, the Durpin Monastery, also called Zang DhokPalri Phodang, houses important Buddhist scriptures. Deolo Park is another popular spot with beautiful gardens and stunning views of the town and nearby hills.
places to visit in Kalimpong
Deolo Hill
Deolo Hill is the highest point in Kalimpong, located northeast of the town. It is one of the two hills Kalimpong lies between. The hill is home to three water reservoirs, two of which provide the main drinking water for the town.
Dr. Graham’s Home
Founded in 1900 by Reverend Dr. John Anderson Graham, a Scottish missionary, Dr. Graham’s Homes is a community project in Kalimpong. It was established to help local children and people in the area during the early 20th century.
Mangal Dham
Mangal Dham is a beautiful temple in Kalimpong, covering an area of 2 acres. It is located near Thongsa Gompa and is known for its serene atmosphere. Guruji Shri Mangal Dasji Maharaj visited Kalimpong in 1940, adding to the temple’s spiritual significance.
Tharpa Choling Monastery
Located on the way to Dr. Graham’s Home, Tharpa Choling Monastery was built in 1937. It follows the yellow hat sect of Buddhism and is home to many ancient Buddhist scriptures.
Flower Nursery
Kalimpong is famous for its flourishing floriculture, with many commercial flower nurseries. The area exports a variety of flowers and plants. The University Nursery, located about 3 km from the town, is one of the best in the region.
Crockety
Crockety, located in the upper part of Kalimpong, showcases impressive British-era architecture. This building is a symbol of British engineering excellence and is an architectural marvel.
Durpin Dara Hill
Durpin Dara Hill, the second-highest point near Kalimpong, offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Kanchenjunga and other mountain ranges. The hill is home to Durpin Monastery and offers stunning views of rivers like Teesta and Rangeet, and nearby locations such as Peshoke tea estate and Nathu-la.
Pendong Monastery
Pendong, located 15.3 km from Rishyap, is on the historic silk route that connected India to Tibet. Visitors can trek to Damsang Fort, built in 1690, where the Lepchas and Bhutias fought a historic battle. The fort now lies in ruins.
Lolegaon
Lolegaon is a small village at the end of a Himalayan ridge, located 24 km from Lava. It sits at an altitude of 1,675 meters and is known for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Best Time To Visit Kalimpong
The ideal time to visit Kalimpong is from March to May and from September to December. The summer season, which lasts from March to May, offers mild and pleasant weather, making it a great time for sightseeing. Kalimpong experiences heavy rainfall from June to September, which can cause landslides and road blockages, so it’s not the best time to visit. Winter begins in December and lasts until February, bringing cool and comfortable weather. During this time, temperatures range from 1°C to 15°C, and occasionally drop below freezing.
