Explore Kalimpong: A complete Kalimpong Travel Guide

The calmness of Kalimpong is the first thing that a tourist notices. The Teesta River flows through Kalimpong, West Bengal, which is located at 1,247 metres above sea level on a remote Himalayan foothills slope. The peaceful atmosphere is enhanced by the presence of monasteries and churches throughout the town. You can see Mount Kangchenjunga from the town if the weather is clear. Despite this, tourists prefer to visit more well-known destinations such as Darjeeling and Gangtok in Sikkim. Kalimpong’s bustling bazaars and traditional handicrafts are also well-known. It is famed for its orchid nurseries and gardens. Nature and adventure enthusiasts, on the other hand, will find much to do away from the crowds. This Kalimpong travel guide might assist you in planning your trip.

History Of Kalimpong

Kalimpong did not always belong to India. It was once part of the Kingdom of Sikkim, which was controlled by Namgyal dynasty monarchs. Buddhist priests founded the monarchy in the 17th century, making Phuntsog Namgyal the first chogyal (king). Guru Tashi, a royal from Tibet who had relocated to the area, was his ancestor.

Following the death of the monarchy’s second king, Tensung Namgyal, in 1700, there was a schism about who should take his place on the throne. Unhappy with the outcome, one of his children asked Bhutanese neighbours to enter Sikkim and intervene. The Namgyals were eventually able to recapture a large portion of their land from the Bhutanese. This did not, however, include modern-day Kalimpong.

Until the Anglo-Bhutan War in 1865, the Bhutanese remained to occupy and rule Kalimpong. The Bhutanese surrendered Kalimpong to the British in the Treaty of Sinchula after losing the battle. Kalimpong was a small settlement at the time. Because the British enjoyed the environment, they began to develop it as a hill station as an alternative to Darjeeling, which was nearby.

The entrance of Scottish missionaries in the late 1800s sparked a construction boom, with schools, churches, and hospitals springing up all throughout the country. Reverend Dr. John Anderson Graham, who supported and educated illegitimate offspring of Darjeeling tea estate workers, was a key figure in the town’s development. He also founded the Kalimpong Mela, a local farmer’s horticulture show. In the meantime, his wife established the Kalimpong Arts and Craft Center to train women vocational skills.

After Independence

After India gained independence from the British in 1947, Kalimpong became part of the Indian state of West Bengal. The town’s economy was harmed by China’s invasion of Tibet in 1950 and the ensuing Sino-Indian War with India in 1962. In 1959, India awarded Tibetans shelter, which infuriated China. Border disputes between China and India became more intense, affecting border areas in and around Jelep Pass, which connects Sikkim and Tibet via the trade route. Following the conflict, the route was closed, and trade with Kalimpong was suspended.

Many Buddhist monks escaped Tibet and founded monasteries in Kalimpong, bringing valuable scriptures with them. These have become an important element of Kalimpong’s multi-cultural legacy, which includes British, Nepalese, Sikkimese, Indian, and indigenous influences.

The Dalai Lama’s second-eldest brother lives in Kalimpong, which often surprises people. He used to be a Tibetan resistance leader, but now he manages a noodle business. In 2006, Kalimpong became famous as the setting for Kiran Desai’s award-winning novel The Inheritance of Loss.

Location

Kalimpong is in the northeastern Indian state of West Bengal, India. It lies close to the Teesta River and borders the state of Sikkim. It is located at an elevation of 1247 metres above sea level in the foothills of the great Himalayas. Darjeeling is 50 kilometres away, and Gangtok is 80 kilometres away. Kalimpong’s climate is alpine. Summers are pleasant (April-June) while winters are chilly (November-February). From July through September, it receives southwestern monsoon rains.

What to See in Kalimpong (Kalimpong Travel Guide)

The dry season, from October to May, is the best time to visit Kalimpong for a clear mountain view.

Standard half-day private sightseeing trips, given by taxi drivers and local tour companies, will take you to all the major locations in the direction of Deolo Hill (in northeast Kalimpong) or Durpin Hill (in southwest Kalimpong). To cover everything, these tours can be combined into full-day tours. A half-day excursion will cost around 1,500–2000 rupees, while a full-day tour will cost around 2,000–2500 rupees.

We have selected some of the places in our Kalimpong travel guide you must visit.

Popular Sightseeing Places in Northeast Kalimpong. (Kalimpong Travel Guide)

Thongsa Gompa

Thongsa Gompa is Kalimpong’s oldest monastery. It’s known as the Bhutanese Monastery since it was erected when the Bhutanese conquered Kalimpong.

Tharpa Choling Gompa

The Tharpa Choling Gompa was founded in 1912 by renowned Tibetan Buddhist monk Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang, who came to collect medicinal herbs in the area. In the compound, there’s also a fascinating Chinese temple and museum.

Mangal Dham

Lord Krishna and Guruji Shir Mangaldasji Maharaj are worshipped in Mangal Dham, a Hindu temple complex. It was built in 1993 and features fascinating interiors portraying events from Krishna’s life.

Dr. Graham’s Homes

Dr. Graham’s Homes, an orphanage and school for underprivileged children, was founded in 1900. On weekdays, it contains a tiny museum and an elaborate church that seems like it was plucked from the Scottish countryside.

Sherpa Taar

Sherpa Taar is a viewpoint that overlooks the Teesta River, which separates West Bengal and Sikkim.

Durga Mandir

Durga Mandir is a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga with a viewing gallery.

Hanuman Tok

Hanuman Tok is a temple devoted to Lord Hanuman with a 30-foot-tall statue of the deity (the largest in the region).

Deolo Hill

Deolo Hill, at around 5,500 feet above sea level, is the highest peak in the area. It offers panoramic views of Mount Kangchenjunga, including stunning dawn views. At its peak, the tourism agency has created an 8-acre recreation park that is popular with families. Snack stalls and pony rides are available. The complex includes the government-run Deolo Tourist Lodge, a huge British-era palace that offers basic rooms that are all about location.

Popular Sightseeing Places in Southwest Kalimpong. (Kalimpong Travel Guide)

Morgan House

Morgan House, a government-run hotel that was built during the British colonial period. It’s directly across from the golf course.

Durpin Monastery

Durpin Monastery (officially Zang Dhok Palri Monastery), Kalimpong’s largest monastery and the main attraction on Durpin Hill. After Tibetan monks fled to Kalimpong in 1972, it was erected and consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 1976. Murals and rare Tibetan Buddhist writings adorn the walls of the monastery. You are welcome to participate in the daily prayers at 6 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Army Golf Club

Army Golf Club, a gorgeous landmark golf course developed and maintained by the Indian Army stationed there.

Nature Interpretation Center

The Nature Interpretation Center, a forest department-run ecological museum not far from town.

Gouripur House

Rabindranath Tagore’s Gouripur House, where the renowned Indian poet stayed and wrote some of his works. Tragically, it is in ruins. Pratima Tagore House, constructed by his daughter-in-law in 1943, is better kept and includes a lot of memories.

Jelep La Viewpoint

From Jelep La Viewpoint, which is located below Durpin Monastery, you can see all the way across to Jelep Pass, which was formerly a trade route between Tibet and China. The confluence of the Teesta, Reang, and Relli rivers may also be seen.

There are also some other attractions in the area. (Kalimpong Travel Guide)

Admire Saint Theresa’s Church’s distinctive design, which resembles a Buddhist temple. It was built by Swiss Jesuits in 1929. The MacFarlane Church, built in the Gothic style in 1891, is likewise fairly impressive. After an earthquake destroyed the bell tower, it was rebuilt in 2011.

• Thrill-seekers can go paragliding or rafting down the Teesta River at Kalimpong. It’s important to remember that paragliding isn’t well-regulated, and there have been fatalities. Paragliding is offered by Himalayan Eagle, a respected company. Aquaterra Tours offers rafting trips (and a multitude of other outdoor experiences).
• Don’t miss the Haat Bazaar, a local market that comes alive on Saturday and Wednesday mornings. It’s a great place to try local cuisine and buy for handcrafted souvenirs.
• Learn about the indigenous culture of the area by visiting the Lepcha Museum. It includes everything from mediaeval religious writings to traditional musical instruments on display.
• Those interested in gardening should visit one of Kalimpong’s numerous plant and flower nurseries. Pine View Nursery is known for its large cactus collection and can be seen as part of a traditional southwest Kalimpong sightseeing tour. Within Holumba Haven, Nurseryman’s Haven is a specialist orchid nursery.
• Visit the Gangzong or Himalayan paper factory to discover how gorgeous paper is manufactured. Both are little, but Gangzong is the older of the two. There are paper products for sale there.

Nearby Attraction

Hiking around the area and soaking in the scenery is one of the nicest things to do. Hike through the rice fields from Kalimpong to Chitrey waterfall. If you’re interested in learning more about local village life, Mondo Challenge, a Kalimpong-based NGO, offers a meaningful community-based Village Discovery Hiking Tour that benefits underprivileged rural areas. The tour lasts one to three days, and you’ll get the opportunity to visit towns with a variety of lifestyles and traditions.

• Kalimpong is the starting point for a trip to several more villages an hour or so east of town. For bird watching, a day excursion to Lava is recommended. There are wetlands in the national park, and you may go on forest hikes. In the area, there is also a Buddhist monastery and the Samabeong Tea Estate. On Tuesdays, there is a local market. In a taxi, expect to pay around 3,500 rupees back. A canopy walk through hanging bridges in the forest is available at Lolegaon.
• Further east of Kalimpong, about three hours away, are more tea estates. Ambiok Tea Estate, Mission Hill Tea Estate, Upper Fagu, and Kumai Tea Estate are among them.
• Other hiking opportunities can be found in the Pedong area, about an hour northeast of Kalimpong. On the journey, stop to visit the remnants of the 17th century Damsang Fort and the charming Sillery Gaon hamlet. A return day excursion should cost around 3,000 rupees.

Teesta Bazar

Teesta Bazaar, 16 kilometres from Kalimpong, is a popular whitewater rafting destination. The rafting season runs from the middle of November to the middle of February. The small community of Lava, at 2,353 metres above sea level and roughly 30 kilometres east of Kalimpong, is a must-see.

Kaffer village

Beyond Lava is the Kaffer village, which is located at 1555 metres above sea level and offers a spectacular view of Kanchenjunga’s summit. Near Kalimpong, the Samco Ropeway, which spans the Teesta River on the main Siliguri-Gangtok road, is a popular tourist attraction. To visit this ropeway en route, one must take a bus from Kalimpong to Siliguri.

Where to Eat in Kalimpong

Make sure to try some of the best momos (dumplings) in town! Gompu’s, located near the Haat Bazaar on the main road, is known for its plump distinctive pork momos. Other Tibetan cuisines are available on the menu.

Za Khang: You can enjoy authentic Bhutanese food in the calm, clean surroundings of Za Khang’s light, airy dining room or its rooftop with Himalaya panoramas. The pork dishes are good, and there are tasty soups and a number of vegetarian choices. The lunch and dinner buffet (veg/non-veg ₹220/300) is a good idea if you want to sample a few dishes.

The Art Cafe is a cool place to hang out in the same area for an incredible view of your cuisine. It promotes local artists, as its name implies. The coffee is also excellent.

Local delights like Kalimpong cheese and handmade pickles can be found at Lark’s Provisions.

Where to Stay in Kalimpong

The iconic Himalayan Hotel, which initially opened its doors in 1905 and was the region’s first hotel, has recently reopened as the magnificent Mayfair Himalayan Spa Resort. The hotel’s 63 rooms are split between the old heritage wing and a recently built wing. Rates for a double room start at around 8,500 rupees per night, including tax. Many dignitaries, including Hollywood celebrities, have stayed there.

Another premium boutique heritage property is Elgin Silver Oaks. It was the house of a wealthy British jute tycoon when it was erected in 1930. There are a total of 20 guest rooms. The nightly rate starts at around 5,500–6,500 rupees, which includes all meals and taxes.

On the main road immediately before the town, The Soods Garden Retreat is a popular mid-range option. Breakfast is included in the rates, which start at 3,000 rupees per night.

Holumba Haven offers simple cottages amidst a calm garden and orchid nursery. You should budget roughly 3,000 rupees each night.

For superb hospitality given by a kind local family, look no farther than Mansarover Homestay, located on the ridge leading to Durpin Monastery. Delicious home-cooked meals are offered, using ingredients from their organic garden. Breakfast and tax are included in the rates, which start at 2,200 rupees per night.

Kalimpong Village Retreat is suitable for individuals who want to relax in the midst of nature and get away from it all. The property is located 30 minutes from Kalimpong town and a 5-minute walk from the main road. A double room will set you back 3,000 rupees per night.

Note: Prices varies as per season time.

How To reach Kalimpong

Bagdogra, is the nearest airport, is slightly under three hours distance from Kalimpong. The cost of a taxi from the airport to Kalimpong is approximately 2,800 rupees.
Alternatively, New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, about two and a half hours distance, is the nearest major railway station. You can take a shared jeep to Kalimpong for around 250 rupees per person or a private taxi for around 2,500 rupees. Taxis and shared jeeps to Kalimpong are also available from the neighbouring Siliguri Junction railway station, which is smaller and receives fewer trains. North Bengal Transport Corporation buses are another option from both of these locations. They run every hour or less and are worth taking because they have more legroom than the shared jeeps.

A private taxi from Darjeeling to Kalimpong would set you back roughly 3,000 rupees. There are also shared jeeps available.

Please Note Taxi fare changes during season rush time.

Hope this Kalimpong Travel Guide will help you on your next visit to Kalimpong. If you want to know more about places in North Bengal Please comment.

Originally published at https://thelenslady.com on July 23, 2021.