KALIMPONG THE HEAVENLY ABODE

So you’ve heard of Kalimpong but aren’t sure if it is worth a visit? Don’t worry, we at Darjeeling trips have got you covered.

Welcome to a town tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city- Kalimpong. This scenic hill station will offer you one of the most divine experiences to relish on. Get ready to indulge yourself in its lush green vegetation, local food, and many tourist attractions. Kalimpong promises you a stay that you will carry home with yourself in photographs and in memory alike. Let’s begin with the most important question-

WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT KALIMPONG?

As beautiful as Kalimpong is, avoid your trip during monsoon. Months from July to August pour severely. Winter usually lasts from December to February but isn’t too critical. If you want to escape your city’s heat then these moths are a perfect getaway to enjoy the dewy hills. Choose your perfect hot cup of beverage and feast on some steaming bowl of thukpa, momos and soup.

Spring and fall are our two most recommended seasons to visit Kalimpong. Clear skies, fresh air, chirpy conversations and joyful faces only escalate your journey further. Now that we have covered the months to plan your trip to Kalimpong, let’s discuss the places you must see.

MOMO’S are best here, you will breath the purest air, instead of traffic noises you will hear mountains roar. If your looking for a hideout form the city life, this place is the best cure. – Smri Explorer.

Kalimpong , the name goes in synonymy with serenity. Not only is it very rich in its flora and vegetation, but the history of the place, the culture, and the many religious shrines add up to the calming air of the place. It is in perfect harmony with nature’s delight. We have shortlisted-

TEN PLACES YOU MUST VISIT IN KALIMPONG-

MORGAN HOUSE:

Built in the 1930s Morgan House Kalimpong is a specimen of British Colonial Architecture. With a lavish exterior the structure extends itself with wide green lawns and cottages to accommodate tourists. It stands tall at a 16 acre estate on Durpin Hill and during the season blooms with gorgeous flowers adding to its extravagance. The mansion has been a hotspot for tourists and the preferred stay for celebrities- testimonials of which are framed inside.

Despite the eerie stories of the mansion, it remains to be a tourist favourite and deservedly so. The undulating hills, fresh breeze, and the charm of the mansion are sure to provide you the warmth of home.

While you are here, you may also visit the famous Army Golf Course that is set adjacent to the mansion.

2. DURPIN DARA:

Located at a distance of 5km from the town, Durpin Dara offers its visitors a prominent view overlooking Kalimpong, the beautiful snow-clad Himalayas, Teesta river and the Jelepa Pass. Off the course of the summit is a golf course for people to spend a pleasant afternoon in.

On the top of the hill sits the Zang Dhok Palri Monastery consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 1976.

3. DELO HILL:

The hill is the highest point of Kalimpong and the most well known destination. Delo Hill is one of the two hills that the town stands in between. It is the hub for paragliding- a sport popular amongst both tourists and inhabitants.

At a short distance you will find a recreational park meant for kids and adults. You can spend your night at the Tourist Lodge which is located right in the midst of the park. The lodge offers you a 360 panoramic view of the entire town, the surrounding Relli valley and Teesta river.

4. KALIMPONG SCIENCE CENTER:

The science center is the perfect go-to spot to brainstorm the science geek in you. Established in the year 2008 it is located on the top of Deolo Hill. Outside the centre is a lush green park where you can spend time basking in the sun admiring nature’s couture.

The Dinosaur Park is an attraction that is built on the outside vicinity. On the inside you will find many scientific instruments to conduct simple experiments on, 3D audio and visual shows serve to be both entertaining and educational for the visitor.

5. NATURE INTERPRETATION CENTRE / FOREST MUSEUM:

Located on Rinkin Pong Road in Kalimpong, this centre is one of the most popular museums in West Bengal. The most laudable purpose of this centre is to spread awareness about the various environmental issues caused by humans.

It also regularly researches the flora and fauna of the areas around it and displays books and photographs concerning ecology and environment.

6. CACTUS NURSERY:

Did you know that this nursery is considered as one of the finest cactus nurseries in Asia? Ranging from about 2000 varieties of cacti, this nursery is a paradise for all plant lovers. Prices are set from as low as Rs.50, and can go up to a few lacs as well. This nursery definitely deserves to be ticked off your bucket list.

7. LORD BUDDHA STATUE AND PARK:

For those of you who are keen to fulfill yourself spiritually, this holy abode on the Deolo Hill will serve to be your perfect destination. In the centre is a tall, beautifully carved golden statuette of Lord Buddha. You will witness numerous butter lamps and Tibetan prayer flags wavering in the wind from all sides.

8. HANUMAN TEMPLE:

Lying at a close vicinity from Deolo again is a humongous sculpture of Lord Hanuman. This is another tourist attraction for people all year long.

Surrounded by a well maintained garden, the temple sits a little above the roadside which on a clear day oozes beauty. You can seat yourself on the chairs built around the temple while enjoying the majestic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

9. MANGAL DHAM:

This magnificent temple is built in memory of Shri Mangal Das Ji Maharaj. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful temples of Kalimpong. Built on an area of two acres, the temple has seatings at regular intervals and beautiful dahlias blooming all year round.

The inside of the prayer hall narrates the story of Lord Krishna through sculptures.

You will find yourself in awe of the beauty, serenity and architecture of this temple.

10. THONGSA GOMPA:

It is considered to be the oldest monastery of Kalimpong. Thongsa Gompa locally known as Bhutanese Gompa is situated in 10th Mile, near Mangal Dham temple. The monastery offers you utmost peace and is therefore perfect for meditation.

You can tour the above places with the help of a guide, or just by yourself. Kalimpong also has undiscovered lands that are as captivating as the rest. If you plan on being to those places, here is our list of-

FIVE UNDERRATED PLACES IN KALIMPONG:

1. PUDUNG FARM:

Situated at a distance of approximately 6km from town, this place offers you a variety of adventure sports. Ranging from quad bike racing, paintballs, trampolines, water sports, archery and many other activities to get your adrenaline rushing.

Adjacent to the farm is a mini swimming pool and a bird sanctuary. Eateries quote affordable rates hence you can enjoy a full day at the farm; a perfect weekend getaway.

2. HIMALAYAN HANDMADE PAPER INDUSTRY:

his paper mill in Chotta Bhalukhop, Kalimpong is a small scale industry that creates paper from scratch. Here you are welcome to witness the traditional paper-making processes. From boiling and pulping of argayli (daphne) bush to sifting, pressing and drying- witness it all.

P.S- The final insect-resistant paper is primarily used to block-print Buddhist monastic scriptures; it is also sold in the form of notebooks and cards.

3. TODEY – TANGTA – CHISANG:

A little away from town, on the outskirts of Kalimpong are these hamlets. They lie on the Indo- Bhutan border and are certain to captivate you with their beauty. Chisang is popular for its Organic Cardamom Production and for its variety of medicinal plants.

You can have a clear view of Todey bazar, Dabai Khola and Tangta from this end. Journeying to Chisang is much easier if you own a private vehicle or reserve a cab. Shared cabs rarely travel here due to the uncertainty of passengers.

Todey and Tangta lie at a close distance from Chisang. Therefore, you can easily direct your trip towards these places tripling your experience in this abode. They serve as a perfect retreat into nature. You can put up in any of the homestays nearby.

4. LAVA:

Another village situated at an altitude of 7,200ft, 30km east of Kalimpong is Lava. Due to its high altitude the weather remains cool all year round and is one of the few places to receive occasional snowfall during winters.

Lava is the entry point to the Neora Valley National Park in Kalimpong. It is rapidly becoming a popular tourist spot owing to its geographic location, vegetation and climate. Situated on the Silk Route of ancient India-Tibet trade practice, you can reach Lava through Gorubathan from Damdim or Malbazar in Jalpaiguri District. Make sure to pack a lot of your warm clothes to cuddle in if you plan on visiting Lava.

5. KAFFER GAON:

This beautiful village lies 45km away from Kalimpong. Nature walking, sightseeing, and visiting nearby places are a few activities that you can practise while in Kaffer. Since the destination is at a distance from town you can accommodate yourself in homestays. You can explore this beautiful hamlet in any time of the year, except in monsoon.

Lava is the entry point to the Neora Valley National Park in Kalimpong. It is rapidly becoming a popular tourist spot owing to its geographic location, vegetation and climate. Situated on the Silk Route of ancient India-Tibet trade practice, you can reach Lava through Gorubathan from Damdim or Malbazar in Jalpaiguri District. Make sure to pack a lot of your warm clothes to cuddle in if you plan on visiting Lava.