Day 144 - Kalimpong

Kalimpong is a hill station located at an average elevation of 1,250 metres (4,101 ft). The town is the headquarters of the Kalimpong subdivision, a part of the District of Darjeeling. Kalimpong is renowned for its educational institutions many of which date back to the British colonial period. It used to be a gateway for trade between Tibet and India prior to China's annexation of Tibet and the Sino-Indian War. It has an impressive mixture of culture and history.As per the Lepchas Kalimpong means 'Ridge Where we play'. It is said that these local tribesman used to organise field sports while not engaged in agricultural pursuit.


How to reach here:

By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is 80kms from Kalimpong.

By Rail: The nearest railway stations are Siliguri Junction & New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.


Best time to visit: Mar - May, Sept - Dec.


Languages spoken: Bengali, Nepali, Hindi, English.


Famous Restaurants: Gompu’s Bar & Restaurant, Fresh Bite Restaurant, Lee's, King Thai.


Places you must visit:

Zang Dhok Palri Phodang 1976 also known as the Durpin Monastery, it is the largest monastery in Kalimpong and was consecrated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself in 1976. It is situated at 1372 mts on the peak of Durpin hill, from where a majestic view of the town and Mt.Kanchenjunga can be seen.The importance of this monastery lies with the sacred Kunguyar kept here. It contains all 108 volumes carried by Dalai Lama in his exile. This Gompa is a specimen of Buddhist architectural style with spectacular painting on the walls. This Gompa encloses a main prayer hall and an exceptional upstairs appear in a three dimensional view.The fragrance of peace and tranquility flows through the ambience of this Gompa all though the days.

Thongsa Gompa  is the oldest Bhutanese monastery in the district of Darjeeling proving the presence and the hold of Bhutan over Kalimpong.Many scholars are of the opinion that it was built around the late 1600's.The presently seen Gompa is the renovated one, after the demolition of the original Gompa by the ravage of Gurkhas in Sikkim. The original Gompa was built under the Bhutanese rule and it is believed that this was built under the direct guidance of Bhutan King. 

Nature Interpretation Center is an Ecological museum set up by forest dept in the year 1990. It provides the great information on effect of human activities in the Earth’s environment. This centre is established and managed by forest department. This centre carries out information collecting and research on flora and fauna in the hilly forests of Kalimpong and also watches the human interaction with these natural gifts. It highlights the need for soil conservation, dwindling of forest wealth and also extinct animals and birds. It encloses information, pictures, photographs and books on ecology and environment.

Lepcha Museum has various articles of interest for those who want to know about the Lepcha culture and heritage. The entire area of Darjeeling and Sikkim is known as The land of the Lepchas. Various articles of worship, original lepcha musical instruments and many other articles can be found here.







The Pine View Nursery, also known as the famous Cactus nursery  is home to almost 1500 varieties of cacti ranging from just Rs. 20/- to an extravagant few lacs! This place is a must visit for all the plant lovers and has also earned a reputation as being one of the finest in Asia regarding cacti.











The Morgan House or the Singhamari is one of the oldest Colonial bungalows that was built after the British opened up Kalimpong as a hill resort. It is currently under the West Bengal Tourist Development Corporation. This is a very beautiful example of a colonial past of Kalimpong.There was a picturesque garden with many rare blossomed plants add the beauty of the grandeur location of the house. One can view the marvelous sight of the lush green hills at the distant horizon from the house. The surrounding forest is a hamlet for birds and wild animals.

Deolo Hill  is the highest point of Kalimpong town.The view from the Hill is a fantastic one.One can see the entire kalimpong Town, the magnificent Mt.Kanchenjunga,the surrounding villages and Relli valley on one side with the Teesta River on the other.

Hanuman Tok has a huge statue of Lord Hanuman approximately 25 to 30 ft in height located on a hill top not very far away from the Science City. Here fantastic views of the both sides of the hill can be seen along with the Himalayan range. A small mandir of Goddess Durga is found right in front of the statue.

Dr. Graham’s Homes was established in 1900 by Dr. John Anderson Graham who was one of the pioneers of the development of Kalimpong ever since its beginning.It was through him that Kalimpong gained popularity throughout Europe. Spread over an area of 500 acres, the school’s scenic setting is sure to enthral any nature lover. The institution houses a small museum, dedicated to the founder and his wife Katherine.

The Haat bazaar is a vibrant and an interesting showcase of people from different backgrounds, cultures all with the sole intention of making the maximum sales. The concept of the Haat is almost as old as our combined culture. From agricultural and farming items, fresh vegetables, clothes, bags, umbrellas, spices, you can get them all at the best bargain prices. One side is full of clothes and likes and the opposite is full of spices, vegetables and fruits. Behind one particular side, lies a segment hidden from the regular eye. Here, you will see a huge compound packed with people playing carom board and various card-games. With these games they enjoy the freshly made momos, phambi, alu thukpa, all of our local street delicacies.



Beni-the lovers point is the confluence of river Teesta and river Rangeet. The two rivers, according to local folklore are supposed to be lovers and Beni is their meeting or merging place that is why is it is also know as lovers point. On the 14th of January every year a large fair is held here. Beni is also now the Base from where River Rafting is done at the Teesta.





Mangal Dham temple is spreads over an area of 2 acres. On the ground floor of this temple lies the “Samadhi” of Guruji Shri Mangaldas ji. The prayer hall is on the upper floor and the walls have of the GuruJi’s with Lord Krishna and other scenes from the Krishna Leela. It belongs to the followers of Shri Krishna Pranami Dharma which was founded by the revered Nijanand Aacharya Shri DevchandraJi Maharaj.









Church of Mother Mary is a must visit, the reason being that the depictions of the Christianity in this church are all in an oriental or Tibetan fashion.Even Jesus Christ himself has been depicted as having a complete asian features.







Relli Khola (river) is a small river which joins the Teesta river. The river during the monsoon season is quite a swift one but during the dry season it dries down to a small stream.

Crockety is a bungalow built by the British wool traders in 18th century and is one of the many bungalows in the region constructed during the British Regime. The uniqueness of this bungalow is the exquisite architectural design and the breathtaking surroundings. This old fashioned and charming house stands in Kalimpong as a reminiscent of British period.The house, from which the great Indian poet and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore broadcasted his great work "Janmadin" on his birthday in All India Radio, is placed behind this Crockety Bungalow.

Galingka is a bungalow built during the British regime located at the majestic backdrop of the Kanchenjunga peak, the second largest peak in Himalayan ranges. Like Crockety, this bungalow was also built by British wool traders for their use during their trade travel. The exquisite architectural style and the picturesque surroundings make this bungalow a picnic spot for the tourists. This is built after this area is renowned as a summer hill resort. A marvelous garden enriched with many beautiful flowering plants and shade trees add the attraction of this place. 

Saramsa Garden was constituted in year 1922 by the forest department of India. It is the home to numerous species of exotic orchids and other uncommon tropical plants of Sikkim. The garden also comprises many orchids and fruit trees. The garden has been established and sustained by the department of forests. It is a splendid recreational and picnic spot. The garden covers an area of six acres. The garden would be an alfresco gallery and a watching deck in what respect the same the visitants can catch a glance of Rellii khola and the worthy floriculture centre situated on its opposite side.

Neora National Park was established in 1986. Maintained by the forest department, this national park is located at a woody forest area near Lava. Based in the foothills of the Himalayan Ranges in Kalimpong, this national park is bordered by Bhutan and Sikkim.Rich in flora and fauna, this park is enriched with natural forests comprising several varieties of dense woody trees. The special feature of this park includes dense bamboo groves along with abundant species of orchids. The species of wild animals, those are also the inhabitants of this park, include red panda,  tiger, wild dog, Himalayan black bear and goral. In addition, this park is also rich in bird fauna, which includes redstart Himalayan griffon and golden-headed black finch. Neora National Park is also home to the reptiles such as green pit viper, blind snakes and King cobra.The park is also home to the highest peak of the region Rechela Danda. Perched at an altitude of about 10,600 ft.

St. Theresa Church is believed to be constructed by local craftsmen and is one of the ancient centuries old church located in Kalimpong. Resembling monasteries in its structure, this church also incorporates designs from Tibetan architecture. In addition, paintings and inscriptions of Biblical themes can be seen on the walls of this church. The scenes that are painted on the walls display biblical characters resembling the Buddhist monks.

Tharpa Choling Monastery is perched on the mount of Tirpai Hills. Established by Buddhist sect, Gelupka in 1937, it is one of the first three monasteries constructed in Kalimpong. Popularly known as yellow-hat, this monastery also offers beautiful view of the Himalayan ranges.Pleasant climate, unpolluted nature and cool environment make this monastery one of the most favourite ones.