Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a bustling town in the northern part of West Bengal. Apart from being a busy business hub, it is also popular for the famous educational institutions which were established during the British rule. Before 2010, Kalimpong used to be a part of the district of Darjeeling and even before that it used to serve as a trade centre between India and Tibet.
Best time to visit Kalimpong
Owing to its pleasant weather, you can visit Kalimpong all year around. Summer is the best time and you can explore the city comfortably. In winter, you can enjoy the chilly weather, but it is important to be kept in mind that during this time, the temperature can even reach subzero.
Places to see in Kalimpong
Deolo Hill
The highest point in Kalimpong, Deolo is now one of the top tourist attractions of this town. Located at a height of 1700 m, you can climb up this hill to get the best views of this town. After you are done admiring the valleys, villages, and rivers surrounding the hill, you can engage in adventurous activities like paragliding, horse riding, trekking, etc.
Cactus Nursery
If you decide to visit Kalimpong, you will get to see various exotic plant species. Apart from cactus species, you will come across beautiful flowering plants which are exported throughout the world.
Durpin Dara Hill
Established in the 1900s by Dr. Anderson Graham of England, today it is a major educational centre of Kalimpong. Tourists have the option of visiting the house as well as the area surrounding it. From here, you can get glimpses of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges as well as the Teesta River valley. Various training courses in dairy management, clothing, farming, and bakery are conducted here.
Things to do in Kalimpong
Explore Haunted Houses
If you love spooky tales and everything uncanny excites you, then you must visit Morgan House, built by Mr. and Mrs. Morgan during the 1930s. This house presents a great example of colonial architecture, and if you are lucky, you might spot some spooky stuff too! After you are done exploring the house, spend some time amidst nature all around you and enjoy the landscapes present over there.
Spend Time Rummaging Through Artefacts
Head on to the Lepcha Heritage Museum, where you can find various artefacts and documents which tell enchanting tales about the Lepcha community.
How to Reach Kalimpong?
The town of Kalimpong is excellently connected with all the important neighbouring places like Bagdogra (79 km), Siliguri (70 km), Gangtok (75 km), and Darjeeling (50 km).
Closest Railway Station/Bus Stop to Kalimpong
The closest railway station is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station located about 71 km from the heart of the town.
You can also reach Kalimpong via the state-run bus services that originate in cities like Siliguri, Kolkata, Gangtok, and Darjeeling.
Closest Airport with Distance to Kalimpong
From Kalimpong, the closest airport is the Bagdogra Airport situated around 79 km away from the centre of this town. One can avail regular flights to and from Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati.