Kalimpong Tourism

Kalimpong 4,100ft is nestling in the north Bengal Himalayan foothills, east of Darjeeling across the stunning tourist places in India.

Most of the drive to Kalimpong from Siliruri is along forests fringing the Teesta River. Built into a steep gorge, the road overlooks this beautiful river as it rumbles and slides through the Himalayan foothills. About halfway, the graceful Coronation Bridge leads off to the east towards the Dooars, West Bengal’s picturesque tea country. Further upstream is Kalimpong.

Kilimpong’s altitude and location is ideal for a pleasant, relaxed getaway. Its clement weather has made kalimpong’s orchids and gladioli well renowned.

Kalimpong is off the usually trodden tourist track. Being somewhat in the shadow of Darjeeling and Gangtok, most tourist traffic passes this town by. This in some ways is Kalimpong’s. The town can make for an interesting offbeat break, especially if you enjoy walking. A local tour of Kalimpong can be crammed into one day’s jeep tour or 2-3 days of walking.

Nestled against the backdrop of the Eastern Himalaya, Kalimpong offers panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga Range the Teesta Valley and the town from the Durpin Dara and Deolo hills.

Gompa Romp

Amongst the monasteries doted along it verdant confines, the Thongsha Gompa or Bhutanese Monastery is the oldest, having been established in 1692. The original structure was destroyed in the inter-clan wars before the British arrived. Zong dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa was consecrated personally by the Dalai Lama in 1976. Built on the Durpin Dara Hill, it contains the Kanguyar in 108 volumes, brought by the Dalai Lema when he fled Tibet. The prayer room is adorned with wall paintings and there is a rare three-dimensional mandala upstairs. Another excellent vantage point for snow views.

Raj Ramble

Kalimpong still evokes strong memories of the Raj, most evident in its colonial bungalows and old hotels. Built by British wool traders, most of them are located on Ringkingpong and hill top roads. These include the lovely Morgan House, Crockety, Galingka, Tashiding and Ringking Farm. Morgan House and Tashiding are now government-owned tourist lodges and are open to visitors.

Visitors are welcome at the famous Dr Graham’s Home situated less than an hour’s walk from the center of town, at the base of Deolo Hill. Some carry along a picnic for the trip.

Spend some Energy

The instense green of the Army gold Club the highest in West Bengal is a delight. The recently introuduced rafting on the Teesta is becoming a hugely popular adventure holiday option in the area. Rased 16 km from town in chitery, near Teesta Bazaar this excursion is a full-day affair and is do-able from mid-november to February. Hiking along the Teesta Valley is possible most of the year.

Around Kalimpong

Lava 34 km

This pretty mist-wreathed village is on the old trade route to Bhutan and is surrounded by virgin pine forests. It has a lovely monastery of Bhutanese origin and a Nature Interpretation Centre. Lava is also the starting point for trekking to the Neora National Park that leads further on to the 10,341 ft high Rache La trijunction of Bhutan, Sikkim and West Bengal. Views of the Chola Range from here are breathtaking.

Loleygaon also called Kapher is 25km from Lava along a lovely forest drive. It has beautiful forests and a viewpoint fro the singalila snows.

Route NH31 to Sevoke Coronation Bridge, NH31A to Teesta, state road up to Kalimpong.