Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a small hill station nestled on the foothills of Shivalik ranges at an altitude of 1250 meters overlooking the Teesta Valley. Kalimpong is known for its breathtaking view and rich history. The first thing you will notice after you reach Kalimpong is its quiet atmosphere and sightseeing places. And the quite ambience is heightened by the presence of churches and monastery sprawled around the town. Apart from the scenic beauty and sightseeing places, Kalimpong also attracts visitors for its mouth-watering local cuisine and merchandise.
History of Kalimpong
"Kalim" in local dialect means King's Minister and Pong means Stronghold. So the name Kalimpong actually means Stronghold of King's Minister and has originated from the time of king's dynasty in the region. Some say that the name has been derived from the word Kalibong (locals call it Kaulim). It's a type of fibre plant used for making paper. This plant is found in abundance in Kalimpong and hence the name.
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Kalimpong Location
Kalimpong is situated on the northern edge of West Bengal in east India and is about 53km away from Darjeeling 2.5hrs drive. With the alpine weather and panoramic view of the adjacent valley, Kalimpong is the paradise for the nature lover. Somewhat secluded and tucked away in the corner under the big Darjeeling umbrella, Kalimpong offers a quiet and relaxed holiday against the backdrop of Kanchenjunga.
How to Reach Kalimpong?
Kalimpong is nicely connected with most of the major cities by air, by road or by Rail. Here are the detail pieces of information about how to reach Kalimpong:
- By Air: Bagdogra is the nearest airport of Kalimpong. The distance between them is about 80 km. Bagdogra Has connection with major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, etc.
- By Rail: NJP is the nearest railway station with a distance of 78 km. Buses or Taxis are available from the outside of the station.
- By Road: State or private buses are available from nearby cities such as Darjeeling, Gangtok, Bagdogra, Siliguri, etc.
Kalimpong Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions
There are many sightseeing places for tourist interest in Kalimpong, with three important gompas or monasteries the Tharpa Choeling Gompa, the Tongsa Gompa and Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa making Kalimpong a major hub for the Buddhism followers. However, Kalimpong is not popular just about its monasteries. Other sightseeing places of Kalimpong are as mentioned below:
The Tharpa Choeling Gompa
The Tharpa Choeling Gompa was established in 1922 and belongs to the Yellow Hat (Gelukpa) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. His Highness the Dalai Lama also belongs to this sect, which was founded in the 14th century in Tibet.
The Tongsa Gompa
The Tongsa Gompa is located near the Tharpa Choeling Gompa. It is the oldest monastery in Kalimpong and was founded in 1692. The present building is constructed over the ruins of the original monastery, which was raised by the Gurkhas, in the pre-British era.
The Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa
The Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa was built in the mid-1970s on Durpin Hill and is located 5 km south from the town centre. It was consecrated by His Highness the Dalai Lama. This monastery is famous for its traditional Tibetan wall paintings.
Kalimpong Cactus Nursery
Kalimpong is an important flower producing centre and it produces 80% of the total gladioli produced in India. The Kalimpong Cactus Nursery is a place where visitors can see rare and different species of cacti along with 400 types of orchids. Due to its scenic beauty, it is one of the must-visit sightseeing places in Kalimpong and undoubtedly a popular tourist attraction.
Sericulture Research Institute
One of the tourist attractions in Kalimpong, Sericulture Research Institute is a silkworms breeding centre known for its serene atmosphere. The mesmerizing view of the surroundings and its lush greenery will certainly captivate your mind.
Dr. Graham's Home
Dr. Graham's Home, a fascinating ancient construction is a must-visit sightseeing place in Kalimpong. Built more than a century ago, this jaw-dropping architectural excellence takes us to the history of the colonial period in India.
Things to do in Kalimpong
Kalimpong is one of the favourite places for all the adventure seekers since it offers them a different option like hiking, river rafting and paragliding. From nature lover to adventure seeker there is something for everyone. Here are some of the things to do in Kalimpong.
- Hiking: Hike through the hilly terrains of Kalimpong and explore plenty of tourist attractions and sightseeing places.
- River Rafting: Indulge yourself in White Water River Rafting and feel the adrenaline rush in you.
- Paragliding: Have a breathtaking panoramic vista of the entire Kalimpong Valley while paragliding from Deolo Hill.
- Kalimpong Sightseeing: Visit all the tourist attractions of Kalimpong and create countless memories.
- Shopping in Kalimpong: Indulge yourself in shopping activity at the various street markets and shopping malls.
Kalimpong Weather & Temperature
Kalimpong witnesses all the major seasons in a year such as summer, winter, autumn, spring and Monsoon. Due to its high elevation, the weather stays cold yet quite charming most of the time.
- Kalimpong Weather in March to April: March to April is the season of spring in Kalimpong. The temperature ranges from 10 to 25-degree Celsius. The Sky remains clear this season. Hence, you can have a breathtaking view of Mount Kanchenjunga.
- Kalimpong Weather in May to June: May to June is the season of summer in Kalimpong. During the season of summer, the temperature stays charming and quite pleasant. Rainfall usually doesn't happen and the splendid view of Kanchenjunga enthralls the minds of many travellers.
- Kalimpong Weather in July to September: July, August and September are the months of Monsoon in Kalimpong. Rainfall increases and also the landslides. Tourism reduces quite significantly during the season of Monsoon. This time the temperature of Kalimpong stays between 16 to 20 degree Celsius.
- Kalimpong Weather in October to November: The season of autumn usually starts from October to November. During this time, the rush of tourist increases again. The sky again becomes clear with the magnificent view of the surroundings and Mountain Peaks.
- Kalimpong Weather in December to February: Winter strikes Kalimpong during the months of December, January and February. The temperature goes down to 6-degree Celsius. This is the best time for those who seek a tranquil atmosphere.
Best time to visit Kalimpong
Kalimpong, with its alluring sightseeing places and atmosphere can be visited at any time of the year. But, the months of March to May and also September to December are the most preferred time to visit Kalimpong.
Hotels in Kalimpong
There are plenty of accommodation options available in Kalimpong. Whether you are seeking a budget, cheap or best hotels, Kalimpong has every kind of accommodation options for every kind of travellers.
With North Tourism's Kalimpong Hotel Booking Services, you can have the best in class hotel accommodation at the cheapest price.
Reasons to choose North Bengal Tourism as your tour companion
Kalimpong with its intense charisma captivates thousands of travellers all through the years. Whether you want an adventurous, sightseeing or a tranquil tour, Kalimpong has all the proportions for every kind of travellers.
Indulge yourself in Kalimpong sightseeing, taste its mouth-craving cuisine and have a mesmerizing view of the Mount Kanchenjunga. Now, you don't have to worry about accommodation, sightseeing, meals and cars. Just enjoy your holiday and let us organize a complete Kalimpong Tour Package exclusively for you.
FAQs about Kalimpong
Kalimpong, located in North Bengal, is famous for its expansive vistas of the valley, Buddhist monasteries, churches, and Tibetan crafts.
Kalimpong and all its nearby popular sightseeing places are now open for tourists to visit.
Kanchenjunga can be seen from Kalimpong in its full glory. Visitors can enjoy a stunning vista of the Kanchenjunga range from Deolo Hills.
Kalimpong from Kolkata can be reached by road, by air, and by train. The neighboring railhead is NJP because Kalimpong lacks its own station. Bagdogra is its nearest airport. You can opt for a pre-paid taxi once you reach NJP or Bagdogra Airport.
Kalimpong is approximately 65 kilometers distance away. It will take around 3 hours to cover.
Kalimpong is one of the must-visit places that should be on your itinerary if you're planning your trip to North Bengal. You can engage in a variety of thrilling activities here, such as paragliding in Kalimpong and ascending Deolo Hill to take in the breathtaking mountain vistas.
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