Kalimpong

Kalimpong

About Kalimpong

The “Land of Orchids”, Kalimpong is one of the most picturesque hill destinations of West Bengal with its stunning Himalayan beauty, colourful flower nurseries, Buddhist monasteries, colonial architecture, green fertile valleys and tranquil mountain landscape. Kalimpong is a delightful hill town, about 1,250 metres above sea level, in the eastern foothills of the Himalayas in West Bengal. The Town is also a great place to visit for nature lovers, adventure seekers and photography enthusiasts, with its stunning vistas of the Teesta River, surrounding mountains and distant Himalayan peaks. Kalimpong is especially known for its beautiful orchids, exotic flowers, traditional nurseries and flourishing horticulture industry. This town is also rich with cultural heritage from the Nepali, Tibetan, Bhutanese and Lepcha communities. Some favourites are Deolo Hill, the lovely Dr Graham's Homes, Durpin Monastery, Pine View Nursery and Morgan House. Whether it's the breathtaking mountain vistas, the tranquil monasteries, beautiful flower gardens, the traditional villages or the exhilarating outdoor adventures, Kalimpong promises a refreshing and memorable hill station experience.

Best Time to Visit Kalimpong

The best time to visit Kalimpong is from March to May and October to December, when the weather is pleasant with clear skies and beautiful mountain views, which are great for sightseeing, exploring the flower gardens, visiting the monasteries and enjoying outdoor activities. The town's renowned flower nurseries are especially stunning in the spring season (March-May) when the orchids, seasonal flowers and greenery bloom in vibrant colours. October and November are also good months to visit, with the skies during the post-monsoon season presenting a great view of the surrounding Himalayan ranges and the Teesta Valley. During the winter (December-February), nights are cold and sometimes foggy, so the mountain is quiet. During the monsoon season (June - September), the area receives heavy rainfall, so surrounding hills and forests are lush green while sightseeing and travel may be affected by landslides, roads are slippery and the visibility of mountains decreases.

Kalimpong: Places, Experiences & Food
Places to Visit in Kalimpong

• Deolo Hill
• Durpin Dara Hill
• Zang Dhok Palri Monastery (Durpin Monastery)
• Morgan House
• Dr. Graham's Homes
• Pine View Nursery
• Kalimpong Cactus Nursery
• Mangal Dham
• Tharpa Choling Monastery
• Thongsa Gompa
• Jang Dong Palriffo Brang Gompa
• St. Theresa's Church
• Lepcha Museum
• Himalayan Handmade Paper Industry
• Kalimpong Science Centre
• Army Golf Course
• Crockety
• Gouripur House
• MacFarlane Memorial Church
• Relli River
• Teesta River
• Neora Valley National Park
• Lava
• Loleygaon
• Pedong
• Rishyap
• Tiffin Dara Viewpoint
• Changey Waterfall
• Samthar Plateau
• Kaffer
• Icchey Gaon
• Sillery Gaon
• Damsang Fort
• Jhandi Dara
• Ramdhura
• Kolakham
• Lolaygaon Canopy Walk
• Sherpa Viewpoint
• Kalimpong Market

Things to Do in Kalimpong

• Himalayan mountain ranges from Deolo Hill
• Durpin Dara Hill and spectacular views of the Teesta Valley
• Beautiful Zang Dhok Palri Monastery 
• Morgan House and admire its charming colonial architecture
• Historic Dr. Graham's Homes and its beautiful surroundings
• Orchids and exotic plants at Pine View Nursery
• Kalimpong Cactus Nursery and explore its impressive collection of cacti
• Beautiful flower gardens and nurseries
• Spiritual atmosphere of Mangal Dham
• Visit Tharpa Choling Monastery 
• Lepcha heritage at the Lepcha Museum
• Traditional handmade paper-making process
• Peaceful afternoon at the Army Golf Course
• Landscapes of Lava and visit nearby monasteries
• Canopy Walk through the forests of Loleygaon
• Rishyap and enjoy magnificent views of Mount Kanchenjunga
• Beautiful Tiffin Dara viewpoint
• Enjoy trekking and nature walks through Neora Valley National Park
• Traditional mountain villages of Pedong and Sillery Gaon
• Damsang Fort and explore its historical significance
• Scenic drive through the beautiful Teesta Valley
• Experience river rafting and adventure activities along the Teesta River, where conditions permit
• Visit Changey Waterfall and enjoy its beautiful natural surroundings
• Peaceful landscapes of Icchey Gaon and Ramdhura
• Birdwatching and spot beautiful Himalayan bird species
• Colourful festivals and traditional cultural performances of local communities
• Kalimpong's traditional markets and shop for handicrafts, woollens, and local products
• Taste authentic Nepali, Tibetan, and Himalayan delicacies
• Scenic road trip through the beautiful Eastern Himalayan foothills

What to Eat in Kalimpong

• Thukpa
• Wai Wai Sadeko
• Shaphaley
• Thenthuk
• Tibetan Noodles
• Tingmo
• Churpi
• Phagshapa
• Gundruk
• Sinki
• Sel Roti
• Aloo Dum
• Nepali Thali
• Thakali Thali
• Dhido
• Dal Bhat
• Sukuti
• Kinema Curry
• Chana Sadeko
• Pork Momos
• Chicken Momos
• Vegetable Momos
• Cheese Momos
• Fried Momos
• Steamed Momos
• Chicken Thukpa
• Vegetable Thukpa
• Tibetan Butter Tea
• Darjeeling Tea
• Chilli Chicken
• Tibetan Bread
• Sha Phaley
• Alu Tama
• Chhurpi Soup
• Local Bamboo Shoot Curry
• Fermented Soybean Curry
• Aloo Paratha
• Vegetable Soup
• Chicken Soup
• Local Himalayan Rice
• Traditional Nepali Pickles
• Sel Roti with Aloo Dum
• Khapse
• Yomari
• Lal Mohan
• Sweet Curd
• Kalimpong Lollipops
• Local Bakery Biscuits