Kalimpong embraces you with outstretched arms to appreciate the best that nature has to provide, away from the rush and bustle of urban towns. Kalimpong is a hill station and a subdivision of the Darjeeling district in the state of West Bengal in western India. It is one of India's major sub-divisions. Kalimpong is still a well-kept secret, but once you've been there, there's no going back. Kalimpong is surely a visual treat, with its picturesque background of the Himalayan Mountains with their snow-covered summits and lush green environs.
Kalimpong is located at an incredible elevation of 1250 metres, little lower than its surrounding cities of Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Siliguri. Kalimpong's weather is nice all year, with a mild climate, rendering it one of the most popular tourist sites in western India. Approximately 40,000 people visit Kalimpong each year to see the Kanchenjunga snow peaks, flower nurseries, monasteries, temples, and other attractions. It also serves as a gateway to tourist destinations such as Loleygaon, Lava, and Pedong.

The Fascinating History of Kalimpong 

Kalimpong was a part of the Kingdom of Bhutan until the 19th century, when it was annexed by the Sikkimese kingdom and renamed Dalingkot. After the Bhutanese Empire seized control of the town, it was renamed Kalimpong. The Treaty of Sinchula was made in 1864, when Kalimpong was just a township with four or five families.
The Teesta River, such as the Kalimpong district, was surrendered to the British East India Company under a treaty stipulation. After over 150 years of rule, the British handed the province over to India in 1947, and Kalimpong became part of West Bengal. Following the Sino-Indian War in 1962, the region's economy suffered as a result of the closing of Jelep Pass, which restricted trade between Tibet and India.

The Kalimpong People's Way of Life

Kalimpong has a diverse culture as a result of the various ethnic groups who live here. Kalimpong hosts a number of festivals. The most famous are Dashai and Tika, when people gather to drink Jard (Nepalese beer) and dance to the beat of Nepalese drums known as Madal and Murli (flute). The Buddhist holiday of Loshar is also celebrated by several sects, with residents performing the Snow Lion and Yak dances. Kham dancing, in which individuals dance while wearing kham or masks, is also a popular component of many festivals.

Enjoy Kalimpong's Delectable Cuisine

The gastronomic scene of Kalimpong is dominated by Bengali, Tibetan, and Chinese cuisine. You can also sip some good Darjeeling tea while you're here. Momos, Thukpa, and Churpee, a sort of cheese made from Yak's milk, are renowned in the area. Aside from that, there are a variety of places to enjoy drinks as well as traditional Indian dishes and local specialties. Here are a few of the top eateries to try these delicacies at:

• King Thai 
• China Garden Restaurant
• Fresh Bite Restaurant
• Ni Hao Restaurant
• Lee’s

Distance From Major Cities

• Darjeeling– 55 kilometers
• Siliguri– 65 kilometers

Climatic Conditions

Kalimpong has pleasant weather, yet it does suffer strong monsoon rains. In the summer, the temperature fluctuates from 17.2 to 27 degrees Celsius, while in the winter, it drops to a low of 7 degrees Celsius. The mean annual rainfall in the area is 86.2 inches. The monsoon season delivers a blanket of fog to the region. Even though the monsoons are harsh, they draw out the natural features of the region, and the trees come awake during this time.

Things to do at Kalimpong

• View the Country's Most Exotic Flowers: Some of the most magnificent flower species you will ever see may be found in Kalimpong. One of Kalimpong's biggest commercial flower nurseries is this Cactus Nursery. They grow and trade exotic flowers that are both gorgeous and exotic. This cactus nursery's complete complex is bordered by stunning vistas of hills and unique colourful blooms.
• Feel the eerie atmosphere of Morgan House: Mr. and Mrs. Morgan built this old colonial mansion in the 1930s, and it is a magnificent example of Colonial design. It is considered cursed because it has some frightening stories related to it. Visiting this mansion is thus one of the top things to do in Kalimpong. This lovely cabin is tucked away in the woods. It is an appealing site worthy of a trip because of the surrounding environment with gently sloping hillocks and lovely coniferous trees.
• The Procedure for Creating Witness Papers: Join a brief session at the Himalayan Handmade Paper Company to understand about the ancient paper-making method. From boiling and pulping the local daphne bush to filtering, pressing, and curing, discover about the various steps of the papermaking operation. At the final step, you can buy notebooks and cards.
• Durpin Dara Hill—Take In The Awe-Inspiring Views: Dr. Graham's home sits atop this hill, which is also an important educational institution in Kalimpong. Sir Anderson Graham of England founded this location in the early 1900s. The total property encompasses 550 acres of land. They provide a wide range of educational and professional programmes in agriculture, baking, dairy management, and apparel. You may tour the mansion as well as observe the spectacular view of Kalimpong from here.
• River Rafting Gives You an Adrenaline Rush: Rafting at Kalimpong is best done on the Teesta River, which is surrounded by lush greenery. Rafting on the Teesta River typically begins at Melli Bridge and ends at Geilkhola in Kalimpong. Prepare for thrills and roller coaster waves as you explore the enchanting beauty of India's North East area on the Teesta River.
• Shop for Handicrafts and Trinkets from Teesta Bazaar: This market sells a wide range of goods, including various handicraft products and relics, as well as wares from China, Tibet, and Bhutan. Thankas, daggers, tea cups, boots, and lanterns are among the indigenous things available. Copper and silver ware, jewellery, and other goods are also available.

Places to visit 

• Deolo Hill: The Deolo Hill is the highest point in town and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kalimpong. The majestic Himalayas, neighbouring states, and the adjacent villages of Relli and Teesta valley may all be seen on a clear day.

Highlight- The park above this hill is a great place to have a picnic. Unwind in the middle of the mountains and the well-kept gardens.

• Neora Valley National Park: A visit to the Neora Valley National Park, one of northeast India's richest biological areas, is a must for everyone visiting Kalimpong. The Red Panda and the Black Asiatic Bear, both endangered species, call this place home. Anticipate to see beautiful landscapes, lush vegetation, exotic wild creatures, and rare bird species.

Highlight- During the monsoon season, the park is closed. As a result, you may want to make preparations.

• Kalimpong Science Centre: It was founded to promote a scientific mindset and to communicate knowledge and ideas about science and technology with the general people. On the property, there is a science observatory as well as a 3D movie theatre. Indoor exhibitions feature the Fun Science Gallery, where visitors may learn about scientific artefacts by interacting with them.
• Jang Dong Palriffo Brang Gompa: Jang Dong Palriffo Brang Gompa, commonly referred to as Durpin Monastery, was blessed by the Dalai Lama in 1976. The holy Kunguyar stands as an essential element of this monastery, and it serves as an example of Buddhist building style with magnificent murals on the walls. Along with the grandeur of the Himalayan mountains, the location offers a tranquil and calm atmosphere.
• Lava and Lolegaon: Lava is a picturesque mountain village encircled by trees that can be accessed in an hour and a half from Kalimpong. It is a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife lovers. The Neora Valley National Park, the Silviculture Research Centre, and Changey Falls are all major tourist attractions in the area. Lolegaon is another small mountain community buried away in the picturesque hills, around 24 kilometres from Lava. It's known as Kaffer in the area, and it can be crossed in one day using Lava.

How to reach?

• By Air: Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri is the closest airport to Kalimpong. Bagdogra and the rest of India are well connected by all major domestic airlines from different Indian towns. Bagdogra is accessible via daily flights from Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati. To go to Kalimpong, take a local taxi from outside the airport.
• By Rail: Kalimpong does not have its local railway station, hence New Jalpaiguri Station is the closest railhead. North Bengal's most major railway station, with direct trains to Kolkata, Delhi, and New Jalpaiguri. Outside the station, pre-paid taxis are ready to take you to Kalimpong.
• By Road: Siliguri, Gangtok, Kolkata, and Darjeeling are all within driving distance of Kalimpong. Kalimpong is served by frequent buses from Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Siliguri.