Kalimpong Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque hills of the West Bengal region in India, Kalimpong is a charming town that offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and colonial history. Known for its stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas and lush green valleys, Kalimpong is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

One of the main attractions of Kalimpong is its serene and tranquil environment. Visitors can immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the town by exploring its numerous viewpoints. From Deolo Hill, the highest point in Kalimpong, one can witness panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Durpin Monastery, perched on a hilltop, offers visitors a peaceful retreat and a chance to experience Buddhist spirituality.

Kalimpong is also famous for its vibrant local markets, where visitors can indulge in some retail therapy. The bustling Haat Bazaar is a treasure trove of traditional handicrafts, textiles, and local produce. Strolling through the narrow lanes of the market, visitors can witness the colorful tapestry of the local culture and interact with friendly locals.

For those interested in history, Kalimpong offers a glimpse into its colonial past. The town boasts several colonial-era buildings, including the Morgan House and the MacFarlane Memorial Church, which showcase the architectural influence of the British. The fascinating Kalimpong Science Centre, housed in a former British-era building, is a must-visit for science enthusiasts.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Kalimpong. The town is surrounded by beautiful orchid nurseries and flower gardens, where one can witness a mesmerizing array of vibrant blooms. The Neora Valley National Park, located just a short distance from Kalimpong, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with its diverse range of flora and fauna.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Kalimpong is also known for its delicious local cuisine. Visitors can savor traditional Tibetan, Nepali, and Bengali delicacies, as well as indulge in a variety of international cuisines.

Local name: कालिंपोंग Population: 43 thous.Area: 407.92 mi²Elevation: 3881 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 27°4'0"N, 88°28'13"E

Location

West BengalIndia

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Kalimpong Top Attractions

Kalimpong Attractions - What to See and Explore

Kalimpong offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Dr. Graham's Homes, Tharpa Choling Monastery, St. Augustine's School, Tashiding Monastery. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

27°5'3"N • 88°29'32"E
Dr. Graham's Homes
Dr. Graham's Homes was founded in 1900 by John Anderson Graham, a missionary of the Church of Scotland, who settled in Kalimpong and worked with the local community for several years during the turn of the 20th century.
27°4'44"N • 88°28'56"E
Tharpa Choling Monastery
Gaden Tharpa Choling Monastery is a Gelugpa monastery situated at the hilltop in Kalimpong, India. The monastery was founded by Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang in 1912. History says that Domo Geshe Rinpoche lived in Kalimpong in 1906 when he came to India for pilgrimage and to collect medicinal plants from India, Nepal and Bhutan.
27°3'48"N • 88°27'10"E
St. Augustine's School
St. Augustine's School is an Anglo-Indian School in the hill station town of Kalimpong in West Bengal, India, established in 1945.

Monastery
Tashiding Monastery
Tashiding Monastery is a Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Western Sikkim, northeastern India, which is the most sacred and holiest monasteries in Sikkim.
Palace
Bhutan House
Bhutan House is an estate located in Kalimpong, West Bengal, India, owned by the Dorji family of Bhutan. The site is the traditional administrative Dzong for southern Bhutan, and also functioned as the administrative center for the whole of western Bhutan during the modern kingdom's early years of consolidation.
Monastery
Dubdi Monastery
Dubdi Monastery, occasionally called Yuksom Monastery, is a Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism near Yuksom, in the Geyzing subdivision of West Sikkim district, in eastern India.
27°3'36"N • 88°28'12"E
Suntalekhola
Suntalekhola or Suntaley Khola is a village and a tourist spot in the Gorubathan CD block in the Kalimpong Sadar subdivision of Kalimpong District in the state of West Bengal, India.
Monastery • Buddhist architecture
Phodong Monastery
Phodong Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in Sikkim, India. It is located 28 kilometres from Gangtok. It was built in the early 18th century but an older monastery had pre-existed the current one.
27°4'54"N • 88°28'33"E
Bhalukhop
Bhalukhop is a village in the Kalimpong I CD block in the Kalimpong Sadar subdivision of the Kalimpong district in the state of West Bengal, India.
Sacred and religious sites
Zang Dhok Palri Monastery
Zang Dhok Palri Phodang is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Kalimpong in West Bengal, India. The monastery is located atop Durpin Hill, one of the two hills of the town. It was consecrated in 1976 by the visiting Dalai Lama.

Day trips

Kalimpong – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Kalimpong, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Lake Tsomgo (Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary), Sandakphu (Singalila National Park), Bhaichung Stadium (Namchi).

28 milesNE
Natural attraction, Lake
Lake Tsomgo, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
Nestled within the pristine environs of the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary in India lies the enchanting Lake Tsomgo, a destination that captivates tourists with its serene beauty and mystical allure. At an altitude of approximately 3,753 meters above sea level, this...
29 milesW
Natural attraction, Park, Mountain
Sandakphu, Singalila National Park
Perched on the majestic heights of the Eastern Himalayas, Sandakphu is the highest peak in the state of West Bengal, India, and it straddles the border with Nepal. At an elevation of 3,636 meters (11,929 feet), it boasts a vantage point that offers a breathtaking...
9.7 miNW
Arenas and stadiums, Sport venue, Sport
Bhaichung Stadium, Namchi
Nestled in the picturesque town of Namchi, India, the Bhaichung Stadium stands as a testament to the region's growing interest in sports, particularly football. This stadium, named after the revered Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia, serves as a hub for local...
13 milesW
Zoological park with endangered species
Himalayan Zoo, Darjeeling
Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a 67.56-acre zoo in the town of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. The zoo was opened in 1958, and an average elevation of 7,000 feet, is the largest high altitude zoo in India.
20 milesNE
Palace, Buddhist architecture
Tsuklakhang Palace, Gangtok
Tsuklakhang Palace or Tsuklakhang Royal Chapel and Monastery is a Buddhist palatial monastery in Gangtok, Sikkim, India.

Show all

Best Time To Visit Kalimpong

Learn when is the best time to travel to Kalimpong weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in May.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in June, July, August, September and October. While the coldest is in January, February and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in December. Most of it rains in July.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Kalimpong?

The top attractions to visit in Kalimpong are:

What is the best time to visit Kalimpong?

June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in May. The highest air temperature is in June, July, August, September and October. While the coldest is in January, February and December.