The Tailor-Made Guide to the 7 Best Tourist Places in Kalimpong
- Barry Pickard
- May 29
- 10 min read
Updated: May 30
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Regardless of this, please be advised that all opinions expressed in this blog post are genuine and authentically my own.
Author: Barry Pickard
Contents
Quick Questions Answered
Have you ever wondered where to find the best hidden gems in Kalimpong, West Bengal? If you're an independent traveller like me, always on the lookout for unique experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, then you're in the right place. Let me take you on a journey through the sights, sounds, and smells of this enchanting town.
Imagine walking through the warm greenhouses of Pine View Nursery, where the air is filled with the earthy scent of exotic plants and the vibrant green colours of over 1,500 species of cacti catch your eye. Or picture yourself at Holumba Haven, a botanical paradise where the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves create a serene soundtrack to your stroll.
As someone who has explored every nook and cranny of Kalimpong, I can assure you that this guide is packed with firsthand tips and insights. From the educational wonders of the Kalimpong Science Centre to the spiritual tranquillity of Geden Tharpa Choling Monastery, I've experienced it all and I'm here to share my adventures with you.
Whether you're curious about the best places to eat, like the Art Café with its locally sourced delicacies and stunning views, or you're intrigued by the traditional crafts at the Gangjong Handmade Paper Factory, this post has got you covered. So, grab a cup of Darjeeling tea, get comfortable, and let's dive into the best places to visit in Kalimpong.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these tourist places in Kalimpong appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the best attractions of Kalimpong, or indeed, a general tour of India.
About Kalimpong
Nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Kalimpong is a picturesque town in West Bengal, India, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. These may be the foothills, but the altitude of Kalimpong is still 4,091 feet (1,247 metres) and sometimes leads to Kalimpong being known as "The Tiara of West Bengal". Historically, this town was a bustling trade hub between India and Tibet, which has left a lasting influence on its architecture and culture. Today, it is celebrated for its vibrant nurseries, producing a wide variety of exotic plants, and its serene monasteries that offer a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhism. The town's unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural diversity makes it a special destination for travellers seeking both adventure and serenity.
Best Tourist Places in Kalimpong
Pine View Nursery
Kalimpong's unique climate and geographical conditions make it an ideal location for nurseries and the cultivation of exotic plants. Kalimpong has been blessed with a perfect combination of a mild and temperate climate, high rainfall (220cm annually), five distinct seasons, and a rich and fertile soil. There are a number of nurseries open to the public, but my favourite has to be the Pine View Nursery.
Pine View Nursery is a renowned cactus garden that boasts the largest collection of cacti in Asia, with over 1,500 species from around the world. Established in 1971 by Mr. Mohan S Pradhan, a former orchid businessman, the nursery spans 2 acres and features three greenhouses.
Holumba Haven
Holumba Haven is a charming homestay, with a garden that is open to the public. The garden is a true botanical paradise, spread over 2 acres and is home to a wide variety of plants and trees. It includes exotic floriculture, medicinal plants, and a rich collection of Himalayan flora.
Kalimpong Science Centre
The Kalimpong Science Centre is an engaging and educational destination, providing a variety of interactive exhibits that make learning science fun. There is also a large outdoor science park includes exhibits and models that demonstrate scientific concepts in an open and interactive environment. If you like dinosaurs, you will find the park fascinating!
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
If you go to the very top of the dinosaur park, you might be lucky enough to see the paragliders taking off on the hill slope going towards Delo Park. If you are an adventure enthusiast, a day paragliding in Kalimpong could be an ideal option!
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Delo Park
Sat upon Deolo Hill, 1,704 meters above sea level, Delo Park is highest point and the best place to visit in Kalimpong for panoramic views of the valleys and the Teesta River. However, when I visited, it was disappointingly misty! Nevertheless, the well-maintained gardens provide a popular place to relax and play.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Make sure to get your selfie at the ‘I Love Kalimpong’ sign!
Geden Tharpa Choling Monastery & Museum
The Geden Tharpa Choling Monastery serves as a spiritual sanctuary where monks and visitors gather for prayers, rituals, and the study of Buddhist philosophy. It offers meditation retreats and teachings rooted in the Gelugpa tradition, as was established in1912 by Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang.
It was the museum, however, that really caught my eye. Located within the monastery compound, the museum showcases rare artifacts, sacred relics, and traditional Buddhist art, offering a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural history of Tibetan Buddhism.
Gangjong Handmade Paper Factory
The Gangjong Handmade Paper Factory in Kalimpong is a unique and fascinating destination for those interested in traditional crafts and sustainable practices. As one of the more intriguing of Kalimpong sightseeing places, this factory offers an insightful experience into the art of handmade paper production. I was lucky enough to receive a tour given by one of the owners, who explained the entire paper-making process from sourcing plant pulp to creating finished products. It was an interesting experience which provided a deep insight into the traditional methods of paper production.
Daphne paper, also known as Lokta paper is made from the bark of the Daphne shrub, which grows in the foothills of the Himalayas. The bark is soaked, boiled, and beaten to create a pulp, then mixed with water and spread on a sieve fixed to a wooden frame. This frame is floated in water, allowing the fibres to spread evenly. The frame is lifted out of the water and set upright to dry. Daphne paper is known for its strength, durability, and natural self-adhesive properties, but I must admit that, before my visit, I didn’t know there was such a thing!
The factory produces a variety of handmade paper products, including journals, notepads, greeting cards, lamp shades, and dolls, and there is a small shop where you can purchase some of the products. I was tempted into buying a beautiful tie-dye journal – perfect for writing about my Indian adventures!
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Google Maps will guide you towards the factory building, but it is not very helpful getting you to the entrance. You will discover a narrow footpath that leads up a steep hill. Walk up this path, beyond the factory (as shown on Google Maps), then you will find a little gated entrance which you enter, then walk back down towards the factory building. Then walk to the opposite side of the building to find the entrance. It’s a little complicated!
Mangal Dham Temple
Sightseeing in Kalimpong wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Mangal Dham Temple, with this impressive Hindu temple being dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is not only a place of worship but also a significant cultural and social hub in the region. The main shrine houses a magnificent idol of Lord Krishna, along with other deities. The temple was established by Guruji Shri Mangal Dasji Maharaj. He arrived in Kalimpong in 1940 and dedicated his life to serving the community by constructing schools, orphanages, and temples.
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Restaurant’s in Kalimpong
I had two lovely meals while in Kalimpong, with lunch at the Art Café and dinner at The Noodle House, and I would happily recommend both.
The Art Café is handily located on Rishi Road, on the first floor of the building. Its tasty locally-sourced food is only matched by its stunning panoramic views (although it was misty when I was there in February – a recurring story for me!). There were plenty of local cuisine to try and there is also a hip store from which to buy local clothes and crafts. By my reconning, the Art Café is the best café in Kalimpong.
As for The Noodle House, please don’t be put off by its location! It is off Rishi Road, not far from the Art Café, and the area in front of the restaurant looks like a bit of a building site! However, I persevered and made my way to the restaurant, and I was rewarded with some amazing Chinese cuisine.
Best Season to Visit Kalimpong
Now that you are up to speed on where you should visit, you need to know when to go. The best time to visit Kalimpong depends on what kind of experience you're looking for. Generally, April to June is ideal for pleasant weather and clear skies, making it perfect for sightseeing. If you love the winter charm, October to December offers crisp air and stunning views, though it can get quite cold.
Monsoon months (July to August) bring heavy rainfall and roadblocks, so they’re not the best time to visit. However, September is a great alternative, as the greenery is at its peak and the rains have mostly subsided. I visited at the beginning of February, and although it was cold, it was colder in Scotland where I had come from. It was dry during my stay, but very misty.
Where to Stay
Many travellers visiting Kalimpong, will base themselve in Darjeeling. I spent part of my time at the Mayfair Hill Resort, consistently regarded as one of the best resorts in Darjeeling. It was formally a 19th-century mansion that served as a summer retreat for the royal family of Bihar’s Nazargunj.
I also enjoyed a stay at the Little Tibet Resort in Darjeeling and found that this charming boutique hotel perfectly blended traditional Tibetan hospitality with modern amenities.
However, if you are looking for something more rural and closer to nature, then I can highly recommend staying at The Sampang Retreat in Takdah, which is half way between Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
If you are looking for accommodation in Kalimpong itself, there is a good selection of hotels and homestays available. Consider Sinclairs Retreat Kalimpong, Mayfair Himalayan Spa Resort, or perhaps Sterling Park Kalimpong.
How to Get to Kalimpong
The nearest airport for Kalimpong is Badogra International Airport, near Siliguri, West Bengal. Badogra is a medium-sized airport, with good facilities, and I found it quite easy to get around, and it takes around half an hour to get into the centre of Siliguri. From Siliguri, it is not currently possible to get the train up to Kalimpong (although you can get the train up to Darjeeling, whichs takes about 7 hours). There are regular buses that head into the hills, but I would recommend hiring a driver. The drive from Siliguri or Badogra to Kalimpong takes about four hours. I used the excellent services of Vivek at Just To Travels to organise the driver for me – Instagram & email.
Kalimpong to Darjeeling, can be done by bus, but again, I would recommend hiring a driver, with the drive taking just over two hours.
Quick Questions Answered
What language is spoken in Kalimpong? The official languages are Nepali and Bengali, with English as an additional official language. However, many other languages are spoken in daily life, including Hindi, Tamang, Limbu, Lepcha, and Kirat.
How many days is enough for a visit to Kalimpong? I managed to visit all the attractions in this post in one day. However, a two or even three day visit would allow a more relaxed trip, with some additional attractions thrown in.
Was Kalimpong part of Nepal? Kalimpong was historically not part of Nepal, instead, it was part of the Sikkimese kingdom. However, in the 18th century, Bhutan took control of the region after a conflict within the Sikkimese royal family. Then it became part of British India after the Anglo-Bhutan War of 1864.
What are the local dishes of Kalimpong? Kalimpong has a rich culinary heritage influenced by Nepali, Tibetan, and Lepcha traditions. You should try their momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), gundruk (fermented veg), and Chhurpi (cheese).
Conclusion
Kalimpong is a treasure trove of unique experiences, with each destination offering its own charm and story, making this town a must-visit for any independent traveller. Whether you're exploring the spiritual depths of Geden Tharpa Choling Monastery or indulging in delicious local cuisine at the Art Café, Kalimpong promises unforgettable memories. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, set your sights on the exciting places to visit in Kalimpong, and embark on an adventure that will leave you with stories to tell and experiences to cherish.
Related Blog Posts
If you would like more information on West Bengal and India in general, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
Remember to share your own travel tips and discoveries in the comments below!
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these tourist places in Kalimpong appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the best attractions of Kalimpong, or indeed, a general tour of India.
Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.
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