Kalimpong is a small hill town about 50 km east of Darjeeling. Its height is 1200 meters. Once upon a time trade between India and Tibet was going through this city. Its history is hidden in the word Kalimpong. This city once housed the central office of the Governor of Bhutan.
The word ‘Kalim‘ means ‘Minister of the King‘ and the word ‘Pong‘ means ‘Centre of Power‘. Kalim-pong’s excellent weather and several other tourist spots in its vicinity have made it one of the most attractive destinations for travel-hungry Bengalis.
How to Reach Kalimpong?
The distance from Kolkata to Kalimpong is 646 km. Every evening many trains leave from Sealda in Kolkata for New Jalpaiguri station. It takes about 12 hours.
It takes about three hours to go to Kalimpong by reserve vehicle from New Jalpaiguri. The nearest airport from Kalim-pong is Bagdogra near Siliguri. Kalimpong is about 70 km from Bagdogra. Kalimpong to Darjeelinging distance 52 km via Rishi Rd. The time needed to reach 2 hr 10 min
Where is Kalimpong in India Map?
Kalimpong West Bengal India
Best Time to Visit Kalimpong
The climate is fairly pleasant throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Kalim_pong India is March to June and September to February.
The mild weather of summer the new growth of the trees on the hills the brilliant weather of autumn and winter, the clear blue sky, and the mesmerizing view of the snow peaks of the Himalayas naturally invite tourists.
Tourist Places in Kalimpong
Here is a list of tourist places with brief descriptions and pictures…
Delo Hill and Dealo Park
Delo Hill is the highest point in Kalimpong Darjeeling. Kalimpong City is best seen from here. There is a park in Delo Hill with beautiful flowers around. Also, there is Dealo Tourist Lodge to stay
Delo Science Centre
The recently built Science City is located within one kilometer from Delo. This hilltop place is one of the favorite places for kids.
Gouripur House
Four km from the city. To the southeast is the famous Gouripur House, bearing the footprints of the poet Rabindranath Tagore. Locally known as ‘Chitrabhanu’.
Rabindranath often stayed here on his way to and from Mongpu. You can hear your heartbeat as you sit in this quiet secluded setting nestled in the hills.
Rishop- Rimbik
Rishop-Rimbik is considered the best tourist center in the Kalim-pong region. It is located at an altitude of 8250 feet, 10 km from Lava and 28 km from Kalimpong.
Rishop can be reached by trekking through the hill from Lava. Of course, there is also a zip line from Lava to Rishop. The road to Rishop is still unpaved.
As electricity has not arrived yet, there is a fun medieval feel to staying here. Rishop is a reservoir of immense beauty. And Kanchenjunga is close at hand.
Local Sherpa and Lepchara have built several tourist accommodations like cottages. Nathula Pass, Three Borders, Gangtok, Himalayas with Tibetan mountains are seen from here.
Lolegaon
Lolegaon is a small, quiet town in Kalim-pong. It is beautiful. Nature has gifted Lolegaon with thick green forests and tranquil valleys. Kanchenjunga standing in the morning mist is very attractive to tourists.
From Kalinpong and Lava, it takes an hour to drive to Lolegaon through winding roads surrounded by pine forests.
Sitting on the balcony of the forest bungalow and seeing the nearby town of Kalim_pong will remain in your memory for the rest of your life. It is a wonderful sight in the evening. It seems that countless lamps have been lit at the top of the hill.
Kalimpong Arts and Craft Center
The Kalim_pong Arts and Craft Center in Kalim_pong has various historical “Kabiguru” Rabindranath Tagore items.
Teesta Bazar
Almost all tourists come to this market when they come to Kalim_pong. Cheap items are available here. Kalingpong is a small hill town on the banks of the Teesta River between the tea plantations of Peshok. This area is about 100 meters above sea level.
Peshak Road Siliguri Gangtok Highway meets here. The entire area is a beautiful natural beauty made up of green hills and rivers. There are several shops in Teesta Bazar. Tourists eat and drink here on their way to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, or Gangtok.
Food includes momo noodles tea etc. Few shops are selling local handicrafts and clothes. The Teesta Bridge over the Teesta River connects the plains of Siliguri with the hills of Kalimpong and Sikkim.
The confluence of the Rangit and Teesta rivers occurs between Melli, another small town in the northeast, and Teesta Bazar. This confluence of rivers is known as Triveni and white water rafting is available here
Roman Catholic Church
During British colonial rule, the Roman Catholic Church was established here.
Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery
There are many Buddhist monasteries in Kalim-pong. Among them, Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery is the most famous.
Mac Farlen Church
Scottish missionaries built this church in 1891
Morgan House
It is one of the oldest bungalows in Kalim_pong built during the British period.
Thongsha Gumpha
It is the oldest Bhutanese ashram in Darjeeling district bearing witness to the Bhutanese occupation of Kalim Pong. According to most experts, this ashram was established around 1600. Surgeon RenΓ© named this monastery ‘Tuso Chimpa‘.
Lepcha Museum
History It is an important tourist spot for tourists. There are various types of written records of Lepcha life and culture and a collection of Lepcha musical instruments. It is one km from the city. located at a distance.
Pine View Nursery
It is also known as Cactus Nursery. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kalimpong state. In this nursery located in the suburbs, you can get to know about 1500 types of rare species of wonderful cacti by buying a ticket for only twenty rupees.
It occupies a prominent position in Asia in terms of cactus collection.
Hanuman Mandir
The place is famous for the red-colored Hanuman statue on a twenty-five to thirty feet high metal structure on top of the hill. Wherever you look from here, the unique beauty of the Himalayas will fascinate you.
There is a small temple of Goddess Durga right in front of the Hanuman deity installation. The serene atmosphere of the mountain, the silence of the pine forest, and the flow of devotees will inspire you to think about the mystery of the creation of this world and the futility of earthly life.
Kalimpong Hotels
Here are some Best places to stay in Kalimpong. The tourist lodge of the West Bengal Tourism Department is located here. One km from the bus stand. Morgan Tourist Lodge on Main Road, two km. Kalimpong Tourist Lodge is on the way to Durpin Stand, next to it are Tashi Tourist Lodge and Hilltop Tourist Lodge. You can also opt for private hotel accommodation as per your availability.
Relatively good quality hotels are – Deki Lodge, Hotel Silver Oaks, Himalayan Hotel, JP Lodge, Kalimpong Park Hotel, Hotel Mountain View, etc.
β§Silver Oaks Kalimpong (Star Category), Ringkingpong Road, Kalimpong. E-mail: newelgin@cal.vsnl.net.in Phone: +913552 255368 / 255766 / 255296
β§Kalimpong Park Hotel, Ringkingpong Road, Kalimpong. Phone: +913552 256656
β§Hotel Himalaya (Heritage), Upper Cart Road, Kalimpong. E-mail: himhot@dte.vsnl.net.in Phone: +913552 255248
β§Holumba, Kalimpong. Phone: +913552 256936
β§Delo Tourist Lodge, Delo, Kalimpong. Phone: +913552 274101
β§Durpin Tourist Lodge, Durpin, Kalimpong. Phone: +913552 2855140
β§Alkananda Guest House, Upper Cart Road, Kalimpong. Phone: +913552 25625
Conclusion
Kalim-pong emerges as a captivating hill town with a rich history, picturesque landscapes, and diverse tourist attractions. Its strategic location, nestled in the Himalayas, offers an alluring blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a sought-after destination.
From the serene Delo Hill to the historic Zang Dhok Palri, Phodang Monastery, and the vibrant Teesta Bazar, Kalimpong provides a memorable experience for travelers, complemented by various accommodation options catering to various preferences.
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Q.1: Where is Kalimpong located?
Ans: 50 km east of Darjeeling
Q.2: What is the height of Kalimpong?
Ans: 1200 meters
Q.3: What does the name ‘Kalimpong’ mean?
Ans: ‘Minister of the King’ (Kalim) and ‘Centre of Power’ (Pong).
Q.4: What was Kalimpong’s historical significance?
Ans: It was a trade route between India and Tibet and housed the central office of the Governor of Bhutan.
Q.5: How do you reach Kalimpong from Kolkata?
Ans: Trains from Sealda in Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri station, followed by a three-hour reserve vehicle ride to Kalimpong. Alternatively, fly to Bagdogra near Siliguri and then a 70 km drive to Kalimpong.
Q.6: When is the best time to visit Kalimpong?
Ans: March to June and September to February.
Q.7: What are the tourist places in Kalimpong?
Ans: Delo Hill, Delo Science Centre, Gouripur House, Rishop-Rimbik, Lolegaon, Kalimpong Arts and Craft Center, Teesta Bazar, Roman Catholic Church, Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery, Mac Farlen Church, Morgan House, Thongsha Gumpha, Lepcha Museum, Pine View Nursery, and Hanuman Mandir.
Q.8: Where can tourists stay in Kalimpong?
Ans: Options include West Bengal Tourism Department’s tourist lodge, private hotels like Silver Oaks, Kalimpong Park Hotel, Hotel Himalaya, Holumba, Delo Tourist Lodge, Durpin Tourist Lodge, and Alkananda Guest House, among others.
Q.9: What are some quality hotels in Kalimpong?
Ans: Silver Oaks (Star Category), Kalimpong Park Hotel, Hotel Himalaya (Heritage), Holumba, Delo Tourist Lodge, Durpin Tourist Lodge, Alkananda Guest House, and more.
Q.10: What are the contact details for Silver Oaks Hotel?
Ans: Email: newelgin@cal.vsnl.net.in, Phone: +913552 255368 / 255766 / 255296.
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