Kalimpong Travel Guide
The hill town of Kalimpong, which is 50 minutes drive east of Darjeeling, is located at an elevation of 1,250 m in the Shivalik ranges and offers views of the Teesta Valley. The town is undoubtedly one of northeast India’s most popular and desirable tourist attractions. It gives off a positive vibe all year round, with the beautiful Kanchenjunga rising in the background and other significant Himalayan peaks providing an almost surreal backdrop.
Kalimpong is different from typical tourist locations where visitors must follow the same schedule as everyone else. Instead, it is a vacation spot for people seeking a break from the hectic, high-tension lifestyle of the cities.
Plan your trip to Kalimpong after reading the complete Kalimpong tourism guide.
Places to visit in Kalimpong
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventurous escapade, these kalimpong tourist places have everything at something for every kind of traveler. All of these places reek of tranquility in every nook and cranny. Kalimpong is a destination that doesn’t fail to impress. Look at this list of all the top places:
- MacFarlane Church
- Zong Dong Palri Fo Brang Monastery
- Durpin monastery
- Kalimpong Arts and crafts center
- Pedong Monastery
- Deolo Hill
Things to do in Kalimpong
West Bengal’s peaceful town of Kalimpong is well-known for its breathtaking scenery and idyllic location. The city, surrounded by clouds against a backdrop of mighty mountains, offers many attractions that draw many visitors all year. Kalimpong tourism is not just about ancient structures and nature spots. To truly experience the beauty of this hill town, you have to engage in different activities apart from exploring the popular tourist attractions in Kalimpong.
- River rafting
- Trekking
- Admiring the church architecture
- Climbing various points
Best Time to Visit Kalimpong
Summer is the best time to visit Kalimpong since the weather is excellent during these months. Kalimpong experiences heavy rainfall this month, so many people prefer to avoid staying in this weather. Since Kalimpong is situated at a height, many risk factors are attached to it. Visiting Kalimpong during the winter season could be a great choice, but only if you are ready for the extreme cold weather in Kalimpong. This is the season when this town celebrates the sum of its festivals.
How to reach Kalimpong
Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri is the closest airport to Kalimpong. There is excellent connectivity between Bagdogra and the rest of India, serviced by all major domestic airlines from different Indian towns. In addition, there are direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati to Bagdogra. To go to Kalimpong, local taxis are available outside the airport. The road distance between Kolkata and Kalimpong is approximately 623 to 735 km depending on the course and mode of transport, since this road journey can be tedious. Read more.
Accommodation in Kalimpong
Kalimpong boasts majestic Himalayan views, colonial architecture, Buddhist monasteries, bustling markets, and extensive ginger and tea plantations, which make it one of the best offbeat places to visit in India. Therefore, as this paradise beckons you to explore the natural bounties of its virgin valley, book your stay at one of these best hotels in Kalimpong to make your journey memorable and comfortable. The best Kalimpong hotels are Golden Kuensel Resort & Spa, OYO 71805 Paradise Villa, Hidden Gem Residency, and more.
Where to eat in Kalimpong
Tibetan, Chinese, and Bengali cuisine dominate the gastronomic scene of Kalimpong. Here, you can also locate some delectable Darjeeling tea. Momos, Thukpa, and Churpee, a cheese made from yak milk, are among the most popular local wares. In addition to this, there are a variety of locations to enjoy drinks as well as traditional Indian meals and regional specialties. The restaurants in Kalimpong are The Sood’s Garden Retreat and Restaurant, Cafe Kalimpong, Za Khang Authentic Bhutanese Restaurant, Art Cafe, Paris Kalimpong, and more.
How to get around Kalimpong
The city of Kalimpong is compact and accessible on foot. Taxis and auto rickshaws are the most common modes of transportation in Kalimpong. The main bus stand is close to Damber Chowk.
Traveling tips
- Always prepare for inclement weather.
- Analyze the weather predictions.
- Make a plan for your day.
- Being over prepared is fine.
- Watch out for camping-related sales.
- Bring a first-aid kit.
- Make a list of your belongings before leaving.
- Never set up camp beneath a tree.