Dr. Graham’s Homes is an educational institute located on Deolo Hill on the eastern fringes of Kalimpong. Spread over 500 acres of land, it is more than a hundred years old. Dr. John Anderson Graham built this school in 1900, intending to cater to the educational needs of children from Nursery through Class XII. The school is also a member of the Anglo-Indian Schools Association and is affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE). So, if you want to know its centuries-old history, it is the perfect place to visit in Kalimpong.
Graham’s Homes Location:
Topkhana, Kalimpong, West Bengal
About Dr. Graham’s Homes
Dr. John Anderson Graham, a missionary of the Church of Scotland, got inspired and settled in Kalimpong town to fulfill his dream of building an institution that manifested his love for children. But unfortunately, he passed away in 1942, and after India got its independence in 1947, ‘St. Andrew’s Colonial Homes’ (initial name) was renamed ‘Dr. Graham’s Homes’ to honor his work. Dr. Graham’s Homes is an international institution and is sponsored by various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) all across the globe.
Initially allowed only to the Anglo-Indian students, this school now has over 1400 students of all communities. Spacious classrooms, laboratories, a computer room, a huge playground, a library, and a mini auditorium enclose it.
It is a self-sufficient institution with cottages, staff quarters, a farmhouse, hostels, a hospital, a workshop, a dairy, a bakery, etc. There is also a beautiful chapel here known as the ‘Katherine Graham Memorial Chapel,’ which was the first place to house the orphans of Kalimpong.
Type of Destination
- Educational Institution, Heritage
Timings of Dr. Graham’s Homes
- Open from 2 pm – 5 pm
- Daily for Tourists
Duration
- 2 hours are enough to visit Dr. Graham’s Homes.
Best Time to Visit Dr. Graham’s Homes
March, May, September, and November is the best time to visit Dr. Graham’s Homes. During this time you can see the amazing views and enjoy pleasant weather. Also, in May, the festival of May Fair is organized every year at Dr. Graham’s Homes.
How to Reach Dr. Graham’s Homes
By road –Take a taxi from Kalimpong Bus Stand to Dr. Graham’s Homes.
Distance from Kalimpong Bus Stand – 3 km
Travel Time- 12 minutes approx.
By train – Kalimpong does not have a railway station. You can also take the train to Dr. Graham’s Homes’ nearest railway station, Jalpaiguri.
Distance from Jalpaiguri Railway Station – 104.6 km
Travel Time – 3 hours 34 minutes approx.
Tips to visit Dr. Graham’s Homes
- Book your Dr. Graham’s Home tours ahead of time to secure your spot.
- Kalimpong experiences cold weather in winter. Therefore, it is advised to bring warm clothes with you.
- Dr. Graham’s Homes is an educational institution, so make sure you dress appropriately.
Places to Visit near Dr. Graham’s Homes
After you complete Dr. Graham’s Homes tour, check out the places to visit nearby –
Tharpa Choling Monastery
- 1.3 km away
- This monastery is known for keeping old scriptures and documents. This attracts many Buddhist monks and devotees. Also, the soothing weather and unspoiled nature create the perfect ambiance for meditation.
Colonial Bungalows
- 2.2 km away
- Built by Britishers, Colonial Bungalows are among Kalimpong’s most famous bungalows. It is known and visited for its beautiful architecture and picturesque surroundings.
Deolo Hill
- 2.2 km away
- This is the highest point in Kalimpong, perched at 5500 feet. From its top, you can see the entire town and the splendid panorama of the renowned Kanchenjunga Mountains. Trekking at Deolo Hill is a famous activity to indulge in
Tongsa Gumba
- 3.5 km away
- Constructed in 1630, Trongsa or Tongsa Gompa is the oldest Buddhist Monastery in Kalimpong. The Gompa you see today is a renovated version, as the Gurkhas destroyed the original one in Sikkim.
Lepcha Museum
- 3.6 km away
- This museum has a collection of several musical instruments, clothing, articles, and documents related to Lepcha culture. If you want to gain an insight into the Lepcha culture, visit this museum.
Places to Stay near Dr. Graham’s Homes
Many places near Dr. Graham’s Homes are reasonably priced and offer decent facilities. Some of the hotels near Dr. Graham’s Homes are –
- Kalimpong View Homestay (0.16 km away)
- Mystic Orchid Retreat (0.92 km away)
- Roots, Shoots & Beds (0.64 km away)
- Shikher Guest House (0.99 km away)
- OurGuest Jacaranda Home (0.16 km away)
Dr Graham’s Homes Kalimpong is one of the most visited tourist places in Kalimpong that you should not miss while enjoying your holiday here. Apart from that, there are so many attractions in Kalimpong that you can cover by choosing our fully customizable Kalimpong Tour packages
