Kalimpong is a quaint little hill station and is perfect for those trying to escape the chaotic city life for some peace and solitude in the hills. Kalimpong is set on a ridge that connects two hills - Deolo and Durpin Hills and is at a height of 4091 feet above the sea level. The snow-covered Mt. Kanchenjunga is visible from almost everywhere in Kalimpong. The Testa River that separates Kalimpong from the state of Sikkim, flows all along the highway as you drive up to Kalimpong from Siliguri through numerous hairpin bends and hillsides that are covered with tall, swaying green pine trees.

The hill station is dotted with Buddhist monasteries, temples and few churches that ooze old world charm. The weekly bazaars have been in operation since anybody cares to remember and hold surprises at every turn and shop. Kalimpong is the just the place to recharge your batteries but that does not mean that it lacks colour. The Buddhist festivals add a huge dose of colour as do the many fairs and they ensure that your holiday is bright, exciting and peaceful at the same time.

So travel to Kalimpong for a truly relaxed, serene holiday!

How to Reach Kalimpong?

By Air : The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, 80 km, connected to Kolkata and Guwahati. You can cover Bagdogra to Kalimpong in 3 hours by bus or taxi.

By Rail : The nearest railheads are New Jalpaiguri (77 km) and Siliguri (66 km).

By Road : Kalimpong is also well connected by road with Siliguri, Gangtok and Darjeeling by buses, jeeps and private taxis.

Best Time to Visit Kalimpong

Like most hill stations, Kalimpong has periods of intense cold followed by mild summer and moderate monsoon. The best time to visit Kalimpong is from February to May when the weather is brilliant and bright. The rains start from June till August and the cold sets in from October onwards.

Things to do in Kalimpong

The list of things to do in Kalimpong is slanted towards the outdoors. After you visit the Thonga Gompa which is the oldest monastery here, go for long walks in the scenic surroundings of this lovely little hill town. Trek in the pine forest, relax with a picnic lunch or visit the nearby nurseries to see the orchids and other flowers in bloom. Have a meal of Tibetan momos, buy some thangkas to take back home and of course how can you forget the cheese that Kalimpong is so well known for.

Kalimpong calls!

Places Near Kalimpong

There are many places near Kalimpong and that includes Pedong, Lava, Darjeeling, Lolegaon and Siliguri to name a few.

Pedong, located 20 kms away from Kalimpong in West Bengal is a picturesque place surrounded by pine forests. From this place, you can enjoy the magnificent views of the snow-capped Mount Kanchenjunga. Located on the ancient Silk Route, this place is ideal for adventure enthusiasts. Several trekking trails originate from Pedong on the way to the Damsang Fort.

Explore the striking and panoramic view of the Jelep La and Rechi La passes from Lava, which is 32 kms from Kalimpong. Surrounded by dense forests, this place is considered to be the gateway to the Neora National Park.

Lolegaon is located 42 kms from Kalimpong, at the end of a Himalayan Ridge. You can visit this place and enjoy the spectacular view of the Kanchenjunga range.

Darjeeling is located 49 kms away from Kalimpong. Enjoy the snow peaks as you soak in the serenity of the green hills, the majestic view of the Himalayas as you visit Darjeeling. Paradise for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, Darjeeling is an ideal place to trekking along the Sangalila range. The important trekking route starts in Darjeeling and proceeds through Maneybhanjyang to Phalut. Water sports lovers can enjoy white water rafting on River Teesta and Rangeet (Triveni). If you love bird watching, be a part of the birding tour that covers the best bird watching sites.

Another interesting place you may visit from Kalimpong is Jorpokhri that is located at a distance of about 86 kms from here. The lakes in Jorpokhri are worth visiting and you may spot Himalayan Salamander – highly endangered species.

Hotels in Kalimpong – Choice is Yours

There are numerous hotels in Kalimpong ranging from 3-star, 4-star and 5-star deluxe to budget hotels.