Top Tourist Attractions in Kalimpong
Kalimpong is an east Indian hill town in West Bengal‘s Himalayan foothills. Its colonial-era structures, such as MacFarlane Memorial Church, built for a Scottish missionary, are perched on a ridge above the Teesta River. The highland Durpin Monastery, also known as Zang Dhok Palri Phodang, in the south houses ancient Buddhist writings. Deolo Park is a manicured park with views of the town and the surrounding hills. Kalimpong is a well-known hill station in West Bengal, owing to its role as a commercial crossroads between Britain and India during the British Empire. It is also well-known for the numerous adventure opportunities available in the area.
Kalimpong is a small hill station in West Bengal, India, located in the northern area of Darjeeling.
Kalimpong is a naturalist’s dream, surrounded by beautiful mountains, lush tropical gardens, and crystal-clear lakes. The untouched beauty of this nearly undiscovered small town will make your heart sing.
Best Places to Visit in Kalimpong
- Takdah, Kalimpong
- Sillery Gaon, Kalimpong
- Pabong Village, Kalimpong
- Chuikhim, Kalimpong
- Deolo Hills, Kalimpong
- Lolegaon Village, Kalimpong
- Silent Valley, Kalimpong
- Lamahatta, Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a small hill station in the northern area of Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. Kalimpong is a nature lover’s dream, surrounded by breathtaking mountains, lush tropical gardens, and crystal-clear lakes. This nearly unknown tiny hamlet’s pristine beauty will fill your heart with joy.
1. Takdah, Kalimpong
If you enjoy nature and wish to visit a small hill station away from the crowds, I highly recommend Takdah. Takdah, located at 28 kilometres from Darjeeling and 40 kilometres from Kalimpong, is a treasured secret that most visitors are unaware of. Takdah’s panoramic scenic splendour, lush green tea gardens, and blossoming orchids will undoubtedly capture your heart. It is a lovely tiny village that served as a cantonment facility for British soldiers during their colonial days. This site is all about walking in the pine and cedar forest, viewing the lovely tea gardens, spending time in orchids, and enjoying the amazing scenery.
Takdah is eager to greet you with warmth, yet far enough away to be solitary and tranquil, with bubbling fountains, chirping birds, misty convoluted roads, and paths into the forest.
2. Sillery Gaon
Sillery Gaon is a tiny village near Pedong in the West Bengal town of Kalimpong that gives an unrivalled view of Mount Kanchenjunga and its associated peaks. It is located at an elevation of 6000 feet above sea level. This little hamlet has a very small population of roughly 25-30 families that live here and whose most hospitable folks would win your heart like heaven. The settlement is surrounded by thick pine trees, with the only sound being the singing of birds. The solitude of the woodland, the chirping of unknown unseen birds, and the lovely highland wind add to the mystery and romance of this location.
Sillery Gaon’s location is remarkable in that it offers a nearly 180-degree view of the Himalayas, with Nepal on the west, Sikkim on the north and east, and Bengal on the south. Because of its growing popularity, Sillery Gaon is also known as the “New Darjeeling.” Sillery Gaon is a spot of great natural beauty that entices visitors to spend some calm time there. So, don’t pass up the opportunity to explore this lovely location.
3. Pabong Village
Located 34 km from Kalimpong Town, Pabong is a small rustic Himalayan village that is situated approximately 4700 ft above sea level that provides a mesmerizing view of snow-capped mountains and valleys. Perched on a mountain slop and guarded by Neora Valley National Park to the far, this tranquil village of Pabong has escaped the clutches of commercialization and mass tourism.Pabong, located 34 kilometres from Kalimpong Town, is a little rustic Himalayan town that is around 4700 feet above sea level and offers a breathtaking vista of snow-capped mountains and valleys. This quiet town of Pabong has avoided the grips of commercialization and mass tourism, perched on a mountain slop and guarded to the distance by Neora Valley National Park.
In addition, it features some of the greatest trekking and path possibilities in the eastern Himalayas. It was designed as a birding paradise, but it was also intended for individuals who desire a genuine hideaway as a vacation location. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Pabong (between Kalimpong and Loleygaon) is the finest option. So, come and discover the actual essence of rural life.
4. Chuikhim
Chuikhim is a small hamlet in West Bengal’s Kalimpong town, located in the southern section of the Kalimpong Hills. Chuikhim hamlet is 3,500 feet above sea level. The settlement is distributed throughout the hills, with a tiny water stream of the Leesh Chu river running through it. This is a little mountain community of 250 households surrounded by nature and stillness.
Chuikhim village, if you don’t know, cannot be located on Google maps or in school geography textbooks, but the community has recently piqued the curiosity of tourists owing to its unusual position. It is a birdwatcher’s delight, with a large number of Himalayan birds clearly visible. Trekking in and around Chuikhim hamlet, as well as into the Chel woodland, is possible. Chiukhim is conveniently located between Darjeeling and Kalimpong, making it the ideal stopover before beginning your ascent. The idyllic settlements of Lolegaon and Lava are located 24 kilometres above Chuikhim and bring you closer to the Kanchenjunga peaks. So don’t pass it up.
5. Deolo Hills
Deolo Hill is a hilltop located to the northeast of Kalimpong in West Bengal, 10 kilometres from Kalimpong Bus Station. Deolo Hills, Kalimpong’s highest point, gives beautiful views of the valley from an astounding 1700 metres, from which you can even recognise little towns and gorgeous cities located nearby, and if you’re looking for some thrilling activities, make sure to attempt paragliding, hiking, and horse riding. A freshwater reservoir surrounds the hills, where you may have a modest picnic with your family or loved ones. There’s also a leisure park at the summit, which is ideal for taking in the breathtaking views. However, if you want to see the greatest views, head to the hill around sunrise, when the magnificent orange ball emerges from the horizon. Deolo Hill attracts visitors from all over the world and is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
6. Lolegaon Village
Lolegaon Village, 45 kilometres from Kalimpong, is a picturesque gem that can be visited in two and a half hours by bus or cab. It is a joy to visitors with its animals, jungle hikes through the trees, a hanging bridge inside the deep forest, and a spectacular view of Kalimpong town. It is located in the Gram panchayat of Kaffer-Kankebong. From here, you may get a great view of Kanchenjunga. From the observatory, you can see the sun rise and set. The Canopy Walk is a popular attraction. The thick forest is crossed by a 180-meter-long swinging wooden tree-top bridge. If you want to experience nature the way it was meant to be experienced, here is the place to be.
7. Silent Valley
Another amazing spot near Sillery Gaon is Silent Valley, which is located 2 kilometres from Damsang Fort and 5 kilometres from Pedong Bus Stand. A large broad green meadow surrounded by tall pine trees and only the singing of birds breaks the stillness, making the scene fascinating. A downhill stroll through the gloomy woodland and the unexpected emergence of the grassland will undoubtedly take you by surprise. During the rainy season, Silence Valley transforms into a little body of water. According to old time locals, there was formerly a lake. Another great site to explore in Sillery Gaon is Silent Valley. The abrupt arrival of the green field, a descent from the main road, takes tourists by surprise.
During the rainy season, Silence Valley transforms into a little pond. Long ago, according to ancient locals, it was a lake.
8. Lamahatta
Lamahatta, a tiny mountain community surrounded by vegetation and rivers amidst magnificent terraced agriculture, is an upcoming eco-tourism destination. This location is ideal because it is only 23 kilometres from Darjeeling. You can even stay at a local’s house. This location provides an excellent view of the Kanchenjunga peaks and rivers. Lamahatta is a honeymooner’s dream because it provides serenity, beautiful beauty, and a sense of being amidst nature, making it an ideal setting for getting to know each other. You might also explore the surrounding areas, since nature is undoubtedly at its finest in the Lamahatta area. Because it is a tiny community, it is a peaceful and tranquil location where you can enjoy camping, walking, and cooking your own BBQ and campfire.
Best Time to Visit in Kalimpong
Because of its lovely weather, Kalimpong is a great spot to visit all year. This high station is frequently shrouded in fog between monsoon and winter. So, the ideal months to visit Kalimpong are March to May or September to November.
How to Reach Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a picturesque hill station located in the northern part of West Bengal, at an elevation of 4100 feet. People come from all over the world to appreciate the natural beauty and tranquillity of the location. The finest feature about the location is that it is well-connected by road, train, and air to many parts of the country and the world. More information about how to go to Kalimpong may be found here:
By Air
Bagdogra airport is the closest airport to Kalimpong, at a distance of 79 kilometres. The airport is well connected to the country’s major cities, including Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. Connecting flights from major cities such as Kolkata and Delhi can take international tourists to the location. Tourists may reach Kalimpong via taxi or bus from the airport.
By rail
The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, which is 77 kilometres away from Kalimpong. Kalimpong is connected to many parts of the country via this station. Outside the station, buses and taxis are available for rent to get to Kalimpong.
By road
By road, Kalimpong is well connected to Sikkim and other Indian towns. The city is served by direct buses from surrounding states. Kalimpong is connected to destinations like Gangtok (75 km), Darjeeling (50 km), Bagdogra (79 km), and Siliguri via public and private buses (70 km).