Kalimpong sightseeing

Kalimpong sightseeing

Kalimpong is a hill station in the Indian state of West Bengal, located in the eastern Himalayas at an altitude of 1250 meters. It is known for its scenic beauty, colonial architecture, and cultural heritage. Kalimpong is also known for its production of flowers, including orchids and gladioli, and its thriving market, where local handicrafts and textiles can be purchased.

Top 10 Places to visit in Kalimpong

Kalimpong offers a variety of tourist attractions for visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular places to visit in Kalimpong include:

1. Deolo Hill:

Deolo Hill is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kalimpong, known for its scenic beauty and panoramic views of the Himalayas and the surrounding countryside. The hilltop is covered in lush green forests and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can take a leisurely walk through the park, relax on the grassy lawns, or simply take in the views from the various viewing points. The hilltop is also home to a small park, which is perfect for picnics and family outings. With its stunning views and peaceful atmosphere, Deolo Hill is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Kalimpong.

2. Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery:

The Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Kalimpong. The monastery is renowned for its intricate paintings and sculptures, which are said to be some of the finest examples of Tibetan Buddhist art in the world. The interior of the monastery is adorned with colorful murals and intricate carvings, and the walls are covered in intricate paintings depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology. Visitors can also explore the spacious grounds of the monastery, which are dotted with prayer wheels and shrines. With its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage, the Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Tibetan Buddhism and art.

3. Dr. Graham’s Homes:

Dr. Graham’s Homes is a former boarding school established by Scottish Presbyterian missionaries, now a heritage site in Kalimpong. The school was established in the late 19th century and was one of the first boarding schools for children in the region. Today, the school has been preserved as a heritage site, and visitors can explore the sprawling grounds, admire the colonial-style architecture, and learn about the rich history of the school. The site also features a museum, which displays a collection of old photographs, artifacts, and other memorabilia related to the school’s history. With its beautiful surroundings, rich history, and cultural significance, Dr. Graham’s Homes is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in colonial history and architecture.

4. Kali Mandir:

Kali Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, located in Kalimpong. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and impressive statue of the goddess, which stands tall at the heart of the temple. Visitors to the temple can marvel at the intricate carvings and paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings, and can offer prayers and seek blessings from the goddess. The temple also features a spacious courtyard, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens and shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities. With its rich cultural heritage and beautiful architecture, Kali Mandir is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Hindu religion and culture.

5. Army Golf Course:

The Army Golf Course is a scenic golf course set amidst rolling hills in Kalimpong. The course offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Himalayas and is a popular destination for golfers and nature lovers alike. The course features well-manicured fairways and challenging greens, making it a popular destination for golfers of all skill levels. Visitors can also take a leisurely walk around the course, admire the views, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. With its beautiful scenery and challenging golf course, the Army Golf Course is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in golf or nature.

6. Durpin Dara Hill:

Durpin Dara Hill is a scenic viewpoint located in Kalimpong, offering panoramic views of the town and the surrounding region. The hilltop is covered in lush green forests and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can take a leisurely walk up the hill, admire the views from the various viewing points, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The hilltop is also home to a small park, which is perfect for picnics and family outings. With its stunning views and peaceful atmosphere, Durpin Dara Hill is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Kalimpong.

7. Mangal Dham:

Mangal Dham is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, located in Kalimpong. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful paintings, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology. Visitors to the temple can marvel at the intricate carvings and paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings, and can offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Krishna. The temple also features a spacious courtyard, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens and shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities. With its rich cultural heritage and beautiful architecture, Mangal Dham is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Hindu religion and culture.

8. Flower Nurseries:

Kalimpong is renowned for its nurseries, which produce a variety of flowers, including orchids, gladioli, and chrysanthemums. Visitors can explore the nurseries, admire the beautiful flowers, and learn about the process of growing and cultivating flowers. Many of the nurseries offer tours and demonstrations, giving visitors an insight into the world of floriculture. The nurseries are also a popular destination for shoppers, as they offer a wide range of cut flowers, potted plants, and other floral-related products. With its beautiful flowers and rich cultural heritage, the flower nurseries of Kalimpong are a must-visit destination for anyone interested in gardening and floriculture.

9. Kalimpong Science Centre:

The Kalimpong Science Centre is a science museum located in Kalimpong, designed to educate and inspire visitors of all ages. The museum features a wide range of exhibits, including interactive displays, models, and simulations, that showcase the wonders of science and technology. Visitors can learn about various scientific concepts and phenomena, including astronomy, biology, physics, and more, through hands-on exhibits and multimedia presentations. The museum also features a planetarium, which offers visitors a chance to explore the stars and constellations in an immersive and interactive environment. With its fun, interactive exhibits and educational programming, the Kalimpong Science Centre is a must-visit destination for families, students, and anyone interested in science and technology.

10.  Nature Interpretation Centre:

The Nature Interpretation Centre is a wildlife park located in Kalimpong, dedicated to conserving and protecting the region’s diverse wildlife and ecosystems. The park is home to a wide range of animals, including deer, monkeys, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can take a leisurely walk through the park, admire the animals in their natural habitats, and learn about the park’s conservation efforts. The park also features educational exhibits and interactive displays, which highlight the importance of protecting the region’s wildlife and ecosystems. With its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and educational programming, the Nature Interpretation Centre is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in wildlife and conservation.

How to reach

Kalimpong is located in the Indian state of West Bengal and can be reached by several modes of transportation.

By Air: The nearest airport to Kalimpong is Bagdogra Airport, which is approximately 70 km away. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or a shared jeep to reach Kalimpong.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Kalimpong is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, which is approximately 90 km away. From the railway station, visitors can take a taxi or a shared jeep to reach Kalimpong.

By Road: Kalimpong is well connected by road and is located along National Highway 12. Visitors can take a taxi or a shared jeep from nearby cities such as Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Gangtok to reach Kalimpong.

Visitors can also reach Kalimpong by taking a bus from nearby cities, such as Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Gangtok. Buses are available from the major bus stands in these cities and offer a convenient and affordable option for reaching Kalimpong.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Kalimpong is from March to June, and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with clear skies and cool temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The summer months of March to June are particularly ideal for visiting, as the region is in full bloom during this time, with a profusion of flowers and lush greenery.

Monsoon season, which occurs from July to September, is not the best time to visit Kalimpong, as the region experiences heavy rainfall and landslides are common. Winter months, from December to February, are also not the best time to visit, as the region experiences cold and foggy weather, which can limit visibility and outdoor activities.

Overall, the best time to visit Kalimpong is from March to June and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

FAQ

Q: What is Kalimpong known for?

A: Kalimpong is known for its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse range of flora and fauna. It is also known for its nurseries, which produce a variety of flowers, including orchids, gladioli, and chrysanthemums.

Q: How far is Kalimpong from Darjeeling?

A: Kalimpong has located approximately 50 km from Darjeeling.

Q: What are some popular tourist attractions in Kalimpong?

A: Some popular tourist attractions in Kalimpong include the Kalimpong Science Centre, the Nature Interpretation Centre, Mangal Dham, and the flower nurseries.

Q: What is the best time to visit Kalimpong?

A: The best time to visit Kalimpong is from March to June, and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with clear skies and cool temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Q: How can I reach Kalimpong?

A: Kalimpong can be reached by air, rail, road, or bus. The nearest airport to Kalimpong is Bagdogra Airport, which is approximately 70 km away. The nearest railway station to Kalimpong is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, which is approximately 90 km away. Kalimpong is well-connected by road and is located along National Highway 12. Buses are also available from nearby cities such as Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Gangtok.

Share this article:
Previous Post: Yosemite National Park

January 1, 2018 - In Blog

Next Post: Kanpur Water Park

January 3, 2018 - In Summer Tour

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.