Kalimpong
Discover Kalimpong
Kalimpong (Nepali: कालिम्पोङ Kālimpoṅ, Bengali: কালিম্পং Kālimpaṁ) is a hill station in North Bengal, and the headquarters of the Kalimpong district of West Bengal. It has less to see than Darjeeling, but it is, in comparison, quiet and pleasant to walk around and explore. The town has several interesting colonial-era buildings scattered around the town. The climate is ideal for growing a range of plants, particularly flowers, and the area has many nurseries. The town is between two hills: Deolo and Durpin Dara, both of which provide views of Mt Kangchenjunga on a clear morning. Deolo provides the most sweeping panoramic views and also has a guesthouse, while Durpin Dara has the Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery. Kalimpong began as a trading post on the Tibet to India route. Then, from the early 18th to the mid-19th century, the town was successively ruled by the Sikkimese and Bhutanese kingdoms. After the Anglo-Bhutan War in 1864, the Treaty of Sinchula (1865) was signed, in which Bhutanese-held territory east of the Teesta River, which included Kalimpong, was ceded to the British East India Company. After falling under British control, the town was developed as a local administrative centre, and a number of missionary schools opened in the area.
What to Experience in Kalimpong
Taste of Kalimpong...
Kalimpong produces the only aged cheese made in India. It has the texture of a hard European cheese and a mild, Parmesan-like flavour There are a few bars in town, or just buy something from the liquor shop around the main stand near the bazaar.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsPakyong Airport (PYG) in Sikkim is the nearest airport to Kalimpong, and the airport is connected to the town by NH 717A up to Algarah, and then SH 12. However, it is not ideal if you can't avoid taking plastic in Sikkim, as plastic is banned in the state. Bagdogra International Airport (IXB) in Siliguri is an alternative to Pakyong, but it involves climbing uphill from the plains along NH 10. Sevoke is the nearest railhead to Kalimpong, and NH 10 up to Teesta Bazaar is the easiest way to get here from Sevoke. NH 10 is the easiest way to get here from Siliguri or Gangtok, and SH 12 is useful if you come from Darjeeling town. You can also take NH 717A if you come from Malbazar. Kalimpong is accessible mainly by terrain vehicle, due to the winding mountain roads. There is frequent transport to and from nearby cities such as Darjeeling and Gangtok (Deorali Bus Stand), where one can book a 3½-hour ride by shared terrain vehicle for ₹130....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Kalimpong is a small and walkable city. The main form of transportation within Kalimpong is taxi and auto-rickshaw. The main bus stand is close to Damber Chowk. Most of the Tibetan shops are on 10th Mile Rishi Road, and R.C. Mintri Road. The Haat Bazar (weekly bazzar), just off Relly Road, down the hill from the bus stand, occurs every Wednesday and Saturday and is a vibrant market with mainly clothing and vegetable stands. Food stands serve plates of momo for ₹50 (2023), as well as a delectable local pasta. Don't hesitate to bargain: you can haggle quite a bit. Or if you are adventurous, just walk a bit more to the wholesale market (just around the corner from the main street). Its fixed price, but you won't get a better deal anywhere else in town. To buy clothes all you have to do is to visit R.C. Mintri road full of marwadis. Don't leave Kalimpong without tasting locally made lollipops. Kalimpong produces the only aged cheese made in India.
Money & Budget
Most of the Tibetan shops are on 10th Mile Rishi Road, and R.C. Mintri Road. The Haat Bazar (weekly bazzar), just off Relly Road, down the hill from the bus stand, occurs every Wednesday and Saturday and is a vibrant market with mainly clothing and vegetable stands. Food stands serve plates of momo for ₹50 (2023), as well as a delectable local pasta. Don't hesitate to bargain: you can haggle quite a bit. Or if you are adventurous, just walk a bit more to the wholesale market (just around the corner from the main street). Its fixed price, but you won't get a better deal anywhere else in town. To buy clothes all you have to do is to visit R.C. Mintri road full of marwadis. Don't leave Kalimpong without tasting locally made lollipops. Kalimpong produces the only aged cheese made in India.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Kalimpong
brown and white house near green trees under white clouds during daytime
Delo Golf Club
view from my balcony during sunrise,simply breathtaking. Had to wake up quite early for this
Lovely view of mountains from kashmir point murree!
green trees on mountain under blue sky during daytime
Himalayan range
Human houses on mountain
Village Landscape
a river running through a lush green forest
Tribeni, where the Rangeet river meets the Tista
brown and white house near green trees under white clouds during daytime
Delo Golf Club
view from my balcony during sunrise,simply breathtaking. Had to wake up quite early for this