Kalimpong Travel Guide

Kalimpong sits on a ridge above the Teesta and Relli rivers, with Kanchenjunga visible on clear mornings from Durpin Dara hill and the nearby Zang Dhok Palri Phodang monastery. The town carries a mixed Buddhist and colonial history: Morgan House, a 1930s mansion turned heritage lodge, and Dr. Graham's Homes, a century-old school campus, sit alongside gompas like Thongsa and Tharpa Choeling. Nurseries and flower markets around town supply much of Bengal's orchids and gladioli, a legacy of the region's cut-flower trade. Neora Valley National Park, roughly an hour away, adds red panda habitat and denser forest for travelers extending beyond the town itself. Kalimpong is generally quieter and less built-up than Darjeeling, part of why repeat hill visitors keep coming back.

50 minutes east ofÊDarjeeling, Kalimpong is a hill station on the foothills of Shivalik ranges at an altitude of 1250 m overlooking the Teesta Valley. People say that the area was ruled by Bhutanese kings and was a forward post of the Bhutanese Army till the 19th century. Dotted with ancient Buddhist monasteries, centuries old churches and exquisite revered temples Kalimpong marks the Bhutanese history till it was wrested by British rulers. The Jang Dong Palriffo Brang (Monastery), Thongsa Gompa (Bhutanese Monastery) are some famous places to visit. Also make sure to visit the flower markets famous for its orchids and lovely bright flowers.