Kalimpong
কালিম্পং
Kalimpong district · Darjeeling Hills
A quieter hill town of monasteries, orchids and nurseries.
About Kalimpong
A hill town at roughly 1,200 metres on a ridge above the Teesta river. It is known for its Buddhist monasteries, flower and orchid nurseries, colonial-era churches and dairy products (Kalimpong cheese). It is a calmer alternative to Darjeeling and a base for offbeat hill villages.
Highlights
- Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery (Durpin Dara)
- Orchid and cactus nurseries
- Deolo Hill viewpoint
- Local cheese and Himalayan crafts
Plan your trip
- Best time
- March to May and October to November.
- How to reach
- About 3 hours by road from Siliguri/Bagdogra/NJP, crossing the Teesta.
- Suggested stay
- 2 to 3 days
- Distance from Kolkata
- About 630 km by road
- Travel time
- Overnight train, then 3 hours by road
- Nearest railway station
- New Jalpaiguri
- Budget
- Mid-range
Nearby and related destinations
- Lava, Lolegaon & Rishop: Forest villages with homestays and mountain views. (about 660 km from Kolkata, nearest station New Jalpaiguri or New Mal Junction)
- Darjeeling: Tea, toy train and Kangchenjunga at sunrise. (about 620 km from Kolkata, nearest station New Jalpaiguri)
- Samsing & Suntalekhola: Tea gardens climbing into forest. (about 640 km from Kolkata, nearest station New Mal Junction)
- Mirik: A lake, tea gardens and pine forest slopes. (about 600 km from Kolkata, nearest station New Jalpaiguri)
Part of these guides
Distances and travel times are approximate road figures from central Kolkata. Check timings, permits and road conditions before you travel.