Kalimpong is a sleepy town in the state of West Bengal popular for its scintillating views and its enchanting setting. Enveloped in clouds in the backdrop of mighty mountains, the town has a number of attractions that attract a large tourist influx all through the year. There is also no dearth of exciting things to do in Kalimpong; be it river rafting or trekking, marvelling at the architecture of the churches of hiking up to the several points. Kalimpong provides a wholesome experience to everyone who visits it.
Deolo Hill
Known as the highest point in the town of Kalimpong, visiting the Deolo Hill is one of the top things to do in Kalimpong, India. Located at a height of 1700 m, this hill has one of the best views of the city. You can see beautiful views of the surrounding valleys, rivers, and villages from here. If youre feeling adventurous, you can also do paragliding, trekking, horse riding etc.
Cactus Nursery
Kalimpong has some of the most beautiful flower species you will ever see. This cactus nursery is one of the largest commercial flower nurseries in Kalimpong. They cultivate beautiful exotic flowers and also export them. The entire complex of this cactus nursery is surrounded by scenic views of hills and exotic colourful flowers. This is one of the Things to do in Kalimpong.
Durpin Dara Hill
Duprin Dara Hill, located in the South of the town, is the second highest mountain range in the region. The hill offers panoramic views of the scenic landscapes, justifying the meaning of its name in Nepali- binocular. From here, you can witness the untouched beauty of the Kanchenjunga Mountain range, further adorned by the rivers Teesta and Rangeet. You can also capture the magnificent views of the neighboring areas like Peshoke tea estate, western Sikkim, Takdah cantonment, Nathu-la, Tiger hill top, Siliguri, Kurseong, among others.
This is also home to the Durpin Monastery which is known to leave its visitors spellbound with intricate prayer wheels and two strikingly large cylinders that fill the air with melodic bells with every turn. You can also see the very rare Buddhist manuscripts on Tibetology that His Holiness the Dalai Lama presented on visiting Kalimpong in 1956. This is also one of the Things to do in Kalimpong.
Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Gompa
The ancient Buddisht monastery built in 1975 under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a testament to the stunning Buddhist architecture. The monastery holds a special place in the hearts of devotees of the religion and people often come here to enjoy the serene and spiritual environment of this place.
Zong Dog Palri is a major religious center in Kalimpong and displays over 110 published texts, along with many ancient paintings related to the religion. The sculptured walls and pillows are worth admiring, but you will also get a chance to connect with your soul and mind. This also falls on the Things to do in Kalimpong when you visit Kalimpong.
Crockety
Located 50 km from Darjeeling, Crockety is a British cottage initially built in the pre-independence era. At some point during the early 1900s, Crockety functioned as a trade house and acted as a hub for wool merchants from all over the world. The architectural style of the building shows a unique confluence of British motifs with traditional elements, and the cottage is surrounded by lush green, well-maintained gardens and lawns. It receives tourists all over the year because of its mesmerizing beauty and rare location.
Neora Valley
Established in 1986, Neora Valley National Park finds itself in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal. Spreading over an area of 88 sq km, it is one of the richest biological zones in eastern India. It gets its name from the river Neora that flows through it. Due to the luxurious growth of forest cover, many areas in the park are still inaccessible. This untouched destination becomes an adventurous place for nature lovers and trekkers who wish to explore its wilderness.
Neora Valley, also known as the land of the elegant red panda, belongs to a pristine natural habitat which lies undisturbed in hilly terrain. Due to its diverse flora and fauna, it is one of the essential wildlife zones. The park has mixed species of flora that include bamboo, oak, ferns, sal, etc. along with a wide variety of fauna such as Hodgson’s Hawk Cuckoo, Jerdon’s Baza, Bay Woodpecker, Golden-throated Barbet, and many more. The place is heavenly blessed with an abundance of beauty. The growth here is so enormous that there are even spots where sunlight finds it difficult to touch the ground. The lush green valley and meandering streams make it an exotic location. You must pay a visit to Neora Valley which is one of the best Things to do in Kalimpong.
Lepcha Heritage Museum
Explore the hidden treasures of the marvellous collection of Lepcha treasures that includes several myths, religious texts and sacred porcupine quill hats and old pangolin skins. The rustic and antique items could be a gem well explored.
Morgan House, Kalimpong
Located in the verdant greens of Kalimpong, Morgan House is a mansion built by Mr. and Mrs. Morgan in the 1930s. It is an archetypal example of colonial architecture in Kalimpong. What makes visiting this gorgeous piece of construction even better is that it is surrounded by legends of it being Haunted! It has been converted into a lodge for tourists and is under the administration of the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation. Located near the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, this destination lies right in the lap of nature and is easily accessible as well. The undulating hillocks, colorful sunsets, and a the charm of an old colonial town surround you as you make Morgan House your home.
Morgan House is situated on the sixteenth-acre estate on top of the Durpindara Mountain. It lies at a distance of 3 km from the town of Kalimpong and gives a clear view of the Kangchenjunga range. Kalimpong cantonment area surrounds the mansion and provides a view of the Relli, Kapher, Deolo as well as Labha valleys.
Macfarlane Memorial Church
Macfarlane Memorial Church in Kalimpong is simply an excellent and remarkable architectural structure built during British rule. Sketched in the Scottish church style, this extraordinary church in Kalimpong belongs to the Gothic Revival School of architecture. It’s tower and peaks that further enhances its magnificence was added later. Visible from almost every region of Kalimpong, the church stands as an exceptional visual delight and a remarkable landmark located near to the heart of town.
