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Town in West Bengal, India
Photo: Subhrajyoti07, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Kalimpong (Nepali: कालिम्पोङ Kālimpong, Bengali: কালিম্পং Kālimpong) 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.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
A museum with a small collection of belongings of the native Lepcha tribe.
Forest Museum
Colour House
A tribute to Guru Mangaldasji, whose samadhi lies in the ground floor of the dham.
Contains a museum.
27 Div Golf Course
Japanese temple
An institute built in the Japanese minimalist style. Conducts workshops and classes in meditation, classical Indian dance, cinema, and other wisdom-based art forms. Accommodation available. Cafe and dining hall.
Triveni Siliguri
A confluence of two rivers, the river Rangeet with its deep green and crystal clear water, meets with the forceful mountain stream Teesta at a point called Teesta Triveni.
A very hip cafe. Large outdoor seating area. View over mountains. Excellent coffee and cakes. Pizza and pasta. Fast and friendly service.
Chic cafe, serving espresso-based coffees, pizza, pasta, burgers, and sandwiches. Professional and quick service.
Bright and airy cafe. Serves standard espresso-based coffees, pizza and pasta. Friendly service.
Branch of the Melting Point Pelling, West Sikkim.
Hill Top Tourist Lodge
Spacious and clean. Well-equipped audiophile room with good collection of jazz music. Reading room. Meals prepared with home-grown organic vegetables.
Reasonable rates. Botanical garden with exotic orchids. Guest cottages. Local tours arranged.
KVR
Situated on a 6-acre (2½ ha) farm. Surrounded by forests and lush terraced paddy fields. Views over the Relli river and the hills of Lava. A popular birding destination.
A state-run tourist lodge in a 1930s mansion. Reservations can be made in Kolkata. Taxi fare from the market to Morgan House is ₹40 one way.
8½ miles (14 km) out of town
A family-run homestay that welcomes pets, with an on-site restaurant serving organic food. Located in a quiet neighbourhood 3 km outside of town, surrounded by lush greenery.
By train
Sevoke is the nearest railhead to Kalimpong, and NH 10 up to Teesta Bazaar is the easiest way to get here from Sevoke.
By car
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.
By terrain vehicle
Kalimpong is accessible mainly by terrain vehicle, due to the winding mountain roads.
By bus or taxi
Regular buses (every 20 minutes until 4PM) provide direct access to and from the Siliguri (Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus) for ₹110-130 for the two-and-a-half-hour journey. Shared taxis: around ₹300.
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.
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Siliguri · International · IXB
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