Kalimpong – a beautiful hill town most noted for the prestigious British era schools

August 23, 2015 eweekendbreaks 0 travel guide,

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Kalimpong is a beautiful hamlet set in the hill, which is a neighbourhood of the hill that houses Darjeeling. Most noted for its prestigious British era schools and boardings, unmatched natural beauty, happy-go-lucky locals, and popular places to visit in Kalimpong, the town makes a perfect destination for visit in next vacation.

Kalimpong, fondly called Kalebung, is a small town in the neighbourhood of Darjeeling, West Bengal. It is a tranquil hill station most noted for the highly revered Buddhist Monasteries, the prestigious schools and boarding, and the lively colorful flea market selling imported goods from Burma, Nepal, China etc. The place is also home to the 27 Mountain Division of Indian Army and thus is a strategically significant place. The Army Division is established at the highest altitude area of the region called Durbin. The town is a subdivision of Darjeeling district located on the northern part of West Bengal. To reach Kalimpong you have to cross the mighty Tista River and travel through the curvaceous road laid alongside the Tista River. Roads are the only modes to get into the hill town. The good thing is that it is motorable and filled with lush greenery. There also exists a small helipad ground at the highest peak of the area, called Durbin. It is a military helipad and used by Army personnel.

Being in Kalimpong brings one close to nature. The main town is an array of several small colorful buildings and a complex net of roads and streets patched in the midst of lush green surrounding. Most of the hotels in Kalimpong with tariff suiting the budget of majority of travellers are situated in the main market alongside the Rishi Road. Plus, if one seeks tranquility, there are a few hotels and lodges situated on the outskirts of the town, which are filled with quietude and serenity.

Like rest of Northeast India, Kalimpong looks and feels quite different from rest of the country. The culture here is generally dominated by the Nepalese, Bengalis, and Buddhists. Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism are the three prime religions here. The tradition of religious culture of the of the place can be best explored and relished at the temples, churches, and monasteries. In fact, the religious shrines are amongst the major constituents of Kalimpong tourism. The most significant shrines and monasteries here are: Thongsa Gumpha, Pedong Monastery, Mangal Dham, Catholic Church, Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Gompa, St. Theresa Church, Tharpa Choling Monastery, etc.

Being a scenic place Kalimpong offers plenty of rewarding options to the nature-buffs. Apart from housing the Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Gompa, the Durpin Dara is most famous for offering breathtaking views of Kanchanjunga Himalayan Range. Besides, there is a place called View Point, which is a vantage point offering unmatched panoramic views of Tista River crisscrossing through the everlasting hills. Chandralok Golf Course is yet another scenic spot in the town. The golf course attracts more number of tourists for sightseeing and photography purposes rather than actually playing golf.

Amongst the other significant sightseeing spots and places to visit in Kalimpong highly recommended by tour experts: Lepcha Museum, Lolegaon, Dr. Graham’s Home School, Deolo Hill, Neora National Park, Kalimpong Art and Craft Centre, Gouripur House, Teesta Bazaar, Flower Nurseries, and Crockety Cottage.