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Kalimpong, situated in the West Bengal state of India, is one such lovely town that is ideal for people in search of peace and excitement. It is a treat for the wildlife enthusiasts and photographers as Kalimpong presents views of the eternal snowy mountain—Kanchenjunga, the green valleys, and blossoming gardens. The places to visit in Kalimpong have a remarkable quest of history and culture, populated by tribes of Tibetan, Nepali, and British origin. The tourists have a plethora of options to choose from, such as old religious sites, busy streets with lots of shops, and ornamental parks.
10 Places To Visit In Kalimpong
Let’s explore the places to visit in Kalimpong while breathing in the cool mountain breeze and the rich culture that fills every aspect of this delightful town;
1. Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa, popularly known as Durpin Monastery was built in the 1970s and was blessed by the Dalai Lama, making it an important monastery in the region. Its design is distinctly Tibetan, as seen from the sculpted walls and wall hangings that are all painted related to Buddhism on them. The large central prayer room is decorated with large paintings, and a very beautiful three-dimensional mandala is installed in the main worship hall.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to December for clear weather
2. Deolo Hill
Photo: Biswajit Majumdar / Wikimedia Commons
Deolo Hill, the highest hill in Kalimpong, located at an elevation of about 1704 meters, offers splendid scenic views in all directions. The hill provides a beautifully designed park that is suitable for picnics and leisure with exotic blooming flowers. For the thrill-seekers, they can enjoy activities such as paragliding and also trekking. At the top of the hill, there are other places of worship, including a giant statue of Buddha and temples for Lord Shiva and Hanuman.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November for pleasant weather
3. Tharpa Choeling Gompa
Photo: Amitabha Gupta/ Wikimedia Commons
Tharpa Choeling Gompa, built in 1912 by Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang, is among the oldest Gelugpa monasteries in India, situated on a hill in Kalimpong. This beautifully serene monastery is famous for its ornate pratimas and detailed thangkas of different gods, creating a tranquil environment that attracts those searching for inner peace. There are other structures, such as smaller protector deity shrines and spinning prayer wheels at this place.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to December
4. Tongsa Gompa
Photo: Gerd Eichmann/ Wikimedia Commons
The other name for the Thongsa Temple is Tongsa Gonpa and is the very first monastery in Kalimpong, constructed in 1692 under the aegis of the king of Bhutan. It serves as a religious center for inhabitants of the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The primary structure was pulled down in skirmishes with the Gurkhas, but other structures were built in the 19th century. A calm and peaceful environment that is conducive to meditation and introspection can be found within.
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to December for pleasant weather
5. Mangal Dham
Photo: Rajesh.pradhan61 / Wikimedia Commons
Mangal Dham is a revered Hindu edifice situated in Kalimpong, West Bengal, and is devoted to Lord Krishna and the followers of his teachings. Mangal Dham was built in 1993 under the guidance of Shri Krishna Pranami as a tribute to Guruji Shri Mangaldasji Maharaj. The shrine is built on several levels; the base level is occupied by Guruji’s Samadhi; the upper level contains a prayer hall in which is housed the idol Raj Shyamaji in the center of revered Prannath Ji and Shri Guru Mangaldasji.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to December for pleasant weather and vibrant festivities
6. Kalimpong Cactus Nursery
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons
Kalimpong Cactus Nursery, or Pineview Nursery, is an oasis located at the hill station of Kalimpong. Inaugurated in 1971, it possesses more than 1,500 species of cacti and distinct types of orchids, making it one of the biggest cactus nurseries in the continent of Asia. The nursery was established by Mr. Mohan S. Pradhan, who has set up an orchid business before being captivated by cacti and beginning to assemble cacti from every corner of the world.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM; closed on Sundays
Entry Fee: ₹20 per person; free for children under 12
Best Time To Visit: February to May and September to November for optimal weather and blooming cacti
7. Nature Interpretation Center
Photo: sushanta mohanta sin…/ Wikimedia Commons
The Nature Interpretation Center, also called the Forest Museum, is an important educational resource found in Kalimpong, West Bengal. The Forest Department has set up the museum with the purpose of educating people on environmental challenges and human impact on the environment. The museum displays spectacular dioramas representing different ecosystems present in the region and its impeccable fauna and flora diversity.
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM; closed on Thursdays
Entry Fee: ₹130 for Indian nationals; ₹500 for foreign visitors
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November for pleasant weather and vibrant flora
8. Neora Valley National Park
Photo: Dibyendu Ash / Wikimedia Commons
In 1986, a beautiful national park was opened in Kalimpong district of West Bengal,known as Neora Valley National Park. Extending for more than 88 square kilometers, it is famous for its biodiversity and serves as an important conservation site for many plants and animals, such as the rare red panda. The park contains different ecosystems, ranging from subtropical to temperate forests, and from there down to its 260+ species of birds, making it a birdwatchers’ dream.
Entry Fee: Entry permits are required; fees vary based on nationality.
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November for pleasant weather and optimal wildlife sightings.
9. Lepcha Museum
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons
Kalimpong in India is home to the Lepcha Museum, which is a wonderful cultural center that attempts to preserve the culture of the Lepcha people. This museum housed by Shri Sonam Lepcha comprises a wide range of exhibits representing the different aspects like histories, practices, and lifestyles of the people known as Lepchas, who mostly inhabit places like Sikkim in India, Bhutan, and parts of West Bengal.
Timings: Open Monday to Friday from 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Saturday from 10 AM – 12 PM, closed on Sundays
Entry Fee: ₹10 for Indian visitors and ₹50 for foreign visitors
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to November
10. Dr. Graham’s Homes
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
One of the ancient educational institutions built within Kalimpong, West Bengal, is Dr. Graham’s Homes, which was established in the year 1900 by Reverend Dr. John Anderson Graham. This institution is called St. Andrew’s Colonial Homes for the reason that it was constructed to house and educate orphans, especially children of Britons serving in the army and working in the tea plantations. Occupying more than 500 acres of land at Deolo Hill, the campus presents delightful cottage-like structures in the olden days fashion.
Timings: Open to visitors from 9 AM – 4 PM on weekdays; closed on weekends
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September to December for pleasant weather and vibrant surroundings
Kalimpong is an exquisite town, where nature, culture, and adventure seek a new equilibrium. From peaceful Buddhist monasteries to colorful flower plantations, places to visit in Kalimpong have something distinctive to offer the visitors. Be it a search for Kaal Bhairav or high hanging rocks with waterfalls, every visitor will surely be satisfied with what they find in Kalimpong. Plan your visit with TripXL to explore this beautiful hill station!
Cover Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
