Kalimpong Tourist Guide – Land of Clouded Leopard

Kalimpong Tourist Guide: Overview

Kalimpong is a hill station in the Indian state of West Bengal, located on an edge overlooking the splendid view of the Teesta River. It is about 50 km away from Darjeeling, the Kalimpong town and the district by its name was an important trading centre in earlier days when the trade routes between Tibet, Bhutan and Sikkim were very much active. It was known as the silk route connecting Lhasa in Tibet with rest of the subcontinent.  Kalimpong is an ideal tourist spot for everyone due to its climates. It is neither too hot at summer nor very cold at winter. If the weather is clear then you can take a marvelous view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga and the surrounding of the town.

What is Unique in Kalimpong and why?

Kalimpong is unique for green meadows, undulating valleys, dense virgin forests, orchids, nurseries, unlimited adventure options, mesmerizing views of the mountains with delicious local food, historical temples and monasteries.  A numbers of flower nurseries export the Himalayan grown flower bulbs, tubers and rhizomes worldwide which are big contribution to the local economy.  It is also known as silk route between India and Tibet which important trading outpost in the trade of further wool and food grains between India and Tibet.

History of Kalimpong

The present day area of the sub-division of Kalimpong with an area of 401 square, was historically a part of the Sikkim empire. The history of Kalimpong dates back to the 18th century. Known as Dalingkot then the region was ruled in succession by the Sikkimese and Bhutanese kingdoms. It was in 1706 that the King of Bhutan won the territory from the Sikkimese monarch and christened it Kalimpong. The Sikkimese and Bhutanese kingdoms ruled the area around Kalimpong intermittently. Present-day Kalimpong may once have been the forward position of the Bhutanese in the eighteenth century, overlooking the Teesta Valley. The indigenous Lepcha community and migrant Bhutia and Limbu tribes sparsely populated the area. After the Anglo-Bhutan War in 1864, the Treaty of Sinchula (1865) cedes the British East India Company Bhutanese held territory east of the Teesta River. At that time Kalimpong existed as a hamlet with only two or three families known to reside there.

Best time to visit Kalimpong

The best time to visit Kalimpong is during summers (March to May) and monsoon. Summer (March - May) the summer weather is generally comfortable with the temperature not soaring too high.

Best Hotels in Kalimpong

Standard Hotel:  Hotel Windsongs kalimpong: TA Rank (4.0) - Certificate of Excellence

Deluxe Hotel:  Summit Barsana Resort & SpaTA Rank (4.5) - Certificate of Excellence

Luxury Hotel: Hotel Orchid Kalimpong: TA Rank (4.0) - Certificate of Excellence

Shopping in Kalimpong/ What to buy from kalimpong

Shopping in Kalimpong is also all about handcrafted items that are worth their prices. Though there are not many shopping areas or centers, the ones that are here will surely impress you with their beautifully crafted materials. The local markets are flooded with woodcarvings, Tibetan handicrafts, woollen garments and copper and silver ware.  A thangka, is a special painting made on silk with embroidery. This is a Buddhist religious painting that portrays excellent artwork of Tibetans.

Kalimpong to Delo Distance

Kalimpong to Delo is about 11 kms or 6.8 miles or 5.9 nautical miles and it takes 15 minutes to travel from Kalimpong to Delo.

Kolkata to Kalimpong

Kolkata to Kalimpong Distance is about 623 km from each other and it takes 16 Hours to reach by personal vehicle.

Kalimpong Weather

Kalimpong is a very nice place for touring throughout the year because of its pleasant weather.  it can get a bit cold during the winter. However you won't face extremes in any season. Kalimpong temperature varies between 16°C to 25°C, while in the winter between 7°C to 16°C. It rains for about 100 days on an average in a year. 

Activity performed in Kalimpong

Explore Day at Delo Hill

Deolo Hill is one of the two hills that the town of Kalimpong stands between. Kalimpong is situated on a ridge connecting the two hills, Durpin and Deolo.   The hill is located north east of the town. Three water reservoirs, two of which serve as the primary drinking water source to the town are present atop this hill. The town of Kalimpong, the surrounding villages of Relli valley, Teesta River and its valleys all can be viewed from this point.

Paragliding in Kalimpong

Paragliding in Kalimpong is better option to enjoy your holiday with friends and family. Darjeeling and Kalimpong is one of the popular regions for Paragliding experience. We can assist you in arranging Paragliding tour in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Both have separate harnesses that are attached to each other and the wing. Paragliding harnesses are built for comfort and safety

Paragliding in Kalimpong prices: The per person rate for tourists is Rs. 3,500/- for 15 minutes flight

Both have separate harnesses that are attached to each other and the wing. Paragliding harnesses are built for comfort and safety. The arrangement will be made by the expert and you will be flying with pilot

Biking from Kalimpong to Siliguri

Ride through the mountains and witness the stunning geographical features of the region. Enjoy a delicious local Nepali meal before reaching Lava via Algara riding for about 32 kms.

Gaze at the stars in the clear blue night sky while having a delightful camping experience camping. Indulge in this exciting biking tour and get a chance to explore the majestic beauty of this region while riding through the rough terrain. Reach Savoke after a riding a distance of 103 kms via Gorubathan and Damdim.

Samco Ropeway Excursion

Samco Ropeway is about 1.5 km long located over the two rivers, Teesta and Relli respectively. It had been built by Christian missionaries to assist the Lepcha people. Darjeeling ropeway stopped long ago and the government is planning more of its kind in this region. It takes the passenger to the highest point of the city of Gangtok covering the distance of about one kilometer in only seven minutes. Each cabin accommodates 24 passengers.  

Kalimpong Village Tour & Trek

This is an amazing experience of visiting several villages in virgin Kalimpong area located at the foothill of the Himalayas, get to understand the local culture & traditions of the villagers, experience authentic Nepali food. This is a chance to experience Himalayan village life with our guided tours for individuals or groups. We take small tour groups on a two day moderate trek between three small villages set in stunning scenery overlooking Sikkim and with Kanchenjunga never far from view.

Lepcha Heritage Museum

Lepcha museum is one of the prime attractions. This museum displays oodles of things related to the Lepcha culture, traditions and heritage and so, those who are great fond of such collections must visit the place for the sure. The museum displays various articles of worship, original Lepcha musical instruments, handicraft items and manuscripts. Every piece reflects and illustrates the life, culture and tradition of the community.

Culture of Kalimpong

Kalimpong is the closest Indian town to Bhutan's western border, and has a small number of Bhutanese nationals residing here.  This exotic town of beautiful people, mystical and enchanting, with a rare ethnic blend of hill people, has a tradition of hospitality from the days of the mule caravans of olden days.  Languages spoken in Kalimpong include Nepali, which is the predominant language Hindi, English and Bengali

FAQ - What is where...?

What to buy and shop in "Kalimpong"

Tibetan handicrafts

Where to buy & shop for souvenirs tourist items in "Kalimpong"

Main Market along Rish road

Where to buy & shop for clothes in "Kalimpong"

Main Bazzar

Where to have best food in "Kalimpong"

The Soods Garden Retreat

Where to stay in "Kalimpong"

Kalimpong offers good and comfort stay facility, we suggested all three category of hotels which you like to stay

Standard Hotel:  Hotel Windsongs kalimpong: TA Rank (4.0) - Certificate of Excellence

Deluxe Hotel:  Summit Barsana Resort & SpaTA Rank (4.5) - Certificate of Excellence

Luxury Hotel: Hotel Orchid Kalimpong: TA Rank (4.0) - Certificate of Excellence

Where to drink in "Kalimpong"

Cafe Refuel

Best Bars in "Kalimpong

Sinclairs Retreat hotel& Bar

Where to eat fast food "Kalimpong"

Maurya Restaurant

Where to eat Lunch & Dinner" Kalimpong"

Aroma Bar Cum Restaurant