India /West Bengal /Darjeeling /Kalimpong

Kalimpong is a small hill station, surrounded by mountains, around 67 km from Siliguri. Kalimpong derived its name from ‘Kalon’ means King’s minister and ‘Pong’ means the stockade. Thus, a stockade of the King’s minister. Local people also pronounce it as ‘Kalayboong’ or the ‘Black spur’. According to some Kalimpong derive its name from a tree Kahlyem-Kung (in Lepcha language). Kalimpong situated at an altitude of 1250 m. provide a great panoramic view of Himalayas. Being a historical town, kalimpong offers many places to visit like Deolo, Durbin dara, Dr. Graham,s Homes etc. The attraction of this place also includes monasteries, churches and temples. Kalimpong is famous for its indigenous arts and crafts. Kalimpong has developed good silk trading business with Tibet till 1950. Until the 18th century kalimpong was a part of Sikkim. It was then taken over by the Bhutanese. In the 19th century Kalimpong became a part of Darjeeling district.The weather of Kalimpong is alpine. Summers (April–June) are mild and winters are cold (November–February). It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July–September.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Hill Station

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 734301

STD Code: 3552

Info Website: kalimpong.htm

Best Time to Visit:  Mar – Jun, Sep – Dec

HistoryEdit

Kalimpong is a hill station in the Mahabharat Range (or Lesser Himalaya) in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located at an average elevation of 1,250 metres (4,101 ft). The town is the headquarters of the Kalimpong subdivision, a part of the district of Darjeeling. The Indian Army’s 27 Mountain Division is on the outskirts of the town Being a historical town, kalimpong offers many places. Kalimpong is known for its residential schools, established by Scottish missionaries, when the town was a major army establishment as well as a tea production centre. The Army base still exists and so do the tea estates and with them, the schools,. Dr.Graham’s Homes, St. Joseph’s Convent and St. Augusting’s Schools of Kalimpong.

Places to VisitAdd

 

How to ReachEdit

By Air : The nearest airport is Bagdogra near Siliguri, which is at a distance of 79 km from Kalimpong. The taxi fare from the airport to Kalimpong is about Rs 1,500. This airport is connected to Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati. International travelers can get connecting flights from Kolkata or Delhi. Both are well connected with many cities in India and abroad.

By Train : The nearest rail is New Jalpaiguri, which is nearly 67 km away from Kalimpong. Taxi cab will charge about Rs 1,500. This is well connected to most of the major cities in India.

By BUS : The Kalimpong city is well connected to other cities in Sikkim and the neighboring states by bus services. Private tourist buses are available from Kalimpong to Bagdogra (79 km) and to Siliguri (70 km).

By Taxi : Kalimpong in tourist cars, tourist mini-coachesh and taxis. Private taxis, jeeps and Land Rovers are also available for local sightseeing in and around Kalimpong.

By Other : N.A

Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800

Seven Seas Hotel ; 17, NB Singh Rd,Near Mall, Darjeeling, WB 734101 ‎ ; Ph – 0354 225 8463 ; Facilities – 24hours room service, laundry, currency exchange, safe deposit lockers, baby-sitting on request, travel desk, doctor-on-call.

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

JP Lodge ; 10th Mile R.C. Mintri Road, Kalimpong, Dist. Darjeeling, West Bengal 734301 ‎
; Ph – 03552 257 457 ‎ ; Facilities – 24hours running H/C water, telephone with international dialling, internet, TV, channel music, 24hours room service, laundry.

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

Hotel Parijat ; Ringkingpong Road, Near Kalimpong Degree College Kalimpong, WB – 734301 ‎
; Ph – 03552 256 698 ; Facilities – Car rental, local tours, safe deposit, money exchange, laundry, barbecue in winter for large groups.

Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above

The Soods Garden Retreat ; 8.5Miles, Rishi Road Kalimpong, WB – 734301 ‎ ; Ph – 03552 260 321 ; Facilities – Attached bath with shower and 24hours running H/C water, telephone with international dialling, internet, TV, channel music, 24hours room service, laundry, currency exchange, safe deposit lockers, baby-sitting on request, travel desk, doctor-on-call, parking facility, fax in-house multi-cuisine restaurant and bar.

Top RestaurantsAdd

• Fresh Bite Restaurant ;  DB Giri Rd | NE of Town Centre, Kalimpong ; M –  (03552) 274042 ; Food Serve :  Chinese

• China Garden Restaurant ;  Near Bus Stop Lal Gulli Kalimpong. ; M –  91-3552-257456 ; Food Serve :  Chinese

Must Eat FoodAdd

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Must ShopAdd

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

Gompu’s Bar & Restaurant ; off SDB Giri Rd, Kalimpong ; Ph/M: (03552) 257456 ; Cost:  N.A ; Food Serve : Continental, Indian, Chinese

SpaAdd

Elgin Silver Oaks Kalimpong ;  Rinking Pong Road, Kalimpong, WB 734301 ‎ ; Ph/M – 03552 255 296 ; Cost:  N.A ; Services –  Body Massage Centres, Unisex Beauty Parlours, Hair Stylists.
The Soods Garden Retreat ;  8.5Miles, Rishi Road, Kalimpong, WB 734301 ; Ph/M – 03552 260 321 ; Cost:  N.A ; Services –  Body Massage Centres, Unisex Beauty Parlours, Hair Stylists.

FestivalAdd

Losar ; Venue:  Kalimpong ; Period :  January or December. ; Details:  Come new year and Kalimpong is ready to celebrate. Although there is no fixed date for this festival held either in January or December. It’s a 15 day festival with 3 main days of celebration. With preparation starting a month in advance, Losar is a festival the people wait for. They dance, sing and decorate their houses. On one day there is a huge procession of lively people in the streets and bazaar area. This festival is full of rituals too. This is your chance to be a part of the rich culture and traditions of Losar. Also, don’t forget changkol (local form of beer), it helps double the festive fun!

Flower Festival ; Venue:  Flower Festival ; Period :  October ; Details:  Annually held in October, Flower Festival is a real treat for your eyes. You will be delighted to see flowers of varied colors and types at one place. No wonder, the festival draws hordes of people, locals and tourists alike, who don’t want to miss an event like this.Other than these, festivals such as Diwali, Dussehra (Dasain in local language) and Christmas are celebrated with much energy and ardor. Join in the celebrations and get an enriching dose of cultural activities.

Safety / WarningEdit

N.A

HelplineEdit

• Police : 100
• Fire : 101
• Ambules : 102

ItineraryEdit

N.A

Gallery