Kalimpong Tour- The Ultimate Guide to this Paradise in Sikkim

The first thing that a traveller visiting Kalimpong finds is its tranquil atmosphere. The peaceful atmosphere pervading throughout the city is enhanced by the presence of monasteries and churches. It is also known for its bustling bazaars and traditional crafts. It is well known for its orchids and nursery gardens. Kalimpong provides a panoramic view of the great Himalayan ranges and beyond.

Local sightseeing in Kalimpong region includes visits to famous monasteries that have ancient rare scriptures & Tibetan architecture. Look forward to beautiful viewpoints offering sweeping views of Kanchenjunga snow peaks, rivers & landscapes, museum visits, parks, flower nurseries, historical missionary schools etc. Go for great day trips to nearby areas such as Pedong, Lava, Loleygaon, Rishyap, Virgin villages and many more. This is one of the best tourist attractions to visit in India.

Places to Visit

Dr Graham’s Homes

In 1900, Dr J A Graham founded this missionary school as an orphanage & school for the destitute Anglo Indian children. It started with only one cottage, accommodating up to 35 kids. It has grown over the years as a well-known multi-religious and co-educational school ranging over 500 acres of lush scenery and having some 50 cottages. You can reach this place on the way up to Deolo Hills.

Lord Buddha Statue

Near Deolo is a small rock garden, where you will find this beautiful statue of Lord Buddha seated in a lotus position. This is just a quick stopover point and a great place to click a photo. You’ll feel the valley’s calm, relaxing winds that herald an environment of peace and serenity. The statue’s colours and vibrancy are appealing. It is also similar to Lord Hanuman’s shrine, and the adjacent Hindu temple. This magnificent statue of Lord Buddha seated in lotus pose is a perfect stopover for relaxing and rejuvenating.

Also read: Lamahatta – The Eco-Tourism Place

Sherpa View Point

This is a watershed near the statue of Buddha from where you get beautiful views to both north and south. If you look north, you get excellent views of the Sikkim hills and Mount Kanchenjunga. To the south is the beautiful view of a valley and the Relli river that flows through it. You can view Loleygaon (Kafer) and also the Samthar plateau hills. Sadly, the point of view isn’t well maintained.

Durga Temple

This is a Goddess Durga Hindu temple situated near to the Sherpa View Point. It’s said to be a very old shrine. It is a small temple, portraying the stone forms of gods and goddesses. Those who visit the Durga mandir bring with them a ‘chonri’ to tie with the wish. Through enchanting mantras of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga the priest practices puja for the visitors. It has a lovely garden full of flowering plants and a gallery. It is a good place to have some time to relax.

Deolo Hill

That’s the main attraction in East Kalimpong. The tourism department has created an 8-acre lush parkland with groomed flower gardens and several viewpoints with amazing views over Kanchenjunga, Durpin Hill, Kalimpong Township and the river valley flowing through them. The Deolo hill is Kalimpong’s highest point, at an altitude of about 5,500 feet. Children can go on pony rides, too. Stalls offering coffee and snacks can be spotted at one corner of the lawn. Overall a great place to enjoy a picnic or simply relax.

Mangal Dham

This is an excellent temple complex constructed in memory of late Guruji Mangal Dasji. Devotees come from far and remote places. Sprawling over an area of 2 parts of lush land, this sanctuary is devoted to Lord Krishna. In fact, the Mangal Dham sanctuary also holds the icons of Prannath, Raj Shyamji, and Mangaldasji, which are accessible on this sanctuary ‘s best floor. Furthermore, this floor has photos denoting a few scenes from the sanctuary ‘s life of Lord Krishna and other benefactors of the holy people. The Mangaldasji symbol stands on this sanctuary’s ground floor.

Interesting Read: Monasteries In Sikkim – Get Yourself Lost In Every Bit Of Its Spirituality

Nature Interpretation Center

The forest department operates this forest museum. It has many pictures and paintings of flora & fauna that explain the Kalimpong area’s nature and environment. It is in the vicinity of the town. You will find sculptures that are basically a 3D miniature of the various ecological life residing in the Kalimpong area. There are also photographs and books on ecology and the effects of human activities for the visitors to check out.

Army Golf Course

A scenic 9-hole golf course has been designed and laid out by the military authorities. The golf course is accessible from the Watershed View Point roadside. You get magnificent mountain views from here, as well as views of Loleygaon. It is located in the vicinity of the Circuit House and is a must-visit place in Kalimpong.

Morgan House

This once was an old British property and reflects a typical colonial architecture with bustling Kanchenjunga gardens and views. Later the house was converted into a hotel and the Morgan house today is run by the Tourism Department of West Bengal. You can enter the premises and stroll around but you cannot go upstairs in the building. It is located opposite to the Army Golf Course.

Durpin Monastery

This Tibetan monastery situated on the Durpin hill, got its name after the hill. The real name is monastery Zang Dog Palri. Established in 1972, it has a few rare Buddhist scripts brought here from Tibet by Dalai Lama. From the monastery ‘s upper terrace you can enjoy magnificent views of Kalimpong town with Kanchenjunga in the backdrop, the valley and plains, down flowing rivers Teesta and Reang, and beautiful Peshoke area tea estates.

Suggested Read: Top Tea Gardens in Assam- Guide 2020

Jelepla View Point

You get stunning views of Jelepla Pass which was once a normal trading route with Tibet. The convergence of the Teesta, Reang and Relli rivers can also be seen. Beneath the Jelep La Pass flows the magnificent Menmecho Lake. While coming from New Baba Mandir to Kupup Lake, just after crossing the Menmecho Lake, one can savour the amazing sight of the bridge. The Jelep La Pass contains several small military communities. The entire route from Jelep La Pass to Lake Kupup is visible.

Also read: Nathula Pass- Check out this Incredible part of India!

Pratima Tagore House

This residence with beautiful gardens and stunning views was designed in 1943 by Pratima Tagore, the poet Rabindranath Tagore’s daughter-in-law. You can find in this house a lot of original furnishings, memorabilia and poet ‘s words. It is located near the Pine View Nursery, on Atisha road in Kalimpong.

Pine View Nursery

It has a great collection of ornamentals and cactuses. From the backside lawn, you get a spectacular view of Kalimpong town. Throughout the years, numerous national and international prizes glorifies the nursery for growing varieties of cactuses. Visitors from around the world come to this special nursery to see the magnificent display of these cactuses which is a delight to the eye.

Lava and Loleygaon Trip

Drive to Loleygaon (150 minutes), take a canopy walk among the tops of the tree on an exciting tree-top hanging walkway made in lush jungle. You can then drive to Lava (60minutes), visit the Lava monastery and drive back through Algarah in the evenings. If you intend to stay in Lava or Loleygaon overnight, know what else you can do, and where to live.

Tour of Charkhole

This is a magnificent, quiet hamlet just 15 kilometres from Lolegaon and 25 kilometres from Kalimpong town. Walk along paths to experience the serene nature, a breathtaking sunrise view, chat with locals and gaze at the incredible views of the Kanchenjunga Range. The nature lovers and butterfly lovers, of course, would also find this location a piece of paradise. There are few easy resorts and homestays coming up here that would suit the budget traveller’s wallets.

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