Why Kalimpong Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List

Situated in a tiny hill station in the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal. Kalimpong is the amalgamation of Anglo-Indian and Nepalese culture, throbbing markets, Tibetan monuments, tea gardens and Kanchenjunga views, but in a place that's less crowded vis-a-vis Darjeeling and easy to explore with family. Perched at 4101 feet above sea level, Kalimpong offers temperate to cold weather throughout the year. It's known for some of the best boarding schools, momos and monasteries.

The name Kalimpong may have been derived from the translation "ridge where we play" from the Lepcha community, as it was known to be the place for traditional tribal gatherings for summer sporting events. People from the hills call the area Kalempung or the black spurs.

Here are some reasons why you should consider Kalimpong on your next holiday radar as compared to other hill stations -

1.  Serene Atmosphere and Less Crowded:

If you prefer a quieter place with historical sites, which is less crowded and comparatively non commercial, then the town of Kalimpong is an ideal offbeat holiday destination. Although, equally as picturesque as its popular counterpart Darjeeling -  “The Queen of the Hills” the town receives far less tourist footfall in comparison to the former town. This in turn means far fewer traffic jams and road congestion when you are traveling to or within  the town itself, leaving you more time for yourself and  leisure activities.
Due to less traffic on its roads and highways, the average AQI (Air Quality Index) of Kalimpong is far better than those of other towns remaining well below the 50 mark.

2.  Pleasant Weather:

The weather in Kalimpong is mild and pleasant with a  maximum summer temperature of around 27 degree celsius and a  minimum of 16 degrees celsius. It rarely gets uncomfortably hot due to its elevation. This makes it an ideal summer retreat and a great spot to escape the severe Indian summers.  
Winters are cool but not excessively cold. The temperatures in winter hover between a high of 17 and a low of 5 degree celsius.  Kalimpong receives moderate to heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. The rains keep the surroundings lush green and contribute to the region's overall pleasant ambiance.

3.  Prominent Academic Institutions:

Kalimpong has a rich history of reputed schools and institutions, many of which were established by missionaries during the British colonial era and have since gained prominence for their academic excellence and cultural diversity. Many members of the royal families of Nepal and Bhutan have attended schools in Kalimpong.

The foremost among them is Dr. Graham's Homes,  founded in 1900 by Reverend Dr. John Anderson Graham, this institution started as an orphanage and school for Anglo-Indian children. Today, Dr. Graham's Homes is a co-educational institution offering education from kindergarten through to higher secondary levels. Other schools and institutions of repute are St Joseph’s Convent, St Augustine’s School, Scottish Universities Mission Institution which are all over a century old and still very popular with a robust curriculum.

4.  Proximity to the Airport/ Railway Station and Gangtok, Darjeeling:

Kalimpong enjoys convenient access to transportation hubs despite its serene mountainous location. The nearest major airport is Bagdogra Airport, situated approximately 80 kilometers away, which serves as the primary gateway for domestic and limited international flights. 
From Bagdogra, travelers can reach Kalimpong via a picturesque road journey alongside the Teesta River that takes about 2.5 hours, through the Himalayan foothills.
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Junction is the nearest railway station, located about 75 kilometers from Kalimpong. NJP Junction is well-connected to major cities across India, and from there, visitors can hire shared or reserved taxis to Kalimpong, which takes around 2 to 3 hours.
Kalimpong is also nearby Gangtok and Darjeeling. The distance from Darjeeling to Kalimpong is 68 kms and takes about 3 hours time. The distance from Gangtok to Kalimpong is 74 kms and takes about 2.5 hours.

5.  Historical Significance:

Kalimpong holds significant historical importance due to its strategic location in the Eastern Himalayas and its role as a major trading post along the ancient Silk Route extending all the way to Europe via Tibet and China. 
The town's history dates back to the time of the Bhutanese rulers in the 17th century, who established it as a forward trading outpost. 
During the British colonial era, Kalimpong emerged as an important center for trade between India and Tibet, especially in wool, furs, and musk. 
The presence of Scottish missionaries led to the establishment of schools and churches, shaping Kalimpong into a cultural and educational hub. 
Post-independence, Kalimpong became a part of West Bengal and continued to flourish as a melting pot of diverse cultures, hosting communities like Nepalis, Lepchas, Bhutanese, and Tibetans. 
Today, its rich history is reflected in its architecture, institutions, and vibrant cultural heritage, making Kalimpong a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.

6.  Homestay Culture:

Kalimpong offers a charming array of homestays that provide visitors with an authentic experience of local culture and hospitality. These homestays are often nestled in tranquil locations, offering picturesque views of the mountains and lush greenery. Hosted by warm and welcoming local families, they provide comfortable accommodations with personalized service and home-cooked meals featuring regional delicacies. 
Staying at a homestay allows guests to immerse themselves in the daily life of the community, participate in cultural activities, and gain insights into traditional customs and practices.  
Some of the Homestays in Kalimpong that stand out and are worth mentioning are Palighar Homestay, Windsong, Mansorovar Homestay and Holumba Haven.

7.  Vibrant Shopping Hub:

Kalimpong offers a unique shopping experience, blending local culture with a variety of products including local produce, clothes, and handicrafts. Here are some of the places you can shop in:

●    Haat Bazaar: This bi-weekly market is a great place to shop for local produce, handicrafts, and other goods directly from farmers and artisans
●    Tashi Takgye: A prominent store for Tibetan arts and crafts, offering items like thangkas, woolen garments, and decorative pieces.
●    Kashi Nath & Sons: A bookstore that specializes in cultural and religious texts, particularly on Buddhism and Tibetan culture. It's a good spot for unique books and souvenirs.

Popular Items to buy in Kalimpong:

●    Dalle Khursani:  A unique and spicy chili pepper, known for its intense heat. It's commonly found in local markets like Haat Bazaar.
●    Kalimpong Cheese and Lollipops: Famous for its rich cheese, a product of Swiss influence, and sweet lollipops. These can be found in various local stores.
●    Fing (Glass Noodles): Locally made noodles that are a specialty of the region, available in packets at local shops.
●    Handmade Paper Products: Kalimpong is known for its eco-friendly handmade paper items, including bags and stationery, which make great souvenirs.
●    Tibetan Arts and Crafts: Items such as thangkas, woolen garments, and other handicrafts are widely available, reflecting the local Tibetan culture.

8.  Variety to Delicious Local food:

With its diverse cultural influences, Kalimpong offers a delightful culinary experience for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food lovers. Listed below are some of the best foods to try in Kalimpong:

●    Momos - Gompus is famous for their pork momos that are larger, thicker and fluffier than any others. Lin Restaurant in Haat Bazaar has succulent beef momos.
●    Thukpa - Thukpa is a hearty Tibetan noodle soup. Lin Restaurant in the Haat Bazaar is known for their flavor-rich beef thukpa with a special chili garlic oil.
●    Pork Dishes - Gompu's Pork Gyathuk (local noodle soup) and Pork Shyapta (pork stir-fried with chili, garlic and ginger)
●    Pork sausages are a local specialty
●    Phambi/Laphing or savoury mung bean jelly tossed in a spicy red chili paste is a unique Kalimpong street food to try at Cafe Kalimpong. There is another similar item called Laphing, a which is very popular
●    Nepali Thali - You can find some really good authentic Nepali food like dal bhat (rice and lentils) in many smaller food joints in Kalimpong
●    Baked Items - Due to Kalimpong's colonial history, European-style bakeries like The Shire Terrace Bistro are popular for pastries and bread.

The Haat Bazaar on Wednesdays and Saturdays is the best place to sample a variety of local street foods

Written by Prerna:

Prerna, a seasoned travel & hospitality expert, isn't just a writer – she's a curator of experiences. Leading OurGuest's operations at The Barfung Retreat, she leverages her extensive background at Taj, Hyatt, ITC, and more. A Master's graduate in English Literature, Prerna's passion for storytelling is fueled by her childhood spent traversing India with her police officer father. Fluent in Bengali, Hindi, English, and Nepali, she fosters genuine connections across cultures. Join Prerna as she unveils the hidden gems and vibrant soul of Northeast India, one captivating story at a time.

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