6 Incredible Places To Visit in Kalimpong
The north central part of India is home to Darjeeling, an opulent town that flaunts picturesque views of the famous Kanchenjunga mountain, the roaring Teesta River and the emerald green Rangeet Valley. Once known as the “Land of Kings,” this town is a treasure waiting to be discovered. When you head to Darjeeling, put it on your travel bucket list so you can marvel at the scenic views and stay in a charming old city. For many tourists in Kalimpong, there are abundant things that offer a great sightseeing experience.
More About Kalimpong
Nestled 1,200 meters above sea-level, approximately 50 kilometers to the east of Darjeeling, Kalimpong is a beautiful destination full of winding paths. Once a hub of the Himalayan trade between India and Tibet, this is where merchants would negotiate transactions while en-route by mule caravan through the Jelep-La pass.
The destinations to head to are Kalimpong Arts and Craft Center for handcrafted goods; Tharpa Choling Monastery, a repository of obsolete scriptures, and documents; Thongsa (Bhutan) Monastery, the oldest in the region; Dharmodaya Vihar, a Nepalese Buddhist Temple; Parnami Mandir and Mangal Dham; Durpin Danda, from where the foothills of the slopes of Sikkim, including Jelepla, Tiger Hill and the confluence of Relli can be seen.
But first, let’s find out the best time to visit this town so that you can enjoy your vacation experience to its fullest.
Kalimpong weather is subject to a temperate climate where 5 distinct seasons can occur. Within the city, April through June and October through November are recognized as leading tourist seasons. You can book flights and avail huge discounts during January and February.
If you’re looking for an idyllic trip or an exciting escapade, there are many great places to visit in Kalimpong, suitable for every type of traveler. All these locations exude a sense of tranquility from every corner and street. Primarily, it is a vacation destination that never ceases to impress. Have a look at all these top destinations that are worth going to if you ever happen to be in this pretty town.
1) Morgan House
Nestled in the verdant greens of Kalimpong, Morgan House is a mansion created by Mr. & Mrs. Morgan in the 1930s. It is an iconic icon of colonial architecture. What makes visiting this gorgeous structure even better is that it can be attributed to urban legends of it being Haunted! It has now been converted into a resort for tourists. It is situated in a mountain field and heavily accessible to the general public. The snaking undulations of the hills, the series of colors, and the charm of an ancient town surround you as you make Morgan House your home.
2) Cactus Nursery
Pine View Nursery is a popular cactus nursery located on the banks of the Teesta River in Kalimpong. It has the world’s largest selection of cacti. The large greenhouse has an array of exotic cactus species and is often included in tours tourists take. It is composed of over 1,600 species of cacti which are cared for by specialists from around the world. It has won a number of court-ordered awards because of its efforts to cultivate hundreds of species from different nations. Around 200 of those species are available for dining and are sought-after for their distinctive flavors.
3) Tharpa Choling Monastery
Kalimpong, West Bengal is an embodiment of Buddhism and the site of numerous monasteries. One of the most ancient, spiritual places is the Tharpa Choling Monastery situated on the K.D. Pradhan Road. As one of peace lovers, this spot is likely to be of great interest to you. See this monastery and appreciate the beautiful decorations, peace, and tranquility as you wander around it.
4) Shahid Park – The Memorial Of Gorkhas
Though it’s only a small park, it is a place of utmost beauty and historical significance. Here, you’ll find unparalleled insight into the regional and the surrounding area’s rich history. The Shahid Park is also a family-friendly destination that’s fun for both parents and their kids. Ideal for a leisure visit, you can visit here in the evening and must add this place to your bucket list.
5) Neora Valley National Park
Your journey to Kalimpong is incomplete without a visit to the Neora Valley National Park in northeast India, one of the richest biological zones in the country. The rare endangered species of Red Panda and Black Asiatic Bear live here. You will also discover a number of stunning landscapes, lush greenery, exotic fauna, and rare species of birds here. Rachela pass, the highest point of this park, causes a boundary between Sikkim and Bhutan. Do not make that mistake. For the sunset-viewing time frame throughout the monsoons, the park stays closed. So, plan your trip accordingly.
6) Kalimpong Science Center
It is also known as the Kalimpong Science City, and the science and technology center located at Deolo Hill in Kalimpong, West Bengal, is known as a popular destination for popularizing science and welcoming knowledge sharing. If you plan on visiting the National Museum of Popular Science, you will land in an area across from a pond. Within the museum are various exhibits that are able to be observed. There are lots of indoor exhibits that feature the Science and Technology Gallery, where scientific objects can be found and manipulated. A kaleidoscope, rolling balls, informal mirrors, and pendulums are a few of the exhibits present in the Science and Technology Gallery.
Overall
These were the top attractions you can visit in Kalimpong. Being a religious city, most of the attractions are dedicated to Buddhist monasteries and temples. However, to promote the lush greenery and beauty of West Bengal it even houses several nurseries and you can even admire the picturesque landscapes at the breathtaking hilltops of this town. You can also consider taking the numerous hiking trails offered in the city and make your trip even more worthwhile. Also, don’t forget to check out the water adventures of the town which comes as one of the attractions here.
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