If you love exploring north bengal hill stations, the Kalimpong visiting places may attract you a lot. Kalimpong is a small hill town in the northern district Indian State of West Bengal. Once upon a time, Kalimpong was under Sikkim and Bhutan administrations.
Kalimpong is better known as Dalingkot Tehsil. In 2017, Kalimpong was separated from the Darjeeling districted and became the 21st district of West Bengal, India. It is located almost 1247m above sea level and 50 km from Darjeeling.
Kalimpong Municipality divided the district into three blocks: Kalimpong 1, Kalimpong 2, and Gorubathan.
People of Kalimpong speaks in Rai, Limbu, Lepcha, Tamang, Hindi, and Nepali.
The Neora Valley National Park, popular for its Red Panda, is situated in Kalimpong.
River Teesta, River Jaldhaka, and River Rangpo are the three rivers flowing across Kalimpong. Momos, Noodles, and Thukpa are some famous foods available throughout the year. Tea cultivation is the main occupation of Kalimpong.
NH10 and NH13 connect Kalimpong through the Sevok to Gangtok route.
Or, you can travel by railway transport. You can reach New Jalpaiguri station or Siliguri station from there.
Bus and car services are always available, so you can easily reach Kalimpong.
Otherwise, if you are planning for the fastest transport services, then Bagdogra airport is the nearest airport to Kalimpong.
But after that, now it’s time to do some research about Kalimpong Visiting Places.
Kalimpong Visiting Places
Before exploring any hill station in north bengal, you have to know a little bit of Kalimpong. It is mainly an offbeat visiting place in West Bengal.
Many students come from all over the world for its educational institution facilities. I suggest you visit the outskirts of Darjeeling, which is Kalimpong.
There are some visiting places in Kalimpong that you should explore. So, let’s look into the details of Kalimpong Visiting place.
- 7TH Mile View Point
- Zang Dhok Palri Phodang
- Kalimpong Science Centre
- Geden Tharpa Choling Monastery
- Neora Valley National Park
- Lepcha Museum
- MacFarlane Memorial Church
7TH Mile viewpoint
Among popular Kalimpong visiting places, the 7th Mile Viewpoint is one of the most attracted locations. 7TH Mile Viewpoint is also known as “Lovers Point.”
The main attraction of tourists is the wide round scenic beauty of Rangeet Valley and Teesta River. There are benches where you can sit and enjoy nature’s beauty’s calmness.
7TH Mile viewpoint is 3kms from Kalimpong Teesta Bazar. Especially newly married couples enjoy the spectacular view of this place. This place is attractive for its stunning sunrise and sunset.
- Note: spot fee is free for every tourist.
Zang Dhok Palri Phodang
Kalimpong is a combination of monastery and natural beauty that attracts tons of visitors every year. If you love pilgrimage tourism, especially in Kalimpong, Zang Dhok Palri Phodang must be in your list because it is one of the most sacred Kalimpong Visiting Places.
Even If you investigate the Northern town of India, you will see many monasteries built there. In 1976 Dalai Lama sanctified Zang Dhok Palri Phodang as a Tibetian Monastery in Kalimpong, West Bengal.
This Monastry is known as a Durpin Monastry, built on the top of Durpin Hill. From the top of the hill, the look of the monastery is outstanding. You will get many Buddhist scriptures that are very helpful for students and researchers.
- Timing: Opens at 9:00 AM and Closes at 6:00 PM.
Kalimpong Science Centre
On 11th September 2007 National Council of Science Museums turned the Kalimpong Science Centre into the Department of Education Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. It is also an important Kalimpong visiting place.
Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has developed and designed Kalimpong Science Centre. Science Centre distributes scientific and technology development among the people.
There are scientific observatories, instruments, 3D models, and a theatre inside the science center. Also, for children, there is a beautiful garden with outdoor games.
You have to keep it in your mind to avoid the scientific models. It is better to take a guide to know all details. For entry into Kalimpong Science Centre, identification proof is mandatory.
- Timing: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, open seven days a week.
- Fee for Entry: Rupee 10 for observation of the scientific model.
- Rupee 30 for Theatre.
Geden Tharpa Choling Monastery
In 1912 Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang established Gaden Tharpa Choing Monastery in Kalimpong. It is also recognized as a Geluga Monastery.
This monastery lies between 27.079 °N and 88.482 °E. According to 1906 history, Domo Geshe Rinpoche was a pilgrimage to India to search for medical herbs from Bhutan.
At the request of Tibetian leaders and common peoples, he started to live in Kalimpong and established this monastery. This monastery is a nonprofitable Development Association.
The monastery is having own primary school, which gives education to poor childer and young generation monks free of cost.
- Timing: 24 hours open every day in a week
- Exact Location: Kalimpong, Bapai Road Tirpai, West Bengal.
Neora Valley National Park
In Eastern India, Neora Valley National Park is highly rich in its biological Zone. In 1986 National Park was established in Kalimpong in the name of Neora Valley National Park. Neora Valley National Park is a land of Red Pand.
Red Panda is the only reason for the gathering of tourists. It is also famous for its rich Flora, fauna, and hilly terrain tea garden. Neora Valley National Park is associated with the Pakyong District Pangolakha wildfire sanctuary and Samtse district forests.
Many types of plant species and green valley ecosystems will refresh your mind at the Neora National Park. Rachela Danda is the highest point of this national park. The only water source in Kalimpong is the Neora River flowing through the Neora Valley National Park.
- Timing: Mon-Sat: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM.
Lepcha Museum
Lepchas are Mongoloid Tribe, and a group of Lepcha caste people can n found iBhutanan Nepal, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Tibet. Lepcha Museum was inaugurated on an hour of Lepch culture, Hab, it, and belief.
The Museum has stored the articles Lepchas used, like their manuscripts, drawings, instruments, worshipping material, etc. Lepcha Museum is located at Big Dhara, Kalimpong, only 1 km from Kalimpong Bustand.
You can reach the Museum by walking or 4-wheelers.
- Timing: Mon-Fri: 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Sat and Sunday: Closed.
MacFarlane Memorial Church
If you are exploring Kalimpong Visiting Places, don’t miss visiting MacFarlane Memorial Church in Kalimpong, West Bengal. The view and height of the church from every point of the Kalipong are wonderful.
This church was dedicated to William Macfarlane, the first Scottish Christian to visit Kalimpong. MacFarlane Memorial Church is 128 years old now.
- Timing: Mon-Sat: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Conclusion
Kalimpong is a breathtaking less-populated place to enjoy your holidays. From dusk to dawn, you will relish the different colors of Mt. Kanchenjunga from Kalimpong. So, please read the paragraph of Kalimpong Visiting Places and take advantage of your safari. Stay safe, and have a good journey.
FAQ
Is Kalimpong another district of West Bengal?
Since 2017 Government of West Bengal declared Kalimpong as a district that has separated from Darjeeling district.
Which is the best time to visit Kalimpong?
Oct to May is the best time to visit Kalimpong.