Framed by the Eastern Himalayas, Kalimpong is a mesmerising hill station in West Bengal. The Kalimpong sightseeing places' ambience is tranquil with captivating natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, making the Kalimpong tour packages a perfect escape from the bustling city life into the beauty of culture, nature, and adventure.
Known as the "land of the kings", Kalimpong is a charming hill station situated in the state of West Bengal. Renowned for its spectacular Kanchenjunga range, roaring Teesta River, and emerald green Rangeet Valley, this town is a precious part of the Eastern Himalayas. It is mostly celebrated for its charms to attract tourists of all sorts. From peaceful nature resorts and widely open viewpoints to adventure sports, the places to visit in Kalimpong have a wholesome bundle of offerings to attract folks of every nature and taste. Here are the key places of interest in Kalimpong:
Best Places to Visit in Kalimpong
- Deolo Hill
- Pine View Nursery
- Tharpa Choling Monastery
- Kalimpong Science Centre
- Zong Dhog Palri Fo Brang Monastery
- Mungsong
- Lepcha Gumba Museum
- Jaldhaka River Valley
- Buddha Pada
Deolo Hill
Deolo Hill is the highest point in Kalingpong. One of the most beloved sightseeing places in Kalimpong, here you can experience the magic of the mountain air, fresh and soothing, along with the sensational panoramic view of the neighbouring towns, tea estates, and mighty rivers Teesta and Relli. Everything about this quaint place seems comfortably familiar yet astonishing. You can also enjoy activities like paragliding and horse riding.
Opening Hours
No specific opening hours to visit the hills.
How to Reach
Deolo Hill is easily accessible via road. Tourists can take their car or hire a taxi.
Pine View Nursery
Located on Atisha Road in Kalimpong, the Pine View Nursery is well-maintained, displaying a wide variety of exotic cacti, succulents, and mountain plants. This place shelters around 1500 species of cactus collected over 40 years from across the world. One of the best things to see in Kalimpong, the sheer size, shape, and colour of the cacti exhibited here will have you spellbound. Inside the space, you get some cafes for a quick bite and souvenir shops where you can buy indoor plants.
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday: 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
How to Reach
At a distance of 2.5 km from Kalimpong Bus Station, the nursery is easily accessible by private car and local bus or taxi.
Tharpa Choling Monastery
This is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery featuring vibrant decor and intricate art. A classic Monastery — not extravagant, but the art here will have you pleased and inspired. Among all the places to visit in Kalimpong, this one is special as, despite being near the town, this place is still very quaint and peaceful. Visitors are also blessed with the guidance of a resident monk who will take you inside and show you everything. Unlike the flashy prayer halls, this one has a serene atmosphere with beautiful paintings related to the life of Buddha.
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
How to Reach
Located near the Kalimpong town atop a hill, the monastery is easily accessible by road.
Kalimpong Science Centre
This is an interactive science museum for a fun-filled scientific escape. Located in the heart of Kalimpong, about 70 km from Darjeeling, the Science Centre is one of the most enjoyable places to visit in Kalimpong, especially for families with school-age children. A perfect blend of education and entertainment, here science isn't just easy to understand but also exciting to explore. As soon as you pass through the entrance, you'll be introduced to India’s greatest scientists, each with a detailed plaque explaining their contributions to science and the awards they’ve received worldwide.
Inside, the centre offers a world of interactive fun. From the front desk, tickets for a 3D show can also be booked for just ₹50 extra per person — a short film experience that adds a spark to the visit. Beyond that, the main museum is filled with hands-on science experiments, holographic pyramids that project floating images, and plenty of buttons, levers, and mirrors that make each exhibit feel like a game with a lesson. Each section of the museum is themed — light and shadow, sound, motion, energy — all brought to life with colourful, touch-friendly models. The best part? This is a place in Kalimpong that is of interest to kids and adults! Here, you don’t just watch — but participate.
Opening Hours
Closed on Mondays.
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
How to Reach
Kalimpong Science Centre is approximately 6.6 km from the city centre via Tirpai Rd. One can cover the distance in about 25 minutes by local buses, taxis, or private vehicles.
Zong Dhog Palri Fo Brang Monastery
Located at Durpin, a hillock/spur on the southern end of Kalimpong, Zong Dhog Palri Fo Brang is a Buddhist monastery and school for young monks. You reach this destination by driving through the beautiful cantonment area. This is one of the best places to see in Kalimpong, offering panoramic views of the town, the snow-clad Himalayan ranges of West Sikkim, the Teesta River, and its valleys.
On the religious front, it is a unique Tibetan monastery that also houses rare relics that were shifted from Tibet at the time of the Chinese invasion in 1959. The paintings on the wall are totally different from those we see in typical Buddhist monasteries. Here, the pictures are a depiction of the bygone era of the Royal lineage in Tibet.
Opening Hours
No specific opening hours.
How to Reach
Atop the Durpin Hill, the monastery is accessible by road.
Mungsong
Munsong is a village further divided into smaller villages, each with its own beauty. This is a beautiful tourist place located near Kalimpong. It has the longest view of the River Teesta and one of the majestic views of the entire Kanchenjungha range. Located at an elevation of 5000 ft. near the Kalimpong – Sikkim border on top of a hill, Munsong is a peaceful village where luxury and convenience might be limited, but nature and its beauty aren't.
It is close to Sillery (5 km) and Eechheygaon, and a few kilometres away from Kalimpong market. You can also visit the Burmaik Mahadev Dham, Cinconha Plantation, Deolo View Point, and shop at Kalimpong Market.
Opening Hours
No specific opening hours.
How to Reach
Munsong is just about 20 km away from Kalimpong, accessible by road.
Lepcha Gumba Museum
The Lepcha tribe was indigenous to Kalimpong. They used to make use of all the natural resources around them to create musical instruments, weapons, medicine, domestic equipment, and more. The Lepcha Gumba Museum is another great tourist place near Kalimpong. In this museum, you get to witness the fascinating Lepcha culture, the rich art, manuscripts, and religious items.
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
How to Reach
The Lepcha Museum is around 2 km from the main city, accessible by road.
Jaldhaka River Valley
This one is for those searching for the Kalimpong offbeat places! The Jaldhaka River valley is a hidden treasure. This river flows between India and Bhutan. Here, the greenery is captivating, and the chirping of the innumerable birds makes you feel the futility of the city life that everyone chases. With no mobile network, it is one of the best places to see near Kalimpong to unwind and rejuvenate.
Opening Hours
No specific opening hours.
How to Reach
The most standard way to reach Jaldhaka is by road.
Buddha Pada
The Sanskrit word Pāda means foot or footstep. According to Buddhist legends, after the Buddha attained enlightenment, his feet made an imprint in the stone where he stepped. Buddha Pāda, therefore, stands for the grounding of the transcendent.
Buddha Pada is a serene, beautiful, Zen-inspired Tibetan Buddhist retreat center. An offbeat place in Kalimpong, here, you can easily spend a week, as the visiting teachers are superb and the accommodations are attractive and comfortable.
Opening Hours
Closed on Sundays.
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
How to Reach
Travel to Kalimpong, then move further to the outskirts of town by road, where Buddha Pada is nestled.
Kalimpong attracts those looking for natural beauty, cultural richness, and peace. With friendly hospitality, breathtaking views, and a pace of life that seems to bend time itself, this Himalayan sanctuary offers an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, book one of West Bengal tourism packages, and immerse yourself in nature and culture.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Kalimpong for nature and clear views of the Himalayas?
The ideal time is October to December and March to May. During these months, skies are usually clear, and you can enjoy crisp Himalayan views, blooming orchids and rhododendrons, and pleasant weather perfect for sightseeing and trekking.
How do I reach Kalimpong, and what’s the journey like?
Kalimpong is accessible via Bagdogra Airport (around 75 km away) or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), which is about 70 km from town. From either point, you can take a private taxi, shared jeep, or pre-arranged transfer. The drive takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours and offers scenic views of tea gardens, river valleys, and winding Himalayan roads. While the roads are hilly, the journey is generally smooth and comfortable, especially if you hire a reliable local driver familiar with the terrain.
How easy is it to get around Kalimpong?
Kalimpong is compact and fairly walkable within the town. Taxis and shared jeeps are available for longer trips or sightseeing. While hiring a local guide enhances experiences like monastery visits or nature walks, independent travellers can manage well using maps, apps, and help from friendly locals who often speak English or Hindi.
What kind of food should travellers try while visiting Kalimpong?
Food in Kalimpong is a delightful blend of Tibetan, Nepali, and local Himalayan flavors. Must-try dishes include freshly steamed momos, spicy thukpa (noodle soup), and churpee, a traditional hard cheese. Many travellers enjoy sampling homemade jams, local pickles, and Kalimpong-style noodles found at roadside eateries and home kitchens. Several cafés in town also serve fusion dishes and fresh bakery items, ideal for a relaxing meal with a view.
Is Kalimpong a good destination for slow and mindful travel?
Absolutely. Kalimpong is ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life, with its peaceful environment, minimal crowds, and focus on nature and culture. Travellers looking to disconnect from digital life or recharge mentally will find the town’s monasteries, quiet forest trails, and mountain-facing homestays perfect for meditation, journaling, or simply slowing down. It’s a great place for solo travellers, couples, or families who prefer meaningful experiences over fast-paced sightseeing.
40 videos
Post your Comment
Please let us know your thoughts on this story by leaving a comment.