Kalimpong
From World travel guide
Kalimgong is in the nothern part of West Bengal.
Contents |
Understand
Travellers will find Kalimpong quieter and friendlier than Darjeeling. Perched on a ridge just south of Sikkim and 50km east of Darjeeling, the town boasts fantastic views over neighbouring valleys and the Himalayas. The jeep ride from Darjeeling is truly spectacular as you pass through endless tea fields and under brightly colored prayer flags. Mt Kanchenjunga is never far out of sight.
There is very little to do in the town except to wander around and enjoy the lack of tourists Darjeeling is plagued with. There are a number of religious sites to see, including the Catholic church and Zong Dhog Palri Fo Brang monastery which, after a pleasant 2km walk from town commands wonderful views of Kalimpong and the mountains.
Get in
Jeeps are plentiful from Darjeeling; just go to the Kalimpong office in the Motor Stand (this is a little tricky to find as it’s hidden down a dark passage – ask around!). It is definitely worth getting a front seat as jeeps tend to be filled to the brim and there’s very little leg room in the back rows. Fewer jeeps go from Siliguri and Gangtok but they do exist.
Get around
See
Do
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Get out
- The town of Pedong, an hour by taxi (RS 300), is a real off-the-track destination. The town's main monastery is over 150 years old, and can act as a base for hikes through the hills and surrounding villages. The same goes for the town of Lava, where the local monastery is visited annually by the Dalai Lama.
- Kalimpong is beginning to form a small hiking industry – look around for flyers in hotels etc for local tour operators.
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