Planning A Visit To Kalimpong? Here's What You Can Do While You're There!

It's the highest point in Kalimpong, we are told and boasts of breathtaking views of the town. Located at a height of 1700m, Deolo Hill offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys, rivers and villages. Plus, you can go trekking, paragliding and horse riding (adventure freaks, are you listening?!).

This popular nursery in Kalimpong is known for its exotic collection of over 1,500 species of cactus. It's one of the largest nurseries in town surrounded by picturesque views of hills. The nursery boasts of the largest collection of cacti in Asia and has also won several national and international awards for the same.

Head to Durpin Dara Hill for panoramic views of Kalimpong - snow-capped Himalayan range, Teesta river and its valleys. It's also where Dr. Graham's house is located - a significant education centre now offering farming, baking and management courses.

Popularly known as the Durpin Monastery, Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Gompa is a monastery built in 1975 under the guidance of the Dalai Lama. Located atop the Durpin Hill, the monastery is home to over 100 published texts on Buddhism and rare scriptures. Don't miss the breathtaking views of the Himalayas from the hilltop.

This one is a photographer's paradise thanks to the brilliant colonial architecture. It's a cute, well maintained British-style cottage that once functioned as a hub of wool traders from across the world. Built atop a mountain, Crookety House has now been turned into a museum that hosts visitors from across the globe.

Morgan House stands testimony to the architectural brilliance of the colonial era. This one has become quite a popular tourist destination thanks to spooky tales of it being haunted. Nestled in the lap of nature, this cottage offers picturesque views of hills, trees and several valleys.

The beautiful St. Teresa’s Church was built in 1929 by Swiss Jesuits and boasts of designs from a Bhutanese gompa. The door carvings resemble the eight auspicious symbols of Himalayan Buddhism while the wooden apostles remind you of Buddhist monks. Head here if you're looking for peace and solitude.

Neora Valley National Park is home to over 250 species of birds and endangered animals like the Red Panda and the Black Asiatic Bear. Witness different types of rhododendrons (a few that are over 300 years old!) in full bloom along with other species like bamboo, oak, ferns, sal and orchids, hemlocks, yews and wild strawberries to name a few. Neora ia a birdwatchers' haven. Catch a glimpse of rare birds like Satyr Tragopan, Rufous-Throated Partridge, Golden-Throated Barbet, Crimson-Breasted Woodpecker, Darjeeling Pygmy Wren-Babbler, Mountain Imperial Pigeon and Bay Woodpecker to name a few.

Calling all history buffs and art and culture enthusiasts! The Lepcha Heritage Museum is an attempt to preserve the traditions and culture of the Lepcha community that resides in Kalimpong. The collection includes handicrafts, musical instruments, religious texts and manuscripts, porcupine quill hats, pangolin skins and many other antique stuff sure to pique your interest.

A visit to Kalimpong is incomplete without a meal at Gompu's. You cannot not go to this place! The place is known for its chilli pork and momos - don't miss out on the oversized pork momos. The Chemey Momos are worth a try too!

If you're up for learning a new skill/art form, then head to the Himalayan Handmade Paper Industry and witness the paper-making process. You can also take part in the paper-making workshops they conduct where you'll be taught everything from boiling and pulping the daphne bush to sifting, pressing and drying. Plus, buy notebooks and cards for yourself or your stationery-loving friends.