Pristine beauty, charming ambience and inviting location - these features set Kalimpong aside from the other hill stations in the region. Snuggled at an altitude of 1250 m above sea level, in the Shivalik range, it is one of its kinds in the Indian state of West Bengal. While the scenic grandeur of this hill station is sure to captivate your sensual senses, Kalimpong also satisfies the religious bend of people, as it is the seat for Buddhism in the North-east India. The tantalizing and enticing climate of the hill station is an added bonus for tourists visiting the place.

Previously known as Dalingkot, the region was ruled by the Sikkimese and Bhutanese kingdoms. It was in the year 1706 that the place was christened Kalimpong, by the then King of Bhutan. During the British Raj, the hill station became an idyllic retreat, thanks to its temperate climate and proximity to the Nathula and Jelepla passes. Kalimpong, being a subsidiary to the famous Silk Road, helped increase the trade of furs, wools and food grains between India and Tibet as well. The economic prosperity and affluence of the place attracted a large numbers of migrants from Nepal.

The cultural diversity of Kalimpong is another feature you can watch out for. While ethnic Nepalis dominate the populace, the place also serves as home to indigenous ethnic groups like Newars, Lepchas, Bhutia, Sherpas, Limbus, Rais, Magars, Gurungs, Tamangs, Yolmos, Bhujels, Sunuwars, Sarkis, Damais and Kamis. Communication in Kalimpong would not be a problem, as most of the people herein are multi-lingual, being fluent in Nepali, Lepcha, Limbu, Tamang, Kirat, Hindi, English and Bengali. Kalimpong is also known for its educational institutions, most of which had their roots laid during the British colonial period.

Talking about the tourist attractions in Kalimpong, the place is a haven for travelers and explorers. Once here, one thing that you need to look out for is the regal charm and glory of the Buddhist monasteries. Lepcha Museum is another must see for visitor. Apart from the rich historical heritage, Kalimpong is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers also. While Neora National Park is sure to quench your thirst for thrill and adventure, the beautiful flower nurseries and observatory points are will soothe your parched nerves. For shopaholics, the 10th Mile Market or Raja Dorje Market would be a paradise. Once in Kalimpong, do not leave before you savor the appetizing momos, Thupka and Churpee!!

Bagdogra Airport, situated near Siliguri, is the closest airdrome, about 80 km from Kalimpong. The airport is well connected with Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati and its major carriers are Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Air Deccan. It takes about 3 hours to reach Kalimpong, from Bagdogra Airport.

The closest railhead for reaching Kalimpong is at New Jalpaiguri, which is around 77 km away. Located on the outskirts of Siliguri, the station is connected with almost all major cities of the country. Many important trains network between New Jalpaiguri, Kolkata (Howrah and Sealdah) and Delhi.

Siliguri serves as the gateway to the northeastern regions in India. There are regular bus services to Kalimpong from Siliguri. Silguri is, in turn, well connected by road to Kolkata, Guwahati, and Patna. Apart from this, there are internal bus services that connect Kalimpong to Gangtok and Darjeeling.

Kalimpong houses three very important gompas or monasteries, each of which demonstrates the tradition and history of Buddhism. Nestled on the Tirpai Hill, Tharpa Choling Monastery was built around 1937. The monastery belongs to the Gelukpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Near this monastery is the Tongsa Gompa. Founded in 1692, it is the oldest monastery in Kalimpong and has been re-constructed over the ruins of the original one.

The third monastery in Kalimpong is Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery. It was built in the mid-1970s and is renowned for its conventional Tibetan wall paintings. The monastery is located 5 km to the south from the town center, at the Durpin Dara Hill. Even today, all the monasteries of Kalimpong reflect the old world charm and tradition of the earlier times.

An observatory point, Durpin Dara hill is the highest summit in Kalimpong and offers travelers a magnificent and awe-inspiring view of the mountains and the plains below. The spellbinding and magnetic view is sure to leave any visitor breathless. Some of the places that can be viewed from here are Teesta and Rangeet rivers, western Sikkim, Kanchenjunga peak, Peshoke and Lopchu tea estates, Nathu-la pass and the towns of Siliguri and Kurseong

Lepcha are the aboriginal people, more profoundly - the native community of Kalimpong. Sadly, the tribe is nothing more than a minority today. The Lepcha Museum in Kalimpong showcases the culture of this very Lepcha community. Located in Bag Dhara, a short walk from Bong Busty, the museum and monastery represent the best place to revel in the glories of the past. Displaying the ethnic treasures of Lepchas, the museum exhibits manuscripts, musical instruments, articles of worship and other tools and equipments used by them.

Founded by Dr. John Anderson Graham, a Scottish missionary, in the year 1900, Dr. Graham’s Home is a home and school for orphan children. Started with just six students, this educational institution has grown over to house over 1,200 boys and girls and is also known as one of the good public schools of the region. It is located in a 500-acre estate, on the slopes of Dealo Hills.

To nature lovers and floriculturists, Kalimpong is nothing less than a paradise. This spectacular hill town is an important flower producing center of India. It generates about 80% of the total gladioli produced in India. Apart from this, it is a significant orchid growing area as well. Some of the other exotic flowers that bloom in Kalimpong are amaryllis, lilies, anthuriums, roses, gerbera, dahlias and cacti. The town exports much of its flowers to the northern parts of India.

Established in 1986, Neora Valley National Park is one of the richest biological zones in the entire northeast belt of India. The wilderness zone boasts of rich flora and fauna and dense woody trees. Having a pristine ambience and almost inaccessible location, the national park is home to the Red Panda, Himalayan black bear, tiger, wild dog and goral. Apart from this, it is a refuge for numerous species of birds and reptiles as well.