Top 10 Places To Visit In Kalimpong District (West Bengal)

The Kalimpong district covers some of the Darjeeling Hills. This area consists of a lot of picturesque attractions scattered throughout.

Adorned with charms of nature and revitalizing freshness, all the spots are worth venturing. There is happiness, food, excitement, and adventure, coexisting together.

In this article, you will get to know about the following beautiful places to visit in the Kalimpong district,

Kalimpong Town
Sillery Gaon
Durpin Dara
Neora Valley National Park
Bindu
Suntalekhola
Deolo Hill
Lava
Lolegaon
Rishop

Let’s see each of these places in detail.

1. Kalimpong Town

Distance from NJP	74 km
Distance from Alipurduar	200 km

The town of Kalimpong is an excellent place to witness the bustling hill life. It is perched at 4101 feet showcasing the luxurious views of the mountains.

Coming to the name part, some theories say that “Kalimpong” comes from the Tibetan language that translates to “Assembly of the King’s Ministers.” There are different other theories as well. Since British times, Kalimpong has been well-known for its educational institutions. Some of them are still in use while the others are abandoned.

This place is extraordinarily beautiful with a stunning geography. The ridge is the abode of the town, joined by the hills, Deolo and Durpin. The compelling scene is to look at the river Teesta which works as a separation between Kalimpong (West Bengal) and Sikkim.

Lush flora and fauna cover the land. Combined with the flora, the mountainous vista is breathtaking. Thereafter, unite the diverse cultures of the place. It is simply vivid colors, celebrations, and cuisines. A number of places are there to welcome you into the town along with the genial locals.

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2. Sillery Gaon

Distance from NJP	91 km
Distance from Alipurduar	195 km

In the district of Kalimpong, there is a heavenly village called Sillery Gaon. Placed at an elevation of 6000 feet, this destination attracts a number of visitors every year.

The ambiance around the hamlet is phenomenal. It is truly a retreat for the soul and body. Mountain layers go up to the ambit, displaying various shades as they fade. The region is also a habitat for Cinchona Plantations. This was introduced by the Britishers to treat Malaria.

Sillery Gaon is famed for several factors. The number one is the wondrous views of the surroundings together with Mount Kanchenjunga. You will be able to absorb nature’s unreal beauty and purity. Freshness is prevalent in the air combined with the scent of wilderness.

While in the village, visit Silent Valley, Ramitey Viewpoint, Orchid Garden, and Damsang Fort. All are insanely intriguing. Food has to be a topic of discussion when we travel. Try out all the local food items sold by the lovely natives there.

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3. Durpin Dara

Distance from NJP	77 km
Distance from Alipurduar	200 km

Durpin Dara means “binocular hill” in the local dialect. Simplifying it means a good pair of binoculars can provide a great view of lovely nature. It is one of two hills connected by a ridge on which Kalimpong is situated.

The hill provides a panoramic view of Kalimpong, the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Sikkim, the Teesta River, and the Jelepla Pass in the distance. Just below the summit, there is also a golf course.

The Dalai Lama consecrated the Zang Dhok Palri Monastery on top of the hill in 1976. The monastery’s reliquary contains 108 volumes of the Kangyur, along with a few holy books and scrolls removed from Tibet after the Chinese invasion. This location is uniquely spiritual, and simply walking around this magnificent structure can provide mental peace.

There is also a famous botanical garden here. If you can plan a peaceful vacation to Kalimpong, visit this mesmerizing place.

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4. Neora Valley National Park

Distance from NJP	110 km
Distance from Alipurduar	174 km

The Neora Valley National Park is an ideal destination for nature lovers and trekkers. Its diverse ecology includes flora and fauna, lush green valleys, meandering rivers, and snow-capped mountains in the backdrop.

The park is home to various endangered species such as Leopards, Red Pandas, and Musk Deer and spans 88 square kilometers with elevations varying from 1,500 meters to 3,000 meters and is fed by the Neora River.

Black Bears, Sloth Bear, Golden Cat, Leopard Cat, Goral, Barking Deer, Sambar, and Himalayan Flying Squirrel are found here. The park’s varied geography allows you to see a variety of avifauna at various altitudes, including the Rufous-throated Partridge, Chestnut Headed Tesia, Dark-breasted Rosefinch, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Brown Wood Owl, and Mountain Hawk Eagle. King Cobra, Green Pit Viper, and Lizards are very common here.

The park also comprises other tourist attractions like Tiffin Dara and Red Panda Camp.

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5. Bindu

Distance from NJP	110 km
Distance from Alipurduar	138 km

Bindu is an offbeat destination perched at an altitude of 2000 ft. along the beautiful Jaldhaka River. The meandering river stream along the picturesque hamlet creates a natural border between Bhutan and India.

Bindu is one of the lesser-known hill stations in Kalimpong that provides you with breathtaking views. The place is well-known for its cardamom plantation.

Traveling through the thick deciduous forest of Chapramari, West Bengal’s oldest forest reserve, and spotting wild animals like bison and elephants to reach Bindu can be an enthralling experience.

It is also known as the last village of West Bengal, as it lies on the Bhutan border. Most people visit the place to see Bhutan up close. There is also a market here that sells Bhutanese items.

The place looks alluring in different seasons. If you are lucky, you can also get a glimpse of snow-capped mountains and experience the serene ambiance of Bindu.

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6. Suntalekhola

Distance from NJP	90 km
Distance from Alipurduar	132 km

Suntalekhola is a small hamlet in Dooars, located at an elevation of around 750 meters. It means “orange stream” in English and is a lovely and peaceful tourist destination.

The WBFDC cottages or river camps are the best places to stay here because they provide a clear view of the lush green landscape and high mountains.

Suntalekhola is the starting point of several trekking routes, most leading to the Neora Valley National Park. This is undoubtedly a paradise for adventure seekers. The entire path of these treks is picturesque, complete with lush tea gardens, mountains, and small streams.

There is a suspended footbridge that leads to the Suntalekhola Nature Resort. You can spend time here admiring and exploring nature. Being close to mother nature also allows a golden opportunity for bird watching. This location is well-known for its abundance of unique bird species.

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7. Deolo Hill

Distance from NJP	77 km
Distance from Alipurduar	197 km

Deolo Hill is a picturesque hilltop located northeast of Kalimpong. It is perched at around 2000 meters and is the highest point in town.

It is one of two hills that stand between Kalimpong and the town of Durpin Hill. It is also home to a massive reservoir.

You can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding villages of Relli Valley and Teesta River, as well as the town of Kalimpong, from the top of this hill.

On a clear day, the snow-covered mountains of West Sikkim can be seen from here.

You can also visit a Buddha Statue perched on a large stone, a small Shiva temple, and a large Hanuman temple near the hill.

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8. Lava

Distance from NJP	109 km
Distance from Alipurduar	172 km

At a height of 7217 feet, lies the surreal Lava town. It is an exemplary destination for the ones who adore the cold chilly weather of the mountains.
The places are dotted with all the luxuries of nature starting from valleys, small streams, wild orchids, and much more. It is exactly as we imagine a dreamy picture in our minds. Lavish tropical deciduous and wet alpine forests wind the region.

The small settlement is extremely rejuvenating. Pine trees cover the hills as far as eyes can see. These lofty old trees are sometimes covered by clouds giving the landscape a mystic appearance. The best way to explore the land is by foot. Stroll around breathing in the fragrance of the woody pine.

Lava is a joyous spot to be at. Few things are there to experience, which includes the local life there, trekking, birding, and a lot more. Sometimes during the winters, the town even experiences snow. Nature shows itself at its best in this region.

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9. Lolegaon

Distance from NJP	99 km
Distance from Alipurduar	221 km

Lolegaon is another charming village only 24 kilometers from Lava. This Lepcha village is known for its scenic beauty and is located at an elevation of 1675 meters.

The magnificent view of Kanchenjunga through the misty clouds makes it the ideal location for relaxing and planning your vacation.

And if you’re one of the lucky few, and the weather cooperates, you can even see Mt. Everest’s snow-capped peak glittering in the sun of the breaking dawn.

Depending on your interests, the best months to visit Lolegaon are September to June.

The ethereal beauty of the mountains is at its peak at this time of year. Summers are preferred by those who want to escape the scorching heat.

Lava and Lolegaon both have similar climatic conditions.

Because both of these villages are located at a higher elevation, they have excellent and pleasant temperatures all year. However, the evenings can be chilly, even freezing.

The slice of heaven surrounded by the cold and misty clouds of mountains will leave you mesmerized. The original beauty of this hilly hamlet will enchant you with its beauty and charm.

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10. Rishop

Distance from NJP	109 km
Distance from Alipurduar	180 km

Rishop is one more exquisite stop in the beautiful Kalimpong district. It is a tiny hamlet with a cozy environment and magnificent landscape. The village is situated at the joining point of West Bengal, Sikkim, and Bhutan.

The word “Rishop” means ‘Mountain peak and tree’. Hills, mountains, clouds, and woodlands, all the elements meld together to create this marvelous natural spot. It is a Lepcha village that is packed with fun, joy, and adventure.

Another factor about the place is that it is in the interiors of the Neora Valley National Park. Alpine forest imparts a picture-like look to the place. The untamed wilderness is yet another feature that brings in tourists from afar.

So many places are there to drop by when in Rishop. Stay at the warm homey homestays and enjoy the sensational charm of the site. Soak in the quietness after the sun goes down with a hot cup of tea. Also, plan a nice hike through the village to explore it all.

Mountains are all about surprises, aren’t they? The more we look through, the deeper we delve in. The district of Kalimpong is packed with such miraculous places that await patiently for its discovery from a new start.

Any season will be the time for you to drop by, except for the monsoons. Plan a nice vacation, ticking as many places as possible.

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