Our Enchanting 4-Day Journey Through Kalimpong: A Hill Station That Stole Our Hearts

Tucked away in the Eastern Himalayas, Kalimpong proved to be one of those rare destinations that exceeded every expectation we had. This charming hill station in West Bengal offered us a perfect blend of Buddhist monasteries, colonial architecture, stunning mountain views, and some of the most delicious momos we’ve ever tasted. What started as a spontaneous weekend getaway turned into four days of pure magic that left us planning our return before we’d even packed our bags.

The Journey Begins: From Kolkata’s Chaos to Himalayan Serenity

Our adventure started at the bustling Sealdah Station in Kolkata at 10:15 PM, where we boarded the Kanchankanya Express bound for New Jalpaiguri. The overnight journey gave us time to decompress from city life and mentally prepare for the mountains ahead. The train chugged through the night, passing through the plains of Bengal before finally reaching NJP around 10:00 AM the next morning.

At New Jalpaiguri, we had pre-arranged a cab through our connections, which turned out to be a smart move given the early morning rush of tourists heading to various hill stations. The 50-kilometre drive to Kalimpong took about two hours, winding through tea gardens and gradually climbing into the hills. Our driver was a local who shared fascinating stories about the region’s history and pointed out landmarks along the way.

The road from Sevoke to Kalimpong offers some breathtaking views, especially once you cross the Teesta River. We watched small villages perched on hillsides come into view, with prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze. The temperature was moderate, not too cold as we gained altitude, but we didn’t require any jacket throughout the journey.

Day 1: Monasteries, View Points, and Colonial Mysteries

After checking into our pre-booked homestay, Flower Patch Homestay, and grabbing a quick lunch, we set out to explore three of Kalimpong’s most iconic attractions. Our first stop was Durpin Monastery and viewpoint, perched on Durpin Hill and offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. We explored the monastery and found the location best at the moment of sunset. It’s definitely one of the best places in Kaimpong to watch the breathtaking views of the sunset. The other beautiful part was the peaceful atmosphere inside the prayer halls, where monks were chanting their afternoon prayers in chorus.

The monastery’s architecture blends traditional Tibetan design with local influences. We spent about an hour here, walking around the complex and soaking in the mountain views. The people there shared some interesting history about how the monastery was built in the 1970s and has since become a centre for Buddhist learning in Kalimpong.

From there, we headed to the Army Golf Club, which might sound like an unusual tourist attraction but turned out to be absolutely fascinating. This isn’t just any golf course – it’s situated at an altitude of about 4,000 feet and offers some of the most stunning views you’ll find on any golf course in India.

Pro Tip from Peeky Traveller: Visit the Army Golf Club during late afternoon when the light hits the mountains just right. The views of the Kanchenjunga range are absolutely spectacular during golden hour.

The final stop of our first day was Morgan House, a colonial-era building that now serves as a heritage hotel. This Tudor-style mansion was built in the 1930s and has quite a reputation for being haunted, though we didn’t experience anything supernatural during my visit. The architecture is stunning, with its steep-sloped roofs, bay windows, and well-maintained gardens. We spent some time in their lounge area, enjoying the old-world charm and sipping tea while reading about the building’s history.

As evening approached, we made our way to Gompus, a local restaurant that had been highly recommended for their pork momos. Let us tell you, these weren’t just any momos – they were perfectly steamed, with thin wrappers that held generous portions of flavourful pork filling. The accompanying chutney had just the right balance of spice and tanginess.

Day 2: Buddha Parks, Hill Stations, and Mountain Monasteries

Day two was ambitious, involving visits to several locations outside Kalimpong proper. We started early with breakfast at our homestay before heading out on what would become a full day of exploration.

A quaint Buddha Park was our first destination, located about 15 minutes from the main town. This attraction features a massive bronze statue of Lord Buddha in a meditation pose, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. What makes this place special isn’t just the statue itself, but the incredible backdrop of snow-capped peaks on clear days. We were lucky with the weather and got some fantastic photos with the Himalayan range in the background.

Next came the drive to Rishop, a small village about 28 kilometres from Kalimpong. The journey itself was an adventure, with narrow mountain roads offering spectacular views at every turn. Rishop sits at a higher altitude than Kalimpong and provides even clearer views of the Eastern Himalayas. We spent about two hours here, walking through the villages and interacting with locals who were incredibly welcoming and eager to share stories about their mountain life.

The highlight of Rishop was definitely the sunrise point, though we visited during midday. Several locals told us that early morning visitors often get clear views of Mount Everest on exceptionally clear days. The village has a few homestays, making it an ideal spot for travellers seeking a quieter alternative to the busier hill stations.

From Rishop, we continued our journey to Lava Monastery, located in the village of Lava about an hour’s drive from Kalimpong. This Tibetan monastery is smaller than Durpin but has its own unique charm. The monks here were particularly welcoming, and one even invited us to join their prayer session. The chanting in the dimly lit prayer hall, with the scent of incense filling the air, created an incredibly moving experience that we’ll remember long after other details of the trip fade.

Our final destination for the day was Jalsa Bungalow in Moonsong, another small settlement higher up in the mountains. This colonial-era bungalow has been converted into a guesthouse and offers some of the most pristine mountain air we’ve ever breathed. The property sits surrounded by thick forests and offers trails for those interested in short hikes. We had tea and snacks here while enjoying the absolute silence – something you rarely experience in today’s connected world.

Day 3: Parks, Plants, and Local Flavours

After two days of extensive travel, we decided to keep day three more relaxed while still exploring some of the must-visit attractions in Kalimpong. Our first stop was Delo Park, located about 5 kilometres from the town centre at an altitude of nearly 5,000 feet.

Delo Park is famous for its viewpoint that offers clear views of the Kanchenjunga range on clear days. We were fortunate enough to visit this place on a crisp morning with excellent visibility. The park also has a small children’s area and walking trails, but the main draw is definitely the panoramic mountain views. We spent about an hour here, taking photos and simply enjoying the fresh mountain air.

What many visitors don’t realize is that Delo Park also has historical significance – it was here that the British established one of their first settlements in the Kalimpong region. There’s a small monument commemorating this history, though it’s somewhat overlooked by most tourists focused on the scenic views.

Our next destination was Pine View Nursery, which might not sound exciting but turned out to be absolutely fascinating. Kalimpong is famous for its orchid and cactus cultivation, and this nursery showcases some remarkable varieties of both. We spent almost an hour here clicking pictures of different plants with different species they cultivate.

The nursery has an impressive collection of local orchid varieties, some of which are quite rare. What impressed us most was their collection of cacti – apparently, Kalimpong’s climate is surprisingly suitable for certain cactus varieties, something we never would have expected in a hill station.

Pro Tip from Peeky Traveller: If you’re interested in plants, visit Pine View Nursery during flowering season (March to May) when many orchids are in bloom. Spend more time here, learn about different species, and if possible take home some of them.

For lunch, we chose Zakhang, a local restaurant known for its authentic Tibetan and Bhutanese cuisine. Located in the main market area, this small establishment doesn’t look like much from the outside but serves some incredible food. We tried their thukpa (noodle soup), which was perfect for the cool mountain weather, along with some tingmo (steamed bread) and vegetables cooked in the traditional style.

The staff shared stories about how recipes have been passed down through generations and how they source ingredients from local farmers. The warmth of the food matched the hospitality of the people, making for a memorable lunch experience that went far beyond just the meal itself.

We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring Kalimpong’s main market, browsing local handicrafts and chatting with shop owners. The market offers everything from traditional textiles to local cheese, and the atmosphere is much more relaxed than markets in larger tourist destinations.

Day 4: Final Moments and the Journey Home

Our final morning in Kalimpong started with breakfast at Cafe Kalimpong, a cosy little spot that’s become quite popular among both locals and tourists. Their coffee was surprisingly good for a small hill town, and we enjoyed carrot cake, pasta, momo, and toast while watching the town wake up around me. The cafe looks amazing with a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains, and the plants they use for the decoration. It’s a perfect spot for travellers to plan their next moves or simply relax.

We used this morning to revisit some of our favourite spots from the previous days, taking final photos and picking up some last-minute souvenirs. Kalimpong’s local market offers some excellent buys, including woolen items, traditional handicrafts, and packets of local tea that make perfect gifts.

The journey back to NJP felt bittersweet. Our driver from the first day had agreed to take us back to the station, and we spent the drive discussing everything we had seen and experienced. He shared more local insights and even suggested some places to visit on a future trip – apparently, there are several beautiful villages in the region that are still relatively untouched by tourism.

At NJP, we caught the evening Darjeeling Mail back to Sealdah, arriving early the next morning. The train journey gave us time to process everything we had experienced and start planning our next visit to this incredible region.

The Final Story

Kalimpong exceeded our expectations in every way possible. This isn’t just another hill station trying to capitalise on mountain views – it’s a place with genuine character, fascinating history, and people who still maintain strong connections to their cultural traditions. The combination of Buddhist monasteries, colonial architecture, stunning natural beauty, and incredible food created an experience that felt both authentic and deeply satisfying.

What struck us most about Kalimpong was how it manages to feel both peaceful and engaging. Unlike some hill stations that can feel either too touristy or completely dead, Kalimpong has found a perfect balance. There’s enough to see and do things in Kalimpong to keep you busy, but never so much that you feel rushed or overwhelmed.

The people we met – from monastery monks to restaurant owners to our driver – all shared a genuine warmth and pride in their region that’s becoming increasingly rare in tourist destinations. They weren’t just trying to sell us something; they wanted to share their home and their stories.

Four days in Kalimpong taught us that the best travel experiences often come from places that aren’t on everyone’s must-visit list. This charming hill station offered everything we were seeking – adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, and incredible food – without any of the crowds or commercialisation that can diminish other destinations.

We’re already planning our return visit, this time perhaps for a longer stay that would allow us to explore some of the more remote villages and maybe even attempt some serious hiking in the surrounding hills. Kalimpong has earned a permanent place on our list of favourite destinations, and we have a feeling it will do the same for anyone else lucky enough to discover its charms.