About KalimpongThe most laid-back of the eastern Himalayas' three hill stations, Kalimpong is a gentle, sleepy, and much-overlooked town nestled across two beautiful hilltops. An ancient trade port on the old "Horse and Tea Road" from Lhasa, Tibet, the town has seen many influences over the past five hundred years, all of which add to its character. Once part of Sikkim, then Bhutan (which still maintains a seat of government in the town), it was annexed by British India in 1865 following the Anglo-Bhutanese War. In the late 19th century, Scottish missionaries built the many schools and churches that give the town a unique colonial flavour. More recently it has been a centre of Nepali culture and politics, and a focal point for writers, musicians and artists from the hills.
The weather is pleasant all year round, except for a short cold snap November - January. |
What to see |
If you want to see an ancient Buddhist monastery nestled inside an Indian army camp, just above one of the world's most treacherous golf courses, you've come to the right place! But while you're here, you'd be wise to check out the Lepcha cultural museum that displays artifacts from the oldest tribe in the Indian Himalayas, paraglide from the top of Deolo Hill and visit the ruin of Nobel Prize-winning Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore's old summer mansion. You could also visit the Scottish villa where Russian painters Nicholas and Svetlana Roerich set off on their expeditions, and take high tea in the Himalayan Hotel where countless explorers and anthropologists rested after their own endeavours. For a more relaxing day, sit for a while in the small French bakery (where the quiche is sublime), or take in the view of the mountains from the Art Café, Kalimpong's hippest new joint.
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How to get here |
From Kolkata, the cheapest way is to take the train to New Jalpaiguri train station and then arrange a bus, taxi or shared jeep. To cut that overnight train journey down to an hour you can fly into Bagdogra Airport for around €50 / £35 with IndiGo. From Darjeeling we're just a two hour jeep ride through beautiful tea gardens.
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