Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, Kalingpong is a hill station in the West bengal state of India. With the majestic Kanchenjunga in its backdrop Kalingpong is well know for it’s picturesque landscape, Buddhist monasteries, adventure sports, folk music, and colonial architectures.
As per the Lepchas, Kalingpong means “Ridge where we play”. Kalingpong is situated over the ridge that connect two hills – Deolo and Durpin.
Once a trade route between India and Tibet, Kalingpong is well connected to rest of the country. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri junction (NJP) and nearest airport is Bagdogra. Kalingpong is well connected by motorable roads with Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Gangtok.
The best time to visit Kalingpong is between December to March. These hills recieves enoromous precipitation during the Monsoon season so it’s better to avoid the rainy season.
My journey began at NJP station. From NJP station I reached NBSTC bus depo and board the 6:30 AM bus. If you like you can rent a car or take a shared cab. It will take 2 hours and 30 minutes approximately to reach Kalingping.
After reaching Kalingpong I rented a taxi from the near by taxi stand for sightseeing in 1100/ rupees. If you go in a group then this will not be very expensive for you as all of you will share the rent. If you want to check in into a hotel then there are several good hotels near the bus stand.
Places To See in Kalingpong –
Deolo Park –Deolo Park is situated at the top of the Deolo hills. This hill offers beautiful panoramic view of the majestic Kanchenjunga, Kalingpong town, and surrounding villages. You can enjoy paragliding in Deolo hills. The Deolo tourist lodge is located in the Deolo hills.
Entry fee – Rupees 10/ per person.
Kalingpong Science Center –
1 Km away from Deolo hills, it is a science and technology center in Kalingpong. Spread across 7 Km Kalingpong Science City houses a science observatory, 3D movie hall, and various scientific objects.
Entry Fee – Rupees 20/ per person
Hanuman Temple –
Situated near Deolo hill, it is one of the popular pilgrimage center in Kalingpong. This temple has a 30 feet tall statue of Lord Hanuman. There is also a Durga temple near the entrance. This place offers beautiful view of the majestic Kanchenjunga, Lava, and Kaffer hills.
Lord Buddha Statue and Park –Another famous spiritual site is the Lord Buddha Statue and park. The park has several species of plants, and lord Buddha sitting in lotus pose at the center.
Zong Dhok Palri Monastery –
Also known as Durpin Monastery, it is the biggest monastery in Kalingpong. Durpin monastery consecrates by his holiness Dalai Lama. This monastery has sculptured walls, pillars, and ancient paintings. Durpin monastery has important religious significance because of the sacred Kangyur kept inside the monastery which was carried by his holiness Dalai Lama during his exile. From here one can see the beautiful snowcapped peaks of Kanchenjunga and the wonderful Teesta river.
Natural Interpretation Centre / Forest Museum –Located on Rinkin Pong road, it is a popular museum in Kalingpong. This museum is famous for its dioramas – a 3D miniature of the different ecological life residing in Kalingpong area.
Pine view Nursery –
Located on Atisha road, Pine View nursery is a popular Cactus nursery and must visit tourist destination in Kalingpong. It is a private property and houses 1500 species of Cactus collected from around the globe. It has the largest collection of Cactus in entire Asia. Pine View nursery remains close on Sundays. You can visit the wonderful nursery on weekdays between 9AM and 5 PM.
Entry Fee – Rupees 20/ Per Person.
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