Kalimpong is a small hill station in North Bengal that offers you the majestic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga in conjunction with lush greenery and distinct snow-capped mountains. The buildings and churches of Kalimpong reflect the style of the British during the colonial times which makes the city even more historically rich. Located on the Himalayan foothills tucked above the Teesta River, Kalimpong is home to many famous tourist spots such as Buddhist monasteries and gardens in addition to churches and colonial buildings. Apart from all these amazing spots, one thing that majorly attracts visitors is the amazing shopping markets!
Shopping in Kalimpong is unique. Why? Because it is seldom that you will find the opportunity to shop on the streets whilst enjoying the picturesque beauty of the mighty Himalayas as the pleasant wind touches your face and gives you a feeling of rejuvenation. There are many shopping places in Kalimpong and many things that you can buy there which will add to the wonderful memories of your trip!
Best Shopping Places In Kalimpong
There exists no such place in the world where one cannot find shops and markets to buy the most exquisite items. And, Kalimpong is surely one such place. Some of the best shopping places in Kalimpong include Rishi Avenue where you can taste the delectable Nepalese food along with shopping, Kashi Nath & Sons where you can find books on Buddhism, Tibetan development, Nepalese culture, etc, Kalimpong Art Gallery where you can buy the famous art of the city, and Tashi Takgye where you can shop for Tibetan items. Now that we know about the markets that we need to visit, it is no harm to check out the popular items that we must add to your luggage from our trip to Kalimpong.
5 Popular Things To Buy In Kalimpong
Kalimpong has many things that are unique to the city and its culture. A large part of traveling includes exploring the traditions and more of a place and there is no better way to do that apart from indulging in the art of shopping. Right? So, here are the 5 most popular things that you must buy while shopping at Kalimpong.
1. Dalle Khursani
Dalle Khursani is chilly peppers that are unique to Kalimpong. They are round and red and there is a huge possibility that if you have already seen them, you have probably mistaken them for cherries. The rich aroma and taste of this spice find its way into the cuisine of Kalimpong when used in curry or Chinese food. If you want to buy Dalle Khursani, then head on to Haat Bazaar, which is one of the best places for street shopping in Kalimpong and Rishi road where the peppers are found in bottles at shops.
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2. Kalimpong Cheese And Lollipops
The Kalimpong cheese and lollypops are the authentic cheese found in Kalimpong. These swiss dairy products were first introduced by swiss catholic priests and since then, the recipe has stayed with the locals. The rich cheese is considered a traditional item of the city and can be found in several shops.
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3. Fing
Fing or glass noodles are prepared locally and stored in packets. Made during the dry months between October and June, fing is prepared by the cottage industry of Kalimpong. They taste different than the noodles that you may have tried till now and are surely worthy of shopping in Kalimpong.
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4. Handmade Paper Products
From shopping bags to wrapping papers and stationery, there are many handmade products that are handcrafted with love by the people of Kalimpong. You will not be able to find such excellent handmade products anywhere else in Darjeeling.
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5. Tibetan Arts And Crafts
Kalimpong is famous for its Tibetan culture and this culture of course, finds its way to the crafts sold there. Owing to the burgeoning of the Tibetan art and handicraft industry, there are a lot of things you can shop for such as Thangkas which are intricately made religious scroll paintings, woolen garments, wood crafted items, tapestry bags and purses.
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Tips For Shopping In Kalimpong
Here are some tips that you must keep in mind while shopping in Kalimpong.
- Explore the local markets if you want to buy the authentic items of Kalimpong
- Carry a jute or cotton bag for shopping for bags may or may not be provided by the shopkeepers
- Always carry extra cash and don’t be dependent on ATMs for there are only a few in the town
- Avoid bargaining too much for the products are sold at an honest price in Kalimpong
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Shopping in Kalimpong will make you explore the beautiful lanes of the city as you interact with the locals residing there and discover things that are truly authentic to the culture of Kalimpong. As and when you plan your trip to West Bengal, don’t forget to take out a day ( or two!) to simply rejuvenate amidst alluring mountains because you know they say that shopping is indeed therapy!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping In Kalimpong
Where can one shop in Kalimpong?
Some of the markets where one can shop in Kalimpong are: 1. Rishi Road 2. Haat Bazaar 3. Tashi Takgye 4. R.C Mintri Road
What are some of the places one must visit in Kalimpong?
Some of the most amazing places to visit in Kalimpong are: 1. Tharpa Choling Monastery 2. Thongsa Gompa 3. Hanuman Mandir 4. Pine View Nursery 5. Neora Valley National Park
Is there any market in Kalimpong which is open at night?
Yes, Haat bazaar in Kalimpong is open at night.
What can one buy in Kalimpong?
One can shop for the following things in Kalimpong: 1. Handicrafts 2. Embroidered bags and purses 3. Copperware 4. Tibetan jewelry and artifacts
Can one pay by card while shopping in Kalimpong?
While street shopping, of course one cannot pay by card and even while shopping at stores, it is preferable to keep cash for payment.
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A budding entrepreneur, Raminder has completed his studies from Delhi and gradually developed interest in writing. His zeal and experience is what has made him a successful writer today.
