Kalimpong is a beautifully quaint hill station in West Bengal, bordering the Teesta River. Famous for its picturesque views, the place enjoys clear views of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain peak in the world. With places like Kafer village, one of the offbeat Places In Kalimpong, the hill station is famous for its lush nature, and the remnants of a bygone era, be it the British colonial rule, or the Bhutanese and Tibetian rule. Apart from the Deolo Park and Hills, the numerous monasteries, and the Neora Valley National Park, here are the must-visit gems that the explorer in you will delight in.
5 Offbeat Places In Kalimpong You Must Visit
From the canyons of Yelbong to the gorgeous town of Nimbong, check out these top 5 offbeat places in Kalimpong that you must add to your list on your next vacation.
1. Bidyang
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Situated on the banks of the Reli River, Bidyang is one the closest offbeat places in Kalimpong within 100 kms. A scenic beauty for your perfect cottage core getaway, one can enjoy several homestays in the area, an ideal blend of rustic and modern amenities. Besides enjoying the river, you can walk to Dima Falls nearby and enjoy the orange orchards.
How To Reach: Cars and Jeeps from Kalimpong, or taxis from Bagdogra airport
Time Required: An overnight stay will guarantee the best possible experience.
Best Time To Visit: November to May.
Must Read: Things To Do In Darjeeling
2. Mayrong Gaon
Mairung or Mayrong village, was discovered only a few years ago, and since then, it has captured many eyes for its prime location for birdwatching enthusiasts. Surrounded by the Tendrabong forest and the Neora Valley National Park, it’s one of the best offbeat places in Kalimpong within 100 kms if you’re looking for a spot with pleasant weather, right in nature’s lap. It is also a fabulous spot for staying overnight during the tourist season, to avoid the crowd and have a hassle-free journey, like Kalimpong, it is close to popular tourist attractions like the Pedong monastery, Changey Waterfall, Ryshop, Fusrey Lake, and many more.
How To Reach: Cars and Jeeps from Kalimpong (20 km), Lava (15 km) by road
Time Required: 2-3 days
Best Time To Visit: All round the year, though best seasons are Spring and Autumn (March to November)
3. Nimbong
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A nook of Kalimpong, this less traversed cosy village will take you away from the crowd and allow you to enjoy nature at its best. With multiple homestays, resorts and hotels, it offers an amazing opportunity to stop and breathe, and simply feel in place. Apart from the meditative calm, avid trekkers will love this place for its hidden trek routes. You can also see the tea plantations, snow-covered peaks, and Himalayan birds here. You can even go to Rishop Village from here. It is the perfect stay if you’re on a budget or out for the weekend.
How To Reach: Private cars from Kalimpong and New Jalpaiguri by road
Time Required: 1-2 days
Best Time To Visit: November to May
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Siliguri
4. Kafer Gaon
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Kafer Gaon, literally Kafer Village, is located within the popular Lolegaon area of the Kalimpong district. One of the best offbeat places in Kalimpong within 200 km of any public transport, the village is less known than its sister town of Lolegaon. Still, it offers breathtaking views of the mighty Kanchenjunga and the Dooars plains. You can make a day visit it and even experience the well-known Canopy Walk nearby. The pristine village is becoming famous for its hospitality and undisturbed state of nature that has been preserved.
How To Reach: By road from Kalimpong and New Jalpaiguri railway station.
Time Required: 1+1/2 days.
Best Time To Visit: February to April, October to November.
5. Yelbong
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Yelbong is one of the best offbeat places in Kalimpong. Famous for its river canyon cave, it is one of the only places in West Bengal and India where you can try out river canyon trekking. Simultaneously, you can also camp beside the river, indulge in mountain river camping, be lulled to sleep by the gushing water and be awakened by trilling bird calls. One of the offbeat places in Kalimpong within 200 kms of Siliguri, it is also a hotspot for unique flora and fauna that will delight the explorer in you. While the river canyon will be closed during the rainy season, the quaint village will give you an amazing local experience of food, culture and tradition. Book your stay facilities at least 2 to 3 weeks before the trip, to avoid last-minute unavailabilities.
How To Reach: By road from Siliguri or New Mal Junction railway station.
Time Required: 2-3 days.
Best Time To Visit: October, February to March. It is advised not to visit during Monsoon, and November to January due to the harsh cold climate.
Further Read: Things To Do In Siliguri
Now that you have a list of the best offbeat places in Kalimpong, make sure your trip to Kalimpong is to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities and book your tickets now!
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Frequently asked questions About Offbeat Places In Kalimpong
What to wear on a trip and carry to Kalimpong?
Carrying several sweaters and warm clothes is recommended, as it gets cold. While offbeat places in Kalimpong have hotels, resorts, and homestays, there is a lack of nearby immediate care facilities in terms of medicine, hospitals, and daily needs if you are not local and thus aware of the area. While the people are accommodating, certain specialised medicines may not be available at all. Comfortable, waterproof shoes are a must, as a lot of trekking is involved at every location.
Which is the best season to travel to Kalimpong?
The perfect time to visit the best offbeat places in Kalimpong is between October and April, when the weather is dry and cold. Facilities are more easily available as well, as it is the tourist season. It may be more crowded than usual, but several facilities are unavailable during the monsoon months.
What are some places I can visit in Kalimpong?
The Deolo hills, monasteries, Lepcha Museum and Art Center, Zang Dhok Palri Phodang, Dr. John Graham's Homes make for some fantastic vacation spots for both, the best offbeat places in Kalimpong for weekends, as well as places with fewer tourists.
Does Kalimpong have snowfall?
The temperature in Kalimpong drops severely during the winter months of December and January when the district experiences heavy snowfall. Late November also has many cold days.
Which is the nearest airport to Kalimpong?
The nearest airport is Bagdogra International Airport, which is 78 km from Kalimpong. It is well connected to India’s industrial centres. Taxis can be taken from the airport to Kalimpong.
Which is the perfect getaway to visit with family in West Bengal?
Kalimpong is the perfect getaway for families. People of all ages can enjoy the district's nature, treks, and historical areas. Visiting during local festivals makes your experience truly worthwhile.
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