An alluring hill station with every charm of a North-Eastern Himalayan town, Kalimpong offers enchanting Himalayan views, serene retreats, attractive temples, majestic churches and colorful monasteries. Long walking trails, exploratory trekking tracks and lots of fishing and angling opportunities in the Teesta River, make it an ideal place for nature and adventure lovers too. Yet, Kalimpong is not just about calm and serenity - it has a colorful life too. Indulge in some local shopping around the river, visit the beautiful monasteries and soak in the beautiful sights of the Kanchendzonga Range – this is a holiday you’ll never forget.

• Durpin Dhara: This is a major tourist spot in Kalimpong. Being the highest point in the town, it offers splendid views of the plains that lie below and also of the gushing Teesta that flows by. A famous monastery, the Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang, is also located here.

• Dr Graham's Home: Now a major tourist attraction, this was a school built to educate the children of the tea-estates. It is now also an orphanage and houses a museum which is raised in the memory of the founder, Dr J.A. Graham and his wife Catharine. The institute spreads over a 500 acre estate complete with own dairy, poultry and bakery.

• Thongsha Gompa: Another place of tourist interest in Kalimpong, this is an old monastery, probably the oldest monastery in the region. It is of Bhutanese origin and is believed to have been constructed in 1630.

• Gauripur House: This is a co-operative training institute which was once a favorite haunt of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

• Gompas: Kalimpong has a number of Gompas which also make interesting places for tourists to visit. The Tharpa Choeling Gompa, which belongs to the Yellow Hat (Gelukpa) sect of Tibetan Buddhism is one of the most prominent. The gompas are noted for their impressive wall paintings as well as for the amazing views they provide.

• Flower Nurseries: Gardens and nurseries growing flowers are also a major attraction in Kalimpong as the town is known for its high flower produce. It alone produces 80% of India’s Gladioli and is a major exporter of flowers to other parts of the country.

• Shri Mangal Dham: This is one of the most enchanting temples in the region. Sprawling over acres the complex houses the Samadhi of the founder Guruji. The first floor of the complex contains the prayer hall which has the idol of Raj Shyamaji. The walls of the prayer hall portray vivid pictures from Krishna Leela and other important stories in mythology.

With a visible Tibetan influence, Tibetan cuisine is also a major part of the local diet. Momo is one of the delicacies one cannot afford to miss. Gompu’s is one of the best places on town to enjoy steaming momos. Many street side hawkers also sell vegetarian momos and are cheaper options of enjoying these delicacies. China Garden is a nice place to savor some authentic Chinese. Their Mei Foon and Chicken Drumsticks are their specialties which no one should miss. They are simply irresistible. Delectable Indian cuisine can be sampled at the restaurant of The Sood's Garden Retreat.

If you want to go shopping in Kalimpong, the best place to hit is the main bazaar that overlooks the Teesta River. Innumerable small shops and stalls here which sell out arts, handicrafts, utility objects, garments and a host of curios and souvenirs to take home. The 10th Mile Market and the Raja Dorje Market are the best for shopping in Kalimpong. R.C. Mintri is the best place to shop for a wide variety of garments. Dresses with authentic Lepcha, Bhutanese and Sikkimese embroidered work are a favorite among women. Tashi Takgye is great for curios, paintings, statues and wall hangings.