The property is a magnificent British-era bungalow
For many Bengalis, Kalimpong, the Land of Orchids, is inextricably linked to memories of Rabindranath Tagore, given how much he loved the hill town, and how much time he spent there. However, Kalimpong is worth celebrating and visiting for many other reasons, both historical and current.
Its stunning orchids, temperate forests, monasteries, churches, Tibetan handicraft centres, colonial-era bungalows and other structures, and panoramic valley views make Kalimpong an absolute paradise for tourists. And the tourism experience is further enhanced by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation’s Hilltop Tourism Property, a magnificent British-era bungalow spread over 2.3 acres of land on Darwin Road in the area known as Khasmahal, peaceful and quiet thanks to its distance from the centre of town.
The first recorded mention of the town in British documents seems to date back to 1865, courtesy Ashley Eden, an official with the Bengal Civil Service. Kalimpong was added to Darjeeling district in 1866, and soon became a subdivision. Its wonderfully temperate climate and natural beauty prompted the British to develop Kalimpong as a hill getaway like Darjeeling, and a favourite summer destination for many.
The arrival of Scottish missionaries in the 1870s boosted the town’s colonial links, as well as giving it some of India’s most sought after missionary schools, which continue to flourish. Its proximity to mountain passes like Nathu La and Jelep La made it a prosperous outpost for the trade in fur, wool and food grain between India and Tibet. This in turn attracted large populations of Nepalis from neighbouring Nepal and Sikkim, and Kalimpong had soon transformed from a small hamlet to a thriving town, though trade routes with Tibet were closed after the Indo-China War of 1962.
One other important influx was that of Tibetan Buddhist monks following China’s annexation of Tibet in 1959. Hundreds of monks fled Tibet and established monasteries in Kalimpong, bringing with them numerous rare Buddhist scriptures.
Hilltop Tourism Property is close to some of Kalimpong’s most popular landmarks, such as Thongsha Gumpha (2.25 km, the oldest monastery in the region, dating back to the 1690s), Dr Graham’s Home (4.3 km), Kalimpong Cactus Nursery (0.8 km), Pine View Nursery (0.8 km), and Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery (1.9 km), this last consecrated by the visiting Dalai Lama in 1976. As you can tell, all are within walking distance of the property.
The well-maintained bungalow has a huge common balcony connecting all its 10 rooms. All the rooms are equipped with modern amenities including TV, intercom, electric kettle, room heater and geyser, with some rooms also offering a fireplace. The property has free-wifi and ample parking space.
The view from the rooms and balcony is breathtaking, and another winner is the beautiful lawn, from which you can see Mt Kanchenjunga on a clear day. The lush garden surrounding the lawn is resplendent with flowers, which attract a variety of butterflies and birds. The property also has a restaurant which can seat 48 persons at a time, and provides local cuisine and complimentary breakfast.
How to get there
Kalimpong is 65 km by road from Siliguri and 75 km from Bagdogra airport. If you are travelling from Darjeeling, the 50 km-drive will take about two hours. For those wishing to drive down from Kolkata, the distance is 623.6 km and the drive takes about 14 hours.
If you travel by train, board the Darjeeling Mail from Sealdah and get off at New Jalpaiguri station, from where Kalimpong is another 77 km. Public and private transport are easily available at the station.
Bengal Beckons 