Kalimpong or Darjeeling: Which Hill Station to Choose
North India is truly a tapestry of beauty and marvels, with mountains towering high like gentle giants, verdant green valleys that are embedded with ancient tales and the crisp Himalayan air draws both adventure seekers and mystics alike. The hill stations in North India aren’t your ordinary destinations but are getaways to breathtaking experiences that give you a break from the chaos of the daily hustle. Among North India’s scenic treasures, Kalimpong and Darjeeling stand out as mesmerising locations with their postcard-perfect scenery and vibes. Perched on the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, both these destinations have been captivating tourists from all over the country for decades.
In this Blog
The Mountain Showdown
Deep within the mountains of West Bengal, two crown jewels – Kalimpong and Darjeeling exude an irresistible allure. The two titans of the Himalayan realm unveil themselves as more than geographical spots, promising to transform your trip to the hills into an extraordinary experience. Immerse yourself into a paradise that is blessed with some of the most beautiful monasteries in India, the colonial charm that holds historical significance and stunning views from every corner, these two destinations are like two siblings – one understated and enigmatic while the other is famous and boldly flamboyant. But here’s the real question; Which one is the best for you? Well, let’s set the stage!
Kalimpong – The Serene Charmer
Positioned at a modest 1,247 metres above sea level and only 50 km from Drajeeling, Kalimpong is like a quiet poet of the hill station in North India. This lesser-known oasis greets you with a tranquil aura and since it is still to be explored by travellers, feels like a well-kept secret. Here time slows down and mornings are veiled in mists that carry the delicate fragrances of pine along with hopeful expectations.
The magnetism of Kalimpong lies in its journey that takes you through widening roads enveloped by greenery and across the Teesta River. Due to its laid-back ambience and untamed grandeur, Kalimpong is perfect for travellers who want to escape the fast-paced lifestyle and find respite without letting go of the mountain magic. Envision a haven of peace surrounded by the prominent hills, Durpin, Deolo, and Chotta Sinche, that embrace you as you explore the region.
Getting to this mountain hideout is an adventure in itself. Being easily accessible by road, It’s a ride of about 2 hours and 45 minutes from NJP/Bagdogra, turning your trip into a beautiful view of rolling hills and lush scenery. Kalimpong isn’t just a place to visit; it’s like a refreshing gulp of mountain air, no joke!
Tourist Attractions in Kalimpong that Steal Your Heart
Spiritual Sanctuaries: Kalimpong is known for its monasteries and path to enlightenment with many architectural wonders that are more than religious structures. Durpin Monastery and Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery are two of the most famous monasteries to visit in Kalimpong
Floral Path: Many botanical gardens in Kalimpong cultivate some of the most exotic species of flowers including cacti, orchids and gladioli, making this a sacred space for nature lovers. Just picture yourself walking through the rows of meticulously grown blossoms.
Architectural Time Capsules: Just as you set foot in Kalipong, you will be taken back by the age-old colonial architecture evident in its neighbourhoods. Morgan House, a British-era mansion, happens to be a famous landmark while most of the cottages here look like its been frozen in the past.
Countryside Strolls: If you love the outdoors but also want a touch of peace, you can find that in Kalimpong’s Deolo Hill, which is also the highest point in the area. Presenting a fusion of calm nature walks and gorgeous views of the surrounding hills and valleys, Kalimpong gives you a chance to reconnect with nature.
Darjeeling – The Queen of Hills
Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Darjeeling has loomed large over travellers as a compelling hill station in India for ages. It stands at an elevation of 6,710 feet above sea level, and not surprisingly people refer to it as Queen of the Hills. A trip to Gangtok and Darjeeling is endowed with a seamless architectural fusion of rich colonial history and thriving culture with breathtaking jungle views, towering mountains and romantic valleys as the backdrop. This extraordinary little town can make you appreciate its facade with ancient Kabuki Theatre, whether it is looking at the Sunset on mount Kanchenjunga or the fragrance of the world-famous Darjeeling tea.
A traveller would tease their soul in Darjeeling in winter because it is more than a holiday spot for families. Gaze down at colonial-style houses on hilly terrains, hear Buddhist prayers from ancient stupas and shop for gynophores, or just sit blissfully soaking heartwarming tea in a homely hillside cafe, and Darjeeling guards them all. Now more than ever, the current temperature of Darjeeling can make you start packing for a holiday.
Just 73 kilometres away from New Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling is incredibly accessible yet seems a world away. The fabled Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train is not merely transportation but an experience in passing through living postcards, winding through tea gardens and misty mountain passes.
Places to Visit in Darjeeling for a Sensory Feast
Scented emerald expanse: Tea in Darjeeling is unmatched, and its soul is its rolling hills of tea estates dwelling in elegant greenery. Visit one of the beautifully crafted estates to experience the wonderful process of cultivating and making some of the best teas known to man.
Buzzing Markets: Craft stores, Tibetan artefacts and a dozen restaurants fill the busy places out of the local teashops, Malls and Chowrasta. It is the Mosques hidden among the busy markets, Indian idols mingling with fabrics and amazing Buddhist temples throughout the town that showcase the mix of Indian and Tibetan cultural heritage.
Poetry in Sunrise: Millions of people gather there to witness the sunrise at Tiger Hill with a view of Mount Kanchenjunga but when one has seen the sight of the brimmed white monasteries of golden greens hills during the sunrise they are never the same.
Venturing Beyond the Familiar: One of the most popular sights – the Toy Train, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list- attracts thousands of people. A ride in the 80-km long journey from Darjeeling to Ghum showing off mountain and valley views is one like no other, it takes you back to time the best and takes you to places surreal in the best of ways.
Choosing between Kalimpong’s peaceful lullaby and Darjeeling’s energetic outburst is more of what your heart desires than which is better. Kalimpong has monasteries and lush flowers so it softly calls out to you for some calm, while Darjeeling is adorned with popular tea plantations and an impressive view of Kanchenjunga. Why not have both? With lovely villas in Kalimpong and some snug homestays in Darjeeling provided by StayVista, everything becomes class, and to put it in context, one can drink tea while looking at the misty mountains, or rest in a stylish escape waiting to be grabbed. Whether it is a calm or a flash, both hill stations are sure to be blissful with a primarily located StayVista as your home.
