This hill station in the Mahabharat Range is located at the very northernmost point of West Bengal. Its prime location in the gateway of trade from India to Tibet meant that it enjoyed proximity to the famed Silk Road and was an important trading post for the area. Located at an elevation of 1250 meters, its temperate climate has allowed it to excel in horticulture as well. Kalimpong has nearly 50 nurseries and a flower market notable for its 300 species of orchids that account for 80% of India’s export crop. The region is classified as an ecological hotspot that includes lush examples of acacia, cinnamon, ficus, rhododendron, bamboo, cacti and cardamom that are found on the nearby hillsides.

Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery: This Buddhist monastery, also popularly known as the Lava Monastery, is located atop Durpin Hill. This monastery was built in the year 1976, when Dalai Lama visiting here from Tibbet and houses many rare scriptures that were brought into India after the invasion of Tibet in 1959.