There is a subtle beauty about the rains. As a traveller, I have come to realise that there are some places that takes a different beauty when it rains. It also made me realise why the poets and writers are so fond of the falling rains. There is a hidden romanticism in the rains.
I have visited Kalimpong a number of times. Being closer to home, Kalimpong and Darjeeling are two of my favourite places where I can visit any time. Both these places look extremely beautiful during the monsoon. The misty surroundings, the greenery and the empty streets make Kalimpong one of my favourite places to visit during the monsoon months. Lets elaborate the reasons why I love Kalimpong so much during the rains.
I get the solitude I want during this time. Travel for me is not just ticking of the checklist. As a city dweller, I crave for some solitude and nature time and often. During the summer months, Kalimpong becomes the favourite destinations of tourists from all over. Come monsoons, the crowd is less, there are lesser vehicles and the perfect tranquility that I crave for. I do not have to bargain, neither do I not have to worry about my stay.
Nature rejuvenates during the monsoon. Everything is green and fresh. The dust from the leaves is gone. The forests appear alive. With mother Nature, I too get rejuvenated. It is always soothing to look at the greenery around. You cannot really understand this beauty if you are just sitting at your office and complaining at the waterlogged lanes of the city. At Kalimpong, the rains will itself give you reasons to smile. The fresh smell of the soil along with the cool breezy weather, everything makes for a unique experience in Kalimpong.
Well, the views of the mountains and valleys will be obstructed during the rainy seasons. But it compensates for the freshness, lush greenery and the clouds drifting in and out. So if you are looking for serenity and peace, then visit Kalimpong during the monsoon.
Places to visit in Kalimpong
Deolo Hill
Deolo Hill is the highest point in Kalimpong. Located at an altitude of 1700 metres, you will get a panoramic view of the city, surrounding valleys and river from here. Horse riding and paragliding are also available here. However, during the monsoons, you will not be able to do paragliding.
Pine View Nursery
The Pine View Nursery has a great collection of cacti and other ornamental plants. If you are a plant lover, then a visit to this place is must. You will also get a great view of the Kalimpong town from the lawn.
Entry Fees: INR 10.
Dr Graham’s Home
This is a missionary school set up by Dr. J A Graham as an orphanage and school for the poor and destitute Anglo Indian children. It had started with a single cottage and now have grown into a co-educational school having nearly 50 cottages. You can visit here and go around the school. Dr. Graham’s Home is located on the way to Deolo Hill.
Morgan House
Morgan House was once a British bungalow and reflects the colonial architecture to the best. Presently, it has been converted into a hotel run by the West Bengal Tourism Department. It has a huge sprawling garden. You can enter the premises and go around the garden, but cannot go upstairs in the building.
Interestingly, Morgan House is believed to be haunted. It is said that the spirit of Lady Morga still haunts the house. Well, the stone walls covered by ivy and the surrounding pine trees does give an eerie feel to it. And during the monsoon, with the mist hanging over, it is a great setting for some ghost stories to be told!
Durpin Monastery
The monastery is located atop the Durpin Hill and so named such. The monastery is also known as Zang Dog Palri Monastery. It was built in 1972 and has some Tibetan scripts brought by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. From the terrace of the monastery, you will get great views of Kalimpong town and the Kanchenjunga range (if weather remains clear).
How to reach Kalimpong
The nearest airport is at Bagdogra. The nearest railway station is at New Jalpaiguri (NJP). You will get private cars from Bagdogra, NJp and Siliguri towards Kalimpong. The budget travellers will get shared sumos from NJP station and Siliguri Bus stand towards Kalimpong.
I am often discouraged to visit hill stations during the monsoon. But believe me, they are one of the best times to visit those places. Monsoon makes these places even more charming and beautiful. And it always reminds me of my childhood days when I would enjoy the rains without a care in the world. Visit Kalimpong in the monsoons and later thank me for it!
Do you have any such experiences in monsoons? Write about it here.
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