Kalimpong Town, Kalimpong

Perched at 1,250 meters on a ridge between the Teesta and Relli rivers, Kalimpong is West Bengal's best-kept secret. While its famous neighbor Darjeeling draws the crowds, this tranquil hill town offers something more precious: authenticity. Here, Buddhist prayer flags flutter over colonial-era cottages, Tibetan monasteries share space with Gothic churches, and the mighty Kanchenjunga watches over terraced hillsides bursting with orchids and cacti. The name Kalimpong translates to “Stronghold of King's Minister” in the local dialect, though some believe it derives from Kalibong, a fiber plant abundant in the region. What's certain is that this multicultural town, home to Lepchas, Nepalis, Tibetans, and descendants of British colonials, offers travelers a gentler, more intimate Himalayan experience.