Kalimpong

A hill town at roughly 1,200 metres on a ridge above the Teesta river. It is known for its Buddhist monasteries, flower and orchid nurseries, colonial-era churches and dairy products (Kalimpong cheese). It is a calmer alternative to Darjeeling and a base for offbeat hill villages.

• Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery (Durpin Dara)
• Orchid and cactus nurseries
• Deolo Hill viewpoint
• Local cheese and Himalayan crafts