Nestled in the Himalayan foothills of North Bengal, Kalimpong is perfect for some rejuvenation of the soul. Picturesque landscapes, quaint lanes and alleys, rich culture and tradition, and a plethora of eateries serving delectable food, Kalimpong has it all. Of late, the town has also built up a reputation for contemporary art spaces that you must not miss out on.
Check out these cafes, studios, wellness centers and museums when you are in Kalimpong next.
Art Café, Kalimpong
Located on a hillside in the main Thana Dara square of Kalimpong, the café founded by local residents Pravesh Chhetri and Yachna Rizalwhich promotes local artists, musicians and even hosts a number of events and gigs. You can order a cup of coffee, and a side of their carrot cake (or a signature pizza) while enjoying the stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range. The minimalist décor has a very earthy vibe. During the lockdown, they have been delivering their café dishes to people's homes via @doortep deliveries.
Café Kalimpong
Located at about 10 minutes walking distance from the main town, this little café is a popular space for art shows, exhibitions and sale of local handicrafts, and music events. On clear sky days one can easily see the Nathu La Pass at the Indo-China border. Founded by Praveen Chettri, Navin Chettri and Yawan Rai, the sole aim is to promote the local culture, art and crafts of Kalimpong. The menu offers a number of signature items like pizzas and smoothies and authentic Darjeeling tea.
The School for Natural History Art
This art studio, run by Hemlata Pradhan, is located amidst lush green hills. An award-winning botanical illustrator, Pradhan has studied at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, the Royal College of Art in London, and is the winner of UK’s Royal Horticultural Society’s Gold Medal. The studio has high ceilings, and huge glass windows with natural light filtering. It is ideal to host art workshops and pick up basics of botanical art. You can also join their informal weekend classes. Several works by Pradhan and her students are up for sale and you can easily pick them up from the studio. Contact her at hemlata.pradhan@gmail.com for more information.
Crookety House
This beautiful cottage used to be the residing place for Helena Roerich for the last seven years of her life. After the demise of her famous painter-husband Nicholas Roerich, Helena came to India and stayed in Delhi and Khandala before finally moving to the quaint Himalayan town of Kalimpong in 1949. The Crookety House was built by the British during the 1940s and became a hub of spirituality and philosophic learning. It was converted into a museum after her death, and is currently managed by Italian admirers of the Roerich family who established the Himalayan Institute of Ethics and Good Living here. If you are looking for a quiet, soulful meditating place in Kalimpong, Crookety House fits the bill. You can check out the many works by Roerich around the place and also pick up prints.
Himalayan Handmade Paper Industry
The art of making eco-friendly, insect resistant handmade paper is not something new to the hills. Locally known as the pahari paper, this was initially manufactured at Ganjong Paper Industry at Bhagdhara in Kalimpong. It was later transformed into a thriving industry by the Himalayan Handmade Paper Industry on DK Pradhan Road which ensured the preservation of this ancient paper-making tradition. The elaborate process requires gallons of water but the self-sustaining factory harvests their own rainwater. The resulting paper is used to block-print Buddhist monastic scriptures, but it's also sold here as notebooks and cards. Morning is the best time to see production. It's a 15-minute walk from town, look out for a partly hidden sign on a 'private Road' driveway on the right side of the road. Visit the place to stock up on your stationery and aesthetic paper-mache items.
Lepcha Museum
For art and culture enthusiasts, a visit to Kalimpong's Lepcha Museum is a must. It showcases the life and culture of the Lepcha people and is aimed at preserving their traditions and heritage. The Lepcha community is indigenous to this region. Located very close to the main town at the Big Dhara area of Kalimpong, the museum stands tall surrounded by wonderful views of the Himalayas. It displays various articles of worship, original Lepcha musical instruments, masks, handicraft items and manuscripts.
