Best Photo Spots in Kalimpong
Kalimpong's photos come from its two hills and the river far below them. The morning decides almost everything here, because the snow peaks show early and cloud usually rises by late morning.
Medium crowdEntry Nominal
Deolo Hill
- Best timeEarly morning, when Kanchenjunga is most likely to be clear of cloud; late afternoon for warm light over the town and the Teesta valley.
- ColorsRustCreamForest green
Entry Free
Dr Graham's Homes
- Best timeMorning, when the chapel front is in soft light and the campus is quiet; late afternoon for long shadows across the hillside.
- ColorsCreamNavyForest green
Medium crowdEntry Free
Durpin Monastery
- Best timeMorning, when the prayer flags catch soft light and the valleys are clear; late afternoon for warm colour on the painted front.
- ColorsMaroonGoldWhite
Entry Free (grounds)
Morgan House
- Best timeLate afternoon, when warm light falls on the grey stone; early morning for mist over the lawns.
- ColorsCreamMaroonForest green
Medium crowdEntry Free (rafting extra)
Teesta River Viewpoint
- Best timeLate morning, when the sun reaches into the gorge and lights the water; early morning for mist lying on the river.
- ColorsWhiteTealRust
Start on the hills early
The town sits between two viewpoints. Deolo Hill, the highest point at about 1,700 metres, looks over the whole ridge, the Relli valley and the Teesta, with the West Sikkim peaks behind on a clear day. Durpin Hill, on the other side of town, gives a lower and closer view of the valleys. Be at one of them in the first two hours after sunrise. By late morning the valleys warm up and the haze closes in.
Monastery colour
Durpin Monastery is the most colourful frame in town, with a painted front, prayer wheels and lines of flags. Shoot the outside freely. Inside the prayer hall, ask a monk before you raise a camera, and put it away while prayers are going on.
Colonial stone
Morgan House and the chapel at Dr Graham's Homes are grey stone buildings from the British years. Both look best in low side light, early or late, when the stone shows its texture instead of turning flat and white. Morgan House is a working hotel and Dr Graham's is a working school, so stay in the public areas and don't photograph children.
The river
The Teesta is a separate trip, about 16 km downhill. The best views are from lay-bys on the road above Teesta Bazaar, looking along the gorge. The water is green in the dry months and runs grey-brown with silt in the monsoon.
Weather and haze
October to December gives the clearest skies. Spring brings flowers in the nurseries but more haze over the peaks. From June to September, expect cloud and mist most days, which suits moody street shots better than views.
The army on Durpin Hill
Durpin Hill is an army cantonment. Photograph the monastery and the view, but not the camps, gates, vehicles or helipad, and follow any instruction from a sentry.
Questions
Kalimpong — FAQ
Which hill has the better view of Kanchenjunga?
Deolo is higher and gives the wider view over the town and valleys. Durpin is lower but closer to the monastery. On a clear morning both show the West Sikkim peaks.
Can I fly a drone in Kalimpong?
Be very careful. Durpin Hill is an army cantonment, and flying near military areas is restricted. Check India's drone rules and local permission before flying anywhere in town.
Can I photograph all the main spots in one day?
Yes. Do Deolo and Dr Graham's Homes at sunrise, Durpin Monastery and Morgan House mid-morning, and save the Teesta for the afternoon on your way in or out.
Where can I photograph the Teesta from above?
From the road that winds down from Kalimpong to Teesta Bazaar. Stop only at wide lay-bys, as the road is narrow and busy with jeeps.