Explore
Little wonder that we turn to poetry to express what our Hills can offer - simply, paradise!
Our resort is located in the historically rich and laid back village called Chhibo, not far from the town. Our property was the highest altitude paddy cultivated farm in Kalimpong at an elevation of 1150m or 3772ft, coordinates 27.05N, 88.45E. Unfortunately, the rice fields could not be revived.
While staying at Art Mile, you can enjoy a bonfire/ barbecue, walk through the forests & villages learning about the local culture and discovering the rich flora and fauna, walk to nearby view points overlooking the river Teesta and the plains and drive to the town 10 min away, visiting its local farmer's market (Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays), Churches, Monasteries, Nurseries (orchids, cacti), Horticulture centres, Tea Garden Factory, Kalimpong Coffee Plantation, Handmade paper factory, Noodle factory, Lepcha Museum, Monastery & Weaving at Dumthok Lee, Traditional Archery, Tibetan Opera Association, Crookety House, Buddha Pada, Himalayan Trust for Natural History Art, Green Art Gallery. We can arrange for workshops, guides and drivers, again, our friends at Bunty Silent Nature Walks, Kalimpong Hikes & Ghumaun Kalimpong.
Our favourite Cafés and restaurants include Art Café, Café Kalimpong, Tara Café, Cloud Nine, Za Khang, Warehouse, Noodle House & for the closest one, only a 20min walk from our property - Leo Martin's (They're all our friends!)
If you'd like adventure sports, Kalimpong offers Paragliding at Delo Hill and White Water River Rafting in the Teesta as well as other adventure activities at Yok Adventure Camp which we can arrange for you.
River camping at the Yelbong River Canyon with Yelbong Eco Tourism Society & Trekking to Sandakphu, Phalut with Dekho Darjeeling can also be arranged.
If you are the on-the-move kind of tourist and planning to visit Darjeeling and Sikkim, we suggest planning to visit Kalimpong last on your itinerary before you leave the Hills for the plains to catch your flight or train back. We will gladly assist you with developing your itinerary, hotel, activities and car bookings. We also offer Sikkim & Bhutan customised tour packages with our partners Neeta Sharma & Dilu Giri.
More information on the Kalimpong District can be found on the Kalimpong District Website
Kalimpong changes colour & vibe every season. And every season has something different to offer. Here's the pros and cons for each season for you to plan your trip!
(October - November) Autumn
This has traditionally been in the best time to visit the Hills. This is the time when the Kanchenjunga is visible on most days due to clear skies. The weather is pleasant, temperatures start lowering in the range of 12-22 C, the landscape is still green from the monsoon. However, this also means it is high tourist season with loads of tourists, traffic and crowd in town and at sightseeing points, not to forget, the costs are significantly higher. You can still beat it by doing more walking tours, visiting hidden sightseeing places or just enjoy bonfires & barbecue at our property!
(December - January) Winter
It is considered off season since it can get cold, but Kalimpong is still warmer than other towns like Darjeeling & Gangtok with temperatures in the range of 5-16 C, still attracting some tourists. The Kanchenjunga is still visible on most days and the landscape starts to become bare with green, yellow and brown hints. You can warm yourselves up sunbathing, picnics, going on hikes and sightseeing, adventure sports, visit festivities, engaging in Rice Harvesting in the Villages too. Children are on vacation, making it a fun time. Bonfires & barbecue (and some bamboo drink) at our property will also keep you warm.
(February - mid April) Spring
The temperatures are similar to those in the Autumn. The trees begin to green again with new shoots, flowers abound and birdsong is everywhere, all day. In recent years, snowing in the upper Himalayas has moved to Spring and brings sporadic showers in Kalimpong. The fog that comes with it also reduces the probability of the Kanchenjunga being visible. Still a good time to do most of what Kalimpong has to offer, except some adventure sports and bonfires due to the showers. The tourist season begins again, raising costs, but not as crowded as in the Autumn.
(mid April - mid June) Summer
Kalimpong summer can get warm with temperatures in the range of 16-27 C. However, it is the perfect escape from the heat in the plains and the metros. Hence, it is still a moderate tourist season. While sunbathing and bonfires are out, swimming pools around and riverside camping are great during this time with many other adventure sports and hiking.
(mid June - September) Monsoon
Our second favourite season because it offers deep green & clean landscape with gushing streams and a chance to join in the ropai (paddy transplantation) on our villager's fields. Summer temperatures are still felt, but the rains bring respite. However, the rains reduce mobility, especially one will need to be careful while walking around slippery paths, power outages could be frequent and disruptions in schedules could be caused due to landslides on the highway. Monsoon hikers will love it though almost all adventure sports are suspended during this time. Staying indoors enjoying the misty weather & our delicious meals can also be fun!
There's truly something for everyone. Looking forward to sharing the wonder of our Hills with you!
While you stay at Art Mile Kalimpong, you can also immerse yourself in learning the language of the indigenous Rong / Lepcha people - Rongring
Comments
Post a Comment