Unveiling the spiritual richness of Kalimpong
-
A tapestry of faiths and architectural beauty
-
Highlights
Dharmodaya Vihar, Durga Mandir, Crookety House, Durpin Monastery
Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring the local favourite, Thukpa, a filling traditional Tibetan noodle soup from one of the eateries nearby. Your spiritual journey in Kalimpong begins at Dharmodaya Vihar, a haven of Buddhist serenity adorned with colourful flags fluttering in the wind. As you leave, consider purchasing Tibetan prayer flags from nearby stalls as a keepsake.
From there, move to Durga Mandir, a Hindu temple where devotees flock to pay their respects to Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. The temple is shrouded in a divine glow that enhances the enchanting charm exuded. The spiritual sanctity is adorned with elaborate and intricate carvings that narrate the tales of Goddess Durga mesmerising the devotees. By visiting these religious landmarks, you'll witness the harmonious blend of different faiths in Kalimpong.
Next, you'll find yourself stepping back in time at the Crookety House, an iconic colonial-era bungalow built in the early 1900s. It has seen a drastic transformation from a British residence to a Helena Roerich Museum dedicated to her philosophical and cultural works of Russia. Close the day with a visit to Durpin Monastery, founded in 1970 and revered as a legendary architectural and heritage site and pilgrimage center. This is also known as Zang Dhok Palri Phodang, a centre of Tibetan Buddhism offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills.