WEST BENGAL››Kalimpong››Places to Stay

Himalayan Hotel

Situated on Upper Cart Rd, is the best place to stay in Kalimpong. It is the beautiful former home of David MacDonald, who wrote Twenty Years in Tibet and Land of the Lamas. The hotel is still in the MacDonald family, now run by Tim (David's grandson) and Neelam MacDonald. They are most welcoming hosts, and can arrange walks in the neighbourhood, picnics and bird-watching trips. Singles/doubles with all meals are available. The food is excellent and the chocolate cake served at tea time is surely the best on the subcontinent. The hotel is surrounded by superb gardens looking across to the peaks of Kanchenjunga.

Hotel Silver Oaks

It is a characterless modern hotel with pleasant views and comfortable rooms with excellent meals. It's close to the centre, 100m from the post office.