Security in Darjeeling and Kalimpong region

mattwest · Jun 7th, 2009, 15:07

I am planning to visit Kalimpong for 5-6 days in November with my wife and 3 kids. Our kids are 10,11 and 13 and have travelled in India previously. We have been in Darjeeling in the early 90's previously and want to take our children this time. We have been thinking Kalimpong will be both warmer at that time (ie much lower) and less crowded.

I have been hearing mixed reports from friends in Kolkata about some ongoing problems on the ground in these areas. Some have advised not going at all due to the likeliehood of strikes etc, while others have said "no problem". I am of the opinion that most people would not generally head to India at all if they were particularly worried about security issues.

I would be keen to hear opinions from others about things on the ground in these areas right now, and also heading into the busier tourist times later this year.

lakshthorat · Jun 9th, 2009, 15:16

its one of the best places i hv ever visited. much cosier and less crowded than darjeeling. i was ther last week.

Britishraj · Jun 15th, 2009, 01:42

Hi Mattwest
I'm a frequent visitor to these parts. Yes it's true that from time to time there is the usual strikes which can cause problems to travel arrangements. However, you can generally get notice well in advance. Don't let any of this put you off, make the trip and enjoy. Perhaps you could visit Mirik (2 1/2hr drive from Darj.)its at 5800 ft. alt. and a very quiet relaxing resort. Worth considering also is Gangtok in Sikkim which is a 5 1/2hr scenic drive from Darj. Kalimpong is enroute.
Magnificient scenery at this time of the year.

mattwest · Jun 15th, 2009, 19:33

Thanks for that BritishRaj, it's kind of what I was thinking. I have had mixed feedback from people about it and nothing I have heard so far has dampened my enthusiasm. I've got a few months more before I have to book trains for there so will keep an eye on things over that time.
Mattwest

Britishraj · Jun 17th, 2009, 03:27

Hi Mattwest
Just to bring to your attention. Should you have a 'cold spell' and desire to pay for one of the 'Hot coal buckets'to warm you up in the room. Be careful, as the fumes from this can be highly dangerous.

Jun 7th, 2009, 15:07	#1
mattwest Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Adelaide Australia Posts: 7	Security in Darjeeling and Kalimpong region I am planning to visit Kalimpong for 5-6 days in November with my wife and 3 kids. Our kids are 10,11 and 13 and have travelled in India previously. We have been in Darjeeling in the early 90's previously and want to take our children this time. We have been thinking Kalimpong will be both warmer at that time (ie much lower) and less crowded. I have been hearing mixed reports from friends in Kolkata about some ongoing problems on the ground in these areas. Some have advised not going at all due to the likeliehood of strikes etc, while others have said "no problem". I am of the opinion that most people would not generally head to India at all if they were particularly worried about security issues. I would be keen to hear opinions from others about things on the ground in these areas right now, and also heading into the busier tourist times later this year.

Jun 9th, 2009, 15:16	#2
lakshthorat Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: mumbai Posts: 14	visit to kalimpong its one of the best places i hv ever visited. much cosier and less crowded than darjeeling. i was ther last week.

Jun 15th, 2009, 01:42	#3
Britishraj Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Devon, UK Posts: 186	Kalimpong / Darjeelng / Mirik Hi Mattwest I'm a frequent visitor to these parts. Yes it's true that from time to time there is the usual strikes which can cause problems to travel arrangements. However, you can generally get notice well in advance. Don't let any of this put you off, make the trip and enjoy. Perhaps you could visit Mirik (2 1/2hr drive from Darj.)its at 5800 ft. alt. and a very quiet relaxing resort. Worth considering also is Gangtok in Sikkim which is a 5 1/2hr scenic drive from Darj. Kalimpong is enroute. Magnificient scenery at this time of the year. __________________ Elvis Has Left The Building

Jun 17th, 2009, 03:27	#5
Britishraj Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Devon, UK Posts: 186	Keeping warm can be dangerous. Hi Mattwest Just to bring to your attention. Should you have a 'cold spell' and desire to pay for one of the 'Hot coal buckets'to warm you up in the room. Be careful, as the fumes from this can be highly dangerous.

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Jun 15th, 2009, 19:33	#4
mattwest Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Adelaide Australia Posts: 7	Thanks for that BritishRaj, it's kind of what I was thinking. I have had mixed feedback from people about it and nothing I have heard so far has dampened my enthusiasm. I've got a few months more before I have to book trains for there so will keep an eye on things over that time. Mattwest

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