Kalimpong Durpin Dara and Deolo Hill

Durpin Dara and Deolo Hill are two hill viewpoints above Kalimpong in the Darjeeling Himalaya of West Bengal, India. Deolo Hill, at about 1,700 metres, is the town's best-known lookout and carries a small park, a tourist lodge and a view across the Teesta valley with the peaks of the Kangchenjunga range on clear mornings. Durpin Dara, a nearby ridge, is crowned by Zong Dog Palri Phodrang, also known as Zang Dhok Palri Phodrang, a monastery built in 1976 and consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama, which holds a rich collection of Tibetan scriptures and a large prayer hall with colourful murals. The Dalai Lama's association with the monastery draws many Buddhist visitors. The surrounding area is part of Kalimpong's famous nursery trade, with orchid, cactus and flower nurseries along the road, and a visit can include stops at these gardens. A typical outing lasts two to three hours, starting with the viewpoint, then the monastery and a walk through the nurseries. Entry to the viewpoint park is small, about INR 20, and the monastery is free, with donations welcome. The sites are open in daylight hours. Morning is best, as clouds move up the valley by midday and hide the mountains. Weekdays are quiet, while weekends and the spring and autumn tourist seasons bring more visitors. Shared jeeps and taxis from the town centre reach the hill in about 15 to 20 minutes. Visitors should dress warmly, remove shoes at the monastery and avoid photography inside the prayer hall unless permitted.