Are you a flower enthusiast who wishes to witness their beauty in full bloom? Are you in search of an exclusive and fulfilling experience in West Bengal?
If your answer is yes, then you must pay a visit to the flower nurseries in Kalimpong. This enchanting town is located in West Bengal, approximately 50 km from Darjeeling. It is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, diverse culture, and spiritual legacy. However, today we will experience Kalimpong's flourishing flower industry.
Kalimpong is home to many flower nurseries that grow and export a variety of flowers such as orchids, cacti, roses, gerberas, gladioli, and more. Kalimpong produces 80% of India’s gladioli and is an important orchid-growing area.
I will share with you my experience of visiting some of the flower nurseries in Kalimpong. I will also tell you how to plan your trip, what to expect, and what to do in these flower nurseries. So, let's begin!
How to Plan Your Trip to the Flower Nurseries in Kalimpong
If you are interested in visiting the flower nurseries in Kalimpong, here are some tips on how to plan your trip:
The best time to visit the flower nurseries in Kalimpong is from March to May and from September to November. These are the peak seasons for flower production and you will be able to see a variety of flowers in full bloom and witness the harvesting and packing process.
The easiest way to reach Kalimpong is by taking a flight to Bagdogra airport and then hiring a taxi or a bus to Kalimpong. The distance between Bagdogra and Kalimpong is about 80 km and it takes about 3 hours by road.
The best way to explore the flower nurseries in Kalimpong is by hiring a local guide or a taxi driver who can take you to different nurseries and explain their features and history.
The average cost of visiting the flower nurseries in Kalimpong is around Rs. 500 per person. This includes the entry fee, guide fee, and transportation fee. Some nurseries may charge extra for photography or video recording.
The average time required to visit the flower nurseries in Kalimpong is around 2 hours. You can spend more time if you want to enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the flowers.
What to Expect from the Flower Nurseries in Kalimpong
The flower nurseries in Kalimpong are not just places where flowers are grown and sold. They are also places where you can learn about the various types of flowers, their cultivation methods, their significance, and their uses. There are more than 50 flower nurseries in Kalimpong, each with its specialty and charm. You can see a wide range of flowers, such as amaryllis, lilies, anthuriums, roses, gerbera, dahlias, gladioli, orchids, cacti, bonsai plants, foliage plants, ornamental plants, and house plants.
Some of the most famous flower nurseries to witness in Kalimpong are:
1. B.N. Pradhan Nursery:
This nursery was established in 1976 by Mr. B.N. Pradhan, an agriculturalist and nature lover.
It is one of the largest nurseries in Kalimpong, covering an area of 15 acres and a laboratory where tissue culture is done for orchid propagation.
It has a collection of over 1000 varieties of orchids, as well as other flowers like roses, gerberas, gladioli, etc.
2. Pine View Nursery:
This nursery is known for its cacti and succulents collection.
It has over 1500 species of cacti and succulents from different parts of the world.
It also has a greenhouse where orchids are grown.
3. Flower Wood Nursery:
This nursery was established in 1952 by Late Jaganath Pradhan.
It is one of the oldest nurseries in Kalimpong.
It specializes in orchids, bulbs, house plants, etc.
4. Universal Bulb & Plant Nursery:
This nursery is famous for its gladioli production.
It produces 80% of India’s gladioli and exports them to many cities in northern India.
It also grows other flowers like orchids, succulents, house plants, etc.
5. Vrindavan Gardens:
This nursery is located near Kalimpong.
It is a beautiful garden with a variety of flowers like orchids, gladioli, roses, lilies, etc.
It also has a cafe where you can enjoy a cup of tea and some snacks while admiring the flowers.
These are just some of the flower nurseries in Kalimpong that I visited and enjoyed. There are many more that you can explore and discover on your own. You can also buy some flowers or plants from the nurseries as souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones.
What to Do in the Flower Nurseries in Kalimpong
The flower nurseries in Kalimpong are not just places where you can see and learn about flowers. They are also places where you can do some fun and interesting activities. Here are some of the things that you can do in the flower nurseries in Kalimpong:
1. Admire and take it all in:
Keep an eye out for flowers such as orchids, cacti, roses, gerberas, gladioli, dahlias, lilies, anthuriums, azaleas, and more. You may also see some rare and exotic flowers that are not easily found elsewhere. Don't forget to click photos and make exciting memories.
2. Get your hands muddy:
Participate in some workshops or demonstrations that are conducted by the nursery staff. You can learn some practical skills such as how to plant, prune, water, fertilize, harvest, pack, and export flowers. You can also learn some creative skills such as how to make flower arrangements, bouquets, garlands, etc.
3. Keep your tummy happy:
Taste some local delicacies that are made with flowers. You can try some dishes such as orchid salad, cactus soup, rose jam, gerbera tea, gladioli wine, etc. You can also learn how to make some of these dishes from the local people or the nursery staff.
4. Pro Tip (To make the most of your visit):
Take a deep breath and find a serene spot in the flower nurseries to meditate. Immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings and appreciate the natural beauty. Stroll through the lush greenhouses, gardens, ponds, streams, and hills that envelop the flower nurseries. Delight in the sounds of nature, such as birds singing, water flowing, and leaves rustling. Inhale the fresh air and savor the sweet aroma of the flowers. Relax. Enjoy.
Conclusion
If you're planning a trip to Darjeeling, make sure not to miss out on the flower nurseries in Kalimpong. They offer a truly unique experience that will allow you to connect with nature, culture, and the local community in a special way.
We hope you found this blog post helpful and inspiring. Please feel free to share it with your loved ones who might also be interested in exploring these beautiful nurseries. And don't forget to check out our other blog posts for more tips, stories, and information to help make your travel experiences even more memorable.
Thank you for reading and happy traveling!