About Flower Nurseries
Kalimpong is the single largest centre of commercial floriculture in India, producing over 60% of the country's cut flowers for export to Kolkata, Mumbai and the Gulf. Over 60 registered nurseries operate in and around the town, cultivating Anthurium, gladioli, dahlias, orchids (especially Cymbidium) and seasonal flowers. The combination of altitude (1,247m), humidity, well-drained loam and warm winters creates growing conditions that are uniquely suited to high-value floricultural crops. Morning is when the nurseries are most active — flowers being cut, graded, wrapped and loaded for the overnight Kolkata flights. Walking through the nurseries with the smell of fresh-cut flowers is genuinely unlike anywhere else in the hills.
Why go to Flower Nurseries
60% of India's cut flowers come from here
An extraordinary industrial fact hidden in a hill town — every nursery in Kalimpong is a working farm shipping flowers overnight to the major Indian cities.
Anthurium and Cymbidium orchids — rare varieties
Several Kalimpong nurseries specialise in Cymbidium orchids for export to Japan, Singapore and Europe. Retail is available — prices far below any city florist.
How to reach Flower Nurseries from Kalimpong
The nurseries are spread along the main Kalimpong market road and the nursery lane below (toward Lower Cart Road). A 2-hour walking circuit covers most. Ask at your hotel for the best current nursery walking route.
Best time to visit Flower Nurseries
Year-round — different species bloom in different months, so the nurseries are always producing. January–April sees the most gladioli and Anthurium. October–December for Cymbidium orchids.
Time of day7–9am is peak activity — flowers being cut and packed. The nurseries are quieter but still beautiful by midday.
Things we always tell our guests about Flower Nurseries
- Most nurseries welcome visitors informally — introduce yourself and ask to look around; you are usually welcome.
- Buying direct is significantly cheaper than any florist. Anthurium bunches, Cymbidium stems and fresh dahlias are all available.
- Don't rush — the walking circuit through several nurseries at a slow pace is more interesting than a car drive.
- The weekly market (Thursday/Sunday) near the nursery area has additional flower stalls.
Flower Nurseries — your questions answered
Other places in Kalimpong
- ViewpointMonasteryHeritage