This is a beautiful hill town in North Bengal, which can be reached from either Siliguri or Darjeeling. KALIMPONG - means king"s ministers strong hold - a Bhutanese word. It is also called Kalimpong in local dialect meaning "black spur". As per Lepchas Kalimpong means "ridge where we play". It is said that these local tribesmen used to organise field sports while not engaged in agricultural pursuit - hence the name.
Situated at an altitude of 1250 metres, it enjoys temperate climate throughout the year. Somewhat secluded and tucked away in the corner under big Darjeeling umbrella, Kalimpong offers a quiet and relaxed holiday, against the backdrop of the Kanchenjunga.
The journey from Darjeeling to Kalimpong is a beautiful experience. The road drops from Ghoom 7407ft. to Teesta Bazar 700 ft in 12 km and passes through lush green forests and tea gardens. A place called the Viewpoint or "Lovers Meet", offers excellent view of the confluence of the Rangeet and the Teesta rivers, as also of the Himalayan mountain range from Durbindara summit. Kalimpong"s attractions include three Buddhist monastries, orchid nurseries, a sericulture centre and Dr. Graham"s Home, a large sprawling school set up in 1900 for educating the children of tea workers.
General Information
Area: 3.5 sq. miles
Population :1,77,337 (90.91 Rural urban)
Altitude : 1250 metres (4100 ft)
Climate Temperate :
SummerMax. 270CMin. 17.20C
WinterMax. 150CMin. 7.20C
Rainfall: 86.20 inches Annually
Best Season : March to mid-June & Sept. to Dec.
Clothing :Tropical in summer and light woolen in winter.
Languages : Spoken English, Gorkha, Bengali & Hindi.
Access
Kalimpong is connected to all the major cities of India by Air, Rail and Road.
AIR : The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is 80 kms from Kalimpong.
RAIL : The nearest railway stations are Siliguri Junction & New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.
ROAD : Kalimpong is connected to Darjeeling, Siliguri and Gangtok by road through buses, jeeps and private taxis.
Places of Interest
DR. GRAHAM"S HOMES
A unique educational institution, started in 1900 by Dr. John Anderson Graham, a Missionary, with six orphans, the school, situated in a 500 acre estate on the slopes of Kalimpong"s highest hill, Dealo, has today a strength of well over 700 boys and girls who are accommodated in small cottages in a picturesque set-up. It has its own diary, poultry and bakery and every year in the month of May the school organises "MAYFAIR". A day"s visit there can be enthralling.
DURPIN DARA
It is the highest point in Kalimpong accessible by car. It offers a breath-taking view of the plains and the mighty Teesta.
GAURIPUR HOUSE (Now Co-operative Training Institute)
Situated about 2 km from the town centre on the way to Durpin Dara, Gauripur House was one of the favourite haunts of Poet Rabindranath Tagore. He stayed there on his many visits to Kalimpong.
KALIMPONG MARKET
Your visit to Kalimpong won"t be complete unless you spend several hours or better still, several days at the two Kalimpong bazars, one on the Main Road, the other near the 10th mile. It is a unique experience to see villagers turning up in their local costume at the bazars on weekly market days to sell their farm products.
KALIBARI
Kalibari is about 2 km from town Huge statue of Goddess Kali, the main deity of this temple.
7TH MILE VIEW POINT
3 km from the town on the way to Teesta Bazar. A panoramic view of Teesta Rangeet Valley can be seen from here.
FLOWER NURSERIES
Kalimpong is famous for its nurseries which export exotic flowers like Amaryllis LiLies, Anthuriums, Roses, Gerbera, dahlias, gladiolas as well as Orchids and Cacti. Some important nurseries are : Brindaban Garden Nursery, Ganesh Mani Pradhan Nursery, L.B. Pradhan Nursery, Pinewood Nursery, Standard Nursery, Shangrila Garden Nursery, Twin Brothers Nursery, Universal Nursery and others.
THONGSHA GUMPHA
1 km from town. Situated at 10th mile this monastery of Bhutanese origin is built in the year 1630 and it is the oldest monastery in this region.
THARPA CHOLING MONASTERY
It is situated at Tirpai Hill and built around 1937 belongs to Gelupka Sect to which the present Dalai Lama belongs.
MANGALDHAM
This recently constructed place of worship is a marvellous piece of architecture.
ZONG DOG PALRI FO-BRANG MONASTERY
This is a fairly new monastery located in Durpin Dara. One can get a panoramic view of the town and surrounding from this monastery.
PEDONG MONASTERY
26 Km from Kalimpong and was established in 1837.
EXCURSION & PICNIC SPOTS
Rissisum: 20 Km form Kalimpong enroute Lava and situated at an altitude of 6410 ft. glorious view of the mountains can be obtained from this point and a beautiful picnic spot.
Lava
32 km from Kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 7200 ft. commands panoramic view of Jelep La and Rechi La passes. Short drives through dense forests from Kalimpong are tourist spots with unspoiled idyllic surroundings. Lava is the gateway to the Neora National Park.
Lolay Gaon / KAFER
56 km from Kalimpong and situated at an altitude of 5500 ft. Panoramic view of Kanchenjunga can be obtained from this point. Fabulous view of Sunrise over Kanchenjunga can be seen from Jhandi Dara.
