Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a small hill station between Siliguri and Gangtok.
The road is one of the most scenic routes in this part of the nation.
The swift flowing Teesta river runs by the side of the road adding
to the beauty of the scenery.
The name, Kalimpong, has three different origins. One, it means
the place where the local tribesmen gathered to organize field sports,
second, it takes its name from the Bhutanese kings ministers
stronghold and thirdly, it is named after Kaulim, a fibrous plant
found in abundance in this region. The town is 1250 m above sea
level and offers excellent views of the Mt Kanchenjunga and the
other Himalayan peaks. The popular view points are Durpin Dara and
Deoro Hill.
Kalimpong has several monasteries and also a Kali temple. The Tibetan
Monastery and curio center and Dr Graham's home are important tour
stops.
Lava (32kms), a small village is another picturesque place. Lava
is also the base for trekking to the Neora National Park. Lolegaon
is 25 kms from Lava and one can see the Singalila ranges from here.
Excursion
Gompas
The Tharpa Choeling Gompa, which belongs to the Yellow Hat (Gelukpa)
sect of Tibetan Buddhism, is a 40 minute walk from town. Lower down
the hill, the Tongsa Gompa, or Bhutanese Monastery, is the oldest
monastery in the area and dates back to 1692.
Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa, was built in the mid-70s at Durpin
Dara Hill and was consecrated by the Dalai Lama. The gompa is worth
a visit for its impressive wall paintings in the prayer room, and
a rare three-dimensional mandala upstairs. The mountain views are
amazing from Durpin Dara Hill.
Flower Nurseries
Kalimpong produces 80% of Indias gladioli and is a significant
orchid-growing area and it comes as no surprise that flowers are
exported from here to many cities in northern India.
Shri Mangal Dham
A lavish tribute would still fall short to a soul so divine. Nevertheless
"Mangal Dham" is a memorial built in this divine memory
in 1993.Sprawling over an area of two acres, "Mangal Dham"
is considered to be one of the most splendid temples
in India.
Sericulture Research Institute
At thisinstitute silkworms are bred and silk is produced as well
as herbs and plants. Locate on the road to Darjeeling, the institute
can be visited between 9.30 am and 4 PM.
Kalimpong's attractions include three Buddhist monasteries, spectacular
churches, an excellent private library for the study of Tibetan
and Himalayan language and culture, a sericulture centre and a fine
view of the surrounding countryside.
Dr. Grahams Home
Less than an hours walk away from the town centre is Dr. Grahams
Home, which was founded in 1900 on the lower slopes of Deolo Hill.
The chapel above the school dates from 1925 and features beautiful
stained-glass windows. Tourists can also visit the fine turn-of-the-century
school building, and many people often picnic on the school grounds.
From the school building, it is a further 40 minute walk to the
summit of Deolo Hill, where there is a Tourist Bungalow and one
can enjoy fine views of Kalimpong from here.
Kalimpong has a well laid-out golf course near the Durpin Dara
Monastery. The monastery was built in the mid-1970s at Durpin Dara
and consecrated by the Dalai Lama. The view from here is breath-taking.
The nine-hole golf course at Senchal ( near Darjeeling) is one of
the highest in the world.
Nature Interpretation Centre
Located on Rinkingpong Rd, this centre consists of a number of well-organized
dioramas, which depict the effects of human activity on the environment.
The centre is open to visitors from Friday to Wednesday from 10
am to 4 PM and admission is free.
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Getting There
By Air
Nearest airport Bagdogra (80 kms from Kalimpong) is connected to
Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati & other places of north-eastern Indian
by Indian Airlines, Damania & Vayudoot services.
By Rail
Two nearest railway stations are New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Shiliguri
where NJP is directly connected by rail with all the important places
in India.
By Road
Kalimpong is approachable by roads from Siliguri (66kms), Darjeeling
(51kms), Gangtok (79 kms;Sikkim) major cities like Calcutta 651
kms, Guwahati 513 kms, Delhi 1312 kms and other major cities in
India.
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General Information & Accomdation info on Kalimpong city of
West Bengal - India
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