|  Kalimpong
Historically Kalimpong was part of the kingdom
of Sikkim. Later Bhutan captured
this land from the Sikkemese. During the British dominance of
India Kalimpong came under British control.
This small hill town was an important link in the trade route
between India and Tibet commonly known as the silk route. The
growth of Kalimpong was mainly due to its significance as a
market place.
The Kalimpong town is situated at an altitude
of 1250 meters. It is a small town of 3.5 square miles. The
population is around 40000. The weather is pleasant for most
of the year with winter temperatures hovering around 10 degrees
Celsius during the summer it rises up to 27 degrees. Kalimpong
can be visited any time of the year but during the monsoon months
between July and September the place sometimes become inaccessible
due to heavy rain.
 The
local inhabitant of Kalimpong include people from different
origins including the Gorkha, Lepcha,
Sikkemese and Tibetan.
See
map of Kalimpong town
Where to stay in Kalimpong
Hotel
Silver Oaks
Hotel Kalimpong
Park
Soods Garden Retreat
Things to see in Kalimpong:
Dr. Graham's Home : Dr. Graham's home is a major attraction
of Kalimpong. It is about an hours walk from the center of the
town. The educational institution was started with an intention
to impart education among the children of the tea-workers. It
was founded in 1900 on the lower slopes of Deolo Hill, from
where the exotic views of Kalimpong town can be seen. Situated
in an area covering 193 hectares the institution currently has
about 1300 students.
 Thongsa
Gompa: The oldest Gompa of Kalimpong was constructed in
1692 by the Bhutanese. In the riot of the Gurkhas in Sikkim
before the arrival of the British, the original building was
destroyed. The present monastery is built at the same spot.
Tharpe Choling Gompa: The Gompa is
40 minutes walk from the Kalimpong town. It is situated right
of K.D. Pradhan Road. This Gompa was constructed in 1922. The
Gompa belongs to the Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Dalai
Lama belongs to this Sect and it was founded in the 14th century
in Tibet.
Durpin Dara - Durpin stands for Binocular
and Dara stands for Hill top in the local language. The name
itself suggests the specialty of the place. On a clear day,
you can see far and wide including Siliguri, Tista and Rangit
rivers along with Kanchenjunga range of mountains.
Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa: This
Gompa was made in the middle of 1970 in Durpin Dara Hill. This
was sanctified by Dalai Lama and is situated five kilometers
away from the town. Here rare paintings and three dimensional
'mandala' can be seen. The views of the surrounding mountains
are splendid from this Gompa.
 Flower
Nurseries: Kalimpong is famous for the flowers and creepers
grown here. 80% of the 'gladiolas' export from India originate
here. This is also an important orchid-growing area. Most of
the northern cities of India imports flower from here. The nurseries
like Sri Ganesh Mani Pradhan Nursery, Udai Mani Pradhan Nursery
are the main exporters of flower. These nurseries also specialized
in Cacti. To encourage the nurseries a yearly flower festival
is organized in Kalimpong.
Sericulture Research Institute: Here
the breeding and the procedure of silk preparation are seen.
It is situated in the road to Darjeeling and can be visited
from 9.30 am to 4 pm.
Nature Interpretation Center: This
center consists of the dioramas of the effects of the effect
of human activities on the environment. The center, situated
in the Rinkinpong Road is maintained by the Soil Conservation
Division of the Ministry of Environment & Forests.
Mangal Dham: This gorgeous new temple
belongs to Lord Krishna.
 Kalimpong
is also a shoppers paradise especially if you are interested
in traditional handicrafts. Most shops are located below the
Main Road, Raja Dorje Market and the 10th Mile Bazaar. Fresh
ginger, exotic herbs, flower bulbs and seeds, khukries, honey,
jewelleries and other artifacts attracts the tourists. Sikkimese
and Bhutanese dresses, purses and fire screens are also available.
Places to visit around the city :
Within a few hours drive from Kalimpong is a range of other
tourist destinations.
Lava: This beautiful spot is situated
at an altitude of 7200 ft and at a distance of 32 kilometers
from Kalimpong. On the way to Lava the scenes of Rechi-la and
Jelep-la passes are magnificent. Naturebeyond organizes stay
at Lava as well. more
Loley Gaon: This is another
place from where the views of Kanchenjunga is splendid. This
is 56 kilometers from Kalimpong town and one of the most famous
upcoming tourist destinations of the region.
Takdah Orchid Center: The Orchid-lovers should come here to
gather the experience of seeing 110 kinds of Orchids on sale.
Pedong Monastery: This is one
of the oldest monasteries of Kalimpong. It was built in 1837
and is 26 kilometers from Kalimpong.
Teesta Bazar : The upward climb towards Kalimpong starts
from this settlement around Tista Bridge. |
