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Kalimpong is a hill station nestled in the Shiwalik Hills in
the Indian state of West Bengal. Kalimpong is well known for its many
educational institutions which attract students from all over North East
India, West Bengal, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Kalimpong is also famous
for its flower market especially the wide array of orchids. It also house of
several Buddhist monasteries which hold a number of rare Tibetan Buddhist
scriptures.
Kalimpong is one among the many popular hill stations in India that has
managed to keep its natural beauty even though it is a popular summer
retreat for many people. The hill station not only boasts of many tourist
attractions but is also known for the exotic orchids that cover entire
hillsides. Hill Resorts in India offers attractive tour packages to this
heavenly hill resort, so one can simply book a tour today and spend a great
vacation in Kalimpong.
History :- Kalimpong means a place where tribesmen gather and organize
traditional tribal games. Earlier Kalimpong was a part of the Kingdom of
Sikkim and was ruled by Sikkimese rulers. It was then taken over by the
Bhutanese. In the 19th century, the British took over Kalimpong and merged
into the present Indian state of West Bengal.
People and culture :- The majority of the population are ethnic
Nepali having migrated to Kalimpong in search of jobs while it was under
British rule. Indigenous ethnic groups include the Lepchas, Bhutias,
Sherpas, Rais, Yamloos.The other non-native communities are the Bengalis,
Marwaris, Anglo-Indian, Chinese, Biharis and Tibetans who escaped to
Kalimpong after fleeing the Communist Chinese invasion of Tibet. Kalimpong
is the closest Indian town to Bhutan's western border and has a small number
of Bhutanese nationals residing here. Hinduism is the largest religion
followed by Buddhism and Christianity. Islam has a minuscule presence in
this region with a mosque in the bazaar area.
Climate :- The weather in Kalimpong is alpine. Summers are mild and
winters are cold . It experiences south western monsoon rains in
July-September.
Location :- Kalimpong is in the northeast of India. It is situated on
the northern part of West Bengal. It is at a height of 1,250 meters above
sea level on the foothills of the eastern Himalayas and is about 50 kms east
of Darjeeling and 80 kms from Gangtok.
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HOW
TO REACH
By Air - Siliguri's Bagdogra airport is the nearest from kalimpomg
just 80 km away. Taxis can be hired at the airport for Kalimpong. The trip
takes around 3.5 hours.
By Rail - The nearest railway stations are Siliguri Junction ( 68 km )
and New Jalpaiguri ( 77 km ). Railway tickets for trains ex-New
Jalpaiguri/Siliguri can be purchased from the Railway Out Agency Motor Stand
Kalimpong.
By Road - Kalimpong is connected to Darjeeling, Siliguri and Gangtok
by road through buses, jeeps and private taxis.
WHEN TO GO
Best time to visit Kalimpong is September To December.
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WHAT TO SEE |
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Thongsa Gompa :- It is located 1 km from
Kalimpong. Thongsa Gompa of Bhutanese Monastery is the oldest monastery
in the area and was founded in 1692. The present building is not so old
- the original was destroyed by the Gurkhas in their rampage across
Sikkim before the arrival of the British. |
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Durpin Dara :- Durpin Dara is an observatory
point about 3 kms from town from where an awe-inspiring view of the
mighty Himalayan ranges can be seen. The lush green valleys intersected
by ice cold mountain rivers such as the Teesta, Relli and Riang on one
side and the sight of the plains on the other provided a breath taking
view. |
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Kalimpong Market :- Guests visit to Kalimpong
Market wont be complete unless they 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.
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Flower Nurseries :- The climate of Kalimpong is
ideal for the cultivation of flowers and plants. Kalimpong is famous for
its nurseries which export exotic flowers like Amaryllis Lilies,
Anthuriums, Roses, Gerberas, Dahlias, Gladiolis, as well as Orchids and
Cacti. Flowers are also exported from here to many cities of northern
India. |
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Shree Mangal Dhaam :- Shree Mangal Dham is a
recently constructed place of worship in Kalimpong is marvellous piece
of architecture. |
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Tharpa Choling Monastery :- It is situated at
Tirpai Hill and built around 1937 belongs to Gelupka Sect to which the
present Dalai Lama belongs. |
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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. |
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WHERE TO EAT
There are few good restaurants in town.
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