The first thing that strikes the traveler visit-ing Kalimpong is its quiet atmosphere. The peaceful ambience that pervades is heightened by the presence of monasteries and churches across the town. Kalimpong is also known for its bustling bazaars and traditional handicrafts. It is famous for its orchids and nurseries. Kalimpong offers panoramic view of the great Himalayan ranges that lie beyond it. Kalimpong is located in the northern part of the state of West Bengal, India. It is adjacent to the state of Sikkim and near the Teesta River. It is set amongst the foothills of the mighty Himalayas at an altitude of 1250 m above sea level. Kalimpong is 50 km from Darjeeling and 80 km from Gangtok.
Fast facts
Population: 46,500
Languages: Bengali, Nepali, Hindi and English
Places to See
Sdr 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: 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.
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-Brtang 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.
Visiting Time
The best time to visit Kalimpong is during summer. The etymology of Kalimpong has several interpretations. According to one view, Kalimpong means a place where tribesmen gather and organize traditional tribal games. The second view suggests that the name has been derived from a place in Bhutan. A third interpretation is that Kalimpong is named after Kaulim, a fibrous plant found in abundance in this region. Until the 18th century ad, 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. Weather: The weather in Kalimpong is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September.
Fairs and Festivals: Kalimpong hosts an annual flower festival in the month of October. Shopping: Markets in Kalimpong, which are open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, are good places for the souvenir hunter. Kalimpong offers a wide range of traditional handicrafts to the traveler. Woodcarvings, embroidered items, bags and purses with tapestry work, copperware, scrolls, Tibetan jewelry and artifacts can be picked up from the shops and markets across the town.
How to get there
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.
Cuisine
The blending of different cultures has left a mark on the cuisine of Kalimpong. The influence of the Jesuits is evident from the local Kalimpong cheese and Kalimpong lollipops, which are a specialty of this town. Kalimpong is known for its Nepalese cuisine and Tibetan dishes. Gundruk, a popular Nepali dish, is very popular, so are the mouthwatering Tibetan momos and thoopa
