KALIMPONG

Once a part of the Kingdom of Bhutan and now another sub-divisional town under Darjeeling District. Kalimpong is now a hill station in the Mahabharat Range in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located at an average elevation of 1,250 metres (4,101 ft). Kalimpong is known for its educational institutions many of which were established during the British colonial period. It used to be a gateway in the trade between Tibet and India prior to China's annexation of Tibet and the Sino-Indian War. Kalimpong, located on a ridge overlooking River Teesta, is a tourist destination owing to its temperate climate and proximity to popular tourist locations in the region. Horticulture is also important to Kalimpong: it has a flower market notable for its wide array of orchids nurseries, which export Himalayan grown flower bulbs, tubers and rhizomes, contribute to the economy of Kalimpong.

Interesting to See at Kalimpong :

Gompas : Kalimpong has three very important gompas or monasteries which display the historical journey of Buddhism .

On the Tirpai Hill there is a Tharpa Choling Monastry.Constructed somewhere around 1937, it belongs to the Gelukpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism.   The Tongsa Gompa adjacent to the Tharpa Choling Monastry was set up in 1692. This monastery is the oldest one in the hill town.  Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery was constructed in the mid- 1970s. Known for its exquisite traditional Tibetan wall paintings, the monastery situated 5kms from the town center is a wonderful window on Tibetan culture and belief.

Durpin Dara Hill : Set at an altitude of 1402 mts, Durpin Dara hill offers spectacular view of the entire Chola Range of Sikkim .The captivating views of the serene mountains and the plains are capable of making any visitor speechless. One can get a clear picture of the elegant rivers namely Teesta, Rangeet, Peshoke and Lopchu tea estates , western Sikkim and the glittering Kanchenjunga peak.

Lepcha Museum & Monastery : The Lepcha Museum located in Big Dhara in Kalimpong is a lovely mirror of the culture of Lepcha community. The museum rolls back time and displays manuscripts, musical instruments, articles of worship and other equipments of the community. 
 
Dr Graham’s Home :  An orphanage founded in 1900 by Scottish Missionary Dr. John Anderson Graham with 35 Anglo Indian orphan children. In due course of time, this home has grown over 500 acres of land on the slopes of Dealo Hills. Along with education, different types of handicrafts are taught to more than 1200 orphans. The dairy, bakery, poultry products of the home are very popular here. 

Flower Nurseries : Kalimpong is a tiny pocket of paradise where every nature lover and floriculturist is faltered with diverse variety of flowers produced here. Some of the exotic flowers including amaryllis, lilies, anthuriums, roses, gerbera, dahlias and cacti are the specialty of this town. 80% of the total India’s gladioli in the country is produced here. This beautiful land is world famous for its orchids and a major exporter of flowers to the Northern India.

How to Reach

By Air : The nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB) near Siliguri, which is at a distance of 79 km from Kalimpong. This airport is connected to Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati. International travelers can get connecting flights from Kolkata or Delhi. Both are well connected with many cities in India and abroad. Hired private car / Taxi from Bagdogra to reach Kalimpong.

By Rail : The nearest rail is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station, which is nearly 77 km away from Kalimpong. This is well connected to most of the major cities in India. Hired private car / Taxi from New Jalpaiguri to reach Kalimpong.

By Road : The Kalimpong city is well connected to other cities in Sikkim and the neighboring states by bus services. Private tourist buses are available from Kalimpong to Bagdogra (79 km) and to Siliguri (70 km). Hired private taxi or Car is good for travelers to choose.

Accommodation : “Eco Trails” deals with some of the best Hotel and Resort in Kalimpong. Kalimpong provides a delightful alternative in the form of its numerous tourist resorts and hotels. Depending on your budget you can chose Heritage, Deluxe, Super Deluxe and Standard Hotel. Many budget hotels are also have available offer in suites, deluxe/ semi-deluxe/ budget rooms and make you enjoy a reasonable and comfortable stay.

Food : You can choose your own Food Plan in your trip to Kalimpong. There are 04 optioned are available – i) European Plan ( EP ) – Room Only Basis. ii) Continental Plan ( CP ) - Room including with Breakfast only basis. iii) Modified American Plan ( MAP ) – Room including with breakfast and either lunch or dinner. iv) American Plan ( AP ) - Room including Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. 

Activities : Floriculture, Bird Watching, Bhutanese Monastery, Shopping, Kalimpong Sight Seeing, Heritage Walk.

Attraction : Floriculture, Bird Watching, Bhutanese Monastery, Gompas,  Durpin Dara Hill, Lepcha Museum, Lepcha Monastery, Dr Graham’s Home, Flower Nurseries, Heritage Walk, Shopping.