Kalimpong

Kalimpong (कालिम्पोङ) is 60 km from Siliguri and 80 km from Gangtok, Sikkim, Kalimpong (1250 m) is another hill station and sub-division of Darjeeling District. It is said that Kalimpong was named after Kaulim, a dfibrous plant found in abundance in this region or some say Bhutanese gave name when it was under control of Bhutan, before British took it in 1865, Kalimpong was the trade center between Tibet, Bhutan and India.

Contents 1 History 2 Basic Info 3 Places of Interest 4 How to Get to Kalimpong 5 Where to stay in Kalimpong 6 Places to Eat

History

Kalimpong region once was a part of Kingdom of Bhutan. In 1865 after loosing battle to armed British intervention, Bhutan gave away Kalimpong to British India. British missionaries came in during late 1800 and left the legacy of good school, charitable institutions and architectural style of English countryside. They realized that education should also be developed, hence they built institutes like Scottish Universities Mission Institute, established in 1887, later other schools were also established, such as Dr. Graham Homes established in 1900, st. Augustine's School established in 1845 and St. Joseph's Girls Convent Established in 1962.

Basic Info

• Population : 40,000
• Language : Nepali, Hindi, Bengali, English
• Height : 12500 Meters, Climate Condition is moderate in Kalimpong. During Summer Celsius goes up Min 15 degreee, Max 29 Degree. In winder goes upto Min. 5 Degree, Max 17 Degree.
• Distance : Approchable by roads from Siliguri (60 Kms), From Darjeeling (52Kms), From Gangtok (79Kms)

Places of Interest

• Durpin Dara : Walking distance from Kalimpong town is another place at the altitude of 1402m from where whole Jalapla Pass, Chola range of Sikkim, Tiger Hill of Darjeeling, Kanchenzonga Range, and plains of west bengal can be seen on a clear day. On the way to Durpin Dara, one can also visit Gauri Pur House where Nobel Poet Rabindranath Tagore has spend some of his time here for many of this workds.

• Nurseries : Kalimpong is enriched with different varieties of flowers such as gladioli cactus, orchids, roses, dahlias, ornamental plants etc. Many private nurseries have been opened and some are opened to all visitors.

• Mangal Dham Parnami Mandir : The Hindu Mandir is situated on the Relli Road , inaugurated in October 1993 and it is just one kilometer away from town. It is a huge temple with huge sized statues of Lord Krishna in the Prayer hall.

• Dharmodaya Vihar : The statue of Buddha was donated by the Burmese Buddhists which is installed in the Buddhist temple. It is located at Reshi Road.

• Kalimpong Arts & Craft center : Near the bus stand of the town craft center can be visited for locally made crafts.

• Lava : A near by place to visit while in Kalimpong, with a wide variety of orchids in the dense forest of Beech, Pine and Juniper. Lava Provides a 12km teak to Jalapa a Rachela situated on the Tri-junctions of Sikkim, Bengal and Bhutan. Lolen gaon is 24 Kms away from Lava, which offers views of peaks - Kanchenjunga, Pandim , Kabru, Jana Siniolchu, Kang, Talung, Jupno, Nursing and Simvo.

• The MacFarlane Church: A testimony of the Scottish missionaries’ influence and a monument of Kalimpong’s diverse history, Dr. Graham’s Home, which was founded in 1880 by Dr. John A. Graham, is a sprawling educational institution built on Deolo Hill north of the main township. It stands testimony to Kalimpong’s European influence. It has its own dairy, bakery, poultry farm and vegetable gardens. It is a fitting example of community life, an enthralling experience indeed.
• Durpin Dara: an observatory point from where a truly spectacular view of the Himalaya can be enjoyed. This along with the panoramic view of the Teesta and Relli rivers, and the plains far below, provide visitors with a memorable sight. The many flowers nurseries in Kalimpong are known for the diversity of Himalayan flora they house, most of which are exported. For those with an interest in floriculture, a trip to a few of these nurseries is worthwhile.
• Zong Dhog Palri Fo Brang monastery: situated near Durpin Dara is another attraction of the area. Tharpa Choeling monastery, built in 1937, belongs to the yellow hut sect of lamas and is another must see. It is situated on Tirpai hill, about 2 km from the main town.
• Pedong monastery: built around 1837, is of Bhutanese origin, while a kilometer away is the historical Bhutanese fort of Damsang, an important landmark of the area before the main town of Kalimpong came into prominence. Thongsa monastery is also of Bhutanese origin and was built around 1692, making it the oldest monastery in the region.
• Kalimpong Arts & Craft Center: founded in 1897 by Mrs. Graham, is a thriving center where carpet weaving, dyeing, painting, tailoring, leather craft and carpentry are taught, besides promoting the work of local artisans and craftsmen. The Gouripur House, a summer retreat of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, is where he penned many unforgettable poems.
• Deolo Hill : one of the numerous hill destinations that warrant a visit. A perfect picnic spot replete with a splendid tourist lodge, run by the Department of Tourism, DGHC. A stay here is definitely recommended as the early morning view of the sun lighting up the Khangchendzonga massif is a marvelous example of nature at her best, a heart stopping sight indeed.
• Mangal Dham Mandir: Sprawling over an area of two acres and built in 1993, Mangal Dham is considered to be one of the most splendid temples in India. It is the ground floor of the Dham, where lies the "samadhi" of their revered Guruji. The prayer hall is on the top floor, where the idol of Raj Shyamaji is found, flanked on either side by the Revered Prannath and Shri 108 Guru Mangaldasji. Both the sides of the prayer hall has a vivid picturesque story of Nijanandacharya Shri Devchandraji, meeting Lord Krishna, Rev. Prannathji blessing the brave Bundela Chhatrasal Maharaj and other scenes from the Krishna Leela.

How to Get to Kalimpong

Foreigners visiting Kalimpong must possess an Indian visa. No special permit is required for either traveling or trekking inside Kalimpong. However, necessary travel documents need to be shown as and when required. LOCAL TRANSPORT: Tourist Cars, Tourist mini coaches and Taxis are available for transfer of passengers between Kalimpong and Siliguri/New Jalpaiguri Junction/ Bagdogra, and also for sightseeing at fixed rates and may be reserved through Tourist Bureau, Govt. of West Bengal, Kalimpong. Private Taxis, Jeeps and Landrovers are available for local sightseeing in and around Kalimpong.

• AIR CONNECTIONS: Bagdogra Airport is 80 km (3 hours) from Kalimpong.
• LOCAL AIRLINES: Indian Airlines; Jet Airways
• ROAD CONNECTIONS: Kalimpong is connected with all weather metalled road with Siliguri, Gangtok, Darjeeling etc.
• RAIL CONNECTIONS: The closest Railhead is at New Jalpaiguri which is around 77 km away from Kalimpong.

Where to stay in Kalimpong

You can take your pick from a range of luxury and budget hotels in Siliguri besides star categorized accommodation. The various hotel packages offer the best of facilities. The well-furnished rooms place most of the comforts at your feet.

• HOTEL HIMALAYAN ( Heritage Hotel)

Upper Cart Road Restaurant: Multi cuisine Phone No: 255248

• HOTEL SILVER OAKS (4 Star Hotel)

Accommodation: 25 rooms Restaurant: Multi cuisine Phone No: 255296

• HOTEL KALIMPONG PARK (3 Star Hotel)

Rinkingpong Road, Phone: 253552 / 255304 Accommodation: 20 rooms Restaurant: Multicuisine

• JP LODGE

RC Minty Road Phone no: 257457 / 256130

• HOTEL CHIMAL

Rinkingpong Road Phone no: 257457 / 256130

• HOTEL GARDEN REACH

Upper Cart Road Phone no: 255091

• PARK HOTEL

Rinkingpong Road Phone no: 255304

• SOOD'S GARDEN RETREAT (Kalimpongs only garden resort))

8th Milestone. Accommodation: 11 rooms Restaurant: Multi cuisine Phone No: 260321/22

Places to Eat

• Cake R Us
• China Garden, Phone no: 257956
• Fresh Bite, Rishi Road, Phone no: 256845
• Glenarey's, Main Road, Phone no: 258827
• Gompu's, Damber Chauk, Phone no: 255818
• Maharaja Sweets, Ongden Road, Phone no: 259289 / 260189
• Menderin, Motor Stand Phone no: 257780
• Park Hotel, Rinkingpong Road, Phone no : 255304
• Pizza Hut, Rishi Road, Phone no: 258650