Holiday Destination: Kalimpong

Kalimpong is a small hill station between Siliguri and Gangtok. Like the other hill towns, Kalimpong Once the headquarters of a Bhutanese Governor, the word 'Kalim' means King's Minister and ' pong' - the strong hold hence the strong hold of the King's minister. The vast rolling Meadows covered with a riot of wild flowers, the sparkling brooks and rivulets meandering lazily by the terraced fields are a feast for one's eyes. kalimpong is a blaze of colour throughout the year owing to the richness of its stunning flora. The orchids of this region in particular are famous for their infinite variety as well as their delicate tints.

Climate

Max. 27.1°C, Min. 16°C in summer Max. 15°C, Min. 5°C in winter

Tourist Season

March to Juna & September to November

Accommodation

Hotels, Inspection Bungalows, private cottages are available which suit all budgets

General Information Of Kalimpong

Area:1056 sq.km Population: 50,000 Languages: Nepali Hindi English Tibetan and Bengali Clothing: cottons in summer woolens in winter

Tourist Attraction in or Near by Kalimpong

 

Durpin Dhara

Durpin Dhara is a highest point of Kalimpong. Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery is located here.

 

 

Thongsha Gumpha

Thongsha Gumpha is a oldest monastery in this region.The monastery of Bhutanese origin was built in the year 1630.

 

Pedong Monastery

Pedong Monastery is the another old Monastery. Built in 1837.

Gauripur House

Gauripur House was the favourite haunts of poet Rabindranath Tagore. and now it has been converted to Co-operative Training Institute.

Paragliding

Rafting

Trained river guides using the utmost safety norms take you on a very memorable white water river rafting experience especially for first timers and children

Kalimpomg Science Centre

One of the most interesting attractions of Kalimpong in the recent past. Situated just behing the Delo Hill Top, it is a must-visit tourist and educational spot. The Centre has a good collection of scientific instruments and applications used in our day-to-day life which are very interesting. Alongside in the Centre Comples is a fun park with statue replicas of Dinosaurs and host of other things to play and enjoy. Scenice views of Kalimpong town and the Himalayan Peaks can be seen from here

Rishi Bankim Park is a well laid out spot for taking a leisurely walk

St.Theresa Church

Built by local craftsmen to resemble a Gumpa, it has wood carvings adorning the walls, depicting biblical scenes, in which personalities resemble Buddhist monks

Army Golf Course

A nine hole golf course overlooking beautiful views of the mountains

Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang (Durpin) Monastery

A Tibetan temple belonging to the Yellow Hat sect of lamaism ,was established in 1970 and consecrated personally by the Dalai Lama in 1976, it contains the Kanguyar, in 108 volumes, brought by the Dalai Lama when he fled. This Gompa has impressive wall paintings in the prayer hall and a rare three-dimensional mandala upstairs

Mangal Dham

Dedicated to Lord Krishna. This Hindu Temple is a marvellous piece of architecture.Devotees, especially of the Pranami Dharma, come from far away places

Dr. Graham’s Homes

Founded in 1900 by Rev. Dr. J.A. Graham, a Scottish missionary. This institution was established as an orphanage-cum-school for destitute Anglo-Indian children. It is now a renowned regular co-educational school situated in a 500 acre campus

Deolo Hills

The highest point within Kalimpong municipality area (elevation approximately 1650 metres) which provides a 360 degree panoramic view. The Kanchenjunga massif is to the north, beyond the hills of Sikkim that rise from the river valleys

Sherpa Taar or Sherpa View Point

Jelepla Pass can be seen with the mountains descending to the hills and river valleys below. On the southern side is the Relli river valley with Kafer and the hills of Samthar plateau. On the North is Sikkim and the Kinchenjunga panorama

Durga Mandir a Hanuman Mandir

Has recently been constructed with a gigantic statue of Lord Hanuman. Just before these places of worship an impressive statue of Lord Buddha, serene in the lotus position has been consecrated with a landscaped rock garden in front

Nature Interpretation Centre a Museum

Run the Forest Department which depicts nature of the Kalimpong region

Rishi Bankim Park

Is a small but well laid out Park

Colonial Bungalows, Heritage houses

Crookety House

Helena Roerich, a Russian herbalogist and healer came to live with her son Yuri, the Director of the "Uruswati" Himalayan Research Institute in the year 1947 till her death on 5th April 1955. Helena was the wife of the celebrated Nicholas Roerich, the great Russian Artist, Philosopher and writer. Helena wrote a number of books including Agni Yoga.Her two sons Yuri and Svyatoslav purchased some land on top of Durprin Hill and built a Stupa in her memory. The Durpin Monastry was constructed next to stupa in the year 1970

Heritage houses Gauripur House

The favourite places of poet Rabindranath Tagore. Whenever he visited Kalimpong he stayed at Gauripur House. On 25th April 1940 he recited from this house, the poem, "Janamdin" through a telephone . It was broadcasted live. He wrote many poems when he was residing in this house.

Pine View Nursery

Where one can marvel at the Cacti & succulents and many flowering plants.

Macfarlane Memorial Church

This imposing Gothic edifice built on a hill is visible from many parts of Kalimpong town

Dharmodaya Vihar

The Nepalese Buddhists have a temple .The Dharmodaya Vihar is the residence of the Nepalese Bhuddist monks. There is a library and a reading room where books on Bhuddism and others in Nepali, English, Hindi, Bengali and Pali language are kept. The idol of Buddha inside the temple was presented by Bhuddists of Burma(Myanmar).

Thongsha Gumpa

Oldest Gumpa built during the Bhutanese period, in 1630

Damsang Fort

Walk through a lovely wooded area of Rhododendrons and other native trees and shrubs brings one to the ruins

Jhandi Dara

From where one can get a panaromic view of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding snow capped Himalayan mountain range. You can also catch breathtaking sunrise and sunset scenes from this point

Teen Chuley View Point,Eco-Tourism Village, Ramitay View Point,Cross Hill View Point

These view points provide panoramic views of the magnificent Himalayan snow peaks and valleys and forests and rivers

Accessibility

 

By Road

66 kms from Siliguri, 79 kms from Gangtok, 51 kms from Darjeeling. All reachable under 3 hours. Connections to Bhutan and Nepal

 

 

By Air

Nearest Airport is Bagdogra (80 kms) 3 hours drive. Bagdogra is presently connected to New Delhi, Guwahati and Calcutta, by Indian Airlines and Jet Airways

 

 

By Rail

The nearest railheads are Siliguri 66 kms (metre gauge) and New Jalpaiguri 80 kms (Broad gauge), which connect you to all parts of India. 2 1/2 hours drive