General Information
Location : Located 80 Km from Bagdora,West Bengal
Area : 3.5 sq. miles
Climate & Temperate :
Summer Max. - 27° C, Min. 17.2° C
Winter Max. - 15° C, Min. 7.2° C
Rainfall : 86.20 inches Annually
Best Season : March to mid-June & Sept. to Dec.
Altitude : 1250 m
Population : 46,500
Languages : Bengali, Nepali, Hindi and English
Best time to visit : April, June
STD Codes : 03552
Introduction , Kalimpong
Abutting the state of Sikkim, Kalimpong is set in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas at an altitude of 1250 metres above sea level. The hill station is 50 km from Darjeeling and is in the northern part of the state of West Bengal. The most fascinating aspect of Kalimpong is its calm ambience with magnificent views of the towering snow-crested mountain ranges. The Buddhist monasteries, the churches and the temples, all combined, give rise to an exceptional religious aura which is truly commendable. The town is an ethnic mix of hill people and maintains the age-old tradition of hospitality. The bustling market places, selling thankas, Chinese lamps, Lepcha daggers, Bhutanese weaves and hand beaten silver, are an utter delight. The Nepalis are the predominating community in the town. The other ethnic groups are Lepchas, Bhutias, Pradhans, Sherpas, Rais, Yamloos, Damais, Kamais and the Limbus.
History of Kalimpong
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.
Accessibility
By Air : Nearest Airport is Bagdogra (80 kms) 3 hours drive.
By Rail : The nearest railheads are Siliguri 66 kms and New Jalpaiguri 80 kms which are well connected to all parts of India.
By Road : 66 kms from Siliguri, 50 kms from Darjeeling and reachable under 3 hours.
Places to Visit in Kalimpong
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.
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.
Gompas
The Tharpa Choeling Gompa, which belongs to the Yellow Hat (Gelukpa) sect of Tibetan Buddhism, is a 40 minute walk from town. Lower down the hill, the Tongsa Gompa, or Bhutanese Monastery, is the oldest monastery in the area and dates back to 1692.Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa, was built in the mid-70s at Durpin Dara Hill and was consecrated by the Dalai Lama. The gompa is worth a visit for its impressive wall paintings in the prayer room, and a rare three-dimensional mandala upstairs. The mountain views are amazing from Durpin Dara Hill.
Flower Nurseries
Kalimpong produces 80% of India’s gladioli and is a significant orchid-growing area and it comes as no surprise that flowers are exported from here to many cities in northern India.
Sericulture Research Institute
At this institute silkworms are bred and silk is produced as well as herbs and plants. Locate on the road to Darjeeling, the institute can be visited between 9.30 am and 4 PM.Kalimpong's attractions include three Buddhist monasteries, spectacular churches, an excellent private library for the study of Tibetan and Himalayan language and culture, a sericulture centre and a fine view of the surrounding countryside.
Nature Interpretation Centre
Located on Rinkingpong Rd, this centre consists of a number of well-organized dioramas, which depict the effects of human activity on the environment. The centre is open to visitors from Friday to Wednesday from 10 am to 4 PM and admission is free.
