Why

Kalimpong

Almost Perfect weather for vacation.
Beautiful Monuments.
Famous Kalimpong Cheese.
Short trekking, hiking heaven and Bird Watching heaven.
Handmade Handicrafts.

Kalimpong:

Kalimpong is a new district town of West Bengal, India. Situated at an elevation of approx.1250 metres (4101feets), above the ridge of the Teesta River. And it is beautifully ornamented by astounding waterfalls ending up in Teesta. “Kalimpong'', the common name, originated from the name “Kalibung”. Though there is a disparity among the scholars about its meaning but the popular(Local) belief is that, because of the plant “Kaulim” which grows in abundance here, Kalimpong got its name.

According to the historical records(not much available), it is believed that Kalimpong was a part of “Lepcha Kingdom” till early 18th century, later it became a part of Bhutan. However, Bhutan lost the battle with British India. By entering into a treaty(in 1865), it ceded to the East India Company. Later made a part of Darjeeling District till the end of 2016. Kalimpong has a very important strategic location, as it shares more than 100 km with Tibet in “Jelep La”, less than 100 km with Nepal and 170 km with Bhutan. It played a vital role in the 1959 Indo-China clashes. Earlier it was an essential route for business(as the ancient silk-route went through it).

Due to its temperate climate and beautiful environment, it is the home of some rare beautiful birds, species, various plants and the main reason for attracting the tourists every year. It is also the hub for mild and high altitude trekkers(very suitable for novice trekkers). Visit old British architectural buildings, Buddhist gompas, Hindu temples, churches and other monuments vibrantly reflecting its history. In the ever-busy town market you can shop for various handmade items, also find famous Kalimpong cheese (originated from swiss cheese), Handmade Nepali paper, Thangkas reflecting Buddha's life and different delicious foods and delicacies.

Even though Kalimpong does not have any regimented tea gardens, but it is full of photogenic outskirts, hamlets and little villages at the sprinkle of dribs and drabs. The beautiful flower gardens(Exotic and Herbel plants) and small tee plants will inspire you to make your fabulous tales in Kalimpong, the land of orchids.

Tour packages of Kalimpong

Things to do in Kalimpong

Durpin Dara(Hills)

The word “Dara” colloquially means “hills”. Kalimpong stands between the arms of two famous hills, Durpin Dara and Deolo hills. Durpin Dara is situated at the south-west side of the town and is 1372 metres (4501 ft) above the sea level. From there you can have a panoramic view of the town, the snowcap Himalayan ranges and the Teesta river valley. Zang Dhok Palri Monastery, sanctified by the Dalai Lama(1976), sits on the hill, which holds holy books and scrolls. (including 108 volumes of the Kangyur). Due to the international border, the Indian Army has its major base at the top.

Deolo Hills

Deolo hills is the second hill among the two hills where Kalimpong stands between. This highest point of Kalimpong is situated 4 km away from the central town. It rests at an elevation of 1704 metres (5590ft) above sea level. From where you can see the snow-capped mountains of West Sikkim on a clear day and can witness the panoramic view of the entire Kalimpong town and its neighbouring hills. It is one of the popular picnic spots for tourists as well as for the locals. At the top, it has a beautiful park ornamented by exotic flowers. Near the hill are many more spots to visit(known as the 9 points).

Thongsa Gompa

Thongsa Gompa is located in Mangal Dham area and is around 2 km away from the central town. It was built in 1962 and the oldest Buddhist monastery in Kalimpong region. The original Gompa was built by the King of Bhutan but was reconstructed in the 19th century after demolishing the old structure. Number 108 is considered to be holy in Buddhism, as it represents 9 planets and 12 months in a year. However, what makes the Thongsa Gompa so interesting and strange is that it has 219 drums which are quite unusual. The quiet ambience makes this holy place for meditation and one of the popular tourist spots. You can witness a huge gathering of pilgrims of Buddha Purnima. Presently, this Gompa is held by Nyingmapa School of Buddhism.

Mangal Dham

Mangal Dham is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It was built in 1993 in the divine memories of Late Guru Shri Mangal Das Ji, who had visited that place in the 1940s. It is situated near Thongsa Gompa and is around 2km away from the main town. The walls of the temple are painted depicting Lord Krishna’s Leela. The temple has 2 acres of the area decorated with a beautiful aromatic flower garden. The ambience of the Dham will no doubt spiritually enchant you to walk across the Dham.

Hanuman Temple

The humongous statue of Lord Hanuman (approx 30 feet) situated 8 km away from the central town and near the Deolo hill. Next to that, you can see one of the biggest Buddha Statue sitting on a lotus. This popular tourist stoppage was inaugurated by Karma Wangchuk in 2004. However, you have to climb sharp high stairs to reach the Hanuman temple. On the top, it offers a mesmerising view of beautiful Mt. Kanchanjungha. Apart from that, on a clear day, you can witness the sight of neighbouring state Sikkim and other surrounding beautiful landscapes. At the entrance of the temple, there is also a small Durga temple.

Tharpa Choling Monastery

Tharpa Choling Monastery, a beautiful Buddhist Monastery, is situated at KD Pradhan Road on Tirpai Hill in Kalimpong. It is located at a distance of approx 2 km from the central town. At the request of Tibetian Merchant and Bhutanese leaders in Kalimpong, it was founded by Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang in 1912. The third oldest Monastery belongs to the Yellow Hat or Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The simplicity, art and old scriptures are the main highlights of this monastery. The hall room of the monastery is beautifully decorated with various Buddhist style animals and humans. However, the major attraction is the museum which has a gallery of various scriptures and artefacts. His Holiness Dalai Lama the 14th has visited(2005).

Zang Dhok Palri Monastery

Zong Dhok Palri Monastery or popularly known as Durpin Monastery is situated 5 km away from the central town. It is one of the largest and considered to be the major religious centre. It was established in 1970 by Dudjum Rinpoche and was blessed by His Holiness Dalai Lama(the 14th) six-year its construction. The simple Buddhist Sculpture, Pillars and painting attract tourists the most. However, the main attraction is the hall room where it has three-dimensional paintings. It reserved many rare holy books and scripture, which was brought during his exile.

Theresa Catholic Church

Theresa Catholic church is a unique and largest Roman Catholic church in Kalimpong region and is situated 2kms away from the central town. As it was built by the local craftsmen (in the British era), the church resembles a Bhutanese Gompa because it is heavily influenced by Tibetan architecture design. The biblical Paintings and Carvings interestingly resemble the 8 auspicious symbols(Tashi Tagye) of the Buddhist religion. It is a result of the amalgamation of gothic and Tibetian architecture. This church remains open for tourists and prayer all week including weekends and holidays.

Morgan house

The Morgan house was built in 1930 on a sixteen-acre estate on the top of DurpinDara hills, by Mr George Morgan who was a jute baron. This mansion is situated 3kms outside the central town, and this architectural monument beautifully camouflaged with its surroundings. After the death of Mr and Mrs Morgan, this British colonial mansion was passed on to the trustees and later to the Government, as they died without an heir. However, at present, it is a Government tourist lodge and comes under the West Bengal Tourism department. Interestingly, by many, the Morgan House is considered to be haunted.

Galingka

It is another British, situated 1km away from the central town the central city of Kalimpong. It offers mesmerising views at the backdrop of Kanchenjunga peak, the second-highest Himalayan peaks and the third highest peak of the world. It was created by British wool traders as a halt to travel from one place to another part of India for trading purposes. This bungalow is an example of beautiful British architecture and surrounded by a beautiful park and a popular picnic spot for the tourist.

Pine View Nursery

It is a private and commercial nursery, situated 3 km away from the central town, established in 1971. Spreading around 2 acres, it consists of more than 1500 different species and is one of the largest in the entire Asian continent. It is a result of due diligence of 40 years of Mr Mohan Pradhan. He left his orchid business and pursued his passion of cactus. This Nursery is one of the popular stoppage points; it also provides food and accommodation for the tourist. And if you are a cactus lover you can buy it from there as a travel souvenir.

Crockety

Another beautiful architectural British bungalow situated 2km away from the central town built. It was built by British wool traders in 18 century. It is famous for its architecture and surroundings. This colonial British bungalow is located in front of the house of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, who once broadcasted his poem Jonmodin on his birthday on All India Radio(from Crockety). The picturesque British bungalow is founded in the upper section of Kalimpong and the royal look would no doubt grab your attention.

Lepcha Museum

Lepcha museum is one of its kind in India and one of the prime attractions of Kalimpong. It is situated 1 km away from the central town in H.L.Dixit Road. It was founded by the late Padmashree Shri Sonam Tshering Lepcha. It is the best place in Kalimpong for those who love art and culture. This museum beautifully preserves and displays the indigenous (Lepcha) people of Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Nepal, Bhutan, who resided here or living presently. And beautifully illustrated their culture and tradition. Here you can see various articles of worship, original Lepcha musical instruments, handicraft items and manuscripts. The interesting thing to note is how a single person(Late Shri Sonam Lapcha) was able to bring the heritage of indigenous culture in a single place. Lepcha style below the museum is an added feature of the Place.

Kalimpong Science City

The Science city is mainly a Science and technology centre spread approximately 7 acres. The science city is situated near Deolo hills and at a distance of 9 km from the central town. It was designed and developed by the National Council of Science Museum in 2008. It has a centre house (Science Observatory), a 3d theatre and several Scientific Objects for display. It has a beautiful garden decorated with various outdoor activities like swings, climbing ropes, see-saw etc. This place will surely be enjoyed by Children. One added feature to be mentioned here is that you can witness the picturesque view of Mt. Kanchenjunga from the garden area.

Nature Interpretation Centre

The nature Interpretation Centre of locally known as Forest museum, situated at a distance around 1 km from the central town. It is located on Rinkin Pong Road. For nature lovers, it is one of the must-visit places in this region. It was established and maintained by the Forest Department since 1990. The main idea of the Forest Museum is to spread awareness on various environmental issues like global warming, extinction of rare animals and issues caused by human activities.

Pratima House

Kalimpong has several memories of the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tegore. He had two houses, one is Gauripur House near Durpin Hills, where he had created many beautiful and great verses. Another place is at Atisha road near Pine View Nursery. It is known as Pratima House named after the daughter-in-law of the poet. Pratima House was built-in 1943, the ambience and lush garden surely make you nostalgic.

Dr Graham Homes

Dr Graham Homes is one of the oldest educational institutions and historical places in Kalimpong region, situated at the distance of 5km from the central town and in the lower steep of Deolo hills. It was founded in 1900 by st. Andrews Colonial Homes, a missionary of the church of Scotland, who was settled in Kalimpong several years during the 20th century to work with the locals. The campus is spread over 500 acres which includes school, music rooms, library, workshop, music auditorium, hospital, staff quarter, farmhouse, hostel, cottages, etc. it also has a beautiful Chapel called Katherine Graham Memorial Chapel. It was the first place for orphans.

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Why

Kalimpong

Kalimpong:

Tour packages of Kalimpong

Things to do in Kalimpong

Durpin Dara(Hills)

Deolo Hills

Thongsa Gompa

Mangal Dham

Hanuman Temple

Tharpa Choling Monastery

Zang Dhok Palri Monastery

Theresa Catholic Church

Morgan house

Galingka

Pine View Nursery

Crockety

Lepcha Museum

Kalimpong Science City

Nature Interpretation Centre

Pratima House

Dr Graham Homes

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