Kalimpong Tourism
The first thing that strikes the traveler visiting
Kalimpong
is its quiet atmosphere. The peaceful ambience that pervades is heightened
by the presence of monasteries and churches across the town. Kalimpong is
also known for its bustling bazaars and traditional handicrafts. It is famous
for its orchids and nurseries.
Kalimpong offers panoramic
view of the great Himalayan ranges that lie beyond it.
KALIMPONG - LOCATION
Kalimpong is located in the northern part of the state
of West Bengal, in the northeastern region of India. It is adjacent to
the state of Sikkim and near the Teesta River. It is set amongst the foothills
of the mighty Himalayas at an altitude of 1250 m above sea level.
Kalimpong
is 50 km from Darjeeling and 80 km from Gangtok. The weather in Kalimpong
is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February).
It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September.
KALIMPONG - BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Kalimpong is during summer.
KALIMPONG - HISTORY
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.
KALIMPONG - TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
There are a number of places of
tourist interest in Kalimpong.
Kalimpong has three important gompas or monasteries: the Tharpa Choeling
Gompa, the Tongsa Gompa and Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa. The Tharpa
Choeling Gompa was established in 1922 and belongs to the Yellow Hat (Gelukpa)
sect of Tibetan Buddhism. His Highness the Dalai Lama also belongs to
this sect, which was founded in the 14th century in Tibet. The Tongsa
Gompa is located near the Tharpa Choeling Gompa. It is the oldest monastery
in Kalimpong and was founded in 1692. The present building is constructed
over the ruins of the original monastery, which was raised by the Gurkhas,
in the pre-British era. The Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa was built in
the mid-1970s on Durpin Hill and is located 5 km south from the town center.
It was consecrated by His Highness the Dalai Lama. This monastery is famous
for its traditional Tibetan wall paintings.
Kalimpong is an important flower producing
center and it produces 80% of the total gladioli produced in India. There
are numerous nurseries in Kalimpong, which ex
cel in production of orchids.
Travelers can visit some important nurseries across the town and look
at their collection of flowers, orchids and cacti.
Other places to visit in
Kalimpong include
the Sericulture Research Institute, Dr Graham's Home and the adjoining
chapel (located on the slopes of Deolo Hill), and the Nature Interpretation
Center (located on Rinkingpong road).
KALIMPONG - EXCURSIONS
Teesta Bazaar, located 16 km from
Kalimpong, is an important
place for whitewater rafting. The rafting season is between mid-November
to mid-February. The small village of Lava, located at 2,353 m above sea
level and about 30 km east of Kalimpong, is an important place to visit.
Kagyupa Gompa is located here.
The village of Kaffer, located at 1555 m above sea level,
is beyond Lava and one can have magnificent view of the summit of Kanchenjunga
from here. The Samco Ropeway across the Teesta River, on the main Siliguri-Gangtok
road is an important attraction near Kalimpong. One has to take a bus
for Siliguri from Kalimpong in order to visit this ropeway en route.
From
Kalimpong it is possible to go to visit Phuntsholing
across the Bhutanes
e border, without a visa.
KALIMPONG - REACHING THERE
The nearest airport is at Bagdogra and the nearest railhead at Siliguri.
The main bus and jeep station is located on Ongden Road. There is jeep
service between
Kalimpong and Darjeeling (3 hours). However,
bus service between these two towns is not so good. Buses and jeeps can
be taken to go to Siliguri (3 hours). There are few buses to Gangtok and
Bagdogra.
