gathered to organize field sports, second, it takes it’s name from the Bhutanese king’s minister’s stronghold and thirdly, it is named after Kaulim, a fibrous plant found in abundance in this region. Its 1200 meter elevation ensures a pleasant climate round the year so it isn’t a problem even if you’ve set your date with this charming
little town in the dead of winter. The road is one of the most scenic routes in this part of the nation. The swift flowing Teesta river runs by the side of the road adding to the beauty of the scenery. 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 Fact Sheet
General Information
Altitude:
6.4 Meters (20 ft.) above sea level.
Climate:
Summer: Max: 25* C Min: 15* C
Winter: Max: 15* C Min: 7*C
Rain fall:
1581 mm (Monsoon Months – June to early September).
Beast Season:
October to March
Access
Airlines :
The nearest airport is Bagdogra in North Bengal, 124 km from Gangtok, Sikkim's capital. Indian Airlines operates flights from Calcutta, Delhi, Patna, Imphal and Guwahati.
Rail :
The nearest railheads are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri, 114 km and 126 km respectively, from Gangtok.
Road :
Kalimpong is connected to Darjeeling, Siliguri and Gangtok by road through buses, jeeps and private taxis.
Places of Interest
Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa:
Built in the mid-1970s and consecrated personally by the Dalai Lama in 1976, at `Durpin Dara` Hill, 5km south of the town.It contains the Kanguyar, in 108 volumes, brought by the Dalai Lama when he fled.. This gompa (monastery) houses impressive wall-paintings and a rare three dimensional `mandal` upstairs.
It is situated at Tirpai Hill was established in 1922 and this gompa belongs to the Yellow Hat (Gelukpa) sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The gompa is about 40 minute walk from the main town.
Thogsa Gompa
The oldest Bhutanese monastery founded in 1692, it is the oldest monastery in this area. The present building is not so old - the original was destroyed by the Gurkhas in their rampage across Sikkim before the arrival of the British.
Raja Dorjee Market
A visit to this local market in the heart of the town on the market days is a unique experience. All the villagers from the adjoining areas flock in to sell their wates and the market wears a festive look with a feast of colorful people.
Flower Nurseries
Kalimpong is famous for flower nurseries which export exotic flowers. Kalimpong is the only place where many commercial flower nurseries are situated. One should visit the beautiful laid out 'Universal Nursery' about 3 km from the town.The Sri Ganesh Moni Pradhan Nursery at 12th mile is specially renowned for its varieties of orchidsand the Udai Mani Pradhan Nursery are among the most important the
Udai Mani Pradhan Nursery are among the most important in the area. If you are interested in Rose, Gerbera and Dahlias you can visit Standard Nursery at Chibo Busty.
Dr. Graham’s Home
Less than an hour’s walk away from the town centre is Dr. Graham’s Home, which was founded in 1900 on the lower slopes of Deolo Hill to educate inter-racial offspring of British tea planters and local women who were disallowed admissions into regular schools by the society then. The chapel above the school dates from 1925 and features beautiful stained-glass windows.Tourists can also visit
the fine turn-of-the-century school building, and many people often picnic on the school grounds. From the school building, it is a further 40 minute walk to the summit of Deolo Hill, where there is a Tourist Bungalow and one can enjoy fine views of Kalimpong from here.
Shri Mangal Dham
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.
It is the highest point in Kalimpong accessible by car.It is situated at an altitude of 1402 metres which offers breathtaking views. This is an observatory point about 3 kms. from the town from where a breath taking view of the Himalayan ranges can be seen. Durpin Dara is the highest point in Kalimpong accessible by car. Durpin Dara offers a finest view of the plains and the mighty Teesta.
Lava
Surrounded by virgin pine forests and often hidden in mists and clouds at an altitude of 2,350 meters, this small village lies 34 kilometers away from Kalimpong on the old trade route to Bhutan. It has a beautiful monastery of Bhutanese origin and a Nature Interpretation Centre. Popular for nature exploration and bird watching, it is also the starting point for treks into the Neora National Park, which abounds
with floral and faunal wealth.
Kaffer / Lolay Gaon
A superb spot to view the sunrise over the mountains to those eager to take a 59-kilometer morning drive from Kalimpong through lovely forested hills. The area itself has a heritage forest and offers fine views of the snowy Singalila Range.
Neora National Park
A 4-day trek through forests and exotic flora of the National Park, culminating in the ascent of the 3,152 meter Rache La tri-junction, to view the Chola Range. Other activities include nature and culture exploration of the Rishi Valley and remote waterfalls. Altogether, a memorable experience.
