Kalimpong City Travel Guide -
West Bengal
General Information Of
Kalimpong
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Area 8.68 sq. km
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Population 38,832
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Altitude 1,250 metres
above sea level
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Languages Bengali, Nepali,
Hindi and English
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STD Code 03552
Best time to visit April–June
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Introduction to city Kalimpong -
In West Bengal
small town perched at an altitude of 1,250 metres, the first
things that strike the visitor at Kalimpong are the bustling
bazaars and the places of worship that lend a peaceful ambience
to the town. It is situated in the state of West Bengal at a
distance of 50 km from Darjeeling.
Till about hundred years ago, Kalimpong used to be a tiny
hamlet. The written accounts dating back to 1865 mention this
place as one constituting of a few huts, less than ten families
and eight cows! After it was seized by the British in the later
half of the nineteenth century, the area became a major centre
for wool trade with Tibet. In 1916, the area was made into a
separate subdivision with Kalimpong as the headquarters. Today
Kalimpong has been developed as a popular tourist resort.
The name Kalimpong has been given rise to several
interpretations. In the language of the local Lepcha tribe,
Kalimpong means the ridge where we play. Another interpretation
is that the name stands for the stronghold of the minister as
kalim means minister and pong means stronghold in Bhutanese. One
more interpretation describes Kalimpong as being named after
Kaulim, a fibrous plant found in abundance in this region.
Kalimpong has a very mild climate. Summers are sunny and are the
best times to visit this place. The winter season lasts from
September to February when the minimum temperature can drop to
7°C making the nights quite cold.
Sightseeing : Places to visit in destination - Kalimpong
For lovers of natural beauty, Kalimpong is a place not to be
missed. The town offers a fascinating view of the surrounding
mountainous countryside. The scenic environs are ideal for
relaxing. Move out in the town and get immersed in Buddhist
literature and meditation in various monasteries that dot the
landscape of the town. Some of the interesting spots in the town
are Dr. Grahams Home, Tharpa Choling Monastery, Zong Dog
Palri Fo-Brang Monastery, Durpin Dara Hill and
Lepcha Museum.
Kalimpong Sightseeing :
Places to visit in destination Kalimpong
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Places to visit in the city Kalimpong |
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DR. GRAHAM’S HOME -
Kalimpong
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Situated in a 500-acre estate on the slopes of Dealo
Hills, Dr. Graham’s Home is an educational institution
founded as a home and school for orphan children by Dr.
John Anderson Graham, a Scottish missionary, in 1900.
Started with just six students, the school today has over
1,200 boys and girls and is among the better-known public
schools of the region. The school is self-sufficient and
has its own dairy, poultry and bakery. Every year in the
month of May the school organises a May Fair. The original
buildings and chapel in the school complex present an
interesting sight. |
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THARPA CHOLING MONASTERY -
Kalimpong
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Situated on Tirpai Hill, Tharpa Choling Monastery was
built around 1937. The monastery belongs to the Gelukpa
Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the sect to which the present
Dalai Lama belongs. The monastery has a library of the
Buddhist manuscripts and thangkas (picture or
representation of a deity on cloth). |
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ZONG DOG PALRI FO-BRANG
MONASTERY - Kalimpong
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Built in the mid-1970s, the monastery lies at about 5 km
south of the town centre at Durpin Dara Hill. The
monastery was consecrated by the Dalai Lama. It houses
impressive wall paintings and a rare three-dimensional
mandala (a Hindu or Buddhist graphic symbol of the
universe). From this monastery, one can get a panoramic
view of the town and the surrounding areas. |
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DURPIN DARA HILL -
Kalimpong
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The highest point in Kalimpong, the Durpin Dara Hill
offers a breathtaking view of the plains below. Some of
the places that can be viewed from here include the Teesta
and Rangeet rivers, western Sikkim, the Kanchenjunga peak,
Peshoke and Lopchu tea estates, Nathu-la pass and the
towns of Siliguri and Kurseong. |
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LEPCHA MUSEUM - Kalimpong
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The museum is located in Bag Dhara and exhibits
manuscripts and other objects of the Lepchas, the original
people of Kalimpong. |
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Excursions : Places nearby city -
Kalimpong
Move around Kalimpong to further explore the natural beauty of
the region. The sylvan surroundings add a romantic ambience to
the region. You can also catch glimpses of the regions history
as presented by the various monasteries and the old fort. The
spots to look out for are Rississum, Damsang Bhutanese Fort,
Munsong Forest Bungalow and Chitray Falls.
Kalimpong Excursion :
Places nearby Kalimpong - West Bengal
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Places to visit nearby destination - Kalimpong |
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Chitray Falls
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Chitray Falls is located 9 km down the Tests Road with
shortcuts through rice fields. It is an ideal retreat for
the honeymooners. |
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Munsong Forest Bungalow
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About 25 kilometres from Kalimpong, in a beautiful teak
forest, lies the Munsong Forest Bungalow, an ideal retreat
for those who wish to spend time in the sylvan
surroundings. |
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Rississum
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About 20 km from Kalimpong en route Lava lies Rississum, a
beautiful picnic spot. It is perched at an altitude of
6410 feet and offers fascinating views of the surrounding
mountains. |
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Teesta Bazaar
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For those interested in white-water rafting, a visit to
Teesta Bazaar is a must. It located about 16 km from
Kalimpong. The rafting season continues from mid-November
to mid-February. |
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