KALIMPONG State of West Bengal - India House, London estled in the lower Himalayas at an altitude of...

Nestled in the lower Himalayas at analtitude of 1,250 m in the easternIndian state of Bengal is Kalimpong,

a hill town that was developed by the Britishas an alternative summer getaway to Darjeel-ing. Kalimpong, which falls under the Dar-jeeling district, has evolved into a majortourist destination thanks mainly to its tem-perate climate. Besides, there is plenty to seein and around Kalimpong for the aesthetical-ly inclined as well as those looking for adven-ture. The snow-clad Himalayan ranges serveas an enchanting backdrop to the town thatholds a number of important Buddhistmonasteries with rare Tibetan Buddhist man-uscripts besides many edifices from the colo-nial era. World's third tallest peak MountKanchenjunga (8,591 m) is clearly visiblefrom Kalimpong, which is also famous for itslarge variety of rare orchids. The town is alsothe starting point for several 4-7 day treks.

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KKaalliimmppoonngg AArrttss aanndd CCrraafftt CCeennttrree:: Locatedwithin a walking distance from middle of thetown is the Kalimpong Arts and Craft Cen-tre, which is famous for its handicrafts suchas tapestry bags, purses, pictorial wall pan-els, screens, embroidered bags and scrolls,and much more. The centre was founded by

the Scottish missionaries in 1897.DDrr.. GGrraahhaamm’’ss HHoommee:: The town bears the

imprint of its Scottish founders who wenton to set up some great schools in the area,including the famous Dr. Graham's Home,which was established by Rev J.A. Grahaminitially as an orphanage-cum-school calledSt. Andrew's Colonial and Industrial Settle-ment. Dr. Graham's Home is located onDeolo Hill and comprises nearly 50 cot-tages now.

TTiibbeettaann mmoonnaasstteerriieess:: En route to Dr.Graham’s Home are two Tibetan monaster-ies: Tharpa Choling Monastery at Tirpai,which belongs to the Yellow-Hat-Sect oflamas or Gelugpa Sect of the Dalai Lama;new Buddhist Monastery or Zang-dog Pal-rifo Brang, completed in 1975, which is onDurpin Dara Hill. In 1956 during a visit toKalimpong, the Dalai Lama presented a setof rare manuscripts or “Kangyur” of 108volumes to Durpin Dara Monastery.

GGoouurriippuurr HHoouussee:: Situated about 2 kmfrom Kalimpong is Gouripur House, whichhas been made famous by the fact that thegreat Indian poet, Rabindranath Tagore,used to stay here during his visits toKalimpong and wrote many of his poems.

DDuurrppiinn DDaarraa:: Durpin, meaning “binocu-lars”, is a popular view point of Kalimpongand is located at an altitude of 1,402

metres. From here can be seen the entireChola Range of Sikkim, the Jelep La Pass,the Kanchenjunga Range and the Tiger Hill.

DDaarrmmooddaayyaa VViihhaarr:: This is a temple aswell as the abode of the Nepalese Bud-dhists. The idol of Buddha in the templewas presented by the Buddhists of Burma.The temple is run and maintained by themembers of Kalimpong Dharmodaya Sabha.

LLaavvaa:: Located on a pass on the old traderoute to Bhutan, at an altitude of 2,000 mabove sea level and about 35 km fromKalimpong is Lava, a small hamlet sur-rounded by virgin forests and ideal fornature exploration, bird watching and forviewing orchids in their natural habitat. It isalso the base for exploring the Neora Val-ley upto the 3,152 m high Rachela Pass thatdivides Sikkim and Bhutan. Treks toSamthar plateau also start from here.

GGiittddaabblliinngg--BBuuddhhaabbaarree:: Famous for itsweekly bazaar, Gitadabling in the Git Rivervalley, is endowed with scenic countrysides,forests and streams. Here one can see ter-race cultivation and old style homesteads.

LLoolleeggaaoonn--KKaaffeerr:: This places is endowedwith forests and exotic flora, and offersunusual serenity and a sunrise view of Jhan-di Dara which rivals the view from Tiger Hill.

SSaammccoo RRooppeewwaayy:: Located 20 km fromKalimpong on the highway to Siliguri, this

ropeway was constructed by Christian mis-sionaries to open up the remote SamtharSuruk region with its predominent Lepchapopulation. The ropeway spans 1.5 km overboth the Teesta and Relli rivers.

SSaammtthhaarr PPllaatteeaauu:: Located 80 km south ofKalimpong at an altitude of 1,400 m,Samthar Plateau is a great place for a quietholiday. It offers panaromic views of thesnow ranges stretching from Kanchenjungain the west to Gymochen in the east.Besides, one can glimpse the uniquelifestyle and culture of its Nepalese,Bhutias and Lepchas population.

June 1, 2006Page 8

Printed and Published by the Press Office, High Commission of India, India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA. Tel: 0207 836 8484. Fax: 0207 632 3191. Email: ksbhardwaj@hcilondon.net Website: www.hcilondon.net

HHooww ttoo rreeaacchh

BByy AAiirr:: Nearest airport is at Bagdogra,about 80 km away.

BByy RRaaiill:: Main railhead is at New Jalpaig-uri, about 77 km away.

BByy RRooaadd:: Well-connected by road fromSiliguri and other important cities.

CClliimmaattee

WWiinntteerr:: Maximum temperature is 15 degreesCelsius, minimum is 7 degree Celsius.SSuummmmeerr:: Maximum temperature is 25degrees Celsius; minimum is 15 degrees.BBeesstt ttiimmee ttoo vviissiitt:: March-June and Sep-tember-December.

WWhheerree ttoo ssttaayy

Morgan House TouristTashiding Tourist LodgeHimalayan HotelHotel Silver OaksHotel Kalimpong ParkDelo Tourist LogdeJP Lodge

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Overview of Kalimpong

Focus:West Bengal

TOURIST INFORMATION

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KALIMPONGKALIMPONG State of West Bengal

Durpin Monastery