KALIMPONG

One of the headquarters of a Bhutanese Governor, the word 'Kalim' means King's Minister and 'pong' the stronghold, hence, the stronghold of the King's minister. It is also called 'Kalibong' or the black spur by the hill people. 'Kalipong' in loin local dialect stands for 'Kaulim' which is fibrous plant which grows in abundance in this region. However, the meaning that has found the the most favour is the Lepcha meaning of the name – 'the ridge where we play'. It is said that these local tribesmen used to organize field sports while not engaged in agricultural pursuits – hence the name.

Situated at an altitude of 1250 metres Kalimpong enjoys the best climate in the region. The dense forests of golden oak trees offset by the rich undergrowth of moss and lichen provide an ideal setting for leisurely walks on thick cushions of russet-brown leaves. One comes to this beautiful hill town for a quiet and relaxed holiday and to be pampered by nature bounties.

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The vast rolling meadows covered with a riot of wild flowers, the sparkling brooks and rivulets meandering lazily by the terraced fields are a feast for one's eyes. Kalimpong is a blaze of colours throughout the year owing to the richness of its stunning flora. The orchids and cacti of this region in particular are famous for their infinite variety as well as their delicate tints.

Nestled in the laps of the majestic Himalayas, amidst ever smiling people exuberating warmth, this paradise on earth beckons you to a holiday, the kind of which have never experienced before.

Area : 408 sq. kms| Altitude: 1250 metres (4100 ft.) | o o Location : 27.06 North Latitude 88.47 South Longitude

Temperatureo o o o Summer : Max 27 C, Min 15 C | Winter : Max 15 C, Min 4 C

Rainfall : 220mm annually| Best Season : March to Mid-June & Sept. to Dec.

Clothing required : Tropical in summer and light woolens in winter

Languages spoken : Nepali, English, Hindi, Bengali and Tibetan

Kalimpong is connected to all the major cities of India by Air, Rail and Road.

The nearest Airport is Bagdogra is approximately 80 kms from Kalimpong

The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. From here there are direct connections to Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and most of the major cities of India.

Kalimpong is connected to Darjeeling, Siliguri and Gangtok by road.

Fact File

Climate :

Getting There

AIR :

RAIL :

ROAD

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Mool Kharka Lake, Lingsay

Upper Dhap 0 Point

Local Village

Frost at Rachela

Local Village Flowers of Kalimpong

View of Mountains

View from Rikkisum View Point, 3 KM away from Algarah,

One can have 180degree view from here incl

Krishi Mela at Relli

Rongo, Jaldhaka, Bhutan from Dokan Dara

Dalgaon view Point

Pujey Dara at Durpin

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PLACES OF INTEREST

Kalimpong Science Centre at Deolo Hill

Deolo Hill is a beautiful location offering a panoramic view of the mountains

and rivers, this is a must visit. The Science Centre was established under in

2008 and is an attraction both for the tourists as well as local inhabitants. It

has an amusement park with car parking facilities.

Durpin Dara

Gauripur House

Pedong Monastery

Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery

Tongsa Gumba

This is an observatory point situated about 3 kms from town from where an

awe-inspiring view of the mighty Himalayan range can be seen. The lush

green valleys intersected by the icy cold mountain rivers such as the Teesta,

Relli and Riang on one side and the rolling plains on the other provide a

breath taking view. The nine hole Army Golf Course at Durpin is set against

the backdrop of the magnificent mountains. Visitors can indulge in a round

of golf here after paying a special fee.

Situated about 2 kms from the town on the way to Durpin Dara is Gauripur

House, which was one of the favourite haunts of Poet Laureate Rabindranath

Tagore. He stayed here during his numerous visits to this hill town.

Established in 1837, the Pedong Monastery is predominantly of Bhutanese

origin. It is situated about a kilometer from the Bhutanese fort of Damsang.

This monastery is located amidst idyllic settings of Durpin Dara. From here

one can get an exclusive panoramic view of the town and its surroundings.

This monastery is of Bhutanese origin and was built in 1692. It is the oldest monastery in Kalimpong.

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Tharpa Choling Monastery

Dr. Graham's Homes

Kalimpong Market

Mangal Dham

Kalibari

This monastery was constructed in 1937 by the yellow hat sect of Lamas. It is situated at Tirpai hill which is around 2 kms from town.

Founded by Dr. John Anderson Graham in 1900 this extraordinary

educational institution is situated in a sprawling campus of around 500 acres.

This school is built on the slopes of Deolo Hill about 3 kms from town. The

boys and girls of the school are housed in small cottages which flank either

side of the picturesque school campus.

A visit to the market square, rechristened Parasmani Hat Bazaar, is a unique experience. The weekly market days are Wednesdays and Saturdays and on these days the villagers turn up in their colourful traditional costumes to sell their indigenous wares.

This recently constructed place of

worship dedicated to Lord

Krishna is a marvelous piece of

architecture.

Kalibari is about 2 kms from the town. A huge statue of Goddess Kali is the main attraction in this temple.

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FLOWER NURSERIESThe climate of Kalimpong is ideal for cultivation of flowers and plants. Kalimpong is famous for its nurseries which export exotic f lowers like Amaryllis, Lilies, Anthuriums, Daliahs, Gereberas, Gladiolos, Roses as well as Orchids and Cacti. Some of the well known nurseries are Brindavan Garden Nursery, Ganesh Mani Pradhan Nursery, L.B. Pradhan Nursery, Standard Nursery, Shangrila Nursery, Universal Nursery and others.

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TREKKING IN KALIMPONG

ITINERARY

Trekking in Kalimpong region can be the most pleasant and unforgettable holiday experience in one's life. Kalimpong offers some of the most spectacular treks along the magnificently beautiful hills that surround it. The charm, beauty, mystery and adventure of the mighty hills slowly unfolds as one treks through the sleepy hamlets, dense forests and lush green fields. The treks range from easy strolls in the countryside to mild treks at elevations around 3000 ft. to 7000 ft. The villages here are still very remote and all inhabitants very friendly, honest and enjoy the company of guests.

The best season for treks in this region is from the last week of February to mid May and October to February. Treks during spring season are most beautiful due to large variety of flowering plants. The visibility of the Himalayan range is excellent during the winter season.

a) Kal impong - Gumbadara - Buddabare - Kaffer - Samthar - Suruk - Shivkola - Samco Ropeway (4 days)

b) Kalimpong - Gumbadara - Buddabare - Kaffer - Samthar - Yongri - Ponabu - Coronation Bridge (5 days)

c) Kalimpong - Gumbadara - Buddabare - Kaffer - Sinjee - Relli - Kalimpong (4 days)

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d) Kalimpong - Buddabare - Kaffer - Samthar - Sinjee - Relli - Kalimpong (5 days)

e) Kalimpong-Gumbadara-Buddabare - Kaffer - Relli - Kalimpong (3 days)

f) Kalimpong - Reshap - Lava - Pankhasari - Jorepokhari (Rochela Top) - Todey-Tangta - Parentar - Jholung - Rongo - Kumai - Samsing (7-8 days)

Situated at a distance of 22 km on the road to Lava and at an altitude of 6410 ft is a place worth visiting for nature lovers. The unsurpassed view of the snow capped peaks and the valley below is magnificent. The Damsang fort can also be viewed from here.

Situated at a distance of 35 km from Kalimpong and at an altitude of 7200 ft is an extremely scenic and beautiful town. It is surround by virgin forest and is ideal for nature exploration, bird watching and view of the Himalayan range. Trekking route to Gitdabling, Neora Valley, Rochela and Gumbadara starts from Lava.

It is a small remote village situated approx 9 km from Kaffer and approx 50 km from Kalimpong. The scenic surrounding view of the Git river makes it a place worth visiting. Treks on several mountain paths and through the lush green fields should not be missed.

It is the second National Park in the district covering an area of 88 sq. km. The lush green virgin forests of Neora Valley are ideal for Nature treks Bird-Watching flora and fauna exploration.

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED - Other Places of Interest

Rikkisum

Lava

Buddhabare (Gitdabling)

Neora Valley

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Kaffer (Loley Gaon)

Samthar

Rochela

Damsang Fort

Todey - Tangta

It is situated at a distance of approx. 54 km from Kalimpong, 24 km from Lava and is at an altitude of 5500 ft. The glorious view of the Kanchanjunga Mountains, night view of Kalimpong town, virgin forests, flora and bird-watching from this location makes it an ideal place worth visiting. The sunrise from Jhandidara is as good as from Tiger Hill, Darjeeling if not, better.

Situated at a distance of approx. 80 km from Kalimpong and at an altitude of 5100 ft. is a place worth visiting for a relaxed holiday. It is situated on a plateau and it has a very scenic view of the Himalayan range. The sunrise from Samthar top should not be missed in one's itinerary.

It is situated at an altitude of 10,000 ft. and is the meeting point of 3 politicalaborders i.e. West Bengal - Sikkim - Bhutan.The view of Mt. Chomolhari, sunrise is superb from this place. It takes four days to reach this location from Kalimpong.

The Damsang Dzong was built in the year 1690 to stem any aggression by the troops of the East India Co. and other hostile tribes as well. The Fort in ruins after the Anglo Bhutanese war of 1864. Apart from the Mystic and Historic Interests one is also treated to a magnificent view of the Himalayas and lush green valleys as this Dzong was built at a vantage point for the purpose of Administration purpose.

It is a remote village and it takes a whole day to reach this place. This area has scenic countryside with forests, streams, terraced cultivation and old style homesteads.

Flowing Green Jhakri falls, a perenial falls at Kagay 1 hour from Pedong

Echhey Gaon, 1 hour from Kalimpong.

Paraglayding

Kalimpong

River Teesta

View of Lava Monastry

Water fallBuddha

Cham Dance at Sangchen Dorjee Gumpa, Sakyong during April of every year

Paddy

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Site of Kanchenjunga Hill by Mingma Sherpa

View from Point Rongo to Bhutan Chhittiz

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Samco Ropeway

Relli

Gumbadara

Reshap

Sinjee

Pedong

It is approx. 14 km from Samthar and was constructed with the aim of transporting agriculture goods products in these areas to the market. It is a heart stopping ride of 1.5 km and 125 ft. above river Teesta. A manual ropeway run by local people exists where only four persons can cross the river at one time.

It is located at a distance of approx. 9 km from Kalimpong town and is an ideal place for picnic, trekking route to Kaffer, Samthar, Lava originate from Relli. One can also visit Gorkha Heritage Village, first of its kind in the hills.

Gumbadara meaning "Monastery on a Hill" is situated 36 km from kalimpong and 8 km from Lava. One can enjoy scenic countryside or meditate in nearby monastery or just relax in a village pub.

Situated at a distance of approx. 27 kms from Kalimpong on the road to Lava and at an altitude of 8,500 ft. this place is worth visiting for its natural beauty. One can view the Damsang Fort, East Sikkim, Pedong, Rochela, Neora Valley and Himalayan Range. It takes 2 1/2 hours fo trek from Reshap to Lava. Tourist from metropolitan cities are flocking to this spot for a quiet and relaxed holiday.

It is a small remote village situated approx. 65 kms from Kalimpong and 14 kms from Kaffer. One can enjoy typical village life, view of Kalimpong town, terraced cultivation, quite and relaxed holiday and friendly inhabitants. One should not miss the trek from Kaffer to Sinji along dense forests, streams and sleepy hamlets.

Pedong in Bhutanese language means a place abounding in incense fir trees is the destination with its fort, forests, rivers, monastery and mild climate. It is a small town situated approx. 22 km north-east of Kalimpong town and at an elevation of 4,700 ft on the road to Jelepla pass. This place falls on the ancient silk route where mule caravans from Tibet would cross over into India through the Jelepla pass. Pedong is surrounded by the Himalayan range of Sikkim & Bhutan and is a place worth visiting for a relaxed holiday. Trekking route to Rochela (highest point in Kalimpong region) originate from Pedong. It is a 2 days trek covering remote place of Sikkim and Bengal.

NOTE: View depends on weather and climatic conditions of the region for more information please contact :

TOURIST RECEPTION CENTRE

Adventure Tourism,

GTA Tourism

Damber Chowk

D. B. Giri Road, Kalimpong

Tel : 03552 257992, 274864

THINGS TO BUYDallay Khorsani

Kalimpong Cheese and Lollypops

Handmade Paper

Curio items

Tibetan Art

They are the hottest chillipeppers locally known as "dallay-khorsani", are available fresh and as bottled preserves in some shops. It is sold in the haat bazaar and by roadside vegetable vendors. Great aroma when used to flavour curries and Chinese food. Take home as presents!

The technique for making these goodies was introduced by Catholic Priests from Switzerland and was first made at the Swiss Dairy which no longer exists. The technique, however, has lived on and a few local entrepreneurs make small quantities of these products throughout the year.

Only from Kalimpong... gift wrapping paper, stationery, shopping bags.

And of course some more things for you to discover on your own.

Pertaining to Tibetan and Himalayan cultures, such as thangkas, miniature monasteries and garments made from yak wool. Shops are located in and around R.C. Mintri Road. When buying artifacts it is best to take a round and not to appear in a hurry.

Kalimpong offers a plethora of handicrafts not only from in and around Kalimpong but several places across the country. Ethic garments, statues in wood, metal, etc., leather goods & ethnic dresses & footwear, singing bowls, artificial jewellery, paintings, thangkas, decorware & gift ware, furnishings, etc.

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