Durpin Dara hill: Durpin Dara hill offering the panoramic view of the town of Kalimpong, the snow-clad Himalayan ranges of West Sikkim, the Teesta river and its valleys, Durpin Dara Hill also has a golf course and the Zang Dhok Palri Monastery. 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
Deolo Hill: Deolo Hill is one of the two hills that the town of Kalimpong stands between. Kalimpong is situated on a ridge connecting the two hills, Durpin and Deolo. Three water reservoirs, two of which serve as the primary drinking water source to the town are present atop this hill. The town of Kalimpong, the surrounding villages of Relli valley, Teesta River and its valleys all can be viewed from this point. River Teesta and the beautiful Relli Valley. If you arrive early in the morning sunrise views of Khangchendzonga from the park on the top of the hill are simply amazing.
Jang Dog Palriffo Brang Gompa: The monastery serves as a sample of Buddhist construction style with beautiful paintings on the walls and the sacred Kunguyar serve as an important feature of this monastery.
Tharpa Choeling Gompa: Gaden Tharpa Choling Monastery is a Gelugpa monastery situated at the hilltop in Kalimpong, India. The monastery was founded by Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang in 1912. History says that Domo Geshe Rinpoche lived in Kalimpong in 1906 when he came to India for pilgrimage and to collect medicinal plants from India, Nepal and Bhutan. The monastery is famous for housing several ancient scriptures and other literary works. Embraced by towering Himalayan ranges from all sides, this place is bound to give you mental peace. The monastery is known for housing several ancient scriptures and other literary works
Thongsa Gompa: The oldest Bhutanese Monastery established in 1692, Thongsa Gompa, is also known as Bhutanese Monastery. The monastery is a perfect place for meditation. The temple which was structured directly under the call of Bhutan King was destroyed by the Gurkhas after their ravages in Sikkim during the arrival of British. The newly constructed monastery you will witness is a contribution of local people and Buddhist follower who had a clear vision to support the walls after an immediate destruction of it.
Galingka: Galingka was constructed by the British wool traders who used it as a rest-house en-route their journey onwards. It is noted for its exquisite architectural style and is surrounded by a beautiful garden that is adorned with indigenous trees and flowering blossoms. Galingka offers spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga peak- the second highest Himalayan peaks.
Neora Valley National Park is situated in the Kalimpong district, West Bengal, India and was established in 1986. It spreads over an area of 88 km² and is one of the richest biological zones in the entire Eastern India. The highest point of this park is Rachela Pass, where it forms a boundary with Sikkim in the North and Bhutan in the North East. Neora Valley National Park is also the home of Red Panda. A cute little animal with reddish brown body and a bushy ringed tail is one of the most endangered species in the world. The recent discovery of Royal Bengal Tiger in Neora Valley has prompted the administration to include the park in the list of sensitive wildlife zones in the country
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How to Reach Kalimpong by Air:
The nearest airport from Kalimpong is Bagdogra near Siliguri. From Bagdogra Kalimpong is nearly 70kms away. In the northern side of West Bengal Bagdogra is an important domestic airport, which is regularly served by flights from Kolkata, Delhi.
How to Reach Kalimpong by Road:
Siliguri serves as the gateway to reach Kalimpong. Siliguri is well connected by road to Kolkata, Guwahati, Patna. On the other hand, there is a good network of internal roads, which also link Kalimpong to Gangtok in Sikkim.
How to Reach Kalimpong by Rail:
New Jalpaiguri (70kms) close to Siliguri is the nearest railhead from Kalimpong. This is an important railway station in the northern Bengal and also a sort of gateway to the remote northeastern India. Many important trains network among New Jalpaiguri, Kolkata (Howrah and Sealdah) and Delhi.
Tourist Attractions in Kalimpong :
The tourist attractions in Kalimpong are Thongsha Gompa, Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery, Tharpa Choling Monastery, Nature Interpretation Centre, Mangal Dhaam, Colonial Bungalows, Dr. Graham's Homes Campus, Kalimpong Arts and Crafts centre, Dharmodaya Vihar, Kali Mandir, Gauri Pur House. There are some panoramic snow views of Kanchenjunga, Siniolchu, Paunhari, Lama Anden, Chola, Nathu La, Jalep La and Gymochen peaks. The best view points are Durpin Dara and Deolo View Point.
Thongsha Gompa :
Below the Tharpa Choling Monastery is Thongsa or Bhutan Monastery. Thongsha Gompa is the oldest Gompa built during the Bhutanese period, in 1692.
Tharpa Choling Monastery :
Tharpa Choling Monastery belongs to the Gelukpa sect and is on the way to Dr. Grahm Homes. Tharpa Choling Monastery was built in 1937 and is the repository of old scriptures and documents.
Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery :
Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery was consecrated personally by the Dalai Lama in 1976. It contains the
Tharpa Choling Monastery Kalimpong :
Kanguyar, in 108 volumes, brought by the Dalai Lama when he fled Tibet. Excellent view point for snow and valley views.
Nature Interpretation Centre :
Nature Interpretation Centre is operated by the Forest Department. Nature Interpretation Centre focuses on flora, fauna and local people interacting with ecology.
Army Golf Club :
Army Golf Club, hewn out of a hillside, to keep officers fit for high altitude soldiering. Excellent angle for photography of Durpin Monastery from 3rd Green.
St. Teresa Church :
St. Teresa Church was built by local craftsmen to resemble a Gompa. It has wood carvings adorning the walls, depicting biblical scenes, in which personalities resemble Buddhist monks. It is an interesting example of Tibetan influences.
Flower, orchid and exotic flora nurseries :
The name of Kalimpong has become synonymous with flower nurseries many of which abound here. Gladioli, orchids, cacti, amaryllis, anthuriums, roses, gerberas, dahlias and other exotic plants are grown in a number of flower nurseries in Kalimpong, mainly for export. The weather and the soil of Kalimpong are very conducive to the growth of orchids, roses, gladioli and dahalias.
Colonial Bungalows :
Colonial Bungalows were built by British wool traders during the "Raj" period, located on Rinkingpong and Hill Top Roads. These include Surya Sadan, Crockety, Galingka, Morgan House, Tashiding, Ringking Farm. Of these, Morgan House and Tashiding, now Government Tourist Lodges, can be viewed.
Mangal Dhaam :
Mangal Dhaam was recently constructed as the place of worship. This is a marvelous piece of architecture. The temple has been built in the
Colonial Bungalow Kalimpong :
memory of the late Guru Shree 108 Mangal Dasji. The samadhi of the Guruji is located within the temple.
Dr. Graham's Homes Campus :
Dr. Graham's Homes Campus was started in 1900, by Rev Dr. John Anderson Graham as an institution to house and educate offspring of British planters and local women. It is now a public School. The School celebrates its Centenary Year in 2000, with most functions focussed around 24th September.
Deolo View Point :
Deolo View Point is situated at the top of Deolo Hill at 1914 metres, overlooking the town of Kalimpong. The top of which is the highest point in Kalimpong. There are excellent views of snow peaks, Kalimpong town and the Teesta Valley. Two big reservoirs here are the source of water supply to the town of Kalimpong below.
Kalimpong Arts and Crafts centre:
Situated near the bus stand in the heart of the town, this institute produces and sells a wide variety of handicrafts which includes wall scrolls, dolls and masks. Founded in 1897 by Mrs. Catherine Grahm, its purpose was to promote and propagate local handicrafts as well as provide employment. It is good place to purchase souvenirs to take back home.
Dharmodaya Vihar :
This is a nepali Buddhist Temple situated on the Rishi road and a stones throw away from the town. The statue of Buddha was donated to this temple by the Burmese Buddhists. The library of the temple is well stocked with books some of them very old.
Durpin Dara :
Towering over the town of Kalimpong is the Durpin Hill, the top of which offers breathtaking views of rolling plains of Siliguri and the Tista and Rangit valley. On the northwest horizon can be seen the panoramic Kanchendzonga range and on the east the Chola range on which lies the Nathula pass. On the southern horizon looms the Tiger hill. On the Durpin Dara Hill is nestled a beautiful golf course with gently rolling slopes.
Kali Mandir :
Kali Mandir, the Hindu temple has a statue of Goddess Kali and is about 2 Kms away from the town.
Gauri Pur House :
Gauri Pur House, situated about 2 kms. from town on the way to Durpin Hill, now accommodated the Cooperative Training Institute but has old stories to tell. It was the favorite retreat of none other than the Nobel laureate and poet Rabindranath Tagore who wrote many of his works here.
Holumba Haven
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Kalimpong Park Hotel
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Himalayan Hotel
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Elgin Silver Oaks Kalimpong
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Hill Top Tourist Lodge
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Orchid Retreat
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Garden Reach Hotel
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Pine View Resort
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Shopping in Kalimpong can be a great experience, as the small hill station offers a range of things to including handicrafts and food items.
The local markets are flooded with woodcarvings, Tibetan handicrafts, woollen garments and copper and silver ware. There are beautiful paintings that are ideal for gifting purposes or to get a special place in your home. A thangka, is a special painting made on silk with embroidery. This is a Buddhist religious painting that portrays excellent artwork of Tibetans.
10th Mile Market and the Raja Dorje Market are the shopping destinations. 10th Mile Market is also known as Teesta Bazaar, named after Teesta River of Kalimpong. This is the main shopping area. If you wish to buy beautifully embroidered purses, Kalimpong Arts & Crafts Centre is the place to go. You will get Bhutanese, Sikkimese and Lepcha embroidered work on dresses and purses. You can include tapestry bags and purses in your shopping list as well and you may also buy beautiful artefacts, bags, and jewellery.