Kalimpong is a hill station of West Bengal, India. This place is famous for ancient temples, churches and Buddhist monasteries. In 1866, this was added into the district of Darjeeling. Prior to China’s annexation of Tibet and Sino Indian War, Kalimpong was used as gateway in the trade between India and Tibet. At the outskirts of the city Indian Army 27 Mountain Division is located. Nepal culture can be seen more in this place.
What to see in Kalimpong:
Mangal Dham: This temple was constructed by Shri Krishna Pranami in 1993. In the memory of Guru Shri 108 Mangaldasji, this was constructed.
Catholic Church: In the Kalimpong area this is the largest Catholic Church. During the British rule this church was constructed. Architect of this church is Hardy.
Flower Nurseries: Plenty of nurseries are located in this town. Flowers of this nursery are exported. Commercial flower nurseries of West Bengal are located here.
Deolo Hill: It is one of the hills on which Kalimpong is situated. This is the highest hill point of this town.
Dr.Graham’s Home: This is the educational institute which was founded by Dr.John Anderson Graham in 1900. Area covered by this institute is 500 acres. This place also consists of clothing department, hospital, Poultry, Dairy, Bakery and farmhouse.
Tharpa Choling Monastery: This is one of the 3 monasteries found in this town. It was established in 1937.
St.Therasa’s Church: This was built by local people in beautiful Tibetan architecture. On the walls of the church inscriptions of Biblical themes can be seen.
Kalimpong Arts & Crafts centre: With the intension to promote handicrafts and to provide employment opportunity to the local people this was established in 1897.
Lepcha Museum: Lepcha Community culture can be learn in this museum. Articles of worship, musical instruments, and manuscripts can be seen here.
Gouripur House: It is located 2kms away from the city. This is the favourite place for Rabindranath Tagore. In this place he had written several poems.
Teesta Bazaar: Artifacts and Handicrafts are the major attraction of this Bazaar. This is the best shopping place.
Kalimpong Science centre: This is the best place to improve science awareness among the students and to the visitors.
What to see around Kalimpong:
Neora National Park: It is located 32kms away from the town. Major animal attractions of this park are Gora, Himalayan black bear, Wild dog, Red Panda. Reptile attractions of this park are King cobra, blind snakes, Pit Viper.
Durpin Dara Hill: It is located 3kms away from the town. From this place visitors can enjoy the Himalayan ranges. River Teesta can also be seen from here.
Pedong Monastery: It is located 20kms away from the town. This was built by Bhutan’s King in 1837.
Getting to Kalimpong: This place is well connected though road. From other cities in Sikkim buses are available to reach this place. Nearest railway station is at Jalpaiguri. This place is well connected with all the major cities. Bagdogra is the nearest airport.
Getting around Kalimpong: Buses, Jeeps, taxis and ferries are available to visit the surrounding places of Kalimpong.
Best time to visit Kalimpong: Best time to visit this place is between March to May and October to December.
Where to stay in Kalimpong: Several hotels are available to stay in Kalimpong. Cost of budget hotels starts from Rs.200. Cost of luxury hotels is around Rs.2000. Nurseries are the additional attractions in some hotels.
Where to eat in Kalimpong: Plenty of restaurants are available to eat in Kalimpong. China Garden is the best place to have Chinese food.