   Kalimpong is a quiet and picturesque hill station of West Bengal on the banks of the River Teesta. It is located at the foothills of the Himalayas at an altitude of 1250 m, adjacent to the state of Sikkim and very close to Darjeeling and Gangtok. The small town is inhabited by Nepali, Bhutanese, Bengali and Tibetan population which can be witnessed in its fusion culture and heritage. Surrounded by immense natural beauty, Kalimpong is dotted with tea and orchid gardens, monasteries and colonial cottages.
Kalimpong was originally part of Bhutan. In 1865, after the Anglo-Bhutan War, it was merged with Darjeeling, and became a sub-division of Darjeeling in 1916, and developed as a hill station. It flourished as a wool trading centre with Tibet till 1950, when the Chinese took over Tibet. It continues to be part of Darjeeling District, and is now an attractive tourist and educational centre. Places of Interests Durpin Dara Hill No visit to Kalimpong would be complete without a visit to the famous Durpin Dara. 5 km to the southwest of town looms the Durpin Dara Hill, which is the highest point of the region. It was once a survey point, and hence the name which means Binocular  Ridge. Towering over the town at an altitude of 1402 m the observation point offers you a breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges and its valleys alongwith the rivers that crisscross the plains.As you stand on this lofty point and swivel on your feet, you will get a panoramic view of the whole Chola Range of Sikkim including the Jelep La Pass. The Kanchenjunga Range can be seen on the northwest horizon while on the Southern side looms the Tiger Hill.Far below, the rivers Relli and Ryang rush to meet the mighty Teesta near the Rambhi bazaar area. You will also get a bird s eye view of the beautiful Teesta and Rangeet rivers, the rolling Peshoke and Lopchu tea estates, the Nathu-la pass as well as the hill towns of Siliguri and Kurseong.
The invigorating air and the breathtaking view that surrounds you is sure to be a once in a lifetime experience.
  Tharpa Choling Monastery
Lepcha Museum
The Lepchas are the indigenous people of Kalimpong, Sikkim and now constitute a minority. The Lepcha Museum is situated in Bag Dhara, a kilometre away from the town centre. The museum showcases the culture of the Lepcha community and displays their musical instruments, manuscripts, articles of worship and other tools & equipments used by the community. It is an important place of learning for those who wish to know about the religion and culture of this vanishing tribe. A short walk from here brings you to the Lepcha Monastery in Bong Busty, which is also worth a
Thongsha Gumpha
The Thongsha Gumpha is the oldest monastery of Kalimpong. Situated at the 10th Mile, this ancient monastery was built in the year 1630 and is of Bhutanese origin Other Information Access By Air : Nearest Airport is Bagdogra (80 kms) 3 hours drive. Bagdogra is presently connected to New Delhi, Guwahati and Calcutta, by Indian Airlines and Jet Airways. By Road : 66 kms from Siliguri, 79 kms from Gangtok, 51 kms from Darjeeling. All reachable under 3 hours. Connections to Bhutan and Nepal. From New Jalpaiguri, Bagdogra, Siliguri, Darjeeling and Gangtok, taxis, share taxis and busses are available at regular intervals. Visitors can spend 3 to 4 days based in Kalimpong. By Rail : The nearest railheads are Siliguri 66 kms (metre gauge) and New Jalpaiguri 80 kms (Broad gauge), which connect you to all parts of India. 2 1/2 hours drive. Best Time To Visit : Every Year round |
