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Sightseeing Highlights:
Kalimpong has three impressive Buddhist monasteries. Tharpa Choling Monastery built in 1937 belongs to the Gelupka Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, headed by the Dalai Lama. The monastery has a vast library of Buddhist manuscripts. Thongsha Gumpha built in early 17th century is a Bhutanese monastery, and perhaps the oldest in Kalimpong. Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery 5 Km from the town centre preserves striking wall paintings besides offering glorious views of the town.
Lepcha Museum is located in Bag Dhara and displays manuscripts and valuable artifacts of the Lepchas. Other places of interest include Dr. Graham's Home spread over 500 acres on the slopes of Dealo Hills. Established by Dr. John Anderson Graham, the educational institution is home to 1200 orphan boys and girls. There is a chapel inside the estate.
Durpin Dara Hill is the highest point in Kalimpong famous for breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga peak, the town and surrounding tea estates. The hill is accessible by car. Brindaban Garden Nursery, Ganesh Mani Pradhan Nursery, L.B. Pradhan Nursery, Pinewood Nursery and Standard Nursery are famous for the export of exotic flowers such as roses, gerbera, dahlias, gladiolas and orchids. Kalimpong also hosts an annual flower festival in October.
Other Activities:
Shopping in Kalimpong can be an all-day activity. The otherwise peaceful and quiet town has a bustling marketplace at Main Road and 10th Mile famous for handicrafts, Bhutanese pastel paintings, embroidered bags, Kalimpong tapestry bags, purses, copperware, scrolls and paintings.
The region also offers endless options for trekking and walking in the expansive tea estates, orchid gardens and the surrounding mountains. The famous trek routes lead through Relli, Pankhasari, Neora and Rochella. Teesta Bazaar is 16 Km from the town of Kalimpong and offers river rafting opportunities on Teesta River.
Tourism Info:
Tourism Centre
M-4 Building, Hill Cart Road, Siliguri
Darjeeling
91-353-2511974, 2511979
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. |
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