Kalimpong is very picturesque little town.
The fantastic view from all around Kalimpong, the breath – taking sight of the
mighty Kanchanjunga and other Himalayan peaks of the mighty Kanchanjunga and
other Himalayan peaks, the densely forested valley around the town, the exotic
flora and fauna of Kalimpong, the relaxed way of life and its mild climate
makes it an ideal place to spend time far away from the hustle and bustle of
the city life. Kalimpong itself is the headquarters of the sub-division of the
same name and is the largest sub-division in the Darjeeling Hills. The recorded
history of Kalimpong is fairly small. It is only after the Anglo Bhutans
believed that Kalimpong was part of the Lepcha kingdom till the early part of
the 18th century after which it came to be a part of Bhutan. After
the treaty was signed between the East India Company and Bhutan in 1865,
Kalimpong was ceded to the East India Company and later made a part of the
Darjeeling District. It was only after this that it set into the roads of
development. The mild climate and strategic location near the Tibet border made
it a place of importance thereafter.
Name origin: The word ‘Kalimpong’ has been interpreted by various scholars in
various ways. Some scholars say that the actual word is ‘Kalengpung’ which is
‘Hioolck of Assemblage’. They say that the word Kalengpung was later distorted
to the present word kalimpong. Another section of scholars say that the word
means ‘Ridges where we play’. It is believed that in early times the Lepcha
tribesman used to organize large field games here, hence the name. Some
scholars say that in early times the Tibetian meaning of the word is derived
from the “Assembly of Kings Ministers” while another set of scholars suggest
that the word is derived from the plant Kaulim which grows in abundance here.
The hill people also call Kalimpong “Kalibong” or the Black Spurs.
FAST FACTS:
Area: 1056.5 Sq.Kms.
Population: 46,000 approximate.
Altitude:
1,250 – 1,600 meters for the town area. Countryside
averages 1,600 meters.
Climate:
Summer: Mar to Jun 15 Degree Celsius to 28 Degree
Celsius. Sunny days, mild weather, flora in bloom.
Degree
Celsius: Jul to Aug. Drifting clouds, rain and lush
green.
Autumn
& Winter: Sep to Feb 4 Degree Celsius to 16
Degree Celsius. Blue skies, clear views of snow peaks, sunshine.
Rainfall: Average Annual 2030 mm (80 inches)
Season: All year round Clothing Tropical in Summer with a light sweater and
rainwater. Woolens in autumn and winter. Parka jacket for Jan-Feb.
Language: English, Nepali, Hindi and Tibetan.
STD
Code: 03552.
HOW
TO REACH:
By
Air: Nearest Airport is Bagdogra (80 kms/03 hrs
drive) is connected with Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Guwahati through all domestic
airlines.
By
Road: The most convenient entry point to Kalimpong
is through Siliguri/ New Jalpaiguri by road. Regular bus connections between
Siliguri and Kalimpong.
By
Rail: Nearest railway station New Jalpaiguri/NJP
(94 kms/ 3½ hours).
Best
Time to Visit: Between September and March,
specially in winter to catch a view of the migratory birds.
Distance from Major cities and approx. time
taken by vechicle:
Bagdogra: 80 Kms. / 03 hrs; Siliguri: 68 Kms./ 2.5 hrs; Gangtok: 75 Kms./ 3
hrs; Darjeeling: 55 Kms./ 2.5 hrs; New Jalpaiguri: 75 Kms. 3 hrs.
PLACES
OF INTEREST:
Deolo
View Point and Garden: 06 Kms. From town the
highest point at 1704 mtrs. Which provides a 360 degree panoramic view of
entire Himalayan range. The entire Kalimpong town and opsite hills of Durpin
Dara with Darjeeling & Sikkim Hills & Valley and Teesta are seen from
here. There is a beautiful garden as well as luxury tourist lodge with a fine
restaurant. Pony rides are available for children.
Sing
Bahini Durga Mandir; 5.5 Kms. From town, a Short
walk from the Delo lake is this beautiful Mandir of Goddess Durga.
Hanuman
View Point: 5.5 Kms. From town, the fantastic view
of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Teesta Valley in Sikkim can be seen in one single
“Frame”. The biggest statue(Eastern India) of Lord Hanuman has been recently
installed here on a hillside cinverted into park. The picturesque Reli valley
is also seen with Lolaygagon and Samthar Plateau clearly visible.
Dr.Gram’s
homes School Campus: 4 Kms. from town, a unique
educational institution, started in 1900 by Dr. John Anderson Graham, a
Missionary, with six orphans, the school, situated in a 500 acre estate on the
slopes of Kalimpong’s highest hill, Dealo, has today a strength of wel over 700
boys and gorls who are accommodated in small cottages in a picturesque set-up.
It has its own diary, poultry and bakery and every year in the month of May the
school organises “ MAYFAIR”. A day’s visit there can be enthralling.
Mangal
Dham Temple of Pranami: 3 Kms. from town, this
recently constructed place of worship is a marvelous piece of architecture. The
temple has been built in the memory of the late Guru Shree 108 Mangal Dasji.
The Samadhi of the Guruji is located within the temple.
Nature
& Forest Interpretation Centre: 1 kms. From
town, operated by the Forest Department, focuses on flora, fauna and local
people interacting with ecology.
Army
Golf Club: 3 Kms from town drive past. Hewn out of
a hillside, to keep officers fit for high altitude soldiering. Excellent angle
for photography of Durpin Monastery from 3rd Green.
Zong
Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery (Gumba): 5 Kms. From
town personally consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 1976, it contains the Kanguar,
in 108 volumes, brought by the Dalai Lama when he fled Tibet Excellent view
point for snow and valleu views.
The
Durpin Dhara Hill: This is an observatory
pointabout 5 kms. From kalimpong from where the breadth taking, bird eye view
of the plains, Teesta river and Rangeet river can be seen. On a clean day the
views of the entire range of the magnificent mountains Kanchenjunga, which is
seen from here is unforgettable. It is also a pleasure to observe the
neighboring places like western Sikkim, Peshok Tea Estate, Takdah, tiger Hill
Top, Nathula, Siliguri and plains of terai.
Pine
view Nursery: Just 3 kms. From town, it (Cactus
Nursery) is in need, the only one exotic Cactus Nursery in Kalimpong, The
Nursery won many Indians as well as International awards.
Kali
Temple: Kalibari is about 3 Kms.from town Huge
statue of Goddess Kali, the main deity of this temple.
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