Kalimpong Information :

Location: Located 80 Km from Bagdogra, West Bengal.
Tourist Attractions: Thongsha Gumpa, Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery, Tharpa Choling Monastery, Nature Interpretation Centre, St.Theresa Church, Mangal Dhaam, Pedong, Lava, Lolegaon, Samthar Plateau.
Best Buys : Buddhist Thankas, hand beaten silver, Bhutanese weaves, Chinese lamps, Lepcha daggers, masks, local cheddar-type cheese
Best Activities : Stroll around in the natural surroundings.
Nearest Tourist Destinations : Darjeeling, Sikkim, New Jalpaiguri.
When to visit: March to June and Mid September to November

About the Kalimpong in West Bengal :

Set in the foot-hills of the giant Himalayas, amidst lush green environment, Kalimpong offers amazing views of snow capped mountain peaks. Situated at an altitude of about 1250 metres and cradled between Durpin and Deolo Hill, Kalimpong has a moderate climate. Kalimpong means the fort of the King's minister. The name was established when this place was under control of Bhutan. In 1865, under the treaty of Sinchula, Kalimpong was handed to British. The Britishers developed this place as a centre for wool trade with Tibet. A healthy mix of Buddhism, along with Hinduism and Christianity can be seen here. Gumpas, Churches, temples, monks and missionaries coexist here peacefully. The markets here are full of Buddhist Thankas, hand beaten silver, Bhutanese weaves, Chinese lamps, Lepcha daggers, masks, local cheddar-type cheese and lollypops.

Some Tourist Attractions In Kalimpong :

Durpin Dhara :- This tourist attraction is the peak point in Kalimpong that offers a awe-inspiring view of the rolling plains and the mighty Teesta. The monastery of Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang is also having its location here.

Dr. Graham's Homes :- This is one of the other tourist attractions in Kalimpong and is a distinctive educational institute. This institute houses 700 boys and girls today and is spread over a 500 acre estate having its own dairy, poultry and bakery.

Thongsha Gumpha :- One will also come across the oldest monastery in this region which is of Bhutanese origin and was built in the year 1630 as one of the tourist attractions in Kalimpong.

Gauripur House :- This place owns the honour of being one of the favourite retreats of Poet Rabindranath Tagore. Now it has been transformed into a Co-operative Training Institute.

Flower Nurseries :- Brindaban Garden Nursery, Ganesh Mani Pradhan Nursery, L.B. Pradhan Nursery, Pinewood Nursery, Standard Nursery, Shangrila Garden Nursery, Twin Brothers Nursery, Universal Nursery are renowned for interesting flowers such as Amaryllis, Lilies, Anthuriums, Roses, Gerbera, dahlias, gladiolas as well as Orchids and Cacti.

Getting There :

By Air: Nearest Airport is Bagdogra (80 kms) 3 hours drive.

By Rail: The nearest railheads are Siliguri 66 kms and New Jalpaiguri 80 kms which are well connected to all parts of India.

By Road: 66 kms from Siliguri, 50 kms from Darjeeling and reachable under 3 hours.