Kalimpong, West Bengal

Kalimpong is a hill station in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located at an average elevation of 1,250 metres (4,101 ft). The town is the headquarters of the Kalimpong subdivision, a part of the district of Darjeeling. The Indian Army's 27 Mountain Division is on the outskirts of the town.

Kalimpong is known for its educational institutions many of which were established during the British colonial period. It used to be a gateway in the trade between Tibet and India before China's annexation of Tibet and the Sino-Indian War. Kalimpong and neighbouring Darjeeling were major centres calling for a separate Gorkhaland state in the 1980s.

Kalimpong, on a ridge overlooking the Teesta River, is a tourist destination owing to its temperate climate and proximity to popular tourist locations in the region. Horticulture is important to Kalimpong: It has a flower market notable for its wide array of orchids; nurseries, which export Himalayan grown flower bulbs, tubers and rhizomes, contribute to the economy of Kalimpong. Home to ethnic Nepalis, indigenous Lepchas, other ethnic groups and non-native migrants from other parts of India, the town is a religious centre of Buddhism. The Buddhist monastery Zang Dhok Palri Phodang holds a number of rare Tibetan Buddhist scriptures.

Places to visit

Mac Farlen Church

Ever since it was constructed in the year 1890 - 91, this magnificent building has been the landmark of Kalimpong. This beautiful church was built on 1 Nov 1891 by the Scottish Missionaries. . In the early days the sermons were in 10 different languages for the purpose of spreading Christianity. These were – Bodo, Nepali, Bengali, Hindi, English, Chinese, Lepcha , Sanskrit, Urdu and Tibetan.

Tsonga Gumba

This is the oldest Bhutanese monastery in the district of Darjeeling proving the presence and the hold of Bhutan over Kalimpong.. Many scholars are of the opinion that it was built around the late 1600's. Surgeon Rennie has mentioned in his book of 1865 (Bhutan and the story of the Doar war), of a monastery in KPG where 3 monks resided and he had called this monastery as Tusso Cimpa. He was referring to this monastery.

Nature Interpretation Center

This is an Ecological museum set up by forest dept in the year 1990. Visitors must stopover at this museum for getting a fair idea about the wildlife of the hills. Samples and photos of fauna like the beetles, butterflies and animals are exhibited here.

Zang Dhok Palri Phodang 1976

Also known as the Durpin Monastery, it is thelargest monastery in Kalimpong and was consecrated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself in 1976. It is situated at 1372 mtrs on the peak of Durpin hill, from where a majestic view of the town and Mt. Kanchenjunga can be seen.

Lepcha Museum

Situated about a kilometer from town , this meusuem has various articles of intrest for those who want to know about the Lepcha culture and heritage. The entire are of the darjeeling and Sikkim is known as The land of the Lepchas. Various articles of worship, original lepcha musical instruments and many other articles can be found here.

The Pine View Nursery

Also known as the famous Cactus nursery, this nursery has turned into one of the major places of tourist interest. Situated in the outskirts, this nursery is home to almost 1500 varieties of cacti ranging from just Rs. 20/- to an extravagant few lacs! This place is a must visit for all the plant lovers and has also earned a reputation as being one of the finest in Asia regarding cacti.

Morgan House

The Morgan House or the Singhamari is one of the oldest Colonial bungalows that was built after the British opened up Kalimpong as a hill resort. It is currently under the West Bengal Tourist Development Corporation. This is a very beautiful example of a colonial past of Kalimpong.

Deolo Hill


Situated at a height of 5500ft, Deolo is the highest point of Kalimpong town.The view from the Hill is a fantastic one.One can see the entire kalimpong Town, the magnificient Mt.Kanchenjunga,the surrounding villages and Relli valley on one side with the Teesta River on the other. It is one of the most popular destinations of Kalimpong where views are concerned. 





Kalimpong Golf Course

Hanuman Tok

As the name suggests, Hanuman Tok has a huge statue os Lord Hanuman approximately 25 to 30 ft in height located on a hill top not very far away from the Science City. Here fantastic views of the both sides of the hill can be seen along with the Himalayan range. A small mandir of Goddess Durga is found right in front of the statue.

Science City

A very new addition to the tourism of Kalimpong is the Science City. Located  less than a kilometer away from Deolo Hill, this is a place which is of tremendous joy specially to the children.

Dr.Graham's Homes

Dr. J.A. Graham is one of the pioneers of the development of Kalimpong ever since its beginning. It was through him that Kalimpong gained popularity throughout Europe. On 24 Sept 1900, an area of 100 acres was granted by the British to Dr.Graham for his project of the St Andrews colonial homes.

The Haat Bazaar

If you wish to see the true culture of Kalimpong, then a visit to the Haat bazaar is a must! Almost closing in on 80 years of existence, the Haat bazaar is a vibrant and an interesting showcase of people from different backgrounds, cultures all with the sole intention of making the maximum sales. The concept of the Haat is almost as old as our combined culture.

Beni-the lovers point

This is the confluence of river Teesta and river Rangeet. The two rivers, according to local folklore are supposed to be lovers and Beni is their meeting or merging place that is why is it is also know as lovers point. On the 14^th of January every year a large fair is held here. Beni is also now the Base from where River Rafting is done at the Teesta.

Mangal Dham

This beautifully constructed temple is one of the most splendid Hindu temples in Northern India. It belongs to the followers of Shri Krishna Pranami Dharma which was founded by the revered Nijanandaacharya Shri DevchandraJi Maharaj.

Church of Mother Mary

Located at relli road within the vicinity of The Missionaries of charity is the Church of Mother Mary. This place is a must visit, the reason being that the depictions of the Christianity in this church are all in an oriental or Tibetan fashion.

Relli  Khola

Relli Khola (river) is a small river which joins the Teesta river about 7kms from Teesta bazaar.The river during the monsoon season is quite a swift one but during the dry season it dries down to a small stream.

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About PRABISH BISHUNGKHE

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