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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 Kalimpong
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.
Major Tourist Attractions in Kalimpong
Pedong
Situated 24 kms from Kalimpong, it has a Bhutanese monastery built in 1837.
Lava
On the old route to Bhutan, 34 kms away and surrounded by pine forests is Lava. It is home to a lovely Bhutanese monastery and a Nature
Interpretation Centre. The place is gate to the Neora National Park.
Lolegaon
Lolegaon or Kapher, is 25 kms from Lava, along a lovely forest drive. It has a heritage forest and a view point for snow ranges of Singalila Range.
St.Theresa Church
The beautiful church has a Buddhist influence. It was built by local craftsmen. The wall carvings depicts Buddhist monks. It is an interesting an interesting example of Tibetan influences.
Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery
This place has the original 108 volumes of Kanguyar, consecrated by Dalai Lama himself, before he left Tibet in 1976. Also the place offers excellent view point for snow and valley views.
Activities
Treking through the Neora National Park to witness the exclusive flora and fauna of the region and reaching the 3,152 metre high Rache La tri-junction, to view the Chola Range. Explore Rishi Valley, its remote waterfalls, which is an experience to remember. Or go out on an excursion to Samthar Plateau for 2 to 3 days amidst nature. Trek to hidden valleys, enjoy at river pools, explore the forests, feel the village lifestyles, meet the locals and practice the songs and dance.
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.
Accommodation
Kalimpong has a good number of hotels around the town. Few luxury hotels and many budgets hotels are available here. They also offer fooding
facilities of Indian, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Chinese and local cuisine.
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