| KALIMPONG |
|
"The Governor’s Fort" as the Lepchas ,the aboriginal people of the region called it is, Kalimpong nestles in Himalayan West Bengal at a modest altitude of 1,250 m. enjoying moderate climate. Forming a triangle with its more illustrious
‘neighbors’, Darjeeling and Gangtok, Kalimpong is an excellent spot for a restful and quiet holiday. Kalimpong has a number of houses which speak of the town’s heritage and gracious living in earlier decades of this century when it was the main trading post between Tibet and British India. Today it is a flourishing floriculture center as the climate has proved to be extremely conducive to this activity.
Places of Interest Dr. Grahams Homes : Started in 1900 by the Scottish Missionary Dr. John Anderson and his wife this beautiful complex was built to take care of orphans and other deprived children. Tharpa Choling Monastery : founded in 1937 this monastery belongs to the Gelugpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which is headed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Thongsa Monastery: was founded around 1692 and is the oldest monastery in the area. Durpin Dara : as the name suggests is the place to go and take out your binoculars for a breathtaking view of the rolling plains the valley of the Rivers Teesta & Rangit and the snow clad Mt.Khangchendzongna and the Chola Range separating Bhutan from India. Mangal Dham : is a newly built sprawling temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Excursions Lava : "The Windy Place" is 32 km from Kalimpong at an altitude of 7200 ft. This is a scenic spot offers a panaromic view of the Rechi La and Jelep La passes. The sunrise is spectacular. Lolay Goan : 56 km from Kalimpong offers a spectacular view of the Mt. Khangchendzongna especially at sunrise. Takdah : 44 kms from Kalimpong is this center for orchids where there are over 110 varieties on exhibit and for sale. You will drive through the famous Cinchona Plantations from which Quinine, is extracted. Pedong Monastery : 26 km from Kalimpong , this monastery was established in 1837. Getting there By Air : Siliguri’s Bagdogra airport is the nearest - 80 km away. Taxis can be hired at the airport for Kalimpong. The trip takes around 3 hours. By Rail : The nearest railway stations are Siliguri Junction (68 km), and New Jalpaiguri (77 km). By Road : Kalimpong can be reached by bus and taxi from Siliguri in about 3 hours. There are regular services from Darjeeling and Gangtok |