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In Summer |
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March to May |
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October to November |
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A
beautiful hill town in North Bengal
KALIMPONG – means king’s
minister’s strong hold –
a Bhutanese word. It is also called
Kalimpong in local dialect meaning "black
spur". As per Lepchas Kalimpong
means ‘ridge where we play’.
It is said that these local tribesmen
used to organise field sports while
not engaged in agricultural pursuit
– hence the name. Straddling a
ridge between the Deolo and Durpin hills,
Kalimpong is a quiet and peaceful town
nestled at a comfortable elevation of
1,200 meters, which ensures a pleasant
climate round the year. Conquered from
Sikkim by Bhutan in 1706, its name supposedly
comes from ‘kaleon’ and
‘pong’ meaning ‘minister’s
bastion or fort’ since it did
have the presence of a Bhutanese governor
for the period it remained under their
rule.In 1865, after the Anglo-Bhutan
War, British India brought it under
their control on becoming aware of its
vantage position as an outpost for trade
with Tibet, which they did accomplish
in establishing.
Till the early 1950’s until China
shut down Tibet’s border, Kalimpong
flourished as a trading post. Trade
with Tibet brought in caravans of musk,
hides, furs, turquoise, coral, gold,
herbs and minerals of medicinal value,
and especially lamb wool. Soon large
godowns were built where thousands found
employment in sorting, drying and baling
wool that came from Tibet. In exchange,
the Tibetan traders took back cloth,
tea, sugar and other food produces.
Alongside the trade with Tibet, the
arrival of missionaries also saw to
an early expansion of Kalimpong from
a sleepy hamlet to a sizeable town that
it is today. Schools and hospitals were
established as early as 1873, and even
till today the town’s reputation
as an educational center is known far
and wide.
Till 18th Century Kalimpong was under
the rule of Sikkimese rulers. Then
it came under the command of the Bhutanese.
Finally, in the 19th Century, the
British took over Kalimpong and merged
it with West Bengal.
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| Things to do |
| If
you really love adventure sports, then
this is the perfect place to come for
your holidays. You can enjoy white river
rafting on Teesta River. Trekking is
another outdoor activity you can enjoy.
The place is so beautiful that it is
a very good way of seeing wonderful
places around the hill station. |
| Prime Attractions in Kalimpong |
Today,
the Kalimpong is very rich in tourist
spots. A nature lover's paradise, the
famous hill resort of Kalimpong offers
a lot of sites to visit. Few of them
are –
Sdr. Graham's Homes,
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
well over 700 boys and girls 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.
Durpin Dara, it is
the highest point in Kalimpong accessible
by car. It offers a breath-taking view
of the plains and the mighty Teesta.
Kalimpong Market, your
visit to Kalimpong won’t be complete
unless you spend several hours or better
still, several days at the two Kalimpong
bazars, one on the Main Road, the other
near the 10th mile. It is a unique experience
to see villagers turning up in their
local costume at the bazars on weekly
market days to sell their farm products.
Kalibari, is about
2 km from town Huge statue of Goddess
Kali, the main deity of this temple.
Thongsha Gumpha, is
about 1 km from town. Situated at 10th
mile this monastery of Bhutanese origin
is built in the year 1630 and it is
the oldest monastery in this region.
Mangaldham, this recently
constructed place of worship is a marvellous
piece of architecture.
Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brtang Monastery,
this is a fairly new monastery located
in Durpin Dara. One can get a panoramic
view of the town and surrounding from
this monastery.
Pedong Monastery, 26
Km from Kalimpong and was established
in 1837.
And the other, excursions from Kalimpong
are -
Teesta Bazaar, located
16 km from Kalimpong, is an important
place for white water rafting. The rafting
season is between mid-November to mid-February.
The small village of Lava, located at
2,353 m above sea level and about 30
km east of Kalimpong, is an important
place to visit. Kagyupa Gompa is located
here.
The village of Kaffer,
located at 1555 m above sea level, is
beyond Lava and one can have magnificent
view of the summit of Kanchenjunga from
here. The Samco Ropeway across the Teesta
River, on the main Siliguri. Gangtok
road is an important attraction near
Kalimpong. One has to take a bus for
Siliguri from Kalimpong in order to
visit this ropeway en route. |
| How
to reach |
Kalimpong
can easily access through air, train
and bus.
By Air: The nearest
airport is Bagdogra which is 80 kms
from Kalimpong.
By Rail: The nearest
railway stations are Siliguri Junction
& New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.
By Road: Kalimpong
is connected to Darjeeling, Siliguri
and Gangtok by road through buses, jeeps
and private taxis. |
| So,
what are you waiting for...!! Just
pack your bags and Get going for the
most adventurous vacation of your lifetime
in Kalimpong Hills with us. |
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