Kalimpong is a hill station located at an average elevation of 4,101 ft above the sea-level in the Indian State of West Bengal. Kalimpong, on a ridge overlooking the Teesta River, is a tourist destination owing to its temperate climate, magnificent Himalayan beauty 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. Many of the educational institutions in Kalimpong were established during the British era and this is one of the reason why Kalimpong is known for. The cultural centres in Kalimpong include, the Lepcha Museum and the Zang Dhok Palri Phodang monastery. The Lepcha Museum, a kilometre away from the town centre showcases the culture of the Lepcha community, indigenous peoples of Sikkim. The Zang Dhok Palri Phodong monastery has 108 volumes of the Kangyur, and belongs to the Gelug of Buddhism.
Some of the places of interest in Kalimpong are –
Zang Dhok Palri Phodang:
Zang Dhok Palri Phodang is a Buddhist monastery in Kalimpong in West Bengal, India. The monastery is located at 1372 mts on the peak of Durpin Hill, one of the two hills of the town. It is the largest monastery in Kalimpong and was consecrated by Dalai Lama himself in 1976. The monastery houses many rare scriptures that were brought into India after the invasion of Tibet in 1959. It also houses the 108 volumes of the Kangyur. It is also popularly known as the Lava Monastery or Durpin Monastery. The view from the hill-top is breathtaking.
The Pine View Nursery:
Kalimpong is a major flower exporter and produces about 80% of India’s gladioli as well as many orchid varieties. Visit Pine View Nursery to gaze at its eminently photographable cactus collection. This nursery has turned into one of the major places of tourist interest. This place is a must visit for all the plant lovers. It is known as the famous Cactus and has also earned a reputation as being one of the finest in Asia regarding cacti.
Dr. Graham's Homes:
Dr. Graham’s Homes was founded in 1900 by the very Reverend Dr. John Anderson Graham, a Church of Scotland missionary, who settled in Kalimpong and worked with the local community for several years during the early part of the 20th century. His original concept was to establish a refuge for poor and needy Anglo-Indian children, who had no other means of support. When he established the Homes, it is doubtful that he could have ever imagined what the institution would be like in the 21st century. Dr. Graham’s Homes, in the 21st century, is a modern boarding and day school that provides quality education to over 1400 students of both sexes ranging from 2 years to 18 years and all communities and religions are admitted here.
Mangal Dham:
Mangal Dham, a temple located at the centre of the beautiful town of Kalimpong, was built in 1993. The temple was constructed by Shri Krishna Pranami, a Hindu sect and in the memory of late Guru Shri 108 Mangaldasji. Sprawling over an area of 2 acres of wooded land, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Deolo Hill
Kalimpong is situated on a ridge connecting the two hills, Durpin and Deolo. Deolo Hill is 5,590 feet above sea-level and is the highest point of Kalimpong town. One can see the entire Kalimpong Town, the magnificent 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. A park is built for recreation purposes at the summit of the hill which feature exotic flowers. It is a popular picnic spot for tourists as well as locals. Near the park a Hindu temple is also a visited spot. Overall Deolo provides a panoramic 360 degree view of Kalimpong town and it's neighbouring hills.
Army Golf Course:
The army's Lion's Golf Course is a nine-hole course, laid out along the undulating slopes of Durpin Ridge. The intense green golf course is the highest golf course in West Bengal. It is a challenging layout as the undulating hilly terrain makes it difficult to gauge distances & one is often left short or long of the target. About 1,000 Dhupi, cypress and silver oak trees have been planted along the course. There is an army post here from where you can get permission to play.
Durpin Dara View Point:
Durpin Dara is one of the two hills connected by a ridge on which the town of Kalimpong stands. It is located at an altitude of 1,402 meters, is known for its beautiful views. . It is an observatory point, which is located approximately 3 kilometer from the town. Durpin Dara, easily accessible by car, is the highest point in Kalimpong.
The other places of interest are:
- Kalimpong Arts and Craft Center
- Dr. Grahams Home
- Tharpa Choling Monastery
- Thongsa (Bhutan) Monastery
- Dharmodaya Vihar
- Mangal Dham
- Durpin Dara
- Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery
- Delo View Point
- Neora Valley reserve
- Lava
- Lolaygaon
- Pedong
