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The meaning that has found the
most favour, however, is the Lepcha meaning of the name-'ridge
where we play'. It is said that these local tribesmen used to
organise field sports while not engaged in agricultural pursuits -
hence the name.
This ' playground on the ridge'
has for long been in the shadows of its better known big brother -
Darjeeling. Kalimpong enjoys the best
climate in the region. Weekly markets on Wednesday and Saturdays
afford some interesting sights and you can haggle for hours with
smiling shopkeepers. Durpindara commands an impressive view of the
snows.
The dense forests of golden oak
trees offset by the rich undergrowth of moss and lichen provide an
ideal setting for balmy walks on the thick cushions of
russet-brown leaves. One comes to Kalimpong to slow down and be
pampered by nature's bounties.
The vast rolling meadows covered
with a riot of wild flowers, the sparkling brooks and rivulets
meandering lazily by the terraced fields are a feast for one's
eyes. Kalimpong is a blaze of colour throughout the year owing to
the richness of its stunning flora. The orchids of this region in
particular are famous for their infinite variety as well as their
delicate tints.
Monasteries of Kalimpong date
back to 1836 and tell a rich story not only of history but also of
local art and culture. You can visit among others, the Pedong, the
Thongsa, the Thurpa Choeling monasteries. There as you mingle with
boy monks and gyalong blowing lamas, you will want to forget the
rest of the world, for you have made a tryst with eternity.
How to Get to Kalimpong:
Foreigners visiting Kalimpong must possess an Indian visa. No
special permit is required for either traveling or trekking inside
Kalimpong. However, necessary travel documents need to be shown as
and when required.
LOCAL
TRANSPORT: Tourist Cars, Tourist
mini coaches and Taxis are available for transfer of passengers
between Kalimpong and Siliguri/New Jalpaiguri Junction/ Bagdogra,
and also for sightseeing at fixed rates and may be reserved
through Tourist Bureau, Govt. of West Bengal, Kalimpong. Private Taxis, Jeeps and
Landrovers are available for local sightseeing in and around
Kalimpong.
AIR
CONNECTIONS: Bagdogra Airport is
80 km (3 hours) from Kalimpong.
LOCAL
AIRLINES:
Indian Airlines;
Jet Airways
ROAD
CONNECTIONS: Kalimpong is
connected with all weather metalled road with Siliguri,
Gangtok, Darjeeling etc.
RAIL
CONNECTIONS: The closest Railhead is at New Jalpaiguri
which is around 77 km away from Kalimpong.
Where to stay in Kalimpong:
You can take your pick from a range of luxury and budget hotels in
Siliguri besides star categorized accommodation.
The various hotel packages offer the best of facilities. The
well-furnished rooms place most of the comforts at your feet.
HOTEL HIMALAYAN
( Heritage Hotel)
Upper Cart Road
Accommodation: 11 rooms
Restaurant: Multi cuisine
Phone No: 255248
HOTEL SILVER OAKS
(4 Star Hotel)
Accommodation: 25 rooms
Restaurant: Multi cuisine
Phone No: 255296
HOTEL KALIMPONG
PARK
(3 Star Hotel)
Rinkingpong Road,
Phone: 253552 / 255304
Accommodation: 20 rooms
Restaurant: Multicuisine
DEKI
LODGE
JP LODGE
RC Minty Road
Phone no: 257457 / 256130
HOTEL CHIMAL
Rinkingpong Road
Phone no: 257457 / 256130
ORCHID RETREAT
HOTEL GARDEN REACH
Upper Cart Road
Phone no: 255091
HOTEL OASIS
PARK HOTEL
Rinkingpong Road
Phone no: 255304
SOOD'S GARDEN RETREAT
(Kalimpongs only garden resort))
8th Milestone.
Accommodation: 11 rooms
Restaurant: Multi cuisine
Phone No: 260321/22
Places to Eat:
Cake R Us
Bakery products
China Garden
Lal Galli
Phone no: 257956
Offers Chinese dishes
Fresh Bite
Rishi Road
Phone no: 256845
Glenarey's
Main Road
Phone no: 258827
Gompu's
Damber Chauk
Phone no: 255818
Bar, Chinese, momos
Kalasha
Saheed Dalbhadhur Giri Path (Main Road)
Phone no: 255074 / 257455
Offers South and North Indian dishes, Fast food
Maharaja Sweets
Ongden Road
Phone no: 259289 / 260189
Menderin
Motor Stand
Phone no: 257780
Offers Chinese dishes, momos
Park Hotel
Rinkingpong Road
Phone no : 255304
Multi cuisine
Pizza Hut
Rishi Road
Phone no: 258650
Shikar
Rishi Road
The Soods Garden Retreat,
8th Milestone.
Phone no: 260321/22
Indian Speciality Restaurant, also serving Chinese, Continental &
Nepalese Cuisine.
Places to visit in and around Kalimpong:
The MacFarlane Church: a testimony of the Scottish
missionaries’ influence and a monument of Kalimpong’s diverse
history, Dr. Graham’s Home, which was founded in 1880 by Dr. John A.
Graham, is a sprawling educational institution built on Deolo Hill
north of the main township. It stands testimony to Kalimpong’s
European influence. It has its own dairy, bakery, poultry farm and
vegetable gardens. It is a fitting example of community life, an
enthralling experience indeed.
Durpin Dara: an observatory point from where a truly
spectacular view of the Himalaya can be enjoyed. This along with the
panoramic view of the Teesta and Relli rivers, and the plains far
below, provide visitors with a memorable sight. The many flowers
nurseries in Kalimpong are known for the diversity of Himalayan
flora they house, most of which are exported. For those with an
interest in floriculture, a trip to a few of these nurseries is
worthwhile.
Zong Dhog Palri Fo Brang monastery: situated near Durpin Dara
is another attraction of the area. Tharpa Choeling monastery, built
in 1937, belongs to the yellow hut sect of lamas and is another must
see. It is situated on Tirpai hill, about 2 km from the main town.
Pedong monastery: built around 1837, is of Bhutanese origin,
while a kilometer away is the historical Bhutanese fort of Damsang,
an important landmark of the area before the main town of Kalimpong
came into prominence. Thongsa monastery is also of Bhutanese origin
and was built around 1692, making it the oldest monastery in the
region.
Kalimpong Arts & Craft Center: founded in 1897 by Mrs.
Graham, is a thriving center where carpet weaving, dyeing, painting,
tailoring, leather craft and carpentry are taught, besides promoting
the work of local artisans and craftsmen. The Gouripur House, a
summer retreat of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, is where he
penned many unforgettable poems.
Deolo Hill : one of the numerous hill destinations that
warrant a visit. A perfect picnic spot replete with a splendid
tourist lodge, run by the Department of Tourism, DGHC. A stay here
is definitely recommended as the early morning view of the sun
lighting up the Khangchendzonga massif is a marvelous example of
nature at her best, a heart stopping sight indeed.
Mangal Dham Mandir:Sprawling over an area of two acres and
built in 1993, Mangal Dham is considered to be one of the most
splendid temples in India. It is the ground floor of the Dham, where
lies the "samadhi" of their revered Guruji. The prayer hall is on
the top floor, where the idol of Raj Shyamaji is found, flanked on
either side by the Revered Prannath and Shri 108 Guru Mangaldasji.
Both the sides of the prayer hall has a vivid picturesque story of
Nijanandacharya Shri Devchandraji, meeting Lord Krishna, Rev.
Prannathji blessing the brave Bundela Chhatrasal Maharaj and other
scenes from the Krishna Leela.
Parnami Mandir
Tharpa Choling Monastery : a repository of old scriptures,
and documents.
Thongsa (Bhutan) Monastery: the oldestmonastery in the area.
Dharmodaya Vihar: a Nepalese Buddhist temple.
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