Kalimpong, West Bengal
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Kalimpong is located at a height of 1300 metres in the foothills of the Himalayas in West Bengal state. The majestic Himalayas, the Dooars’ pristine beauty, a wealth of flora, and Kalimpong’s charming valleys and meadows are the region’s main attractions. Topping it all off is its sunny but chilly weather. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Eastern Himalayas, spread along a saddle-shaped ridge with views of the meandering River Teesta. It draws visitors with its picturesque scenery and colonial charm. It is noted for its Buddhist monasteries, Tibetan handicrafts, and churches. The local Lepcha tribesmen, according to legend, enjoyed playing field sports when they weren’t engaged in agricultural duties. Hence, Kalimpong, which is a Hindi word for the ridge where we play. The city was once the hub of trans-Himalayan trade between India and Tibet, with traders transporting goods across the Sikkim-Tibet border at Jelep la Pass. The majority of the educational institutions in the city date back to the British era and are among its other notable attractions.
Nearby Places to See
Tharpa Choling Monastery
It is a simple square structure established in the year 1912 by a Tibetan who came to India on pilgrimage and to collect medicinal plants. The monastery has preserved sacred Buddhist scriptures and old literary works. Idols of Bhaisajya, Sakhyamuni and Maireya Buddha are seen here. Main attraction here is the museum attached to the monastery that showcases the scriptures, souvenirs and other valuable items.
It is a simple square structure established in the year 1912 by a Tibetan who came to India on pilgrimage and to collect medicinal plants. The monastery has preserved sacred Buddhist scriptures and old literary works. Idols of Bhaisajya, Sakhyamuni and Maireya Buddha are seen here. Main attraction here is the museum attached to the monastery that showcases the scriptures, souvenirs and other valuable items.
Thongsa Gompa
This Bhutanese monastery, one of the oldest in Kalimpong, was founded toward the end of the 17th century. Although the present-day building was built in the 19th century after being ransacked by Gorkhas.
This Bhutanese monastery, one of the oldest in Kalimpong, was founded toward the end of the 17th century. Although the present-day building was built in the 19th century after being ransacked by Gorkhas.
Hanuman Mandir
This temple is situated on the outskirts of the town, close to the hill ranges, at a distance of about 7 kilometres. The Teesta river on one side and the mountains on the other make up this location’s main attractions. The statue of Hanuman, which stands about 30 feet tall, is also a popular destination. This temple was constructed in 2004.
This temple is situated on the outskirts of the town, close to the hill ranges, at a distance of about 7 kilometres. The Teesta river on one side and the mountains on the other make up this location’s main attractions. The statue of Hanuman, which stands about 30 feet tall, is also a popular destination. This temple was constructed in 2004.
Pine View Nursery
This nursery is home to over 1500 different cactus species. These cactus varieties are displayed and grown here after being painstakingly gathered from all over the world. Despite being privately owned, the nursery attracts tourists due to its distinctive collection.
This nursery is home to over 1500 different cactus species. These cactus varieties are displayed and grown here after being painstakingly gathered from all over the world. Despite being privately owned, the nursery attracts tourists due to its distinctive collection.
Neora Valley National Park
One of the most biologically diverse regions in the nation’s northeast is Neora National Park, which spans an area of 88 square kilometres. It reaches a height of 3,200 metres and is one of the best locations to spot red pandas in their natural environment. The majority of the park is inaccessible due to its opulent growth, which makes it difficult for even sunlight to reach the ground. The national park is home to a variety of animals and birds, including the crimson-breasted woodpecker, the Darjeeling woodpecker, the Hodgson’s hawk cuckoo, the mountain hawk eagle, the black-faced warbler, the fire-tailed sunbird, the king cobra, the green pit viper, the civet, the sloth bear, the wild boar, the leopard cat, and the barking deer.
One of the most biologically diverse regions in the nation’s northeast is Neora National Park, which spans an area of 88 square kilometres. It reaches a height of 3,200 metres and is one of the best locations to spot red pandas in their natural environment. The majority of the park is inaccessible due to its opulent growth, which makes it difficult for even sunlight to reach the ground. The national park is home to a variety of animals and birds, including the crimson-breasted woodpecker, the Darjeeling woodpecker, the Hodgson’s hawk cuckoo, the mountain hawk eagle, the black-faced warbler, the fire-tailed sunbird, the king cobra, the green pit viper, the civet, the sloth bear, the wild boar, the leopard cat, and the barking deer.
Zong Dog Palri Fo Brang Gompa
This impressively designed gompa, which was constructed in 1976, was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama. In addition to having a sizable prayer room, it has beautiful paintings. Located at the end of a ridge, you get a beautiful view of the Himalayas.
This impressively designed gompa, which was constructed in 1976, was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama. In addition to having a sizable prayer room, it has beautiful paintings. Located at the end of a ridge, you get a beautiful view of the Himalayas.
Teesta River
A distance of 18 kilometres separates Kalimpong from the Teesta river, where river rafting activities are organised and scheduled. It is a 12 kilometres stretch where the Teesta has mild to average rapids to facilitate rafting activities.
A distance of 18 kilometres separates Kalimpong from the Teesta river, where river rafting activities are organised and scheduled. It is a 12 kilometres stretch where the Teesta has mild to average rapids to facilitate rafting activities.
Deolo Hill
Deolo Hill, the highest point in Kalimpong, is situated on a ridge at a height of about 5,413 feet. It offers a spectacular panorama of the entire hilly region. From the top of the Deolo hill, you can see the Relli valley and the Teesta river. As paragliding and tandem flying are two of the activities offered here, the location also attracts thrill-seekers and those looking for adventure. On top of the hills, the tourism department built an 8-acre park with manicured flower gardens. An additional perk is the hilltop’s mesmerising view of the Kanchenjunga peak.
Deolo Hill, the highest point in Kalimpong, is situated on a ridge at a height of about 5,413 feet. It offers a spectacular panorama of the entire hilly region. From the top of the Deolo hill, you can see the Relli valley and the Teesta river. As paragliding and tandem flying are two of the activities offered here, the location also attracts thrill-seekers and those looking for adventure. On top of the hills, the tourism department built an 8-acre park with manicured flower gardens. An additional perk is the hilltop’s mesmerising view of the Kanchenjunga peak.
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