In the foothills of Himalayas, this calm town invites many gazes because of its serene ambiance and lush green valleys. Perched at the northern part of West Bengal, is formed a triangle with Gangtok and Darjeeling. Himalayas shadow always follow Kalimpong as the town offers some of the best view of Himalayas. The bustling bazaar is an exception to the calm atmosphere, also overlooks the roaring Teesta river. another one is bust of green forests that further add its scenic beauty.



Some believes that the name Kalimpong originated from the tribes who gathered and played traditional games. There are people who says, Kalimpong was named after Bhutanese king and the third interpretation is Kalimpong named after local herb “Kaulim”, which is found abundance in the region. Kalimpong was a part of Sikkim until 18th century AD and later it was taken over by Bhutanese and followed by British and merged it with the present state of West Bengal.

Apart from nice sceneries, Kalimpong bestows with nice long walks and trekking trails. Also gushing Teesta river is a good place for fishing. An ideal place for a quiet holiday at the background of snowy peaks and pleasant climate.

Sight And Activities

Gompas
Tharpa Choling Gompa at KD Pradhan Road contains three images of Buddha in past, present and future form. The controversial Dorje Shugden and other wrathful deities are locked in a separate room. At Durpin Hill, Kalimpong’s largest monastery known as Zong Dog Palri-Fo-Brang Gompa sits atop. Impressive wall paintings embellished the main prayer hall. The best part of the Gompa is, from the highest storey you can see Siliguri on the plains and the top of Kanchenjunga.

St Teresa’s Church
Though a church but a nice mimicry of Bhutanese Gompa. The missionary church was built in 1929 by Swiss Jesuits. To gain the local acceptance, the church is carved on the doors resembles eight auspicious symbols of Himalayan Buddhism.

Nurseries
Kalimpong produces almost 80% of India’s gladioli and other orchid varieties. It is a major flower exporter. There are number of nurseries in and around Kalimpong. Some of the prominent ones are Nursery man’s Haven, Santi Kunj, Pine View.

Lava
A small village perched at a a height of 2,350m and 34 km from Kalimpong, is surrounded by virgin pine forests. The place is a major tourist attraction because of ancient Bhutanese monastery and a Nature Interpretation Centre. The place is popular among nature lovers who slip away hours watching numerous birds and absorb the beauty of hills. The place is also the starting point for trek to the Neora national Park.

Shopping
Famous for its handicraft, the items of Bhutanese and Tibetan handicrafts and jewelery of export quality. Satisfy your shopping spree at Kalimpong haat bazaar or Raja Dorji market where you can find traditional handicrafts like woodcarving, copper Feng-Sui bells, tapestry bags, paintings, jewelery and other.