A beautiful hill town in North Bengal which can be reached from either
Siliguri or Darjeeling. 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.
Situated at an altitude of 1250 metres,
it enjoys temperate climate throughout the year. Somewhat secluded and tucked away in the
corner under big Darjeeling umbrella, Kalimpong offers a quiet and relaxed holiday,
against the backdrop of the Kanchenjunga.
The journey from Darjeeling to
Kalimpong is a beautiful experience. The road drops from Ghoom 7407ft. to Teesta Bazar 700
ft in 12 km and passes through lush green forests and tea gardens. A place called the
Viewpoint or ‘Lovers Meet’, offers excellent view of the confluence of the
Rangeet and the Teesta rivers, as also of the Himalayan mountain range from Durbindara
summit. Kalimpong’s attractions include three Buddhist monastries, orchid nurseries,
a sericulture centre and Dr. Graham’s Home, a large sprawling school set up in 1900
for educating the children of tea workers.
General Information:
| Area |
3.5 sq. miles |
| Population |
1,77,337 (90.91 Rural
urban) |
| Altitude |
1250 metres (4100 ft) |
| Climate |
Temperate |
| Summer |
Max. 27° C, Min. 17.2°
C |
| Winter |
Max. 15° C, Min. 7.2° C |
| Rainfall |
86.20 inches Annually |
| Best Season |
March to mid-June &
Sept. to Dec. |
| Clothing |
Tropical in summer and
light woolen in winter. |
| Languages Spoken |
English, Gorkha, Bengali
& Hindi. |
|
Communication:
Kalimpong is connected to all the major
cities of India by Air, Rail and Road.
AIR : The nearest airport is
Bagdogra which is 80 kms from Kalimpong.
RAIL : The nearest railway
stations are Siliguri Junction & New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.
ROAD : Kalimpong is connected to Darjeeling,
Siliguri and Gangtok by road through buses, jeeps and private taxis.
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