Kalimpong

Introduction and history of Kalimpong

Somewhat tucked away and secluded under the serene umbrella of the ‘Queen of the Hills’, the first thing that will strike you while in Kalimpong is its calm atmosphere. Plan your much needed break to this beautiful hill station where life comes to a standstill while you get numerous ways of pampering yourself through nature’s bounties. The majestic beauty of Kalimpong is heightened even more by the presence of churches and monasteries and the grand backdrop of the Kanchenjunga ranges.

Once a part of the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan, Kalimpong was handed over to the British Government in 1865 post to an armed intervention. Since then, the British left their legacy in almost every nook and corner of Kalimpong. This part of Darjeeling is highly influenced by British rule that can be even found in the local culture, European architecture, charitable institutions and missionaries.

Fast Facts about Kalimpong

1. Area- 1056.5 Sq. kilometers, posited at an altitude of 1250 metres (4100 ft)
2. Population- 70,000 (approx)
3. Climate- Summer: 27°C Max - Min 17.2°C, winter: 15°C Max - Min 7.2 °C
4. Languages- Gorkha, English, Bengali & Hindi
5. Best time to visit- March to mid June & September to December
6. Emergency numbers- Police Control Room- Phone: (03552) 255268

Getting There and Away

• Railway: The nearest railway station is at New Jalpaiguri which is around 77 km away from Kalimpong.
• Airport: Kalimpong is connected well with the nearest airport situated at Bagdogra about 80 kms away from the hill station.
• Roadway- Kalimpong is fairly connected to Darjeeling, Siliguri and Gangtok by road. Private cars, taxis and buses are the local conveyance available.

Flora and fauna

Kalimpong exudes colorful blaze all through the year owing to its rich and stunning variety of flora and fauna. Posited near the Eastern Himalayas, Kalimpong is classified as an ecological hotspot. A nature lover’s delight, Kalimpong is dotted with dense vegetation of golden oak trees which are just ideal for your balmy strolls. While Acacia can be seen often in the region, cardamom, cacti, bamboo, ficus and cinnamon plants can be seen sprinkled near the hill sides. Orchids are pretty famous in the region for its several varieties and lovely hues.

Adventure tourism in Kalimpong includes the wildlife safari at the Neora Valley National Park catching glimpses of the wonderful animal life. During your wildlife safari, catch numerous animals in action like tigers, musk deer, clouded leopard, civet, sloth bear, black bear, red panda among others. Some of the avifauna of Kalimpong includes woodpeckers, sunbirds, partridges, flycatcheramong others.

Places to see in Kalimpong

• Durpin Dara- at an altitude of 1402m, Durpin Dara on a clear and sunny day gives a bird’s eye view over the Chola range of Sikkim, the whole Jalapla Pass, Kanchenzonga Range, and Tiger Hill of Darjeeling along with the plains of Bengal.
• Lava- located near Kalimpong, Lava is the haven of rich flora like different types of orchids, thick forest of Juniper, Pine and Beech.
• Lolegaon- Just 24 kms away from the Lava village, Lolegaon is yet another beautiful destination offering great views of Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Pandim, Jana Siniolchu, Talung, Jupno, Simvo and Kang.

Adventure options in Kalimpong

Adventure tourism in Kalimpong includes trekking options like:

• (2 days)- Kalimpong-Durpin Dara-Samthar busty-and return to Kalimpong
• (4 days approx)-Kalimpong-Relli River-Kaffer-Lolaygon-Lava-Algarah-return to Kalimpong through Dr. Graham's Homes Tirpai Hill