State
:
West Bengal
Climate :
Kalimpong has a climate that is very mild unlike Darjeeling which becomes
extreme cold during the winters.
Significance :
Spectacular Natural Surroundings
Kalimpong is one of the best tourist destination in West Bengal and is
situated near Darjeeling. Kalimpong is famous of its handicrafts and
monasteries along with lovely orchids and other flowers that grow in a large
number here.
Situated at an altitude of about 1250 meters and Kalimpong has a mild
climate, ranging between 16 to 27 Degrees Celsius in summer and 5 to 15
Degrees Celsius in winter. The best season to visit Kalimpong is from
March-June and September-November.
History :
Kalimpong was part of Sikkim, before coming under the control of Bhutan in
1706, later it was ruled by the Britishers and now one most spectacular
travel destination in the state of West Bengal in India.
Connectivity :
» By Air - The nearest airport from Kalimpong is at
Bagdogra which is 95 kms away. Bagdogra is connected to Delhi, Mumbai,
Guwahati and Kolkatta by air.
» By Rail - New Jalpaiguri railway station is the
nearest from Kalimpong that is 85 kms away.
» By Road - 95 kms from Bagdogra, and a over 100 kms
each from Darjeeling and Gangtok, Kalimpong is well connected to the other
Eastern Hill-stations.
Highlights of the City :
Kalimpong is a perfect tourist destination, providing a number of scenic
trek routes, beautiful scenery and fishing experience in Teesta. Festive
time is the best time to be in Kalimpong. December and February are the
months when the Kalimpong Fair and Pedong Agricultural Fair takes place in
December and February respectively.
» Monasteries - Monasteries at the Kalimpong are the
added tourist attractions. Tharpa Choling Monastery and Zang-dog Palrifo
Brang are some of the monasteries that one can visit. Tharpa Choling
Monastery at Tirpai belongs to the Gelugpa Sect or the Yellow hat sect of
lamas.
» Gouripur House - Gouripur House is another popular
tourist spot about two kilometers from Kalimpong. Gouripur House was also
visited by the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
Things to Buy in Kalimpong :
The Kalimpong arts and craft center in the heart of Kalimpong is the best
place to shop for some beautiful handicraft items. The center was
established in the year 1897 by a Scottish national, Mrs Katherine Graham.
Things that you can shop at the center include purses, tapestry bags,
embroidered bags and pictorial wall panels.
