A jewel in the crown of the majestic Himalayas, Kalimpong is the seat of exquisite beauty, splendor and magnificence. It offers the travelers a haven of peace, serenity and tranquility. Kalimpong has the perfect combination of nature and urban life. While the panoramic view of the mountain ranges would satiate the heart and soul of the visitors, the bustling bazaars are sure to suffice all their superficial needs. A sub-division of the Darjeeling district, Kalimpong forwards a number of places of tourist interest. Right from the traditional Gompas and Lepcha Museum to the spectacular Durpin Dara Hill and the flower nurseries, the options are endless. To know more about the tourist places in Kalimpong, read through the following lines.Places To See In Kalimpong
Gompas
Kalimpong houses three very important gompas or monasteries, each of which demonstrates the tradition and history of Buddhism. Nestled on the Tirpai Hill, Tharpa Choling Monastery was built around 1937. The monastery belongs to the Gelukpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Near this monastery is the Tongsa Gompa. Founded in 1692, it is the oldest monastery in Kalimpong and has been re-constructed over the ruins of the original one.
The third monastery in Kalimpong is Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery. It was built in the mid-1970s and is renowned for its conventional Tibetan wall paintings. The monastery is located 5 km to the south from the town center, at the Durpin Dara Hill. Even today, all the monasteries of Kalimpong reflect the old world charm and tradition of the earlier times.
Durpin Dara Hill
An observatory point, Durpin Dara hill is the highest summit in Kalimpong and offers travelers a magnificent and awe-inspiring view of the mountains and the plains below. The spellbinding and magnetic view is sure to leave any visitor breathless. Some of the places that can be viewed from here are Teesta and Rangeet rivers, western Sikkim, Kanchenjunga peak, Peshoke and Lopchu tea estates, Nathu-la pass and the towns of Siliguri and Kurseong
Lepcha Museum & Monastery
Lepcha are the aboriginal people, more profoundly - the native community of Kalimpong. Sadly, the tribe is nothing more than a minority today. The Lepcha Museum in Kalimpong showcases the culture of this very Lepcha community. Located in Bag Dhara, a short walk from Bong Busty, the museum and monastery represent the best place to revel in the glories of the past. Displaying the ethnic treasures of Lepchas, the museum exhibits manuscripts, musical instruments, articles of worship and other tools and equipments used by them.
Dr Graham’s Home
Founded by Dr. John Anderson Graham, a Scottish missionary, in the year 1900, Dr. Graham’s Home is a home and school for orphan children. Started with just six students, this educational institution has grown over to house over 1,200 boys and girls and is also known as one of the good public schools of the region. It is located in a 500-acre estate, on the slopes of Dealo Hills.
Flower Nurseries
To nature lovers and floriculturists, Kalimpong is nothing less than a paradise. This spectacular hill town is an important flower producing center of India. It generates about 80% of the total gladioli produced in India. Apart from this, it is a significant orchid growing area as well. Some of the other exotic flowers that bloom in Kalimpong are amaryllis, lilies, anthuriums, roses, gerbera, dahlias and cacti. The town exports much of its flowers to the northern parts of India.
Neora Valley National Park
Established in 1986, Neora Valley National Park is one of the richest biological zones in the entire northeast belt of India. The wilderness zone boasts of rich flora and fauna and dense woody trees. Having a pristine ambience and almost inaccessible location, the national park is home to the Red Panda, Himalayan black bear, tiger, wild dog and goral. Apart from this, it is a refuge for numerous species of birds and reptiles as well. More
