Image Credits : Anuj Kumar Pradhan
Image Credits : Anuj Kumar Pradhan
Image Credits : Bernard Gagnon
Image Credits : Soumyadeep Chatterjee
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Kalimpong is a quiet but odd Buddhist town located close to Darjeeling. Well-known for its Buddhist monasteries, panoramic views, and Tibetan handicrafts, this place is a real delight to visit in West Bengal. Heavenly and exciting, a tour to Kalimpong will be a sublime experience. Nestled in the northeast, this old town is a visual treat and must be put high on your places to visit list in West Bengal if you are a hills lover. You are sure to fall in love with this place when you will visit it. Get ready to relish a peaceful and blissful experience like never before.
Located at an elevation of nearly 1250 meters, the town is recognized for many educational institutions. Most of them were set up during the colonial period of the British. It was used for the trans-Himalayan trades earlier between Tibet and India. Home to many attractive flower nurseries, Kalimpong is the hub for horticulture plant cultivation.
There are several theories on the town’s name origin. According to a widely accepted and famous theory, Kalimpong in the Tibetan language means “Assembly of King’s Ministers” It is derived from two words namely Kalon and pong. Here Kalon refers to the King’s ministers and Pong refers to Stockade. Since it’s recognized as the place for every traditional tribal gathering for the sports events in the summer, it might be derived from “Range where we play.” However, as per K.P. Tamsang, Kalimpong is derived from Kalenpung which means “a Hillock of Assemblage” in Lepchas. This name was distorted to Kalebing and finally twisted to Kalimpong. Another derivation came from Kaulim, which is a fibrous plant that is abundantly found in the area.
Until the middle of the 19th century, the areas surrounding the Kalimpong were by Bhutanese and Sikkimese kingdoms. In 1864, following the War of Anglo-Bhutan, a Treaty of Sinchula was signed according to which the Bhutanese held Teesta River’s east territory was surrendered to the BEIC (British East India Company). In 1866-67, the Anglo-Bhutanese commission established a common boundary between Darjeeling and Kalimpong, giving shape to the subdivision of Kalimpong and the district of Darjeeling.
It was following the war that the area became the Western Duars district subdivision and was merged with Darjeeling district after a year. This town’s temperate climate made the British to make the town an optional hill station to escape the heat of the plains. The proximity of Kalimpong to Jelep La passes and Nathu La offshoot the old Silk Road. Soon, it became a vital trading base to trade food grains, furs, and wools between Tibet and India. A large number of Nepalis were attracted by the boost of commerce in this town and this transformed the small hamlet of Kalimpong into a flourishing town with great economic prosperity. The Bhutanese Dorji family was allotted a plot in Kalimpong by the British via which the relations and trade with Bhutan flowed. Later, it became the Bhutan House, the cultural and administrative center for the Bhutanese.
With the coming of Scottish missionaries, many welfare centers and schools were constructed for the British. In the 1870s, the first school was constructed here by Rev. W. Macfarlane. In 1886, a Scottish University Mission Institution also was opened along with a Girls High School. After 1907, most of the Kalimpong schools had begun offering education to the Indian students as well. By 1911, the population began increasing. After the Independence of India in 1947, Kalimpong was made a part of West Bengal since Bengal was portioned between East Pakistan and India. In 1959, with China’s capture of Tibet, lots of Buddhist monks escaped Tibet and made monasteries in Kalimpong. They even brought rare Buddhist scriptures. With the permanent ban on Jelep Pass in 1962, the trade between India and Tibet was disrupted and it slowed down the economy of Kalimpong. Dalai Lama visited this place in 1976. He blessed the monastery of Zang Dhok Palri Phodang, which has many scriptures in it.
Regardless of whether you want an adventurous escapade or a relaxing vacation, Kalimpong has everything on offer for every type of traveler. All the places reek of serenity from every corner.
Witness Exotic Flowers: Kalimpong is famous for a few of the best and most beautiful species of flowers that you’ll ever witness. The place is famous for cultivating beautiful flowers and even exporting them.
Seek Blessings: Kalimpong has many famous temples and churches that you can visit to seek the blessing of the Almighty. These shrines and churches are also famous for their architecture.
Paragliding: All the adventurous souls will get an opportunity to view the scenic beauty and majestic views of this place while paragliding in Kalimpong.
Biking: Another great adventure to enjoy in Kalimpong is biking. The town has nice and smooth plains to go biking and enjoy the wonderful views of the city.
Experience Breathtaking Beauty: The 2nd highest mountain range – Duprin Dara Hill is located in Kalimpong. This range offers a panoramic view of the picturesque landscapes so that you can see the untouched beauty.
River Rafting: Kalimpong is also famous for river rafting. The Teesta River having green surroundings is an excellent option for River Rafting in Kalimpong. So, prepare yourself to enjoy the roller coaster rapids and excitement on the River Teesta while discovering the natural beauty.
Hiking: Hiking in Kalimpong is another thrilling activity that you can go for. The height of nearly 1500 meters in the town offers challenges ranging from mild to medium.
Cheese Shopping: The city of Kalimpong is quite popular for producing high-quality cheese called Kalimpong cheese. The cheese is slightly tangy, smells less, and is crumby too. Add cheese shopping in your to-do list when in Kalimpong.
Kalimpong is located at a distance of 50 km from Darjeeling and 67 km from Siliguri. The road network to and from Kalimpong is very well-connected having stunning mountain views. The closest railway station to Kalimpong is the New Jalpaiguri railway station located at a distance of 72 km from the main city. The closest airport to Kalimpong is the Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri which is located at a distance of 50 km.
The small city of Kalimpong is a real treat for your senses. This aesthetically pleasing place is still waiting to get discovered. So, plan a trip to this rustic town immediately!