About Kalimpong Tourism

Kalimpong is a scenic town located in Darjeeling of the state of West Bengal in the eastern part of India. Kalimpong is a hill station in the Lesser Himalayas also called the Mahabharata Range. The town is located at an average elevation of 1,250 meters (4,101 ft) above sea level.

The town was initially known as Kaleebung and later on the name got converted to Kalimpong.  There are quite a few theories behind the naming of the town. Some people believe that it is derived from a fibrous plant Kaulim found in this region. However according to K.P. Tamsang, the author of ‘The Untold and Unknown Reality about the Lepchas’, the name Kalenpung is the root word for the Kalimpong, which is the fibrous plant found here. This in Lepcha means "Hillock of Assemblage’’.  Other theories suggest that the name has been derived from a place in Bhutan. Moreover it is also said that Kalimpong means a place where tribesmen gather and organize traditional tribal games.

Kalimpong is located on an overlooking bridge of River Teesta, and is fast becoming a popular tourist destination of the region. Being close to the well known tourist town of Darjeeling gives it an advantage. The town is quite close to the Indo-China border and is also the base of the Indian Army's 27 Mountain Division. In earlier times, Kalimpong have played the role of a gateway in the trade between Tibet and India. It was later closed after war between India and China and China’s annexation of Tibet.

There are many things about Kalimpong which makes it perfect for holidays. Kalimpong offers panoramic view of the great Himalayan ranges, and the views of the  Kanchenjunga peak is quite breathtaking from here. The best thing every traveler feels about visiting Kalimpong is quiet atmosphere and the peaceful ambience. Kalimpong is also known for its educational institutions and most of them were established during the British colonial period.

Kalimpong town is a religious centre of Buddhism. The Buddhist monastery Zang Dhok Palri Phodang is home to many monks who take their religious teachings to the people searching for divinity and peace. This monastery is also known for holding a number of rare Tibetan Buddhist scriptures. Other then monasteries, Kalimpong is also home to have many churches. Markets of Kalimpong are flooded with traditional handicrafts and some of the stalls here exhibit ancient arts.

Horticulture is also important to Kalimpong. It has a flower market famous for orchids. There are also nurseries, which export Himalayan grown flower bulbs, tubers and rhizomes, and contribute to the people’s earning in Kalimpong. Best time to visit Kalimpong is from September to November.