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Explore
Kalimpong |
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The quiet hill station of Kalimpong, 50km east of Darjeeling, has much to offer including an extra ordinary profusion of orchids and other flowers, plus great views of the Kanchenjunga, several monastries and lots of potential for walks in the surrounding hills, which are still home to the tribal Lepcha community. Kalimpong's attractions include three monasteries, a couple of solidly built churches, an excellent private library for the study of Tibetan and Himalayan language and culture, a sericulture, orchid nurseries and fine views over the surrounding countryside. Although not many travellers bother to visit Kalimpong, there's enough here to keep you occupied for a couple of days, and for the energetic there's some good trekking. |
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Facts and Figures |
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History |
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| Kalimpong is a bustling and rapidly expanding, though still relatively small, bazaar town set among the rolling foothills and deep valleys of the Himalayan at an altitude of 1250m. It was once part of the lands belonging to the rajas of Sikkim, until the beginning of the 18th century when it was taken from them by the Bhutanese. In the 19th century it passed into the hands of the British and thus became part of West Bengal. It became a centre for Scottish missionary activity in the late 19th century, and Dr Graham's orphanage and school is still running today. | ||||||||
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How to Reach Kalimpong |
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Air : Siliguri's Bagdogra airport is the
nearest - 80 km away. Taxis can be hired at the airport for Kalimpong. The
trip takes around 3.5 hours. Rail : The nearest railway stations are Siliguri Junction ( 68 km ), and New Jalpaiguri ( 77 km ). Railway tickets for trains ex-New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri can be purchased from the Railway Out Agency, Motor Stand, Kalimpong. Road : Bus & Jeep There are frequent jeeps for the three hour trip to Darjeeling. The buses are so much less frequent, slower and more uncomfortable that it's hardly worth the small cost saving. All transport, other than taxis, leaves from the Bazaar bus stand. |
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The best season to visit Kalimpong is from March - mid June and from September - December |
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