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E A S T I N D I A >
K A L I M P O N G :: |
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Brief
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Lying peacefully
against the backdrop of the magnificent Khangchendzonga, Kalimpong
is one of those rare hill stations that are not overcrowded.
Known for its cool weather throughout the year, it is a garden
town with numerous shaded walks along forest roads. Famed
for its Buddhist monasteries, Kalimpong is a heavenly place
at bloom-time, when Kalimpong emerges in a riot of colours
as entire hillsides get covered with exquisite orchids and
other exotic flowers. The panoramic view of the Khangchendzonga
range from here is one of its significant highlights. |
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History
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The journey
from Darjeeling along the Teesta River is very interesting.
The Thongsa Gompa or Bhutanese Monastery was established in
1892. The Tharpa Gompa was established in 1922 and belongs
to the Yellow hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Zong Dog Palri
Fo-Brang Gompa is five kms from the city and was established
in 1970. This Gompa has impressive wall paintings in the prayer
hall and a rare three dimensional mandala upstairs. |
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Culture
- Climate & Geographical Location - |
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Kalimpong
has a temperate climate, with warm and pleasant summers and
cool and sunny winters. Kalimpong lies 50 km east of Darjeeling
at a height of 1,250 m at the foothills of the Himalayas.
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How
to Reach - |
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Air, road
and rail connect Kalimpong. By air, the nearest airport is
at Bagdogra, 78 km away from Kalimpong. Regular flights operate
from Calcutta and Delhi, which in turn is well connected to
major Indian and international destinations. By rail, Siliguri
Junction (68 km) and New Jalpaiguri (73 km) are the nearest
railway stations, which are well connected to Delhi, Calcutta,
and Guwahati. By road, Kalimpong has good motorable roads
and can be reached by bus/ taxi/ jeep from New Jalpaiguri/
Siliguri in approximately three hours. |
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: T O U R I S T P L A C
E S : |
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Dr
Grahams Home - |
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An hours
walk from the town centre (approximately 4 km), Dr Grahams
Home lies on the slopes of Deolo Hill. Founded in 1900 by
the Scottish missionary Dr John Anderson Graham, this mission
school was set up with the aim to educate the children of
tea garden workers from backward families. Dr Graham and his
wife dedicated their lives to building this complex. It has
its own dairy, poultry and bakery. A chapel above the school
dates back to 1925. |
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Thongsa
Gompa - |
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The oldest
monastery in Kalimpong, the Thongsa Gompa is also called the
Bhutanese Monastery. Founded in 1692, the current building
of the monastery is relatively new as the original structure
was destroyed by the Gorkhas. The Pedong Bhutanese Monastery
was established in the same year near the old Bhutanese Damsang
Fort at Algara where ceremonial dances are held every February.
The Brang Monastery is situated at Durpin Dara, the highest
point in Kalimpong. Truly one of its kind, it also has a school
of Tibetan Medicine and a religious debating society. |
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Others
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LAVA
- Located 32 km away, at an altitude of 7,200
feet, Lava is the gateway to the Neora Valley National Park
at a height of about 7755 feet. A scenic spot with a panoramic
view of Rechi La and Jelep La passes, it is still virgin territory
and very rich in bio. |
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LOYAL
GAON - This is
one of the finest viewpoints around Kalimpong. Situated 56
km from the town, it offers a breathtaking view of the Khanchanjunga,
especially at sunrise. |
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PEDONG
MONASTRY - 26 km from Kalimpong, Pedong is
an old Buddhist monastery established in 1837. |
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SERICULTURE RESEARCH CENTRE INSTITUTE
- The Sericulture Research Institute is dedicated
to the breeding of silk worms and production of silk. Herbs
and various plants are also available here. |
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TEESTA
BAZAR - An interesting hamlet around Teesta
Bridge on the way to Kalimpong, lies this small bazaar. While
the climb to Kalimpong starts here, this place also has arrangements
for white water rafting from Mid-November to Mid-February. |
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THARPA
CHOELING MONASTRY - Situated on the way to
the Grahams Home, it was founded in 1937. Uphill from town
Centre, this monastery belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat)
Sect of Tibetan Buddhism to which The Dalai Lama also belongs
to. |
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ZONG
DOG PALRI FO - BRANG GOMPA - Located on the
Durpin Dara Hill, it was sanctified by the Dalai Lama and
built in the mid-1970s, Located at 5 km from the town Centre,
this Gompa has beautiful wall paintings and a rare three-dimensional
mandala. |
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