India-Tourist-Places.com

Archive for the ‘Kalimpong’ Category

Figures

Area : 36,021 sq. km
Language : Bengali, Nepali, Hindi and English
Best time to visit : April-June
STD Code : 03552

Introduction

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.

History

The etymology of Kalimpong has several interpretations. According to one view, Kalimpong means a place where tribesmen gather and organize traditional tribal games. The second view suggests that the name has been derived from a place in Bhutan. A third interpretation is that Kalimpong is named after Kaulim, a fibrous plant found in abundance in this region.

Places To Visit

The MacFarlane Church : a testimony of the Scottish missionaries’ influence and a monument of Kalimpong’s diverse history, Dr. Graham’s Home, which was founded in 1880 by Dr. John A. Graham, is a sprawling educational institution built on Deolo Hill north of the main township. It stands testimony to Kalimpong’s European influence. It has its own dairy, bakery, poultry farm and vegetable gardens. It is a fitting example of community life, an enthralling experience indeed.

Durpin Dara : an observatory point from where a truly spectacular view of the Himalaya can be enjoyed. This along with the panoramic view of the Teesta and Relli rivers, and the plains far below, provide visitors with a memorable sight. The many flowers nurseries in Kalimpong are known for the diversity of Himalayan flora they house, most of which are exported. For those with an interest in floriculture, a trip to a few of these nurseries is worthwhile.

Deolo Hill : one of the numerous hill destinations that warrant a visit. A perfect picnic spot replete with a splendid tourist lodge, run by the Department of Tourism, DGHC. A stay here is definitely recommended as the early morning view of the sun lighting up the Khangchendzonga massif is a marvelous example of nature at her best, a heart stopping sight indeed.

Mangal Dham Mandir : Sprawling over an area of two acres and built in 1993, Mangal Dham is considered to be one of the most splendid temples in India. It is the ground floor of the Dham, where lies the “samadhi” of their revered Guruji. The prayer hall is on the top floor, where the idol of Raj Shyamaji is found, flanked on either side by the Revered Prannath and Shri 108 Guru Mangaldasji. Both the sides of the prayer hall has a vivid picturesque story of Nijanandacharya Shri Devchandraji, meeting Lord Krishna, Rev.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the place in summer is from March to mid June. In winter tourist can visit the place from mid September to December. The best time for the tourist for enjoying the mountain views is from Mid September to Mid December.

Places Of Interest

The MacFarlane Church
The church bears a testimony of the Scottish missionaries’ influence and is regarded as a monument of Kalimpong’s history, Dr. Graham’s Home.The foundation of the church was laid down by Dr. John A. Graham in the year 1880.The place also encompasses a sprawling educational institution built on Deolo Hill located at the north side of the main township.The church also has its own dairy, bakery, poultry farm and vegetable gardens.
Gompas
The Tharpa Choeling Gompa or Bhutanese Monastery, is the oldest monastery in the area which dates back to 1692.It is located down the hill. The monastery belongs to the Yellow Hat (Gelukpa) sect of Tibetan Buddhism.Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa was built in the mid-seventies at Durpin Dara Hill and was consecrated by the Dalai Lama. The place exhibits impressive wall paintings in the prayer room. The three-dimensional mandala upstairs also adds to the beauty.

Mangal Dham Mandir
Mangal Dham Mandir has a splendid look. It covers an area of two acres. The temple was built in the year 1993.In the ground floor of the Dham lies the samadhi of their revered Guruji. The prayer hall is located on the top floor it displays the idol of Raj Shyamaji. The idol of the Revered Prannath and Shri 108 Guru Mangaldasji is located on either side. The walls of the prayer hall exhibits a vivid picturesque story of Nijanandacharya Shri Devchandraji, meeting Lord
Krishna along with Rev. Prannathji blessing the brave Bundela Chhatrasal Maharaj and other scenes from the Krishna Leela.

Nature Interpretation Centre
The Nature Interpretation centre is located on Rinkingpong road. The centre has many well-organized dioramas, which shows the effects of human activity on the environment. The tourist can visit the centre from Friday to Wednesday from 10 am to 4 PM and admission to the centre is free.

Deolo Hill
Deolo Hill is among one of those hill which is worth visiting for the tourist worldwide. The place stand as a perfect picnic spot replete with a splendid tourist lodge.The lodge is managed by the Department of Tourism, DGHC. A stay here is definitely recommended as the early morning view of the sun lighting up the Khangchendzonga massif is a marvelous example of nature’s beauty.

Kalimpong is a hill station located at the junction of Siliguri and Gangtok.The place is covered with dense forests consisting of golden oak along with rich undergrowth of moss and lichen which serves as cushions of russet-brown leaves.The name, Kalimpong, has been derived from three different origins.Firstly ,it stands for the place where tribals gathered to organize field sports, secondly, it got its name from the Bhutanese king’s minister’s stronghold and thirdly, it is named after Kaulim which is a fibrous plant found in abundance in this region.