In this article, we provide comprehensive information about the geography, history, population, and top tourist destinations of Kalimpong. Kalimpong is a town located in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal, India, known for its breathtaking landscapes, pleasant climate, and vibrant cultural diversity. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, Kalimpong is a popular tourist destination.
| About: | The tag of Kalimpong Town“God’s own country” may lie with kerala in the tourist maps,but visitors to this serence and breathtakingly beautiful little town will beg to differ. With green valleys, with the Eastern Himalayan range-in-its-full-grandeur-a snow-clad Kanchenjunga addressing the blue sky, which, together with the mild weather and the relaxed manner, opens up temptations. Kalimpong is a real destination where tourists can have a holiday of a lifetime. Away from mad crowds, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Kalimpong provides its visitors with not just a vacation. The name of the town itself hints at a place that’s all about fun and laughter, rest and peace, mirth and harmony. The word Kalimpong in the Lepcha language (Lepchas are the original inhabitants of the region) roughly translates into “Ridges where we place”. It is believed that in the early stages of the development of the town hill tribesmen used to assemble in the beauty decked town for recreational purposes. After centuries of development and modernization, the town is firmly established as one of the forerunners and one of the loveable tourist destinations in North East India. Kanchenjunga towering at a distance and other major Himalayan peaks providing an almost surreal backdrop. On a clear day, an almost 360 degree panoramic view of the snow clad lofty mountains and the Pine draped neighboring hills can be had from almost any part of the town. Kalimpong definitely is not one of those conventional tourist destinations where visitors are forced into the same routine which all others are forced into. |
| History: | The earliest recorded history of Kalimpong is small and hazy. It was only after the Anglo-Bhutan War in 1864 that the history of Kalimpong was recorded. Prior to this, some records are available on the history of Kalimpong but these records are very contradictory and are almost impossible to authenticate. It was only after the Treaty of Sinchula on 11 November 1865 that Kalimpong came to be a place of some importance and prominence. In spite of the different theories put forward by the various scholars and historians, one thing about the history of Kalimpong is certain: ‘that it was a part of the Sikkimese or ‘Donzong’ kingdom which basically was inhabited by three major communities – the Lepchas (who called themselves the ‘Rong’ or the Ravine folk), the Bhutias and the Limbus (Tshongs). The first Chogyal (Divine Ruler) of Sikkim is believed by scholars, to have brought a consolidated rule over the whole of Sikkim which also included the area now known to be Kalimpong’. |
| Geography: | The town centre of Kalimpong lies at an elevation of 1,247 m (4,091 ft) on a ridge that connects Deolo Hill and Durpin Hill. Deolo, the highest point in Kalimpong, has an altitude of 1,704 m (5,591 ft) and Durpin Hill is at an elevation of 1,372 m (4,501 ft). The River Teesta flows in the valley below and separates Kalimpong from the state of Sikkim. The soil in the Kalimpong area is typically reddish in colour. Occasional dark soils are found due to extensive existence of phyllite and schists. Shiwalik Hills being very typical of most other parts of the Himalayan foothills, steep slopes and loose and soft upper layers of soil are ensuing into frequent landslides in the monsoon months. The hills, located at a somewhat lower height, are bordered by higher peaks, the white Mount Himalayas looming high over the town in the distance. From Kalimpong, one can get a very good view of the Kanchenjunga, being the third tallest peak in the world with an altitude of 8586 m (28169 ft). |
| Country : | India |
| State: | West Bengal |
| District: | Kalimpong |
| Language: | Nepali, Bengali |
| Population: | 42,988 (2011) |
| Literacy rate: | Literacy rate of Kalimpong city is 90.19 % higher than state average of 76.26 %. In Kalimpong, Male literacy is around 93.79 % while female literacy rate is 86.49 %. |
| Major Attractions to Visit: | 1. Deolo Hill 2. Durpin Dara Hill 3. Kalimpong Cactus Nursery 4. Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery (Durpin Monastery) 5. Morgan House 6. Tharpa Choling Monastery 7. Teesta River 8. Pine View Nursery 9. Dr. Graham’s Homes 10. Pedong 11. Hanuman Temple 12. Lava and Lolegaon 13. Neora Valley National Park 14. Catholic Church 15. Gouripur House 16. Tinchuley Viewpoint. |
