General Information

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.

    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 travelers 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.

    The most interesting part of a trip to Kalimpong is the journey there from Darjeeling via the Teesta River bridge. If you have no permit for Sikkim then the town is worth visiting just for the journey.
 

Orientation and Information

Though it's a much smaller town than Darjeeling, Kalimpong follows a similar kind of layout, straddling a ridge and made up of a series of interconnected streets and steps.

    Life centres around the sports ground and east through the market, The bus stand and Chowrasta is also a busy area, and it's here that you find most of the cheap cafes and hotels. The Central Bank of India is at the north end of Main Rd; most major travellers cheques are accepted.

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