Kalimpong is a city in WestBengal India and comes under Gorkhaland Territorial Administration. It is part of the autonomous governing body within West Bengal. The city which is home to Indian Army’s 27 Mountain Division used to be a gateway in the trade between Tibet and India before China’s annexation of Tibet and the Sino-Indian War.Kalimpong is known for its educational institutions, many of which were established during British era. The city built on a ridge overlooking Teesta River is a major tourist destination of North Bengal. Kalimpong: is a major flower market notable for its orchid and gladioli, which are major export item alongside Himalayan grown flower bulbs, tubers and rhizomes.
The town is an important religious centre of Tibetan ,Buddhism and Zang Dhok Palri Phodang monastery that holds a number of rare Tibetan Buddhist scriptures is a must visit for tourist, a major producer of ginger, Kalimpong is well known for its cheese, noodles,and tourist visiting the town must try these. Tourist can also buy numerous articles such as traditional handicrafts, wood-carvings, embroidered items, bags and purses with tapestry work, copper ware, Tibetan jewellery and artifacts and much more from local shops.
Kalimpong in the Eastern Himalayas, is classified as an ecological hotspot, one of only three among the ecoregions of India, that makes it a must visit for nature lovers. Neora Valley National Park that lies within the Kalimpong subdivision is home to numerous variety of flora and fauna including tigers,red panda, Clouded leopard, Siberian weasel, Asiatic black bear, barking deer, Himalayan tahr, goral, gaur. A birdwatchers paradise there are variety of birds to be seen such as pheasants, cuckoos, minivets, flycatchers, bulbuls, orioles, owls, partridges, sunbirds.
The picturesque town known for its lush greenery has numerous monastery namely Jang Dong Palriffo Brang,and Thongsa Gompa are some of most well known places to visit for tourist. other places to visit for tourist include Durpin Dara hill, Cactus Nursery, Morgan House and Deolo Hill. Adventure seekers can try their hand in paragliding, trekking, and horse riding.Well connected by road and rail, the city is a must visit for nature lovers.
