Kalimpong - its educational institutions OR its flower export industry

Picturesquely situated in the Darejeeling District, West Bengal, Kalimpong has an incredible value from the tourism viewpoint. It borders Sikkim and the Teesta River and offers wonderful views of the mighty Himalayan ranges amongst the foothills of which this one of most visited tourist places is set.

Kalimpong is about 50 km from Darjeeling and 80 km from Gangtok. This exotic tourist hotspot has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere and is dotted with several monasteries and churches. But Kalimpong is also famed for its lively markets and traditional handicrafts, apart from its picture-perfect orchids and nurseries.

Kalimpong gets its name from a fibrous plant found in plenty in this area. Another view suggests the name has been derived from a spot in Bhutan of which earlier Kalimpong was a part.

Kalimpong boasts of numerous tourist places. However, the pride of this stunningly beautiful destination is the three famed gompas or monasteries, namely, the Tharpa Choeling Gompa, the Tongsa Gompa, besides Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa.

Kalimpong is also a key flower producing region producing close to 80% of the total gladioli produced across the country. In fact, the place abounds with several nurseries, which stand out for their amazing production of orchids.

The Sericulture Research Institute, Dr Graham's Home, the adjacent chapel (on the slopes of Deolo Hill), not to mention the Nature Interpretation Center (on Rinkingpong road) are some of the other well-known tourist attractions of Kalimpong.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Lava

This small but pretty hamlet is located 34 kilometres east of Kalimpong via Algarah in Darjeeling District. This entry point to the wonderful wildlife destination of Neora Valley National Park from Kalimpong is one of the few spots across the state to get coated with snow during the winters. The mesmerizing green forests of Lava are just right for enjoyable activities, like picnicking, trekking, besides bird-watching.

Lolegaon

Yet another famed nearby tourist attraction of Kalimpong, Lolegaon -- also spelled Lolaygaon -- is located 123 km from Siliguri, 54 km from Kalimpong and 24 km from Lava. Situated amidst rolling slopes and adorned with lofty Dhupi and Cypress trees Lolaygaon is the place of enchanting wilderness. Sparkling Kunchendzonga at dawn or marvelous sunrise and sunset from Jhandidara leaves the visitors almost hypnotized and asking for more.

While on a tour to Lolaygaon one is well advised not to miss the Heritage Forest of the area. The matchless 'Canopy Walk' over the century old mossy Oak and Cypress in the Heritage Forest proves to be an exciting experience.

Rishap

It is a small village picturesquely situated on the hill top and can be reached from Lava on trekking by traversing a distance of just 4 kms. It takes around 12 kms to reach the place by a vehicle. Rishap offers out-of-this-world vistas of the snow-covered Himalayas mountain peaks, especially the beautiful Kanchenjunga. Another USP of Rishap is that here one can spot several varieties of birds.

Teesta Bazaar

The Teesta Bazaar, situated 16 km from Kalimpong, is another nearby tourist destination of Kalimpong and much famous for whitewater rafting. No wonder, it inspires the adventurous tourists no end.