Hillock of Assemblage
Kalimpong, the famous hill station is situated at an altitude of 1250 metres. Kalimpong has been a meeting point of the once 'three closed lands' on the trade route to Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. Kalimpong is situated about 51 km form Darjeeling and 77 km from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.
The history of Kalimpong dates back to the 18th century. Known as Dalingkot then, the region was ruled in succession by the Sikkimese and Bhutanese kingdoms. It was in 1706 that the King of Bhutan won the territory from the Sikkimese monarch, and christened it Kalimpong.
Used as the forward position of Bhutanese, the small town was sparsely populated at that time, with Lepcha being the indigenous or native community. Migrants of Bhutia and Limbu tribes also lived in the area. In 1780, Gorkhas invaded and conquered Kalimpong.
VIA AIR : Located at a distance of 79 km, Bagdogra airport is the nearest airport to Kalimpong. The airport is well-connected to major cities of the country like Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati. International travelers can reach the destination using connecting flights from major cities like Kolkata and Delhi. From the airport, tourists can take taxis and buses to reach Kalimpong.
VIA TRAIN : New Jalpaiguri railway station is the nearest railhead located at a distance of 77 km from Kalimpong. The station connects Kalimpong with different regions of the country. Buses and taxis are available outside the station which can be hired for reaching Kalimpong.
VIA ROAD : Kalimpong is well-connected to Sikkim and other cities of India via road. Direct buses connect the city from neighboring states. State and private buses connect Kalimpong to places like Gangtok (75 km), Darjeeling (50 km), Bagdogra (79 km) and Siliguri (70 km).
Dr. Graham's Home was founded in 1900 by Dr. John Anderson Graham. Located on the lower slopes of Deolo Hill, this educational institution is sprawling over an area of 500 acres.
Mangal Dham, a temple located in the beautiful town of Kalimpong, was built in 1993. The temple was constructed by Shri Krishna Pranami, a Hindu sect and in the memory of late Guru Shri 108 Mangaldasji.
Tharpa Choling Monastery is perched on the mount of Tirpai Hills. Established by Buddhist sect, Gelupka in 1937, it is one of the first three monasteries constructed in Kalimpong.
