Kalimpong

State – West Bengal
Best To Travel - April to June
Main Attraction - Gompas
STD Code - 03552
Climate - Winter - 7degree C to 15 degree C. Summer - 15 degree C to 25 degree C

In the Indian state of West Bengal lies the picturesque and graceful hill station of Kalimpong. Kalimpong's altitude and location proves to be ideal for a pleasant, relaxed getaway. The clement weather has made Kalimpong's orchids and gladioli quite popular. The swift flowing Teesta river runs by the side of the road giving the hill resort a beauty of a lifetime. The presence of monasteries and churches in he land pulls tourists from all across the world.

Prime Draws Of Kalimpong
Gomapas
Thongsa Gompa – Also known as the Bhutanese monastery, this monastery is the oldest in the area and dates back to the year 1692.

Zong Dog Palri Fo- Brang Gompa – This monastery was built in the mid 70's and was consecrated personally by the Dalai Lama in 1976.
Tharpa Choeling Gompa - This Gompa belongs to the yellow hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Royal Mementos
Kalimpong still brings back the memories of the royal times with its colonial bungalows and hotels. These include - The lovely Morgan House, Crockety, Galingka, Tashiding and Ringking Farm. Dr Graham's Home.

Flower Nurseries
The real beauty of the place can be witnessed in the Flower Nurseries of Kalimpong. It produces about 80% of India's gladioli and is famous for orchids, cacti, amaryllis, dahlias, anthuriums and roses. There is also a Seri Culture Institute.

Accommodation
Kalimpong has decent accommodation available in all ranges. Some of the famous hotels here are -

• Deki Lodge
• Hotel Chimal
• Orchid Retreat
• Kalimpong Park Hotel
• Hotel Garden Reach
• Hotel Oasis
• Hotel Silver Oaks
• Himalayan Hotel

Restaurants of Choice
The steaming momo, thukpa ( noodle soup) and chow stands will certainly add spice to your taste buds and all theses delicacies are well served in many of the restaurants of Kalimpong -

• Annapurna Restaurant
• Himalayan Hotel
• Silver oaks
• Mandarin Restaurant
• Gompu Hotel
• Kalsang Restaurant

Check IN – in Kalimpong
By Air: The nearest Airport to Kalimpong is Bagdogra which is a 3 hours drive. Bagdogra is presently connected to New Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata, by Indian Airlines and Jet Airways.
By Rail: The nearest railheads are Siliguri 66 kms (metre gauge) and New Jalpaiguri 80 kms (Broad gauge), which connect you to all parts of India. 2 1/2 hours drive.
By Road: A breathtaking, if sometimes heart-stopping, drive across the Teesta Gorge from Siliguri ( 70 km ). The roads are in decent condition.