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Travel Guides

Kalimpong Travel Guide

Travel to Kalimpong - Buddhist Centre Nestled in the Himalayas

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Kalimpong is a hill station in the district of Darjeeling in the lower Himalaya. The town itself sits on a ridge, at 1247m, between the hills of Deolo and Durpin. Deolo is the highest point in Kalimpong, at 1704m, and Durpin lies at 1372m.

From the town there are superb views of the snow capped Himalaya including Kanchenjunga, at 8591m, the world's third tallest peak. These peaks contrast with the surrounding lush green forests and valleys. Major attractions in Kalimpong are the various nurseries filled with exotic flowers and rare varieties of plants, the bustling bazaars and the flower market with its large selection of orchids.

Kalimpong is also well known for its many Buddhist monasteries which house rare Tibetan Buddhist scriptures and its educational institutions, such as Dr. Graham's Home which has existed for more than 100 years and attracts students from all over north east India, Bhutan and Nepal.

Attractions in Kalimpong

Kalimpong has several monasteries including the Tongsa Gompa, or Bhutanese Monastery, which is the oldest monastery in the area and dates from 1692. Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa, at Durpin Dara Hill, was built in the mid 1970s and consecrated by the Dalai Lama. The gompa has impressive wall paintings in the prayer room, and a rare three-dimensional mandala.

Built in 1993 and covering an area of 2 acres, Shri Mangal Dham is considered to be one of the most impressive temples in India.

Dr. Graham’s Home was founded in 1900 and is situated on the lower slopes of Deolo Hill. There is a school building, and a chapel which dates from 1925. From the school building you can walk to the summit of Deolo Hill, where you can enjoy views of Kalimpong.