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Nestling in the lap of the Himalayas, Kalimpong is the destination for your Lazy Holiday when you need to soothe those nerves. Soak up all that Kalimpong has to offer - the walks, the treks, the nature… you get the idea, ITS ALL HERE! And once you have visited Kalimpong, you will agree that what began as a dream ……… lives on as an UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE.

Kalimpong is the largest of the for sub-divisions of the District of Darjeeling in the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, an autonomous body within the state of West Bengal. Kalimpong lies between the plains of Dooars and the hills of Darjeeling - Sikkim Himalayas.

It makes sense to base your holiday in Kalimpong. Popular spots like Lava, Lolaygaon, Rikkisum, Pedong and Rishyap are situated within the Kalimpong Subdivision and are well connected by road from Kalimpong town. Day trips to Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kurseong and Mirik are also  easily arranged. If visitors want to continue their holidays to any of these places Kalimpong makes an excellent starting point.
 

Land Area          : 1,056.5 square kilometres

Population          : Municipality - 40,143
(1998 census)       Sub-Division - 2,21,916

Altitude              : 1,250 metres (4000 feet) (Town Centre)

Climate               : Summer: max. 27^oC; min. 16^oC
                           Winter: max.17^oC; min. 5^oC
 

Day1      Arrive in Kalimpong
Check into Hotel Stroll/Visit to market area or at leisure

Day 2     Local sightseeing
Morning visit to Mangal Dham, constructed in memory of the late Guru Shree (108) Mangal Dasji and dedicated to Lord Krishna. Devotees, especially of the Pranami Dharma, come from far away places. Dr. Graham’s Homes, founded in 1900 by Rev. Dr. J.A. Graham, a Scottish missionary. This institution was established as an orphanage-cum-school for destitute Anglo-Indian children. It is now a renowned regular co-educational school situated in a 500-acre campus. This place can be visited on the way to Deolo Hill, the highest point within Kalimpong municipality area (elevation approximately 1650 meters) which provides a 360 degree panoramic view. The Kanchenjunga massif is to the north, beyond the hills of Sikkim that rise from the river valleys. A fantastic bird’s-eye-view of Dr. Graham’s Homes, Kalimpong town and Durpin hill can be had from here. The Tourism Department has developed a sprawling eight-acre park with exotic and local flora.  There is a Hotel with a regular restaurant catering to visitors.  Children can avail of pony rides here. One can spend several hours at this spot picnicking or just lazing around and soaking in the view and pure mountain air. Sherpa Taar or Sherpa View Point on the way to Dehlo hill is a watershed from where you see the mountains descending to the hills and river valleys below. On the opposite side is the Relli river valley with Kafer and the hills of Samthar plateau. A Durga Mandir (Hindu temple) as well as a viewing gallery has been built here. Commence sightseeing after lunch visiting Nature Intepretation Centre a museum run the Forest Department which depicts nature of the Kalimpong region. Army Golf Course a nine hole golf course overlooking beautiful views of the mountains. Visitors can play a round of golf here by paying a special fee. Durpin Monastery a Tibetan temple belonging to the Yellow Hat sect of Lamaism, Morgan House, Gouripur House are heritage houses with Morgan House converted into a hotel run by West Bengal Tourism Department., Rishi Bankim Park is a small but well laid out Park, Pine View Nursery where one can marvel at the Cacti & succulents and many flowering plants. Back to Hotel after enjoying sites of Kalimpong.

Day 3 Excursion to Damsang Fort
Morning departure for a half hour drive to the ruins of Damsang Fort dating back to 1690 followed by a visit to Pedong town and Rikissum viewpoint. Jeeps take one close enough to the Damsang Fort and a fifteen minute walk through a lovely wooded area of Rhododendrons and other native trees and shrubs brings one to the ruins. After touring the ruins a drive to Rikissum to take in the fabulous views. This is also the spot where an ancient Bhutanese monastery stood. A drive into Pedong Bazaar culminates the excursion by visiting an old Bhutanese monastery, Sangchen Dorjee Gumpa built in 1780, an old Lepcha house in Kashyong and some heritage sites. Evening return to your Hotel

Day 4 Day Trip to Darjeeling
Morning departure for Darjeeling and visit Batasia Loop, Ghoom Monastery, Mountaineering Institute & Zoological Park, Rock Garden, Tibetean Refugee Centre. Late afternoon departure for Kalimpong and your Hotel

Day 5 Rafting in the Teesta
Post breakfast departure for Chitray, 14 km. (a half hour drive) downhill from Kalimpong, which is the starting point for river rafting. The Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council Tourism Department and some private entrepreneurs conduct three-hour rafting trips on the river Teesta. Trained river guides using the utmost safety norms take you on a very memorable white water river rafting experience especially for first timers and children. Late afternoon departure for Hotel.

Day 6 Memorable View Points
Morning departure for Teen Chuley View Point, Eco-Tourism Village, Ramitay View Point, Cross Hill View Point. These viewpoints provide panoramic views of the magnificent Himalayan snow peaks and valleys and forests and rivers. Excellent opportunities for photography so carry that extra roll of film. Evening return to your Hotel

Day 7 Picnic by the Relli River
Numerous picnic spots on the sandy banks - Kalimpong’s very own beach- of the Relli River. One can take along a picnic hamper or sample some local cuisine available in small eateries and a Wayside Inn managed by the Tourism Department. Indulge in a swim or just simply explore the banks and hunt for garnets among the rocks (some of gem quality) or just bask in the sun surrounded by nature. Return to Hotel in the evening

Day 8 Gangtok Day Trip
Depart for Gangtok after Breakfast and visit Hanuman Tok, Tashi View Point, Enchey Monastery, Ganesh Tok, Flower Show Exhibition Center. Late afternoon drive back to Kalimpong and visit Saramsa Gardens on the way.

Day 9 Lava & or Lolay-gaon excursion
Whole day Excursion to Lava with a visit to the Tibetan Monastery at Lava and a drive to Lolaygaon where you can walk among the tree tops on a specially built tree-top pathway. Late evening drive back to Kalimpong and your Hotel

Day 10 At Leisure/Shopping
Pick up those Souvenirs, Momentous and knick-knacks, local handicrafts. Great shopping for those into “Imported Clothes” and Perfume

Day 11 Depart for Next Destination

While planning your itinerary be sure to keep aside half a Saturday or Wednesday. On these two days, Kalimpong hosts a “haat” or market day where in an open air market one can shop for seasonal fresh vegetables, goats, chickens, village products of all type, clothes, shoes, ethnic foodstuff and…. you’ll have to visit to see all that is displayed.
 

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