Tourist places in and around Kalimpong
Sdr. Graham'S Homes
A unique educational institution, started in 1900 by Dr. John Anderson Graham, a Missionary, with six orphans, the school, situated in a 500 acre estate on the slopes of Kalimpong's highest hill, Dealo, has today a strength of well over 700 boys and girls who are accommodated in small cottages in a picturesque set-up. It has its own diary, poultry and bakery and every year in the month of May the school organises "MAYFAIR". A day's visit there can be enthralling.Kalimpong Market
Your visit to Kalimpong won't be complete unless you spend several hours or better still, several days at the two Kalimpong bazars, one on the Main Road, the other near the 10th mile. It is a unique experience to see villagers turning up in their local costume at the bazars on weekly market days to sell their farm products.Gompas
The Tharpa Choeling Gompa, which belongs to the Yellow Hat (Gelukpa) sect of Tibetan Buddhism, is a 40 minute walk from town. Lower down the hill, the Tongsa Gompa, or Bhutanese Monastery, is the oldest monastery in the area and dates back to 1692.Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa, was built in the mid-70s at Durpin Dara Hill and was consecrated by the Dalai Lama. The gompa is worth a visit for its impressive wall paintings in the prayer room, and a rare three-dimensional mandala upstairs. The mountain views are amazing from Durpin Dara Hill.Flower Nurseries
Kalimpong produces 80% of India's gladioli and is a significant orchid-growing area and it comes as no surprise that flowers are exported from here to many cities in northern India.Kalimpong is famous for its nurseries which export exotic flowers like Amaryllis LiLies, Anthuriums, Roses, Gerbera, dahlias, gladiolas as well as Orchids and Cacti. Some important nurseries are : Brindaban Garden Nursery, Ganesh Mani Pradhan Nursery, L.B. Pradhan Nursery, Pinewood Nursery, Standard Nursery, Shangrila Garden Nursery, Twin Brothers Nursery, Universal Nursery and others.
Sericulture Research Institute
At this institute silkworms are bred and silk is produced as well as herbs and plants. Locate on the road to Darjeeling, the institute can be visited between 9.30 am and 4 PM.Kalimpong's attractions include three Buddhist monasteries, spectacular churches, an excellent private library for the study of Tibetan and Himalayan language and culture, a sericulture centre and a fine view of the surrounding countryside.Nature Interpretation Centre
Located on Rinkingpong Rd, this centre consists of a number of well-organized dioramas, which depict the effects of human activity on the environment. The centre is open to visitors from Friday to Wednesday from 10 am to 4 pm and admission is free.Durpin Dara It is the highest point in Kalimpong accessible by car. It offers a breath-taking view of the plains and the mighty Teesta.
Gauripur House (Now Co-operative Training Institute) Situated about 2 km from the town centre on the way to Durpin Dara, Gauripur House was one of the favourite haunts of Poet Rabindranath Tagore. He stayed there on his many visits to Kalimpong.
Kalibari Kalibari is about 2 km from town Huge statue of Goddess Kali, the main deity of this temple.
7Th Mile View Point
3 km from the town on the way to Teesta Bazar. A panoramic view of Teesta Rangeet Valley can be seen from here.Thongsha Gumpha
1 km from town. Situated at 10th mile this monastery of Bhutanese origin is built in the year 1630 and it is the oldest monastery in this region.Tharpa Choling Monastery It is situated at Tirpai Hill and built around 1937 belongs to Gelupka Sect to which the present Dalai Lama belongs.