Kalimpong

Introduction

Nestled on a ridge, at an altitude of 1250m above the junction of the Teesta and the Great Rangeet Rivers, the small but bustling trading town of Kalimpong has excellent views of the Kanchenjunga Ranges.

Sights and Activities

• Kanchenjunga Views
• Dr Graham's Home
• Deolo View Point
• Zong Dog Pairi Fo-Brang Gompa
• Tharpa Choling Gompa
• Thongsa Gompa
• Locally made cheese
• White water rafting (Teesta River)
• Samco Ropeway
• Wednesday/Saturday markets
• Villages of Lava & Kaffer.

Events and Festivals

• Flower Festival (October)

Getting There

By Plane

The nearest airport is in Bagdogra some 50km away.

By Car

By Bus

The bus and jeep stand (aka Motor Stand) is located to the north of the sports ground. Transport to Gangtok (4hr) [Sikkim], Phuentsholing (6hr) [Bhutan], Darjeeling (3.5hr), Siliguri (3hr), Bagdogra (3hr), Teesta Bazaar (1hr), Lava (3hr), Kaffer (4.5hr) can all be arranged on the day or through the numerous booking agencies.

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

• From the Motor stand.

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

Numerous cheap restaurants serving Bengali, Tibetan, Chinese, Bhutanese and pastries can be found around town. For a special meal, try one of the many upmarket hotels.

Drink

Sleep

Budget

• Numerous places around the Motor stand

• Hotel Chimal - Ringkingpong Rd

Mid-Range

• Cloud-9 - Ringkingpong Rd, Ph 03552 259554, @ cloud9kpg@yahoo.com.

Upscale

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

India Post is the national postal service of India, and on their website you find details about prices to send postcards, letters and parcels, both domestically and internationally. For most postcards to send internationally, it is better to visit the post office before writing on the card as you may need quite a few stamps. Parcels must be taken to a tailor, he will then sew it up in white linen. Make sure he seals it with red wax, otherwise the post office may refuse to send it or try to get you to pay them to do it. Sewing up a parcel should only cost 50rs to 200rs. In general, post offices are open from 10:00am to 1:00pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm in most bigger towns and cities, though there are regional variations and some might keep longer hours or be open during (part of) the weekend as well. Ask around.