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A small but bustling
town in the Himalaya foothills of West Bengal- Kalimpong
is at an altitude of 1250 meters. This bazaar town was
originally a part of Bhutan but later it was taken over
by the British and finally it became a part of West Bengal.
Kalimpong is famous for its monasteries, Churches and
a private library for the study of Tibetan and Himalayan
languages, culture etc.. This place also has the Sericulture
centre and the orchid nurseries and of course the place
provides some beautiful sights of the Himalayan range.
Though not all travellers visit this place which demands
some attention. The journey from Darjeeling along the
Teesta River is very interesting.
The Thongsa Gompa or Bhutanese Monastery was established
in 1892. The Tharpa Gompa was established in 1922 and
belongs to the Yellow hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The
Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa is five kms from the city
and was established in 1970. This Gompa has impressive
wall paintings in the prayer hall and a rare three dimensional
mandala upstairs. Good view of the mountains can be taken
from the Durpin Dara Hill.
Kalimpong has some of the best Gladiolis and orchid producing
nurseries. The flowers grown at these nurseries are exported
to other countries as well as to the Northern cities in
India. The Standard and the Universal Nurseries also specialise
in Cacti. The Sericulture Research Institute breads silkworms
and silk is produced here. Through the stands of bamboo
you come to the Dr. Graham's Home this school is spread
over 193 hectares and houses 1300 students. The school
was established in 1900. The Nature Interpretation center
is working to conserve soil and forests of the area. It
has some fine illustrations and demonstrations on the
effect of human activity on the environment.
Kalimpong also offers some good items to be purchased.
The Kalimpong is famous for the tapestry bags and purses,
copperware, scrolls and paintings from Dr Grahams house.
Shops selling Tibetan Jewellery and art effects can be
found in the streets to the east of Dambar Chowk.
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