Kalimpong, a pristine hill station in West Bengal, is located about 50 km east of the famous tourist destination Darjeeling. This hill town, overlooking the beautiful Teesta valley, is at an altitude of 1250 m above the sea level and is vibrant with bustling activities. Kalimpong is located at the foothills of majestic Shiwalik ranges in Lower Himalayas. It is believed that until the 19th century the area was ruled by Bhutanese kings and was a forward post of the Bhutanese Army.

Enshrined with ancient Buddhist monasteries, centuries old churches and exquisite revered temples, Kalimpong was earlier a part of Bhutan until it was wrested by British rulers and joined to Indian territory. The populaces in Kalimpong are mostly of Nepalis origin. These people are all migrated to this area in search of job opportunities. Enriched with lush green forests and dense plantations of tea, Kalimpong is really marvelous and awe inspiring.

Kalimpong is renowned for many high quality educational Institutions. Students throng to this town from the entire North Eastern region of India and also from neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Burma and Bhutan to have their higher studies.

This town is bustling with flower markets, a major source of orchid flowers in the north east. One can enjoy the view of attractive flowers placed on the sideways of the street and the fragrances of the flowers make you to think about an eternal destination.

Kalimpong is a breathtaking picnic spot and one can view the panoramic picture of the down valley known as Teesta Ranjit Valley from the spot known as 7th Mile View Point. This town is a best place for shopping, one can get items like Tibetan Jewelries, artifacts, copperwares, handicraft items and many varieties of dress materials.

State	:	West Bengal
Location	:	Near Darjeeling, West Bengal
District Area	:	1056.5 km Square (408 sq mi)
Altitude	:	1,704 m (5,591 ft)
Population	:	approx. 40,143 (in 2001)
Literacy	:	79%
STD Code	:	03552
Best time to visit	:	March to May and September to November
Rainfall	:	309.2 cm (121.7 in)
Temperature	:	Summer: 30°C Max, 15°C Min Winter: 15°C Max, 7°C Min
Clothing	:	Summer: Light woollens and tropicals (umbrellas and raincoats are useful) Winter: Heavy woolens
Local Languages	:	Nepali, Lepcha, Limbu, Tamang, Kirat, Hindi, English and Bengali
Religions	:	Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity

Dello Hills
Atop Deolo Hill at 1914 metres. Excellent views of snow peaks, Kalimpong town and the Teesta Valley.

Dr. Graham's Home
Started in 1900, by Rev Dr. John Anderson Graham as an institution to house and educate offspring of British planters and local women, it is now a public School. Of interest are original buildings and chapel. The School celebrates its Centenary Year in 2000, with most functions focussed around 24th September.

Flower Nurseries
Gladioli, orchids, cacti, amaryllis, anthuriums, roses, gerberas, dahlias and other exotic plants are grown in a number of flower nurseries in Kalimpong, mainly for export.

Nature Interpretation Center
Operated by the Forest Department, focuses on flora, fauna and local people interacting with ecology

Jang-Dong-Palriffo Brang Monastry
Consecrated personally by the Dalai Lama in 1976, it contains the Kanguyar, in 108 volumes, brought by the Dalai Lama when he fled Tibet. Excellent view point for snow and valley views.

Kalimpong is a nice place to visit any time in a year. Summers (March - May) are mild, with temperature never touching 30°C. June to September is the monsoon season. Monsoons offer severe rainfalls, causing landslides making road blockages. Winters (December to February) are cool and pleasant with temperature below 15°C and touching a minimum of subzero temperature. During the monsoons and winters, Kalimpong is often enveloped by fog.

Popular festivals include Diwali (October), Christmas (December), Dussera (October/November) the Buddhist festival of Losar (February). Losar is celebrated for 15 days, with much merry making, greetings and celebrations.

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By Air:
The nearest airport is Bagdogra near Siliguri, which is at a distance of 79 km from Kalimpong. The taxi fare from the airport to Kalimpong is about Rs 1500. This airport is connected to Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati. International travelers can get connecting flights from Kolkata or Delhi. Both are well connected with many cities in India and abroad.

By Railway:
The nearest rail is New Jalpaiguri, which is nearly 77 km away from Kalimpong. Taxi cab will charge about Rs 1500. This is well connected to most of the major cities in India.

By Road:
The Kalimpong city is well connected to other cities in Sikkim and the neighboring states by bus services. Private tourist buses are available from Kalimpong to Bagdogra (79 km) and to Siliguri (70 km).