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| Kalimpong | ||||||||||
| At an altitude of 1250m, this tranquil hill station is located on top of a ridge on the east of river Tista. Kalimpong offers many good treks for the adventures. The travel attraction of this place also includes monasteries, orchid-nurseries and overall, the exquisite view over the surrounding countryside. The distance between Kalimpong and Siliguri is 70km.Kalimpong is famous for its indigenous handicraft. The artisans here produce Tibetan and Bhutanese handicraft and jewelry that are much admired in the country and abroad. If you want to go for a shopping-spree for crafts during your tour, Kalimpong is the place. The shops at Kalimpong sell traditional handicrafts such as woodcarvings, copperware like feng-sui bells, tapestry bags, scrolls, paintings and Tibetan jewelry | ||||||||||
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The town and its surrounding area was ruled by Bhutan for about a century and a half before it was annexed by the British in 1965. This also paved way for increased trade with Tibet through Jelepla. Even today Kalimpong remains one of hte largest market places in the region |
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Places to visit The
MacFarlane Church: a testimony of the Scottish missionaries’
influence and a monument of Kalimpong’s diverse history, Dr.
Graham’s Home, which was founded in 1880 by Dr. John A. Graham, is a
sprawling educational institution built on Deolo Hill north of the
main township. It stands testimony to Kalimpong’s European
influence. It has its own dairy, bakery, poultry farm and vegetable
gardens. It is a fitting example of community life, an enthralling
experience indeed. |
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Zong Dhog Palri Fo Brang monastery: situated near Durpin Dara is another attraction of the area. Tharpa Choeling monastery, built in 1937, belongs to the yellow hut sect of lamas and is another must see. It is situated on Tirpai hill, about 2 km from the main town. | |||||||||
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Deolo Hill : one of the numerous hill destinations that warrant a visit. A perfect picnic spot replete with a splendid tourist lodge, run by the Department of Tourism, DGHC. A stay here is definitely recommended as the early morning view of the sun lighting up the Khangchendzonga massif is a marvelous example of nature at her best, a heart stopping sight indeed. Pedong monastery: built around 1837, is of Bhutanese origin, while a kilometer away is the historical Bhutanese fort of Damsang, an important landmark of the area before the main town of Kalimpong came into prominence. Thongsa monastery is also of Bhutanese origin and was built around 1692, making it the oldest monastery in the region. Mangal Dham Mandir:Sprawling over an area of two acres and built in 1993, Mangal Dham is considered to be one of the most splendid temples in India. It is the ground floor of the Dham, where lies the "samadhi" of their revered Guruji. The prayer hall is on the top floor, where the idol of Raj Shyamaji is found, flanked on either side by the Revered Prannath and Shri 108 Guru Mangaldasji. Both the sides of the prayer hall has a vivid picturesque story of Nijanandacharya Shri Devchandraji, meeting Lord Krishna, Rev. Prannathji blessing the brave Bundela Chhatrasal Maharaj and other scenes from the Krishna Leela |
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