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Kalimpong
is a bustling and rapidly expanding though still relatively small bazaar
town set amongst the rolling foothills and deep valleys of the Himalaya
at an altitude or 1250 meters. It was once part of the lands belonging
to the rajas of Sikkim, until the beginning of the 18th century when it
was taken form them by the Bhutanese's. In the 19th century it passed
into the hands of the British and thus became part of West Bengal. It
became a centre for Scottish missionary activity in the late 19th
century.
Zong
Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery: Five km south of the town centre at the
end Durpin Dara Hill and was consecrated bh the Dalai Lama. There are
good mountains views from Durpin Dara Hill. This area is a big military
camp, although you are free to walk or drive through it.
Around
Kalimpong
There
are a number of things worth visiting in the surrounding area. Lava,
about 30 km to the east, is a small village with a small monastery,
which belongs to the same order as the one at Rumtek. Tuesday is market
day, and a good time to visit.
Nature
Interpretation Centre: This centre, or Rinkingpong Rd, is run by the
Soil conservation Division of the Ministry of Environment & Forests.
Flower
Nurseries: Kalimpong is a important orchid growing area and flowers
are exported from here to many cities in northern India. The Sri Ganesh
Moni Pradhan Nursery and the Udai Mani Pradhan Nursery are among the
most important in the area.
Places
to Stay:- Deki Lodge, Mayal Lyang Lodge, Gompu's Hotel &
Restaurant, janakee /& Cozy Lodge, Crown Lodge Tripti Hotel,
Himalayan Hotel, Park Hotel.
Place
to Eat: TT Restaurant, Mandarin Restaurant, Punjab Lodge Kalang
Restaurant.
Others
Tharpa
Choling Monastery, Thongsa Gompa, Thakur Baru Temple, Kalimtrek, Hill
Crafts Institute. Town Hall Rishi Bankim Park, Kali Mandir Park.
Mirik
Being
Promoted as a 'new hills station, Mirik is about 50 km form both
Siliguri and Darjeeling at an altitude of 1747 metres. The lake is the
main attraction here and there's 3.5 km path around it. Mirik is
surrounded by tea estates, orange orchards and cardamom plantations.
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