Once the local point for febetan trade, kalimpong has been the thereshold of the then forbidden lands of the Bhutan, sikkim and nepal farmer head quarters of the Bhutanese Governor, the world kalim means king's minister, pong is the strong hold. It is also called kalibong or the "Black Spur" by the hill people . This victorian hill-town is situated 51 kms east of Darjeeling, at an altitude of 1250 metres between the Deolo and Durbindra hills, kalimpoong is an ideal place for a quiet holiday amidst gently rolling hills and deep valleys at the foot of the mighty Himalayas. The drive from Darjeeling to kalimpong provides a refreshing experience as it passes through Rich forests, gigantic trees and rolling peshok and repehu tea estates.
Enroute to kalimpong lies view point, which offers a fascinating view of the valley, the confluence of the Rangeet and teesta rivers and the majestic mountains of the Hima layan Range. The kalimpong bears author name of historic significance.A 'kaleon' was a high of the Bhutanese Rajah and 'pong' meant
area or strong hold. This descriptive name has come down as kalimpong. 4 The main attraction for the people in kalimpong is the shopping centres at Rishi Road market Square and the 10th mile. The port and telegraphs office is near the police station. There is also a heliped in kalimpong. There is one Government Hospital, and one hospital for lep-rosy, there are two protestant churches, the scottish mission church is near government hospital and there is another in Grahm's Homes. There are catholic churches at St. Joseph's and St. Augustine's. There is a Believers worship. Hall of 16 Relli Road there are mosques, Hindu Temples and monasteries in the town.
Set in the foot-hills of the giant Himalayas, amidst lush green environment, Kalimpong offers amazing views of snow capped mountain peaks. Situated at an altitude of about 1250 metres and cradled between Durpin and Deolo Hill, Kalimpong has a moderate climate. Kalimpong means the fort of the King's minister. The name was established when this place was under control of Bhutan. In 1865, under the treaty of Sinchula, Kalimpong Kalimpong was handed to British. The Britishers developed this place as a centre for wool trade with Tibet. A healthy mix of Buddhism, along with Hinduism and Christianity can be seen here. Gumpas, Churches, temples, monks and missionaries coexist here peacefully. The markets here are full of Buddhist Thankas, hand beaten silver, Bhutanese weaves, Chinese lamps, Lepcha daggers, masks, local cheddar-type cheese and lollypops.
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