Brief
Kalimpong is a quiet and picturesque hill station of West Bengal on the banks of the River Teesta. It is located at the foothills of the Himalayas at an altitude of 1250 meter adjacent to the state of Sikkim and very close to Darjeeling and Gangtok. The small town is inhabited by Nepali, Bhutanese, Bengali and Tibetan population which can be witnessed in its fusion culture and heritage. Surrounded by immense natural beauty, Kalimpong is dotted with tea and orchid gardens, monasteries and colonial cottages. Like the other hill towns Kalimpong bears a name of historic significance. Once the headquarters of a Bhutanese Governor the word 'Kalim' means King's Minister and ' pong' means the stronghold hence the stronghold of the King's minister. It is also called 'kalibong' or the spur by the hill people. Kalimpong in local dialect stands for 'Kaulim' which is a fibrous plant which grows in abundance in this region.

Reasons to visit
Tourism is the most significant contributor to Kalimpong's economy. The summer and spring seasons are the most popular with tourists, keeping many of town's residents employed directly and indirectly. The town-earlier an important trade post between India and Tibet - hopes to boost its economy after the reopening of the Nathu La pass in April 2006.Though this has resumed Indo–China border trades, it is expected that Kalimpong will have a better chance of revival as a hub for Indo–China trades if the demand of local leaders for reopening of Jelep La pass also is met.

The Mac Farlane 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.

Durpin Dara     
Towering over the town of Kalimpong is the Durpin Hill - the top of which offers breathtaking views of rolling plains of Siliguri and the Tista and Rangit valley. On the northwest horizon can be seen the panoramic Kanchendzonga range and on the east the Chola range on which lies the Nathula pass. On the southern horizon looms the Tiger hill. On the Durpin Dara Hill is nestled a beautiful golf course with gently rolling slopes.

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.

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.

Shopping
Markets in Kalimpong, which are open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, are good places for the souvenir hunter. Kalimpong offers a wide range of traditional handicrafts to the traveler. Woodcarvings, embroidered items, bags and purses with tapestry work, copperware, scrolls, Tibetan jewelry and artifacts can be picked up from the shops and markets across the town.

Festive celebrations
The people of Kalimpong love their festivals and culture. The people of Kalimpong love their festivals and culture. They are known to celebrate most of the festivals and national holidays with much more enthusiasm and gaiety compared to other hill stations in North Bengal. The annual Independence Day ceremony held in Kalimpong is one of the most well organised, well participated and well performed ceremonies in the country and many people visit the town to witness this spectacle every year.

Saga Dawa
This is the Triple Blessed Festival and is considered as the holiest of the holy Buddhist Festivals. On this day in different years of his life, Lord Buddha took birth, achieved Enlightenment and passed away attaining Nirvana, three important events celebrated in the festival of Saga Dawa. Lhabab Dhuechen heaven of the thirty three gods after visiting his mother. Dhuechen means festivals, Lha means heaven and Bab means descent.

Losoong
Losoong marks the end of the harvest season and also the end of the tenth month of the Tibetan Year. Chaam dancing's at the monasteries at Palace (Tsulakhang), Phooding and Rumtek, archery competitions and festivities mark the event.

Tihar
Tihar is the "Festival of Lights" and symbolizes the return of Lord Ram to his hometown from exile after victory over Ravana and covers a period of five days. The festival honors certain animals on successive days.

Lossar
It is the Tibetan New Year and is marked with lot of gaiety and festivity. It falls normally in the month of February.