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~:History of Kalimpong:~
Kalimpong has come a long way from once being the headquarters of a Bhutanese Governor to a quite and relaxed holiday spot Somewhat secluded and tucked away in the corner under the big shadow of Darjeeling. the word Kalimpong originated from 'kalim' meaning “King's Minister” and 'Pong' – “the stronghold of the King's minister”.It is also called 'Kalibong' or the black spur by the hill people. 'Kalimpong' in local dialect stands for 'Kaulim' which is a fibrous plant which grows in abundance in the region. but The meaning that has found the most favor is the Lepcha version of the name - 'ridge where we play'. It is said that the local tribesmen of the region used to organize and play field sports when not engaged in agricultural pursuits - hence its name.
In 1865, after the Anglo-Bhutan War, in 1916 it was merged with Darjeeling, and became a sub-division of Darjeeling, and developed as a hill station. It flourished as a wool trading center with Tibet till 1950, when the Chinese took over Tibet. It continues to be part of Darjeeling District, and is now an attractive tourist destination offering a quiet and relaxed holiday against the backdrop of Kanchenjunga and also as an important educational center. Kalimpong was originally part of Bhutan.
Kalimpong, (General Information)
| Area: |
1056.5 sq. mt. |
| Longitude: |
88°28° & 88°53° E |
| Altitude: |
1250 mts.(4125feet) |
| Average Rainfall: |
220 cm Annualy |
| Tourist Season: |
February to June
September to December.
|
| Temperature: |
27 to 16°C in summer
17 to 5°C in winterv |
| STD Code: |
03552 |
| Language Spoken: |
Bengali, Nepali, Lepcha, Gorkhali, Hindi, English, |
| Reg. Voters: |
1,50,282 (On 1st September2002) |
| People: |
Bengali, Tibetans, Lepchas, Behari |
Some Historical Information About Kalimpong
- After 14 years of independence in the year 1961 Kalimpong become a Sub Division.
- D. A. White is the first SDO of Kalimpong on 6th july in the year of 1944.
- Siliguri Kalimpong Tista Vally Rly Line was first started on 15th May in the year of 1915.
- The 1st News Paper in Kalimpong is Himalayan Times
- Kalimpong was transferred to the Darjeeling Dist in the year 1866.
- In the year 1890 the Macferlen Church buit
- Apptoc 46 Number of Nursery is in Kalimpong along with orchid nurseries
- Nearest white water rafting place 14 kms.
Driving Distance from Kalimpong to Other Palces of Darjeeling (in hours)
| Places |
Diatance |
Time |
| *NJP to Kalimpong |
75 kms |
3 hours |
| **Bagdogra to Kalimpong |
80 kms |
3 hours |
| Siliguri to Kalimpong |
70 k.m |
2.5 hours |
| Darjeeling to Kalimpong |
55 k.m |
2.5 hours |
| ***Gangtok to Kalimpong |
72 k.m |
3 hours |
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| * Nearest Railway Station connected with other part of India. |
| ** Nearest Domestic Airport connected with other part of India. |
| *** State Capital of Sikkim. |
Transport and Communication
- To visit KALIMPONG nearest Railway stations are NEW JALPAIGURI, d/t SILIGURI JUNCTION d/t. All bookings can be made locally (Connect to Rly Reservation From & System of Payment)
- To visit KALIMPONG nearest Airport is Bagdogra d/t, connected with all major cities. All bookings are can be made locally (Connect to air ticketing From & System of Payment)
- KALIMPONG is connected to all major cities and towns by road,including our country neighbours, Bhutan and Nepal.(Connect to Road Transport Booking Form & System
Click Here to see the Places of Interest in Kalimpong » |
