Tour
to Kalimpong There are a number of places of tourist
interest in Kalimpong. Kalimpong has three important
gompas or monasteries: the Tharpa Choeling
Gompa, the Tongsa Gompa and Zong
Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa. The Tharpa Choeling
Gompa was established in 1922 and belongs to the
Yellow Hat (Gelukpa) sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
His Highness the Dalai Lama also belongs to this
sect, which was founded in the 14th century in
Tibet. The Tongsa Gompa is located near the
Tharpa ChoelingGompa. It is the oldest
monastery in Kalimpong and was founded in
1692. The present building is constructed over
the ruins of the original monastery, which was
raised by the Gurkhas, in the pre-British era.
The Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa was built
in the mid-1970s on Durpin Hill and is located
5 km south from the town center. It was consecrated
by His Highness the Dalai Lama. This monastery
is famous for its traditional Tibetan wall paintings.
Kalimpong
is an important flower producing center and it
produces 80% of the total gladioli produced in
India. There are numerous nurseries in Kalimpong,
which excel in production of orchids. Travelers
can visit some important nurseries across the
town and look at their collection of flowers,
orchids and cacti.
Other
places to visit in Kalimpong include the Sericulture
Research Institute, Dr Graham's Home
and the adjoining chapel (located on the slopes
of Deolo Hill), and the Nature Interpretation
Center (located on Rinkingpong road).