Kalimpong is a small sleepy hill resort and lies within Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. With a population of about 50,000, it is ethnically and culturally similar to Darjeeling. Most activity centers on the Bus Stand in the heart of the town which has a few cheap hotels and restaurants.

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The first thing that strikes the traveler visiting Kalimpong is its silent atmosphere. The peaceful ambience that pervades is heightened by the presence of monasteries and churches across the town. Kalimpong is also known for its bustling bazaars and traditional handicrafts. It is famous for its orchids and nurseries. Kalimpong offers panoramic view of the great Himalayan ranges that lie beyond it.

During the days yonder, Kalimpong used to be the hub of trade of India with Tibet and the trade route passed through Pedong, Rongli in Sikkim and then the pass of Jelepla on the Sikkim-Tibet border but the Chinese invasion in 1962 put an end to all that.
Situated at an altitude of about 1250 metres (4100 ft) and cradled on a saddle between the hill features of Durpin and Deolo Hill, Kalimpong has a climate that is very mild unlike Darjeeling which becomes extreme cold during the winters. Kalimpong means ‘The Fort of the King's minister’. And the name got established when this area was under the Bhutanese, who occupied it in 1706. Before that Kalimpong was a part of Sikkim. Bhutan retained Kalimpong till 1865 after which it along with Dooars was ceded to British India under the Treaty of Sinchula.

History :
The etymology of Kalimpong has several interpretations. According to one view, Kalimpong means a place where tribesmen gather and organize traditional tribal games. The second view suggests that the name has been derived from a place in Bhutan. A third interpretation is that Kalimpong is named after Kaulim, a fibrous plant found in plenty in this region. Until the 18th century AD, Kalimpong was a part of the Kingdom of Sikkim and was ruled by Sikkimese rulers. It was then taken over by the Bhutanese. In the 19th century, the British took over Kalimpong and merged into the present Indian state of West Bengal.

How to Reach :

• By Air
  Bagdogra Airport is 80 km (3 hours) from Kalimpong.
• By Road
  Kalimpong is connected with all weather metalled road with Siliguri, Gangtok, Darjeeling etc.
• By Rail
  The closest Railhead is at New Jalpaiguri which is around 77 km away from Kalimpong.