Climate
Temperate climate, with summer temperatures ranging between 17.2°C and 27°C. The winter temperatures remain between 7.2°C and 15°C.

Area
36,021 sq. km

Language
Bengali, Nepali, Hindi and English

STD CODE
03552

Dr Graham s Home
An hour s walk from the town centre (approximately 4 km), Dr Graham s Home lies on the slopes of Deolo Hill. Founded in 1900 by the Scottish missionary, Dr John Anderson Graham, this mission school was set up with the aim to educate the children of tea garden workers from backward families. Dr Graham and his wife dedicated their lives to building this complex. It has its own dairy, poultry and bakery. A chapel above the school dates back to 1925.

Sericulture Research Institute
The Sericulture Research Institute is dedicated to the breeding of silk worms and production of silk. Herbs and various plants are also available here. It is open from 9.30 am to 4 pm and is 3 km from the city centre.

Thongsa Gompa
Also called the Bhutanese Monastery, the Thongsa Gompa is the oldest monastery in Kalimpong. Founded in 1692, the original structure was destroyed by the Gorkhas. The current building is relatively new. The Pedong Bhutanese Monastery was established in the same year near the old Bhutanese Damsang Fort at Algara where ceremonial dances are held every February. The Brang Monastery is situated at Durpin Dara, the highest point in Kalimpong. Truly one of its kind, it also has a school of Tibetan Medicine and a religious debating society.

Tharpa Choeling Monastery
Situated 3 km (40-minute walk) uphill from town centre, on the way to the Graham s Home. Founded in 1937, this monastery belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Dalai Lama also belongs to the Gelugpa sect, founded in the 14th century. The monastery houses old documents and scriptures.

Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa
Sanctified by the Dalai Lama and built in the mid-1970s, this Gompa is 5 km from the town centre. Located on the Durpin Dara Hill, it has beautiful wall paintings and a rare three-dimensional mandala. There is also a well laid-out golf course near the monastery.

Nature Interpretation Centre
The centre has many interesting dioramas that depict the effect of human activity on the environment. Open from 10 am to 4 pm.

Lava Located 32 km away, at an altitude of 7,200 feet, Lava is a scenic spot with a panoramic view of Rechi La and Jelep La passes. The Kagyupa Gompa is also located here.

Lolay Gaon This is one of the finest viewpoints around Kalimpong. Situated 56 km from town, it offers a breathtaking view of the Khangchendzonga, especially at sunrise.

Pedong Monastery 26 km from Kalimpong, Pedong is an old Buddhist monastery established in 1837.

Teesta Bazaar At a distance of 16 km from Kalimpong, this place has arrangements for white water rafting from mid-November to mid-February.