127-505: Bhutan House is an estate located in Kalimpong , West Bengal , India , owned by the Dorji family of Bhutan . The site is the traditional administrative Dzong for southern Bhutan, and also functioned as the administrative center for the whole of western Bhutan during the modern kingdom's early years of consolidation. It represented the relationship between Bhutan and British India , and
254-468: A divine revelation instructing him to travel south to seek his fortunes. A fifth-generation descendant of Khye Bumsa, Phuntsog Namgyal , became the founder of Sikkim's monarchy in 1642, when he was consecrated as the first Chogyal , or priest-king, of Sikkim by the three venerated lamas at Yuksom . Phuntsog Namgyal was succeeded in 1670 by his son, Tensung Namgyal , who moved the capital from Yuksom to Rabdentse (near modern Pelling ). In 1700, Sikkim
381-823: A Bhutanese administrative and cultural centre. The arrival of Scottish missionaries saw the construction of schools and welfare centres for the British. Rev. W. Macfarlane in the early 1870s established the first schools in the area. The Scottish University Mission Institution was opened in 1886, followed by the Kalimpong Girls High School. In 1900, Reverend J.A. Graham founded the Dr. Graham's Homes for destitute Anglo-Indian students. The young missionary (and aspiring writer and poet) Aeneas Francon Williams , aged 24, arrived in Kalimpong in 1910 to take up
508-427: A beast of burden. The avifauna of Sikkim include the impeyan pheasant , crimson horned pheasant , snow partridge , Tibetan snowcock , bearded vulture and griffon vulture , as well as golden eagles , quails , plovers , woodcocks , sandpipers , pigeons , Old World flycatchers , babblers and robins. Sikkim has more than 550 species of birds, some of which have been declared endangered . Sikkim also has
635-515: A civil disobedience movement. The Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal asked India for help in quelling the movement, which was offered in the form of a small military police force and an Indian Dewan . In 1950, a treaty was agreed between India and Sikkim which gave Sikkim the status of an Indian protectorate . Sikkim came under the suzerainty of India, which controlled its external affairs, defence, diplomacy and communications. In other respects, Sikkim retained administrative autonomy. A state council
762-551: A curse. After two generations of growing influence, the sister of Prime Minister Jigme Palden Dorji – the daughter of Topgay Raja – married the Third King of Bhutan , creating a new bond so prominent as to cause some discontent among other Bhutanese families. The public was divided between pro-modernist and pro-monarchist camps. Because of the influence of the Dorji family and its members' fluency in English , Bhutan House
889-558: A fibrous plant found in abundance in the region. Until the mid-19th century, the area around Kalimpong was ruled in succession by the Sikkimese and Bhutanese kingdoms. Kalimpong is said to have come under the control of Bhutan in the year 1706. However, according to historians, the Bhutanese encroachments had been in effect for about two decades by then, following the defeat of Gyalpo Ajok and other Lepcha chieftans. The area
1016-656: A forty-day strike. The town was virtually under siege, and the state government called in the Indian army to maintain law and order. This led to the formation of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council , a body that was given semi-autonomous powers to govern the Darjeeling district, except the area under the Siliguri subdivision . Since 2007, the demand for a separate Gorkhaland state has been revived by
1143-540: A government official with the Bengal Civil Service. Kalimpong was added to district of Darjeeling in 1866. In 1866–1867 an Anglo-Bhutanese commission demarcated the common boundaries between the two, thereby giving shape to the Kalimpong subdivision and the Darjeeling district. After the war, the region became a subdivision of the Western Duars district, and the following year it was merged with
1270-452: A high population growth rate, averaging 12.36% per cent between 2001 and 2011. The sex ratio is 889 females per 1,000 males, with a total of 321,661 males and 286,027 females recorded in 2011. With around 98,000 inhabitants as of 2011, the capital Gangtok is the most significant urban area in the mostly rural state; in 2005, the urban population in Sikkim constituted around 11.06 per cent of
1397-625: A kilometre away from the town centre, showcases the culture of the Lepcha community, the indigenous peoples of Sikkim. The Zang Dhok Palri Phodong monastery has 108 volumes of the Kangyur , and belongs to the Gelug of Buddhism. Kalimpong has access to most of the television channels aired in the rest of India. Cable Television still provides service to many homes in the town and its outskirts, while DTH connections are now practically mandatory throughout
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#17327826368261524-452: A large extent as prime minister, foreign minister, and ambassador to India . Through this position as a trade intermediary, the Dorji family amassed wealth reputedly greater than that of the royal family. Topgay Raja himself married a Sikkimese princess, fathering Jigme Palden Dorji , future Prime Minister . Another of Topgay Dorji's sons, Ugyen, was recognized as a lama at Bhutan House as
1651-579: A large gilded bronze statue of himself for the attached lhakhang (temple) he dubbed Dechen Gatsal ("The Happy Garden of Great Bliss"). In return, the household had offered the Dalai Lama silver to be dedicated for the production of a statue of the Thousand-armed and Thousand-eyed Avalokiteshvara ( Chenrezi Chatong Chentong ) in Lhasa , which the Dalai Lama had made. After the death of his host,
1778-545: A palace and asked his Limbu Queen to name it. The Lepcha people , the original inhabitants of Sikkim, called it Nye-mae-el , meaning "paradise". In historical Indian literature , Sikkim is known as Indrakil , the garden of the war god Indra . The Lepchas are considered to be the earliest inhabitants of Sikkim. However the Limbus and the Magars also lived in the inaccessible parts of West and South districts as early as
1905-542: A part of the territory of China; New Delhi had accepted Tibet as part of China in 1954, but China appears to have believed that the agreement had lapsed. The 2003 agreement led to a thaw in Sino-Indian relations . On 6 July 2006, the Sikkimese Himalayan pass of Nathu La was opened to cross-border trade, becoming the first open border between India and China. The pass, which was first opened during
2032-461: A pro-accession political party. The party sent a plate of demands to the palace, including a demand for accession to India. The palace attempted to defuse the movement by appointing three secretaries from the SSC to the government and sponsoring a counter-movement in the name of Sikkim National Party , which opposed accession to India. The demand for responsible government continued, and the SSC launched
2159-541: A referendum was held in which 97.5 per cent of voters supported abolishing the monarchy, effectively approving union with India. India is said to have stationed 20,000–40,000 troops in a country of only 200,000 during the referendum. On 16 May 1975, Sikkim became the 22nd state of the Indian Union, and the monarchy was abolished. To enable the incorporation of the new state, the Indian Parliament amended
2286-545: A resolution in the Indian Constituent Assembly to the effect that Sikkim and Bhutan, as Himalayan states, were not 'Indian states' and their future should be negotiated separately. A standstill agreement was signed in February 1948. Meanwhile, Indian independence and its move to democracy spurred a fledgling political movement in Sikkim, giving rise to the formation of Sikkim State Congress (SSC),
2413-616: A rich diversity of arthropods , many of which remain unstudied. Some of the most understudied species are Sikkimese arthropods, specifically butterflies . Of the approximately 1,438 butterfly species found in the Indian subcontinent , 695 have been recorded in Sikkim. These include the endangered Kaiser-i-hind , the Yellow Gorgon and the Bhutan Glory . List of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of Sikkim: According to
2540-530: A separate Gorkhaland state in the 1980s, and more recently in 2010. The municipality sits on a ridge overlooking the Teesta River and is a tourist destination owing to its temperate climate, natural environment and proximity to popular tourist locations in the region. Horticulture is important to Kalimpong: It has a flower market notable for its wide array of orchids ; nurseries, which export Himalayan grown flower bulbs, tubers and rhizomes, contribute to
2667-451: A significant number of students from the plains, the neighbouring state of Sikkim and countries such as Bhutan , Bangladesh , Nepal and Thailand. Many establishments cater to the Indian army bases near the town, providing it with essential supplies. Small contributions to the economy come by the way of the sale of traditional arts and crafts of Sikkim and Tibet. Government efforts related to sericulture , seismology, and fisheries provide
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#17327826368262794-622: A slowdown in Kalimpong's economy. In 1976, the visiting Dalai Lama consecrated the Zang Dhok Palri Phodang monastery, which houses many of the scriptures. Between 1986 and 1988, the demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland and Kamtapur based on ethnic lines grew strong. Riots between the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) and the West Bengal government reached a stand-off after
2921-554: A small stupa containing the ashes of Ayi Thubten Wongmo and a white chorten commemorating the late Rani Chuni. Bhutan House overlooks the Relli River below a deep valley. The interior is of dark wood. The first floor contains a sitting room for guests and the dining room. Upstairs are the bedrooms and family altar room. The room of the late Rani Chuni is kept as originally furnished with Bhutanese chodems (carved tables), woven materials, books, and other artifacts. In total,
3048-478: A steady source of employment to many of its residents. Kalimpong is well renowned for its cheese, noodles and lollipops. Kalimpong exports a wide range of traditional handicrafts, wood-carvings, embroidered items, bags and purses with tapestry work, copper ware, scrolls, Tibetan jewellery and artefacts. Kalimpong is located off the NH10 , which links Sevoke to Gangtok. NH-717A connecting Bagrakote with Gangtok
3175-523: A subdivision of Darjeeling in 1916, and became part of a hill station. In 1910, Sikkim Political Officer and Tibetologist Sir Charles Alfred Bell engaged Bhutan and signed the Treaty of Punakha and other agreements that had the effect of assigning land in Motithang ( Thimphu ) and a hill station between Chukha and Thimphu to the British, assigning a portion of Kalimpong to Bhutan, and doubling
3302-554: A young boy. Bhutan House was where Raja Sonam Topgay Dorji ( CIE ) lived. From here, Sonam Topgay Dorji was Agent for Foreign Relations for the Royal Government, as well as Governor of Haa (1917-1924), directly abutting the estate. It was also at Bhutan House that Sonam Topgay Dorji died suddenly in September 1953. The event seemed to symbolize a dark cloud of misfortune for the Dorji family, which they believed to be
3429-485: Is Pakyong Airport 56 kilometres (35 mi) kilometres away and Bagdogra International Airport about 80 kilometres (50 mi) from Kalimpong. Vistara , IndiGo , Go First , Akasa Air , AIX Connect , Air India , SpiceJet and Druk Air ( Bhutan ) are the major carriers that connect Bagdogra airport to Chennai , Bangalore , Ahmedabad , Hyderabad , Mumbai , Delhi , Paro ( Bhutan ), Guwahati , Kolkata , Dibrugarh and Bangkok ( Thailand ) whereas SpiceJet
3556-438: Is 50 °C (122 °F). The hills of Sikkim mainly consist of gneiss and schist which weather to produce generally poor and shallow brown clay soils. The soil is coarse, with large concentrations of iron oxide ; it ranges from neutral to acidic and is lacking in organic and mineral nutrients. This type of soil tends to support evergreen and deciduous forests . The rock consists of phyllites and schists, and
3683-476: Is a Mosque , Kalimpong Anjuman Islamia Established in 1887 in the bazaar area of Kalimpong. Local Hindu festivals include Diwali , Holi , Dussehra , Tihar , Sakela Cultural Programme and the Tibetan festival of Losar . The official languages are Hindi , Bengali and Nepali , with English acting as the additional official language. Languages spoken in Kalimpong include Nepali and Hindi , which are
3810-616: Is a state in northeastern India . It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Koshi Province of Nepal in the west, and West Bengal in the south. Sikkim is also close to the Siliguri Corridor , which borders Bangladesh . Sikkim is the least populous and second-smallest among the Indian states. Situated in the Eastern Himalaya , Sikkim
3937-514: Is a major production centre of gladioli in India, and orchids , which are exported to many parts of the world. The Rishi Bankim Chandra Park is an ecological museums within Kalimpong. Citrus Dieback Research Station at Kalimpong works towards control of diseases, plant protection and production of disease free orange seedlings. Kalimpong is also known for their rich practice of cactus cultivation. Its nurseries attract people from far and wide for
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4064-464: Is a modern symbol of Bhutan–India relations . It is the home of Queen Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck , the grandmother of the current Bhutanese king, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck . Located in Kalimpong , the estate is on Rishi Road, leaving town, between the 10th and 12th miles, just before its fork. The property has fencing and a driveway toward the stone double-storied Victorian-style complex. The landscaped lawns feature
4191-647: Is an autonomous governing body within the state of West Bengal . The Indian Army 's 27 Mountain Division is located on the outskirts of the city. Kalimpong is known for its educational institutions, many of which were established during the British colonial period . It used to be a gateway in the trade between Tibet and India before China's annexation of Tibet and the Sino-Indian War . Kalimpong and neighbouring Darjeeling were major centres calling for
4318-494: Is at an elevation of 1,372 m (4,501 ft). The River Teesta flows in the valley below and separates Kalimpong from the state of Sikkim. The soil in the Kalimpong area is typically reddish in colour. Occasional dark soils are found due to extensive existence of phyllite and schists . The Shiwalik Hills , like most of the Himalayan foothills, have steep slopes and soft, loose topsoil, leading to frequent landslides in
4445-517: Is believed to be a combination of the Limbu words su "new" and khyim "palace" or "house". The Tibetan name for Sikkim is Drenjong (Wylie-transliteration: bras ljongs ), which means "valley of rice ", while the Bhutias call it Beyul Demazong , which means "the hidden valley of rice". According to folklore, after establishing Rabdentse as his new capital, Bhutia king Tensung Namgyal built
4572-416: Is highly susceptible to weathering and erosion. This, combined with the state's heavy rainfall, causes extensive soil erosion and the loss of soil nutrients through leaching . As a result, landslides are frequent, often isolating rural towns and villages from the major urban centres. The state has five seasons: winter, summer, spring, autumn, and monsoon season. Sikkim's climate ranges from sub-tropical in
4699-452: Is in charge of the administration of the civilian areas of the district. The Indian Army has control over a large part of the state, as Sikkim forms part of a sensitive border area with China . Many areas are restricted to foreigners, and official permits are needed to visit them. Sikkim's nominal state gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated at US$ 4.6 billion in 2019, with GDP per capita being $ 7,530 (₹ 5,50,000) thus constituting
4826-572: Is located at Algarah , 16 kilometres away from Kalimpong. These two National Highways together, via Sevoke and Labha , links Kalimpong to the plains. Regular bus services, Jeep Services and hired vehicles connect Kalimpong with Siliguri and the neighbouring towns and cities like Gangtok , Kurseong , Darjeeling , Namchi , Ravangla , Pakyong , Malbazar , Rhenock , Rongli , Algarah , Pedong , Labha , Gorubathan , Rangpo , Jaldhaka , Singtam , Pelling , Rorathang , Melli , Jorethang , Sevoke , Gyalshing and Mirik . The nearest airport
4953-461: Is notable for its biodiversity , including alpine and subtropical climates, as well as being a host to Kangchenjunga , the highest peak in India and third-highest on Earth . Sikkim's capital and largest city is Gangtok . Almost 35% of the state is covered by Khangchendzonga National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The Kingdom of Sikkim was founded by the Namgyal dynasty in
5080-593: Is popular in Kalimpong. There are a large number of restaurants which offer a wide variety of cuisines, ranging from Indian to continental, to cater to the tourists. Tea is the most popular beverage in Kalimpong, procured from the famed Darjeeling tea gardens. Kalimpong has a golf course besides Kalimpong Circuit House. The cultural centres in Kalimpong include, the Lepcha Museum and the Zang Dhok Palri Phodang monastery. The Lepcha Museum,
5207-638: Is responsible for the road connecting the town to the National Highway –NH-31A. The Kalimpong municipality has a total of 10 health care units, with a total of 433 bed capacity. The Kalimpong assembly constituency, which is an assembly segment of the Darjeeling parliamentary constituency , elects one member of the Vidhan Sabha of West Bengal. The majority of Indians in Kalimpong adhere to Hinduism . The original settlers of Kalimpong are
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5334-403: Is the momo , steamed dumplings made of chicken, pork, beef or vegetable cooked in a wrapping of flour and served with watery soup. Wai-Wai is a packaged Thai snack made of noodles which are eaten either dry or in soup form. Churpee , a kind of hard cheese made from yak 's or chauri's (a hybrid of yak and cattle) milk, is sometimes chewed. A form of noodle called Thukpa , served in soup form
5461-523: Is the authoritative body for the departments of election, panchayat , law and order, revenue, etc., also acts as an interface of communication between the Council and the State Government . The rural area in the district covers three community development blocks Kalimpong I , Kalimpong II and Gorubathan consisting of forty-two gram panchayats . A Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) presides over
5588-411: Is the largest religion followed by Nijananda Sampradaya , Buddhism and Christianity . Islam has a minuscule presence in this region, The Oldest settlers include people residing since the mid of 19th Century and also mostly Tibetan Muslims who fled in 1959 after Chinese invasion of Tibet . The Buddhist monastery Zang Dhok Palri Phodang holds a number of rare Tibetan Buddhist scriptures. There
5715-411: Is the only carrier operating from Pakyong Airport which connects Delhi , Kolkata and Guwahati . Under construction The closest currently operating major railway stations from Kalimpong are as follows: At the 2011 India census , Kalimpong town area had a population of 42,988, of which 52% were male and 48% female. At the 2001 census, Kalimpong had an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than
5842-420: Is the only civilian helipad in the state. National Highway 10 (NH 10; formerly NH 31A ) links Siliguri to Gangtok. Sikkim Nationalised Transport runs bus and truck services. Privately run bus, tourist taxi , and jeep services operate throughout Sikkim and also connect it to Siliguri. A branch of the highway from Melli connects western Sikkim. Towns in eastern, southern and western Sikkim are connected to
5969-485: Is typically found between an altitude of 3,500 to 5,000 metres (11,500 to 16,400 ft). In lower elevations are found juniper , pine, firs , cypresses and rhododendrons from the Eastern Himalayan subalpine conifer forests . Higher up are Eastern Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows and high-altitude wetlands, which are home to a wide variety of rhododendrons and wildflowers. The fauna of Sikkim include
6096-624: The Hindustan Times , which are printed in Kolkata . Among other languages, Nepali, Hindi and Bengali are prominent vernacular languages used in this region. Newspapers in all these four languages are available in the Darjeeling Hills region. Of the largely circulated Nepali newspapers Himalay Darpan , Swarnabhumi and some Sikkim-based Nepali newspapers like Hamro Prajashakti and Samay Dainik are read most. The Tibet Mirror
6223-402: The British and Tibet , and it was Kazi Dorji who was later responsible for the large-scale induction of Nepalis into Bhutan . During the early years of the Dorji family's prominence, members of the family served as gongzim (chief chamberlain, the top government post), and their official residence was at the palatial Bhutan House. Kazi Ugyen Dorji settled the land and took advantage of
6350-590: The Constitution of India , Sikkim has a parliamentary system of representative democracy for its governance; universal suffrage is granted to state residents. The government structure is organised into three branches: In 1975, after the abrogation of Sikkim's monarchy, the Indian National Congress gained a majority in the 1977 elections. In 1979, after a period of instability, a popular ministry headed by Nar Bahadur Bhandari , leader of
6477-663: The Dalai Lama and accepted as a tulku by the Chinese government, escaped from Tibet , seeking to return to the Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim. Chinese officials were in a dilemma on this issue, for any protests to India would mean an explicit endorsement of India's governance of Sikkim, which China still recognised as an independent state occupied by India. The Chinese government eventually recognised Sikkim as an Indian state in 2003, in return for India declaring Tibet as
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#17327826368266604-607: The Dalingkot tehsil , which consisted of all the mountainous part of the annexed territory. In 1867, the Dalingkot tehsil was merged with the Darjeeling district, and eventually renamed the Kalimpong Subdivision. At the time of annexation, Kalimpong was a hamlet, with only two or three families known to reside there. The first recorded mention of the town was a fleeting reference made that year by Ashley Eden ,
6731-582: The Deolo Hill . The precise origin of the name Kalimpong remains unclear. There are many theories on the origin of the name. One widely accepted theory claims that the name "Kalimpong" means "Assembly (or Stockade) of the King's Ministers" in Tibetan , derived from kalon ("King's ministers") and pong (" stockade "). The name may be derived from the translation "ridge where we play" from Lepcha , as it
6858-575: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and its supporters in the Darjeeling hills. The Kamtapur People's Party and its supporters' movement for a separate Kamtapur state covering North Bengal have gained momentum. The town centre is on a ridge connecting two hills, Deolo Hill and Durpin Hill , at an elevation of 1,247 m (4,091 ft). Deolo, the highest point in Kalimpong, has an altitude of 1,704 m (5,591 ft) and Durpin Hill
6985-675: The Gorkha Kingdom . Following the subsequent defeat of Gorkha, the Chinese Qing dynasty established control over Sikkim. Following the beginning of British rule in neighbouring India, Sikkim allied with Britain against their common adversary, Nepal . The Nepalese attacked Sikkim, overrunning most of the region including the Terai . This prompted the British East India Company to attack Nepal, resulting in
7112-604: The Gurkha War of 1814. Treaties signed between Sikkim and Nepal resulted in the return of the territory annexed by the Nepalese in 1817. However, ties between Sikkim and the British weakened when the latter began taxation of the Morang region. In 1849, two British physicians , Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker and Archibald Campbell , the latter being in charge of relations between the British and Sikkimese governments, ventured into
7239-554: The Indian Constitution . First, the 35th Amendment laid down a set of conditions that made Sikkim an "Associate State", a special designation not used by any other state. A month later, the 36th Amendment repealed the 35th Amendment, and made Sikkim a full state, adding its name to the First Schedule of the Constitution . In 2000, the seventeenth Karmapa , Urgyen Trinley Dorje , who had been confirmed by
7366-593: The Indian Gorkhas are the Bengalis , Muslims , Anglo-Indians , Chinese , Biharis and Tibetans who escaped to Kalimpong after fleeing the Communist Chinese invasion of Tibet. Kalimpong is home to Trinley Thaye Dorje —one of the 17th Karmapa incarnations. Kalimpong is the closest Indian town to Bhutan's western border, and has a small number of Bhutanese nationals residing here. Hinduism
7493-557: The Jelep La pass also be reopened to allow trade. Kalimpong is a major ginger growing area of India. Kalimpong and the state of Sikkim together contribute 15 per cent of the ginger produced in India. The Darjeeling Himalayan hill region is internationally famous for its tea industry . However, most of the tea gardens are on the western side of Teesta river (towards the town of Darjeeling) and so tea gardens near Kalimpong contribute only 4 percent of total tea production of
7620-568: The Lepchas , who also form one of main ethnic groups of Sikkim and Bhutan . The majority of the populace are ethnic Indian Gorkhas . Indigenous ethnic groups include the Bhutia , Limbus , Rais , Sherpas , Magars , Chettris , Bahuns , Thakuris , Gurungs , Tamangs , Yolmos , Bhujels , Yakkhas , Sunuwars , Sarkis , Damais and the Kamis . The other non-native communities as old as
7747-560: The Nathu La pass on 6 July 2006, connecting Lhasa , Tibet , to India, was billed as a boon for Sikkim's economy. Trade through the pass remains hampered by Sikkim's limited infrastructure and government restrictions in both India and China, though the volume of traded goods has been steadily increasing. Sikkim did not have any operational airport for a long time because of its rough terrain. However, in October 2018, Pakyong Airport ,
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#17327826368267874-668: The Poinsettia , locally known as "Christmas Flower", can be found in abundance in the mountainous state. The Noble Dendrobium is the official flower of Sikkim, while the rhododendron is the state tree . Orchids, figs , laurel , bananas , sal trees and bamboo grow in the Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests of the lower altitudes of Sikkim. In the temperate elevations above 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) there are Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests , where oaks, chestnuts , maples , birches , alders , and magnolias grow in large numbers, as well as Himalayan subtropical pine forests , dominated by Chir pine . Alpine-type vegetation
8001-434: The Sikkim Sangram Parishad Party , was sworn in. Bhandari held on to power in the 1984 and 1989 elections. In the 1994 elections, Pawan Kumar Chamling of the Sikkim Democratic Front became the Chief Minister of the state. Chamling and his party had since held on to power by winning the 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014 elections. However, the 2019 legislative assembly elections were won by the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party and
8128-428: The hill stations of Kalimpong and Darjeeling in northern West Bengal. The state is furthermore connected to Tibet by the mountain pass of Nathu La . List of National Highways of Sikkim: Sikkim lacks significant railway infrastructure. The closest major railway stations are Siliguri Junction and New Jalpaiguri in neighbouring West Bengal. However, the New Sikkim Railway Project has been launched to connect
8255-417: The monsoon season. The hills are nestled within higher peaks and the snow-clad Himalayan ranges tower over the town in the distance. Kanchenjunga , at 8,586 m (28,169 ft) the world's third tallest peak, is clearly visible from Kalimpong. Kalimpong has a temperate, monsoon-influenced subtropical highland climate ( Köppen : Cwb ). It has five distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, winter and
8382-433: The per annum subsidy from Britain to Bhutan. Bhutan House itself was reportedly constructed by the Dorjis especially to host the Thirteenth Dalai Lama . The grounds were consecrated by Chogley Yeshey Ngodrup on his return from a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya . The powerful Dorji family became prominent through their ties to the Wangchuck family and to the British. Kazi Dorji had advised the future First King to mediate between
8509-416: The snow leopard , musk deer , Himalayan tahr , red panda , Himalayan marmot , Himalayan serow , Himalayan goral , muntjac , common langur , Asian black bear , clouded leopard , marbled cat , leopard cat , dhole , Tibetan wolf , hog badger , binturong , and Himalayan jungle cat . Among the animals more commonly found in the alpine zone are yaks , mainly reared for their milk , meat, and as
8636-467: The third-smallest GDP among India's 28 states . The state's economy is largely agrarian based on the terraced farming of rice and the cultivation of crops such as maize , millet , wheat , barley , oranges , tea , and cardamom . Sikkim produces more cardamom than any other Indian state and is home to the largest cultivated area of cardamom. Sikkim achieved its ambition to convert its agriculture to fully organic between 2003 and 2016, and became
8763-436: The 17th century. It was ruled by Buddhist priest-kings known as the Chogyal . It became a princely state of the British Indian Empire in 1890. Following Indian independence, Sikkim continued its protectorate status with the Union of India after 1947 and the Republic of India after 1950. It enjoyed the highest literacy rate and per capita income among Himalayan states . In 1973, anti-royalist riots took place in front of
8890-405: The 1904 Younghusband Expedition to Tibet, had remained closed since the 1962 Sino-Indian War . On 18 September 2011, a magnitude 6.9M w earthquake struck Sikkim, killing at least 116 people in the state and in Nepal , Bhutan , Bangladesh and Tibet . More than 60 people died in Sikkim alone, and the city of Gangtok suffered significant damage. Situated in the Himalayan mountains,
9017-407: The BRO's jurisdiction. Sikkim receives most of its electricity from 19 hydroelectric power stations . Power is also obtained from the National Thermal Power Corporation and Power Grid Corporation of India . By 2006, the state had achieved 100 per cent rural electrification. However, the voltage remains unstable and voltage stabilisers are needed. Per capita consumption of electricity in Sikkim
9144-589: The Chogyal's palace. In 1975, after the Indian Army took over the city of Gangtok, a referendum was held that led to the dissolution of the monarchy and Sikkim's joining India as its 22nd state. Modern Sikkim is a multiethnic and multilingual Indian state. The official languages of the state are English , Nepali , Bhutia , and Lepcha . Additional official languages include Gurung , Limbu , Magar , Mukhia , Newari , Rai , Sherpa and Tamang for
9271-405: The Dalai Lama gave the Dorji family a kashog (decree) written on yellow silk and sealed with his great seal ; the kashog expressed his gratitude for the hospitality he received at Bhutan House, and for the efforts of the Dorji family to aid the Tibetan people . Because of its association with the Dalai Lama, Bhutan House is still known among Tibetans as Migyur Ngonga Phodrang . In 1957,
9398-574: The Dorji family supported Western education of Bhutanese youths, paving the way for educational reforms under the Third King. The estate also has its own radio station broadcast from Bhutan . Kalimpong has remained an important trade center and home for many Tibetan expatriates, and Bhutan House is notable among Tibetans because of its association with Dalai Lamas . In 1912, the Thirteenth Dalai Lama , Thubten Gyatso, stayed at
9525-596: The Eastern Himalayas, which is classified as an ecological hotspot , one of only three among the ecoregions of India . Neora Valley National Park lies within the Kalimpong subdivision and is home to tigers. Acacia is the most commonly found species at lower altitudes, while cinnamon , ficus , bamboo and cardamom , are found in the hillsides around Kalimpong. The forests found at higher altitudes are made up of pine trees and other evergreen alpine vegetation. Seven species of rhododendrons are found in
9652-421: The Kalimpong subdivision. Kalimpong has a police station that serves the municipality and 18 gram panchayats of Kalimpong–I CD block . The Kalimpong municipality, which was established in 1945, is in charge of the infrastructure of the town such as potable water and roads. The municipal area is divided into twenty-three wards. Kalimpong municipality is constructing additional water storage tanks to meet
9779-657: The Lepchas perhaps lived in the East and North districts. The Buddhist saint Padmasambhava , also known as Guru Rinpoche, passed through the land in the 8th century. The Guru is reported to have blessed the land, introduced Buddhism , and foretold the era of monarchy that would arrive in Sikkim centuries later. According to legend, Khye Bumsa , a 14th-century prince from the Minyak House in Kham in eastern Tibet , received
9906-539: The West Bengal government in 1988, administers this district as well as the Darjeeling Sadar and Kurseong subdivisions. Kalimpong elects eight councillors, who manage the departments of Public Health, Education, Public Works, Transport, Tourism, Market, Small scale industries, Agriculture, Agricultural waterways, Forest (except reserved forests), Water, Livestock, Vocational Training and Sports and Youth services. The district administration of Darjeeling, which
10033-510: The absolutely stunning collection of cacti they cultivate. The strains of cacti, though not indigenous to the locale, have been carefully cultivated over the years, and now the town boasts one of the most fascinating and exhaustive collections of the family Cactaceae . The plants have adapted well to the altitude and environment, and now prove to be one of the chief draws of tourism to the township. Sikkim Sikkim ( / ˈ s ɪ k ɪ m / SIK -im ; Nepali: [ˈsikːim] )
10160-670: The chief minister since then is Prem Singh Tamang . The current Governor of Sikkim is Lakshman Acharya . Sikkim is among India's most environmentally conscious states, having banned plastic water bottles "in all government functions and meetings" and polystyrene products (throughout the state). Sikkim has six districts – Gangtok District , Mangan District , Namchi District , Pakyong District , Geyzing District and Soreng District . The district capitals are Gangtok , Mangan , Namchi , Pakyong , Gyalshing and Soreng respectively. These six districts are further divided into 16 subdivisions; Pakyong, Rongli, Rangpo and Gangtok are
10287-499: The closest operational airport to Sikkim was Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri in northern West Bengal . The airport is located about 124 km (77 mi) from Gangtok , and frequent buses connect the two. A daily helicopter service run by the Sikkim Helicopter Service connects Gangtok to Bagdogra; the flight is thirty minutes long, operates only once a day, and can carry four people. The Gangtok helipad
10414-509: The country. Besides mainstream Indian channels, many Nepali-language channels such as Dainandini DD , Kalimpong Television KTv , Haal Khabar (an association of the Hill Channel Network), Jan Sarokar , Himalayan People's Channel (HPC), and Kalimpong Times are broadcast in Kalimpong. These channels, which mainly broadcast locally relevant news, are produced by regional media houses and news networks, and are broadcast through
10541-542: The current Fourteenth Dalai Lama also stayed at Bhutan House for a week during his stay in India after meeting with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru . Kalimpong Kalimpong is a town and the headquarters of an eponymous district in the Indian state of West Bengal . It is located at an average elevation of 1,250 metres (4,101 ft). The town is the headquarters of the Kalimpong district . The region comes under Gorkhaland Territorial Administration which
10668-505: The district of Darjeeling. The temperate climate prompted the British to develop the town as an alternative hill station to Darjeeling , to escape the scorching summer heat in the plains . Kalimpong's proximity to the Nathu La and Jelep La passes (La means "pass") for trading with Tibet was an added advantage. It soon became an important trading outpost in the trade of furs , wools and food grains between India and Tibet. The increase in commerce attracted large numbers of Nepali's from
10795-403: The economy of Kalimpong. The Tibetan Buddhist monastery Zang Dhok Palri Phodang holds a number of rare Tibetan Buddhist scriptures. The Kalimpong Science Centre, established under the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council in 2008 is a recent addition to its many tourist attractions. The Science Centre, which provides for scientific awareness among the students of the town and the locals sits atop
10922-528: The first state in India to achieve this distinction. Because of its hilly terrain and poor transport infrastructure, Sikkim lacks a large-scale industrial base. Brewing , distilling, tanning and watchmaking are the main industries and are mainly located in the southern regions of the state, primarily in the towns of Melli and Jorethang . In addition, a small mining industry exists in Sikkim extracting minerals such as copper , dolomite , talc , graphite , quartzite , coal , zinc , and lead . Despite
11049-605: The later decades of the 19th century, formalised by a convention signed with China in 1890. Sikkim was gradually granted more sovereignty over the next three decades, and became a member of the Chamber of Princes , the assembly representing the rulers of the Indian princely states , in 1922. Prior to Indian independence , Jawaharlal Nehru , as the Vice-President of the Executive Council, pushed through
11176-406: The local cable network, which is now slowly becoming defunct due to the Indian government's ruling on mandatory digitisation of TV channels. The movie production houses like JBU films produces the movies on the nepali and other languages. Newspapers in Kalimpong include English language dailies The Statesman and The Telegraph , which are printed in Siliguri , and The Economic Times and
11303-551: The lucrative trade routes through Kalimpong , and by 1898 assumed the roles of Trade Agent and mediator between the British Empire and Tibet . The estate, which contained notable stables, contributed significantly to the development of the community and commerce in Kalimpong. From Bhutan House, Raja Sonam Topgay Dorji ("Topgay Raja") held the post of Trade Agent to the Government of Bhutan, however he functioned to
11430-490: The main house contains over a dozen rooms, including a long hall on each floor. The detached kitchen is also two-storied, connected to the main structure by a small bridge. A lhakhang ( Buddhist temple ) is also located on the premises. The land that was to become Bhutan House was ceded from Bhutan to British India in 1865 at the conclusion the Bhutan War and as a condition of the Treaty of Sinchula . The land became
11557-528: The main online news sites that collect and present local and North Bengal & Sikkim news from its own agencies like KalimNews and other newspapers. Besides this there are others like kalimpong.info, kalimpongexpress.blogspot.com and several others. All India Radio and several other National and Private Channels including FM Radio are received in Kalimpong. The area is serviced by major telecommunication companies of India with most types of cellular services in most areas. The area around Kalimpong lies in
11684-522: The mid-1990s. Sikkim has furthermore invested in a fledgling gambling industry promoting both casinos and online gambling . The state's first casino, the Casino Sikkim, opened in March 2009. In the year 2010 the government subsequently issued three gambling licences for casinos and online sports betting in general. The Playwin lottery has been a notable success in the state. The opening of
11811-555: The monsoon and winter seasons, Kalimpong is often enveloped by fog. 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—hoped to boost its economy after the reopening of the Nathu La pass in April 2006. Though this resumed Indo–China border trades, local leaders requested that
11938-516: The monsoons. The annual temperature is 18 °C (64 °F). Summers are mild, with an average maximum temperature of 25.5 °C (77.9 °F) in August. Summers are followed by the monsoon rains which lash the town between June and September. The monsoons are severe, often causing landslides which sequester the town from the rest of India. Winter lasts from December to February, with the minimum temperature being around 8 °C (46 °F). During
12065-461: The most part, the land is unfit for agriculture because of the rocky, precipitous slopes. However, some hill slopes have been converted into terrace farms . Numerous snow-fed streams have carved out river valleys in the west and south of the state. These streams combine into the major Teesta River and its tributary, the Rangeet , which flow through the state from north to south. About a third of
12192-481: The mountains of Sikkim unannounced and unauthorised. The doctors were detained by the Sikkimese government, leading to a punitive British expedition against the kingdom, after which the Darjeeling district and Morang were annexed to British India in 1853. The Chogyal of Sikkim became a titular ruler under the directive of the British governor as a result of the invasion. Sikkim became a British protectorate in
12319-529: The national average of 59.5%: male literacy was 84%, and female literacy was 73%. In Kalimpong, 8% of the population was under 6 years of age. The Scheduled castes and scheduled tribes population for Kalimpong was 5,100 and 5,121 respectively. Religious Demographic in Kalimpong City (2011) Languages spoken in Kalimpong City (2011) Kalimpong is the headquarters of the Kalimpong district . The semi-autonomous Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, set up by
12446-527: The neighbouring Nepal and the lower regions of Sikkim , the areas where, Nepali's were residing since the Gorkha invasion of Sikkim in 1790. The movement of people into the area, transformed Kalimpong from a small hamlet with a few houses, to a thriving town with increased economic prosperity. Britain assigned a plot within Kalimpong to the influential Bhutanese Dorji family , through which trade and relations with Bhutan flowed. This later became Bhutan House ,
12573-446: The newly built Bhutan House for three months as the guest of Raja Kazi Ugyen Dorji and his sister Ayi Thubten Wangmo. The Dalai Lama dubbed the edifice Migyur Ngona Phodrang ("Palace of Unchanging Delight" or "Palace of Unchanging Supreme Joy") and presented the household with gifts of altars and consecrated statuettes, as well as many precious religious and secular robes. Once the Dalai Lama returned to Tibet , he sent Bhutan House
12700-618: The palace against the monarchy. In 1973, anti-royalist agitations took place, which needed to be quelled using Indian security forces. In 1975 , the Prime Minister of Sikkim Kazi Lhendup Dorjee , appealed to the Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi for Sikkim to become a state of India. In April of that year, the Indian Army took over the city of Gangtok and disarmed the Chogyal's palace guards. Thereafter,
12827-563: The post of assistant schoolmaster at Dr. Graham's Homes , where he later became Bursar and remained working at the school for the next fourteen years. From 1907 onwards, most schools in Kalimpong had started offering education to Indian students. By 1911, the population comprised many ethnic groups, including Nepalis, Lepchas, Tibetans, Muslims, the Anglo-Indian communities. Hence by 1911, the population had swollen to 7,880. Following Indian independence in 1947, Kalimpong became part of
12954-594: The predominant languages; Lepcha , Limbu , Rai , Tamang , and English . Though there is a growing interest in cricket as a winter sport in Darjeeling Hills, football still remains the most popular sport in Kalimpong. Every year since 1947, the Independence Shield Football Tournament is organised here as part of the two-day-long Independence Day celebrations. Former captain of India national football team , Pem Dorjee Sherpa hails from Kalimpong. A popular snack in Kalimpong
13081-430: The purpose of preservation of culture and tradition in the state. English is taught in schools and used in government documents. The predominant religion is Hinduism , with a significant Vajrayana Buddhist minority. Sikkim's economy is largely dependent on agriculture and tourism. As of 2019 , the state had the fifth-smallest GDP among Indian states , although it is also among the fastest-growing. The name Sikkim
13208-568: The region east of Kalimpong. The temperate deciduous forests include oak , birch , maple and alder . Three hundred species of orchid are found around Kalimpong. The Red panda , Clouded leopard , Siberian weasel , Asiatic black bear , barking deer , Himalayan tahr , goral , gaur and pangolin are some of the fauna found near Kalimpong. Avifauna of the region include the pheasants , cuckoos , minivets , flycatchers , bulbuls , orioles, owls , partridges , sunbirds , warblers , swallows , swifts and woodpeckers . Kalimpong
13335-401: The region. In Kalimpong division, 90 percent of land is cultivable but only 10 percent is used for tea production. Kalimpong is well known for its flower export industry—especially for its wide array of indigenous orchids and gladioli . A significant contributor to the town's economy is education sector. The schools of Kalimpong, besides imparting education to the locals, attract
13462-546: The requirement of potable water, and it needs an increase of water supply from the 'Neora Khola Water Supply Scheme' for this purpose. Often, landslides occurring in monsoon season cause havoc to the roads in and around Kalimpong. The West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Corporation Limited (WBSEDCL) provides electricity here. Renewable Energy Development Agency of the state has plans to promote usage of solar street lights in Kalimpong and proposed an energy park here to sell renewable energy gadgets. The Public Works Department
13589-451: The risk of landslides . The record for the longest period of continuous rain in Sikkim is 11 days. Fog affects many parts of the state during winter and the monsoons, making transportation perilous. Sikkim is situated in an ecological hotspot of the lower Himalayas, one of only three among the ecoregions of India . The forested regions of the state exhibit a diverse range of fauna and flora . Owing to its altitudinal gradation,
13716-411: The south to tundra in the north. Most of the inhabited regions of Sikkim experience a temperate climate, with temperatures seldom exceeding 28 °C (82 °F) in summer. The average annual temperature for most of Sikkim is around 18 °C (64 °F). Sikkim is one of the few states in India to receive regular snowfall. The snow line ranges from 6,100 metres (20,000 ft) in the south of
13843-588: The state has a wide variety of plants, from tropical species to temperate, alpine and tundra ones, and is perhaps one of the few regions to exhibit such a diversity within such a small area. Nearly 81 per cent of the area of Sikkim comes under the administration of its forest department. Sikkim is home to around 5,000 species of flowering plants, 515 rare orchids , 60 primula species, 36 rhododendron species, 11 oak varieties, 23 bamboo varieties, 16 conifer species, 362 types of ferns and ferns allies, 8 tree ferns , and over 900 medicinal plants. A relative of
13970-516: The state is heavily forested. The Himalayan mountains surround the northern, eastern and western borders of Sikkim. The Lower Himalayas, lying in the southern reaches of the state, are the most densely populated. The state has 28 mountain peaks, more than 80 glaciers , 227 high-altitude lakes (including the Tsongmo , Gurudongmar and Khecheopalri Lakes ), five major hot springs , and more than 100 rivers and streams. Eight mountain passes connect
14097-420: The state of Sikkim is characterised by mountainous terrain. Almost the entire state is hilly, with an elevation ranging from 280 metres (920 ft) in the south at the border with West Bengal to 8,586 metres (28,169 ft) in the northern peaks near Nepal and Tibet. The summit of Kangchenjunga , the world's third-highest peak, is the state's highest point, situated on the border between Sikkim and Nepal . For
14224-458: The state of West Bengal, after Bengal was partitioned between India and East Pakistan . With China's annexation of Tibet in 1959, many Buddhist monks fled Tibet and established monasteries in Kalimpong. These monks brought many rare Buddhist scriptures with them. In 1962, the permanent closure of the Jelep Pass after the Sino-Indian War disrupted trade between Tibet and India, and led to
14351-431: The state to 4,900 metres (16,100 ft) in the north. The tundra-type region in the north is snowbound for four months every year, and the temperature drops below 0 °C (32 °F) almost every night. In north-western Sikkim, the peaks are frozen year-round; because of the high altitude, temperatures in the mountains can drop to as low as −40 °C (−40 °F) in winter. During the monsoon, heavy rains increase
14478-418: The state to Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. Sikkim's hot springs are renowned for their medicinal and therapeutic value . Among the state's most notable hot springs are those at Phurchachu, Yumthang , Borang, Ralang, Taram-chu and Yumey Samdong. The springs, which have a high sulphur content, are located near river banks; some are known to emit hydrogen . The average temperature of the water in these hot springs
14605-552: The state's first airport, located in Pakyong Town at a distance of 30 km (19 mi) from Gangtok, became operational after a four-year delay. It has been constructed by the Airports Authority of India on 200 acres of land. At an altitude of 4,700 feet (1,400 m) above sea level, it is one of the five highest airports in India. The airport is capable of operating ATR aircraft. Before October 2018,
14732-443: The state's minimal industrial infrastructure, Sikkim's economy has been among the fastest-growing in India since 2000; the state's GDP expanded by 89.93% in 2010 alone. In 2003, Sikkim decided to fully convert to organic farming and achieved this goal in 2015 becoming India's first "organic state". In recent years, the government of Sikkim has extensively promoted tourism . As a result, state revenue has increased 14 times since
14859-636: The subdivisions of the Gangtok and Pakyong Districts. Soreng, Yuksom, Gyalshing and Dentam are the subdivisions of the Geyzing and Soreng district. Chungthang, Dzongu, Kabi and Mangan are the subdivisions of the Mangan district. Ravongla, Jorethang, Namchi and Yangyang are the subdivisions of the Namchi district. Each of Sikkim's districts is overseen by a state government appointee, the district collector , who
14986-419: The town of Rangpo in Sikkim with Sevoke on the West Bengal border. This line is Sevoke-Rangpo Railway Line from Sivok railway station to Rangpo railway station . The five-station line is intended to support both economic development and Indian Army operations and was initially planned to be completed by 2015, though as of 2023 its construction has met with delays. In 2019, the railway line up to Rangpo
15113-424: Was announced that Sikkim had become the first state in India to achieve 100 per cent sanitation coverage, becoming completely free of public defecation, thus attaining the status of "Nirmal State". Sikkim is India's least populous state, with 610,577 inhabitants according to the 2011 census . Sikkim is also one of the least densely populated Indian states, with only 86 persons per square kilometre. However, it has
15240-408: Was approximately 182 kWh in 2006. The state government has promoted biogas and solar power for cooking, but these have received a poor response and are used mostly for lighting purposes. In 2005, 73.2 per cent of Sikkim's households were reported to have access to safe drinking water, and the state's large number of mountain streams assures a sufficient water supply. On 8 December 2008, it
15367-502: Was established in 1953 to allow for constitutional government under the Chogyal. Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal was able to preserve autonomy and shape a "model Asian state" where the literacy rate and per capita income were twice as high as neighbouring Nepal , Bhutan and India. Meanwhile, the Sikkim National Congress demanded fresh elections and greater representation for Nepalis in Sikkim. People marched on
15494-715: Was expected to be completed in 2021. In the second phase the line will be extended up to Gangtok . In addition, the Ministry of Railways proposed plans in 2010 for railway lines linking Mirik in West Bengal to Namchi , Daramdin , Ranipool , and Gangtok . Sikkim's roads are maintained by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), an offshoot of the Indian Army. The roads in southern Sikkim are in relatively good condition, landslides being less frequent in this region. The state government maintains 1,857 kilometres (1,154 mi) of roadways that do not fall under
15621-594: Was invaded by the Bhutanese with the help of the half-sister of the Chogyal, who had been denied the throne. The Bhutanese were driven away by the Tibetan people , who restored the throne to the Chogyal ten years later. Between 1717 and 1733, the kingdom faced many raids by the Nepalese in the west and Bhutanese in the east, culminating with the destruction of the capital Rabdentse by the Nepalese. In 1791, China sent troops to support Sikkim and defend Tibet against
15748-559: Was known to be the place for traditional tribal gatherings for summer sporting events. People from the hills call the area Kalempung ("the black spurs"). According to K.P. Tamsang, author of The Untold and Unknown Reality about the Lepchas , the term Kalimpong is deduced from the name Kalenpung , which in Lepcha means "Hillock of Assemblage"; in time, the name was distorted to Kalebung , and later further contorted to Kalimpong. Another possible derivation points to Kaulim(कलयुम), locally known as odal(उदाल) Scientific name Sterculia Villosa,
15875-546: Was sparsely populated by the indigenous Lepcha and Limbu community and migrant Bhutia and Kirati tribes. After the Anglo-Bhutan War in 1864, the Treaty of Sinchula (1865) was signed, in which Bhutanese-held territory east of the Teesta River was ceded to the British East India Company . It was administered as the 'Western Duars' district for a few years, and divided into three tehsils. Kalimpong fell into
16002-538: Was the first Tibetan-language newspaper published in Kalimpong in 1925. while Himalayan Times was the first English to have come out from Kalimpong in the year 1947, it was closed down in the year 1962 after the Chinese aggression but was started once again and is now in regular print. Internet service and Internet cafés are well established; these are mostly served through broadband , data card of different mobile services, WLL , dialup lines, Kalimpong News , Kalimpong Online News , Kalimpong Times and KTV are
16129-485: Was the sole outlet for communication between the government and the outside world. Topgay's professional and personal contacts with India as it gained independence from the British Empire proved invaluable to Bhutan as it sought to modernize and develop. Bhutan House was naturally the locus of social engagement between Bhutan and its Sikkimese – and later Indian – neighbors. It hosted lavish Losar parties, including Tibetan and Cham dancing . From Bhutan House,
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