84-580: 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 is an autonomous governing body within the state of West Bengal . The Indian Army 's 27 Mountain Division
168-817: 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
252-553: 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
336-569: A force ordered to invade the hill state of Sikkim in the Himalayas , as political agent, and in March 1861 he signed the Treaty of Tumlong with the raja , Sidkeong Namgyal , which secured protection to travellers and free trade. This success caused Eden to be appointed special envoy to the hill state of Bhutan in 1863. He was accompanied by no armed force and his demands were rejected. He signed
420-656: 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
504-539: 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
588-625: 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
672-477: 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 the Deolo Hill . The precise origin of the name Kalimpong remains unclear. There are many theories on
756-523: 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 the economy of Kalimpong. The Tibetan Buddhist monastery Zang Dhok Palri Phodang holds
840-621: 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
924-476: 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
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#17327763618081008-593: A treaty favourable to the Bhutiás, after being assaulted by having his hair pulled and face rubbed with wet dough. This treaty was not ratified by the supreme government, and the Bhutan War resulted. In 1871 Eden became the first civilian governor of British Burma , a post he held until his appointment in 1877 as lieutenant-governor of Bengal. The Eden Mohila College in Dhaka was named after him in 1878. In 1878 he
1092-504: A unique identity. Ashley Eden Sir Ashley Eden KCSI CIE (13 November 1831 – 8 July 1887) was an official and diplomat in British India . Eden was born at Hertingfordbury , Hertfordshire , the third son of Robert Eden, 3rd Baron Auckland , Bishop of Bath and Wells , by Mary Hurt, daughter of Francis Edward Hurt, of Alderwasley , Derbyshire . His uncle was George Eden, 1st Earl of Auckland . He
1176-485: 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
1260-442: Is Sivok railway station of Darjeeling district and Bagrakote Railway Station of Jalpaiguri district . The nearest major railway stations are Malbazar Junction , Siliguri Junction and New Jalpaiguri railway station . The under construction Sevoke - Rangpo railway line lies in Kalimpong district from Kalijhora to Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport from southern parts of Kalimpong district, and Pakyong Airport
1344-473: 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
1428-400: Is a district in the state of West Bengal , India . In 2017, it was carved out as a separate district to become the 21st district of West Bengal . The district is headquartered at Kalimpong , which grew to prominence as a market town for Indo-Tibetan trade during the British period. It is bounded by Pakyong district of Sikkim in the north, Bhutan in the east, Darjeeling district in
1512-511: 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
1596-493: 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
1680-591: Is headquartered in Kalimpong . The Kalimpong II block consists of 7 gram panchayats, namely Dalapchand, Gitdabling, Lava-Gitabeong, Lolay, Payong, Shangse, and Shantuk. This block is served by Kalimpong police station. The block is headquartered in Algarah . The Gorubathan block consists of 11 gram panchayats, namely Dalim, Gorubathan–I, Gorubathan–II, Patengodak, Todey Tangta, Kumai, Pokhreybong, Samsing, Aahaley, Nim and Rongo. This block has two police stations: Gorubathan and Jaldhaka . The block
1764-675: Is headquartered in Fagu. The Pedong block consists of 6 gram panchayats, namely Kage, Kashyong, Lingsey, Lingseykha, Pedong and Syakiyong. This block is served by Kalimpong police station. The block is headquartered in Pedong. As per order of the Delimitation Commission in respect of the delimitation of constituencies in West Bengal , the whole area under the district of Kalimpong (formerly Kalimpong subdivision ), namely
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#17327763618081848-570: 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
1932-579: 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 a separate Gorkhaland state in the 1980s, and more recently in 2010. The municipality sits on
2016-524: Is now Kalimpong district was originally Sikkimese territory. It was controlled through two hill forts in the region, at Damsang and Daling (or Dalingkot , meaning "Daling fort"). The region itself seems to have been referred to as Dalingkot. In 1718, the Kingdom of Bhutan annexed this territory, and ruled it for the following 150 years. The area was sparsely populated by Indian Hindus, Lepchas , and migrant Bhutia , Limbu and Kirati tribes. After
2100-590: 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,
2184-635: 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
2268-402: 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
2352-521: 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
2436-408: 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
2520-603: Is the nearest airport from northern areas of Kalimpong district. The major rivers flowing through Kalimpong district are River Teesta , River Jaldhaka and River Rangpo . Other rivers are Relli Khola, Riyang Khola,Murti Khola, Reshi Khola, Chel Khola, River Ghish, Bindu Khola, Les Khola, Neora Khola etc. Kalonunia rice was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) status tag from the Geographical Indications Registry under
2604-408: 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
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2688-622: 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
2772-524: The Anglo-Bhutan War in 1864, the Treaty of Sinchula (1865) was signed, in which certain "hill territory to east of the Teesta River " was ceded to British India . The precise territory was unspecified but included the fort of Dalingkot. In 1866–1867, British surveyors demarcated the area, and set the Di Chu and Ni Chu rivers as the eastern and northeastern boundaries. The ceded territory
2856-605: 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 ,
2940-569: 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 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 the Bhutan House , a Bhutanese administrative and cultural centre. The arrival of Scottish missionaries saw
3024-572: 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
3108-560: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (Tamang faction) . According to the 2011 census , Kalimpong district (enumerated as Kalimpong subdivision then) has a population of 251,642. Kalimpong I block had a population of 74,746; Kalimpong II block had a population of 66,830; Gorubathan block had a population of 60,663; and Kalimpong Municipality had a population of 49,403. Kalimpong district has a sex ratio of 959 females per 1000 males. 56,192 (22.33%) live in urban areas. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes made up 16,433 (6.53%) and 74,976 (29.79%) of
3192-592: 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
3276-554: 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
3360-562: 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
3444-541: The Union Government of India on 2 January 2024 (valid until 11 March 2034). It is a common and widely cultivated crop in disticts of Cooch Behar , Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar along with some parts of Darjeeling & Kalimpong districts of West Bengal. State Agricultural Management & Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) from Narendrapur , proposed the GI registration of Kalonunia rice. After filing
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3528-414: 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
3612-484: The Darjeeling hills. The Kamtapur People's Party and its supporters' movement for a separate Kamtapur state covering North Bengal have gained momentum. The Kalimpong I block consists of 18 gram panchayats; Bong, Kalimpong , Samalbong, Tista, Dr. Graham's Homes , Lower Echhay, Samthar, Neembong, Dungra, Upper Echhay, Seokbir, Bhalukhop, Yangmakum, Pabringtar, Sindebong, Kafer Kanke Bong, Pudung and Tashiding. This block has one police station at Kalimpong. The block
3696-595: 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
3780-480: The Kalimpong municipality and the three blocks of Kalimpong–I , Kalimpong–II and Gorubathan together constitutes the Kalimpong assembly constituency of West Bengal . This constituency is part of Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency . Darjeeling is represented by Neeraj Zimba of the Bharatiya Janata Party , while Kalimpong Assembly constituency is represented by Ruden Sada Lepcha of
3864-418: 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
3948-537: 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
4032-455: 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. Kalimpong district Kalimpong district
4116-587: The application in March 2021, the rice was granted the GI tag in 2024 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai , making the name "Kalonunia rice" exclusive to the rice grown in the region. It thus became the third rice variety from West Bengal after Tulaipanji rice and the 26th type of goods from West Bengal to earn the GI tag. The GI tag protects the rice from illegal selling and marketing, and gives it legal protection and
4200-489: 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
4284-509: 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
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#17327763618084368-545: The district contains rural areas of 42 gram panchayats under four community development blocks : Kalimpong I , Kalimpong II , Gorubathan and Pedong. Kalimpong district has an area of 1,053.60 km (406.80 sq mi), with Kalimpong I block having an area of 360.46 km (139.17 sq mi); Kalimpong II block an area of 241.26 km (93.15 sq mi); Gorubathan block an area of 442.72 km (170.94 sq mi); and Kalimpong Municipality an area of 9.16 km (3.54 sq mi). What
4452-558: 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
4536-512: 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,
4620-403: 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
4704-527: 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
4788-552: 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
4872-515: 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
4956-526: 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
5040-527: 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 ,
5124-514: 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 was known to be the place for traditional tribal gatherings for summer sporting events. People from
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#17327763618085208-458: The part of Bengal allocated to India during the Paritiion. With China's annexation of Tibet in 1950, many Buddhist monks fled Tibet and established monasteries in Kalimpong. These monks brought rare Buddhist scriptures with them. In 1962, the permanent closure of Jelep La after the Sino-Indian War disrupted trade between Tibet and India, and led to a slowdown in Kalimpong's economy. In 1976,
5292-412: 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
5376-468: The population respectively. According to the 2011 census, Hindus numbered 153,355 (60.94%), Buddhists numbered 52,688 (20.94%), Christians numbered 37,453 (14.88%). Muslims numbered 3,998 (1.59%) of the population, while traditional faiths (such as Kirat Mundhum ) were 3,243 (1.29%). Languages of Kalimpong district (2011) At the time of the 1951 census, only 24% of those now living in Kalimpong district spoke Nepali as their mother tongue. Most of
5460-405: The population spoke a variety of other languages such as Rai , Limbu , Lepcha and Tamang , although nearly all could speak Nepali as a second language. By 1961, the proportion of people in Kalimpong returning Nepali as their mother tongue had jumped to 75%. This was accompanied by a dramatic fall in the numbers of other languages spoken by the variety of ethnic groups in the hills. However at
5544-573: 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 remained in West Bengal,
5628-499: 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
5712-590: 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
5796-562: 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
5880-436: 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 a significant number of students from
5964-542: 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
6048-430: The scorching summer heat in the plains . Kalimpong's proximity to the Nathu La and Jelep La passes 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 Nepalis from neighbouring Nepal and also the lower regions of Sikkim where Nepalis had been residing since
6132-458: 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
6216-763: The time of the 2011 census, 51.25% of the population spoke Nepali , 3.18% Hindi , 2.67% Lepcha , 1.16% Bhojpuri and 41.74% Others languages as their first language. Kalimpong district is home to the Neora Valley National Park , which has an area of 159.89 km (61.73 sq mi). Mammals reported from this area are Indian leopard , five viverrid species, Asiatic black bear , sloth bear , Asian golden cat , wild boar , leopard cat , goral , serow , barking deer , sambar deer , flying squirrel , tahr , red panda and clouded leopard . National Highways The currently functioning nearest railway station from Kalimpong district
6300-469: The visiting Dalai Lama consecrated the Zang Dhok Palri Phodang monastery, which houses many of the Tibetan Buddhist 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 a forty-day strike. The town
6384-473: The west, and Jalpaiguri district in the south. The district consists of the Kalimpong municipality and four community development blocks: Kalimpong I , Kalimpong II , Gorubathan and Pedong. The towns and villages in Kalimpong District are: Kalimpong, Gorubathan, Melli Bazar, Teesta Bazar, Algarah, Labha, Samsing and Rambi. Apart from the Kalimpong municipality that consists of 23 wards,
6468-473: Was added to the Western Duars district at first, and later transferred to the Darjeeling district of the Bengal province in 1866. It was referred to as the "tract of Dalingkot" or "tract of Damsang", after the hill forts through which it had been administered in the past. At that time, Kalimpong was a small hamlet, with only two or three families known to reside there. However the neighbourhood of Kalimpong
6552-473: Was educated first at Rugby and then at Winchester , until 1849, in which year he received a nomination to the Indian civil service. Eden spent 1850 and 1851 at the East India Company 's college at Haileybury , but did not pass out last of his term until December 1851. In 1852 he reached India, and was first posted as assistant to the magistrate and collector of Rájsháhí . In the year 1854 he
6636-653: Was made a K.C.S.I. , and in 1882 resigned the lieutenant-governorship. After his retirement from India, on being appointed a member of the secretary of state's council in 1882, admirers founded in his honour the Eden Hospital for Women and Children in Calcutta , and a statue was erected. The Eden canal joins the Ganges and the Tistá , and was intended to relieve Bihar from famine. Eden returned to England and attended
6720-651: Was recruited as a sub divisional officer of Jangipur. In 1856 he was promoted to be magistrate at Moorshedábád , and during the Indian Mutiny he checked sympathy with the revolt in that city. In 1860 he was appointed secretary to the government of Bengal and an ex officio member of the Bengal legislative council. This post he held for eleven years, during the last part of Sir John Peter Grant's lieutenant-governorship, and throughout Sir Cecil Beadon 's and Sir William Grey 's terms of office. In 1860 Eden accompanied
6804-556: 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
6888-590: 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
6972-427: 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 the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and its supporters in
7056-441: Was well-populated with several villages, as recorded by Ashley Eden during a mission to Bhutan in 1864. Eden mentioned that the people there were well-disposed to the British administration and had frequently traded with the Darjeeling area to the west of Teesta in defiance of the Bhutanese authorities. The temperate climate prompted the British to develop the town as an alternative hill station to Darjeeling , to escape
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