About 55 kilometres from Darjeeling, at an altitude of 1250 metres, the picturesque town of Kalimpong is definitely a place to visit in this region. Once a part of Sikkim, this town is was an important centre for trade and commerce for Tibetans from the north and the headquarters of the Governor of Bhutan. There are different interpretations about the origin of this town's name which according to the local Lepcha dialect litearlly means "the ridge where we play" because this was the spot where the tribesmen gathered to organize field sports when they were not engaged in cultivation. However, the Bhutanese contend that the name derives from their language in which it translates to "the stronghold of the King's Minister" ("Kalim": King's Minister, "Pong": stronghold). Others claim the name of this town comes from the word "Kalipong", the name in local dialect for "Kaulim", a fibrous plant found in abundance in this region. Still others point out the word "Kalibong" meaning the black spar as the origin of the town's name.		While at Kalimpong, feel the warmth of Silver Oaks' hospitality
	Kalimpong is known for its peaceful environs, abundance of greenery and the beautiful flowers, orchids and cacti that are found here. If you like going for long walks, this is where you should head for. The temperate climate and sylvan surroundings makes it an ideal place for spending a restful weekend.   From some points of the town, you can get a splendid view of the ice-covered mountain ranges too. The journey to Kalimpong is also something you should look forward to. On the way you come across the Coronation Bridge which crosses the Teesta river just at it's confluence with river Rangeet. This is a truly beautiful spot. At Kalimpong, you might like to visit the monastery at Durpin Dara from where you can get a panaromic view of the town and the hills. There are also other Buddhist monasteries like the Bhutanese Thongsha Gumpha built in the 17th century. A visit to a nursery should be interesting if you like flowers and orchids. There are a few of private nurseries gorwing orchids and cacti of rare varieties. Kalimpong is also an important centre for primary and secondary education and has a number of well-reputed missionary schools and boardings. Some of the places of interest in and around Kalimpong are: Durpin Dara viewpoint Tharpa Choling Monastery Thongsha Choling Monastery Nature Interpretation Centre Lava Lolay Gaon Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery Dr. Graham's Homes Mangal Dham Nurseries Brindaban Garden Nursery Ganesh Mani Pradhan Nursery L. B. Pradhan Nursery Pinewood Nursery Standard Nursery Shangrila Nursery Twin Brothers' Nursery Universal Nursery
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