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 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 tribals 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 that 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.

Kalimpong is known for its peaceful environs, abundance of greenery and the beautiful flowers, orchids and cacti that are foundin abundance. If you like going for long walks, this is where you should head for. The temperate climate and sylvan surroundings make 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. 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 panoramic view of the town and the hills. There are also other Buddhist monasteries like the Bhutanese Thongsha Gumpha built in the 17th century.