KALIMPONGIn the shadowBy Shibani ChaudhuryMost of the drive to Kalimpong from Siliguri is along forests fringing the Teesta River. Built into a steep gorge, the road overlooks this beautiful river as it tumbles and slides through the Himalayan foothills. About halfway, the graceful Coronation Bridge leads off to the east towards the Dooars, West Bengal’s picturesque tea country. Further upstream is Kalimpong.
Kalimpong’s altitude and location is ideal for a pleasant, relaxed getaway. Its clement weather has made Kalimpong’s orchids and gladioli well renowned.
Up to the early 1700s, the Kalimpong area was part of the Sikkim rajas’ domain. In the early 18th century, the Bhutan kings took it over. In 1865, after the Anglo-Bhutan War, it was annexed to Darjeeling. Scottish Missionaries came here in the late 1800s. The town thrived as a wool trading centre with Tibet till 1950. Today it’s a quiet hill resort and a haven for retired people.