KALIMPONG: “The Land of Bengal’s Beautiful Flowers”
Jun 06, 2013
“Kalimpong” lying in the foothills of the Himalayas is a small and a quiet hill station of the Mahabharata Range. Kalimpong is nearly a two hour drive from Siliguri (NJP). Most of the drive from siliguri to kalimpong is along the forest fringing the lovely Teesta River. The road overlooks this beautiful river as it tumbles down with its icy green water into the plains of Bengal. You are surely to enjoy the whole journey with its picturesque view and also enjoy the cool breeze. This hill station is one of the most ‘in demand’ hill stations of North East India. One is well aware of the famous tourist spots here which include the Dr. Graham’s Home, Durpin Dara, Deolo View Point, Tongsa Gompa, or Bhutanese Monastery, Golf course, Shri Mangal Dham, & Neora Valley National Park. However, most of the times the tourist tends to miss out on its waterfall and the nurseries. Kalimpong being the bed to India’s most sought-after flowers has a wide and exciting variety of nurseries.
FALL IN LOVE WITH THE “CHITRAY FALLS”
Chitray Falls is a beautiful waterfall splashing out its beauty on anyone and everyone who comes and visits it. Chitray is 14km downhill from Kalimpong. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, the place is purely blissful. It is advised that you take a walk to reach the falls en-routing the shortcuts over the rice field and enjoying the natural beauty that god has bestowed on this place. Once you come eye to eye with the waterfall, one will feel the presence of the tranquility in the air and the scenic charm that is to overpower all your senses! This is an ideal place for the group picnickers or the couple who want to enjoy each other’s company in the lap of nature.
However, the place also has other its “other side of the coin”. Just as the place casts its spell on everyone and make them fall in love with its peaceful and tranquil surrounding, in the same way it also prove to provide fun, entertainment and excitement for all the holiday makers. This is from where rafting on the rowdy Teesta River starts. The Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council and a few other private entrepreneurs conduct the exciting 3 hour long rafting trips with trained guides and outmost safety. The white water and the strong currents of the Teesta make it ideal for the adventure seekers. Thus, the place now not only attracts the people seeking for peace and solitary but at the same time also proves to a heaven for all the youngsters and anyone who seeks adventure. Thus, be your choice anything ranging from the quiet environment to the exciting adventure, Chitray Falls is answer to both and is a MUST GO!!!
FLOWERS, FLOWERS EVERYWHERE
Kalimpong can rightly be called as the bed to India’s most sought out flowers. Flower Nurseries are in abundance in Kalimpong, as the place is famous for cultivation of horticultural plants. The flower nurseries of Kalimpong are widely engaged in exporting of beautiful and exotic flowers. It is the only place in entire West Bengal where many commercial flower nurseries are located.
Nurseries are kalimpong’s big USP. For every florist enthusiasts, kalimpong nurseries is a must visit. One who visits the nurseries will find himself surrounded with beautiful flowers of all kinds of colors and hues. Kalimpong is famous for Gladioli, Orchids, Cacti, Amaryllis, Anthuriums, Roses, and many more. The most famous nursery is the Universal Nursery, which is located at a distance of approximately 3 kilometre from the town.
SAY CHEESEEE!!!
When in Kalimpong also do try out its special cheese which Kalimpong Is famous for Kalimpong is also known for its only ‘aged cheese made in India’. It's delicious!!! And all the cheese lovers must dig into this. The texture of the cheese is somewhat similar to a hard European cheese and a mild, almost parmesan-like flavor. It is also commonly known as “almost cheddar cheese”. Though the cheese-making is dying out in the town yet one will definitely find some good cheese in Lark’s Provisions on Rishi Road.
It is assured that without the above you will fail to grasp the whole taste of kalimpong and trying out the above is a MUST!