History of kalimpong
Kalimpong's earliest recorded history is brief and unclear. The history of Kalimpong was only recorded after the Anglo-Bhutan War in 1864. Prior to this, there are some records on the history of Kalimpong, but they are highly inconsistent and nearly hard to verify. Kalimpong became a place of some importance and notoriety until after the Treaty of Sinchula on November 11, 1865.
Regardless of the various theories proposed by various scholars and historians, one thing about Kalimpong's history is certain: it was a part of the Sikkimese or 'Donzong' kingdom, which was essentially inhabited by three major communities – the Lepchas (known as the 'Rong' or Ravine folk), the Bhutias, and the Limbus (Tshongs). Scholars say that the first Chogyal (Divine Ruler) of Sikkim established an unified control over the entire state of Sikkim, including the area currently known as Kalimpong.
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Tensung Namgyel (born in 1664 and enthroned in 1670), one of the later monarchs, married three times. His first wife, a Tibetan woman, gave birth to a daughter named Pende Amo. The second wife, a Sikkimese, gave birth to a son named Chador Namgyel, while the third wife was a Limbu king's daughter. As a 14-year-old child, Chador Namgyel (born in 1686) succeeded his father in 1700. This enraged his half-sister Pende Amo, who was not just older but also the royal family's firstborn. She led a Bhutanese attack that overran the country, forcing the infant king to flee to Tibet.
In 1706, Chador Namgyel, now a young man, returned to Sikkim, forcing the Bhutanese to flee the entire kingdom west of the Teesta River, however the Bhutanese kept their stronghold at the fort of Damsong and the region of the kingdom east of the Teesta. The area that was still under the control of the Bhutanese monarchs was essentially the area that is now known as Kalimpong.
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This location was once known as Dalimkot, and Kalimpong was the name of a little village with two or three households and eight to nine cows as its residents. The village of Kalimpong was regarded as so unimportant that in his report to the Secretary to the Government of India, Ashley Eden of the Bengal Civil Service made only a passing reference to it. In fact, according to the current records, this was the first time any official mention to Kalimpong was made.
Surgeon Rennie, in his book Bhotan and the narrative of the Dooar War, made the next historical mention to Kalimpong. He, too, did not think Kalimpong was significant enough to include in his book's map. The entire territory east of the Teesta River as well as the Doars were ceded to British India during the Anglo-Bhutan War of 1864 and the Treaty of Sinchula signed the following year, and this ceded area was joined to the Western Doars District. This area was moved to the Darjeeling District the following year. Kalimpong was only then put on the map as a destination for development. The following are some of the major factors that contributed to Kalimpong's rapid growth:
How to Get to Kalimpong
What is the best way to get to Kalimpong?
Kalimpong, a gorgeous and serene hill station in West Bengal, is about a three-hour journey from both Darjeeling and Siliguri. The pleasant weather, lush vegetation, snow-capped Himalayan peaks, and delectable local cuisine provide a wealth of tourism choices. Kalimpong's unique tourist attractions include the Science Centre, Deolo Hill, and the Buddhist monastery of Zang Dhok Palri Phodang. It is easily accessible from all parts of the country via various modes of transportation.
What is the best way to get to Kalimpong by air?
Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri is the closest airport to Kalimpong. Bagdogra and the rest of India are well connected by all major domestic airlines from various Indian towns. Bagdogra is accessible via direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati. To go to Kalimpong, take a local taxi from outside the airport.
How to Get to Kalimpong on the Road
Siliguri, Gangtok, Kolkata, and Darjeeling are all within driving distance of Kalimpong. Kalimpong is served by regular buses from Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Siliguri.
What is the best way to get to Kalimpong by train?
Kalimpong does not have its own railway station, hence New Jalpaiguri Station is the closest railhead. North Bengal's most major railway station, with direct trains to Kolkata, Delhi, and New Jalpaiguri.
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