Kalimpong
Kalimpong (1250 m / 4100 ft) is one of the more popular hill stations in the Lesser Himalayas of West Bengal. Along with neighbouring Darjeeling, Kalimpong has been one of the major centers calling for a separate state (Gorkhaland).
Church
Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa
This gompa (locally known as Drupin Gompa) was consecrated by HH Dalai Lama in 1976.
Drupin Gompa
This monastery contains all 108 volumes carried by Dalai Lama in his exile. It has spectacular murals inside the Prayer Hall.
Murals
Murals
Padmasambhavana
Avalokiteśvara
The upper floor offers views of surrounding landscapes and the distant Himalyan ranges.
Chortens
Colonial Architecture
Morgan house, presently a WBTDC tourist lodge, is one the many bungalows built during the British Raj.
Morgan House
The Morgans were wealthy Jute merchants from England.
Morgan House
English Cottage
Chandralok
Graham’s House
This working orphanage and school was built in 1900 by Dr. John Anderson Graham, a Scottish missionary, to provide education and support for the impoverished and deprived children in the region. It now supports more than 1300 students.
Dr. Graham’s Chapel
This 1925 chapel above the school features fine stained-glass windows.
Pine View Nursery
This nursery, located about 2 kms from town, is popular for its vast collection of Cacti. However, only a few green houses are open for public viewing.
Tharpa Choling Gompa
Built in 1926, this Gompa belonging to the Gelukpa (Yellow Hat) sect is situated on Tirpai Hill.
Tharpa Choling Gompa
Bozo, the resident dog
It was good fun playing with Bozo while we were waiting for the lamaji to return from his lunch break to open the Gompa doors.
Bozo
Savi with the Mural Artist’s daughter
The Gompa contains idols of the Bhaisajya, Sakyamuni and Maitreya Buddhas(past/present and future)
Savi with the grandparents of the recently appointed Rinpoche (8 year old from Mysore)
The lady was kind enough to invite us to come along with them to view HH Dalai Lama’s room. HH had stayed at this gompa for 3 days about a week back.
Upper floor where HH was put up during his stay
Prayer room
HH Dalai Lama’s room
Thongsa Gompa (Bhutanese Gompa)
This is the oldest Bhutanese Monastery in the area and was founded in 1692.
Thongsa Gompa (Bhutanese Gompa)
fab!!