Kalimpong, literally meaning ‘the fort of the king’s minister’ is a beautiful hill station in West Bengal. Its rich culture and religious heritage, natural beauty with the exotic flora and fauna attracts a lot of tourists. It is a trekkers paradise as it offers a wide range of trekking trails coupled with fishing in the River Teesta and its tributaries. It is well connected by road and one get share taxis and buses from New Jalpaigudi, Darjeeling, Bagdogra, Shiligudi and Gangtok. The nearest airport is Bagdogra and it is also connected by rail from Siligudi and New Jalpaigudi. Tourists flock to Kalimpong to vie the fascinating snow capped peaks of Kanchenjunga, Simiolchu, Pamhari, Lama Alden, Chola, Nathu La, Jalep La and Gymochen peaks. A rare and exotic variety of orchids can be viewed in a number of flower nurseries in Kalimpong and they are mainly for export. One can find a lot of Buddhist monasteries. Prominent among these are the Zong Dong Palri Fo-Brang Monastery (it offers excellent views of the snow and picturesque valleys) and Tharpa Choling Monastery. A lot of colonial bungalows built by British wool traders can also be seen here. These presents a fine example of Victorian architecture. Tourists can now view the Morgan House and Tashiding. Thongsha gompa is a must see for all tourists as it is the oldest gumpa andwas built during the Bhutanese period. St. Theresa’s Church resembles a gumpa and has beautiful wood carvings vividly picturising biblical scenes in which personalities resemble Buddhist monks. To get a microscopic view of the fascinating Kalimpong, River Teesta and the snow capped peaks of Deolo Hills (at a height of 1914 meters) is the ideal place. Mangal Dhaam, built to commemorate the Late Guru Shree Mangal Dasji is a spectacular piece of architecture. Nature lovers must visit the Teesta Vakket 14 kms from Kalimpong as it provides rivers rafting and long and leisurely walks. On the highway to Siligudi, 20 kms from Kalimpong is the Samco Roapway providing a joyous ride over 120 feet over River Teesta with spectacular scenaries.