The Mighty Kanchenjunga, third highest mountain in the world, towers above this charming town like a gigantic ship floating upon a sea of clouds. In the distance, Mt. Everest retains its aloofness. The town itself is a typical Indian “hill station”, catering mainly to a large influx of plains people escaping the summer heat. There is “ The Mall”, of course, a promenade with ‘fashionable’ stores alongside the Kanchenjunga playing hide and seek in the skies above. The lower regions of the town are teeming with colorful tribesmen working or trading on seasonal basis. All around the town are picturesque tea plantations and a visit to them are a must. On the way you might encounter the famous “toy-train” puffing up the hills from Siliguri.

 

Before the Chinese takeover of Tibet, Kalimpong was the center of India’s wool trade with that country, with Tibetan caravans wending their way down from the Tibetan plateau to trade wool for manufactured goods. Today Kalimpong is a holiday resort for its fabulous mountain views, bird watching, and walks in the hills. It has become a center for Orchid and Cactus nurseries, and exports these plants to different places all over the world. Here we visit several nurseries.

 

 

 

 

Kurseong is a small town gifted by the ruler of Sikkim to the British in the year 1835, and was later made a sanatorium for the Britishers for their sick people. Kurseong or ' the land of white orchid' is famous for the world class tea gardens and providing excellent standard of education and also for the tourism industry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The capital of Sikkim, occupies the west side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipul river. The scenery is spectacular and there are excellent views of the entire Kanchenjunga range from many points. Many people expect Sikkim to be a small version of Kathmandu.