Kalimpong

Kalimpong is a small hill station between Siliguri and Gangtok.
The road is one of the most scenic routes in this part of the nation. The swift flowing Teesta river runs by the side of the road adding to the beauty of the scenery.
The name, Kalimpong, has three different origins. One, it means the place where the local tribesmen gathered to organize field sports, second, it takes it’s name from the Bhutanese king’s minister’s stronghold and thirdly, it is named after Kaulim, a fibrous plant found in abundance in this region.
The town is 1250 m above sea level and offers excellent views of the Mt Kanchenjunga and the other Himalayan peaks. The popular view points are Durpin Dara and Deoro Hill.
Kalimpong has several monasteries and also a Kali temple. The Tibetan Monastery and curio center and Dr Graham's home are important tour stops.

Lava (32kms), a small village is another picturesque place. Lava is also the base for trekking to the Neora National Park. Lolegaon is 25 kms from Lava and one can see the Singalila ranges from here.
Quickfacts:
Population: 40,000; Language: Gorkha, Nepali, Hindi, Bengali, English.Weather:Summer: Mar to Jun 15°C -25°C. Monsoons: Jul to Aug. Rainfall: Average Annual 2030 mm (80 inches)Autumn & Winter:Sep to Feb 7°C -15°C.