The Multicultural Kingdom - Kalimpong

Kalimpong is a multicultural society. History tells us that the original inhabitants of this region were the Lepcha tribals. With the region being dominated by Sikkimese, Bhutanese and Nepalese kingdoms over time, their cultural and religious heritage is very much evident till today. Scottish missionaries came along after the territory of Kalimpong was taken over by the British in 1865.

There followed a period of development in education and missionary schools started by Scottish Missionaries are still in operation in Kalimpong today. Hill terracing, a typical influence of Nepalese agriculturists is seen everywhere. Overland trade with Tibet added to the economic importance of Kalimpong as a trading center and Tibetan influences remain. Of course, the transmigration of peoples from mainland India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and Tibet has resulted in a unique demographic blend, lifestyle, cuisine and, it is said, even vocabulary.