Durpin Monastery is one of the largest monasteries in Kalimpong and among the well-known Buddhist monasteries of West Bengal. This Tibetan monastery is also known as Zang Dhok Palri Phodang and is situated atop Durpin Dara Hill. Constructed by Hon. Dudjom Rinpoche in 1972, this place in Kalimpong has enormous religious significance, making it an important place for followers of the Buddhist community. So, to learn more about Buddhism and the Dalai Lama, plan a peaceful weekend getaway to Kalimpong. Once you enter inside, you will see two big cylinders on either side (each about 10 feet). These cylinders will make a bell ring at every turn. Like most Buddhist monasteries you see worldwide, a similar row of prayer wheels is found here. There is a stairway that leads up to the top of Durpin Monastery. Take a right on top of the second floor with an open terrace. From here, one can witness the breathtaking views of Kalimpong town with a backdrop of Kanchenjunga peak, tea gardens, Peshoke road, and the views of rivers in Darjeeling – Teesta and Reang rivers. Zang Dhok Palri Phodang contains some rare Buddhist manuscripts on Tibetology called “The Kangyur” and has 108 volumes. The same was presented by the Dalai Lama (his intro) when he traveled to Kalimpong in 1956. He brought these in from Tibet, China. Some idols in the monastery were also brought from Tibet. On 29th May 1976, Dalai Lama revisited Kalimpong and consecrated at Durpin Monastery. By train – Kalimpong does not have its own airport, so you can reach the nearest railway station to Kalimpong at Jalpaiguri. Once the monastery tour is done, one can also visit the nearby places to Durpin Dara. These include – Army Golf Club This club was constructed out of a hillside to keep the soldiers fit. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding areas, making it a photographer’s paradise. However, if you want to play golf here, you need to get your kit, no hiring is allowed. Also, remember to take permission from the army post. This center was built back in 1990 by the Forest Department and is still managed by them. It has beautiful flora and fauna and displays how local people handle ecology. Famous for its picturesque surroundings, Samthar Plateau offers a variety of activities like walking tours, mountain biking, angling, and nature and cultural explorations on foot. Constructed in 1891, this church is known for serving the sermons in ten distinct languages -Chinese, Urdu, Lepcha, Hindi, Bengali, Sanskrit, English, Bodo, Nepali, and Tibetan. Located at Tirpai hill, this is another monastery near Durpin Monastery. It contains some old scriptures and is perfect for spending alone time. You can meditate and enjoy the unpolluted nature around.About Durpin Monastery
Best time to visit Durpin Monastery Kalimpong
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Places to Visit near Durpin Dara
Nature Interpretation Center
Samthar Plateau
MacFarlane Memorial Church
Tharpa Choling Monastery
Places to Stay near Durpin Dara Hill
Durpin Monastery in Kalimpong
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