Model Villages Programme

The GFF's headquarters and the location of the GFF’s Model Village Programme in India is based in a town called Kalimpong.

Kalimpong is a hill town nestled on the lower side of the Himalayas in the Indian state of West Bengal. Kalimpong is the largest of the sub-divisions in the Darjeeling District. It sits on the border of the state of Sikkim, close to Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet. Once part of the Kingdom of Bhutan, it was ceded to the British in 1865.

The nearest airport is Bagdogra which is located just 80km from Kalimpong. However, due to road conditions, the standard driving time is just over three hours. It is one of the most scenic routes in this part of India, with the swift-flowing Teesta River running along the side of the road which winds up through beautiful forest to the town.The average elevation of the area is 1,247meters or roughly 4,000 feet above sea level. The name Kalimpong has three different origins. It means the place where the local tribesmen gathered to organize field sports; it also takes its name from the Bhutanese king’s minister’s stronghold and it is named after "kaulim", a fibrous plant found in abundance in the region.

Unlike Darjeeling, Kalimpong is not a tea-growing area. At one time it was an important trade route where colourful Tibetan traders could be seen coming down from the north, their mules laden with wool. This stopped with China's annexation of Tibet. Today the town is a centre of learning, with many schools located along the hillsides. It is also a popular destination for tourists with its pleasant weather and view of magnificent Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest peak after Mt Everest and K2.

The indigenous people are known as Lepchas, but their numbers have been overshadowed with the influx of Nepalese. Most are subsistence farmers involved in animal husbandry, growing crops such as rice, millet and maize. They indulge in cultivating organic vegetables, ginger, herbs, fruit and flowers.

The last India census of the area recorded a population of 42,980. Well-known local educational institutions such as Dr. Graham's Homes (co-ed, has existed for more than 100 years), St. Augustine School for Boys and St. Joseph Convent for Girls contribute to the local economy.