Kalpa is a small town in Rikong Pure, Kinnar district in the Shatadru river valley. It belongs to the Kinnar district in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
The Kinnaree people live here and the area is famous for its apple orchards. Apple is the main cash crop here. The locals believe in Hinduism and Buddhism. Many temples in Kalpa are dedicated to both Hindu and Buddhist deities. Famous music director Negi Kalpar Manush. India’s first voters were Shyam Sharan Negi and Kalpar Manush.
Kalpa is rich in apple orchards, pine forests and royal fir trees. It is located above the town of Rikong Pio, the headquarters of the Kinnar district, and is home to a 100-year-old Buddhist monastery.
Access : Coordinates: 31.53, 78.25 / The place is located on the eastern slope of the Satluj valley ( Satluj Valley is a valley in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Sutlej river runs through it. )
/ From Kalpa a 7 km long road connection leading over 22 turns down into the valley to Rekong Peo. Further road connections lead north to Pangi and south-west to Roghi.
Highlights :
- Due to the large number of fruits in the Kalpa area, they are used as the main food. Dali national food is also produced here.
- There are several Buddhist monasteries in town, including the Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar monastery, which is said to have been founded by Rinchen Sangpo, who lived from 950 to 1055. The Narayan-Nagini Temple is also a fine example of local craftsmanship. From Kalpa you can also enjoy a good view of the 6,032 meter high Kinnaur Kailash.
- Kalpa, then still called Chini, became known through two summer visits by James Broun-Ramsay, 1st Marquess of Dalhousie, the Governor General and Viceroy of India from 1848 to 1856. He resided in the Old Forest Bungalow that still exists today. The place is also mentioned in the historical novel Kim by the British writer Rudyard Kipling, published in 1901.
Go next : Kailash Kailash is a popular tourist destination near Kalpa / Recong Peo, 270 km from Shimla, is a nearby tourist attraction.
