text:
Kalaw

Kalaw is a hill station in Myanmar (Burma), built by the British in colonial times, at 1,320 m above sea level.

By bus

From specific destinations:
 * Bagan – A minibus leaves at 08:00, arriving in Kalaw around 15:00 (15,000 kyat). Same bus continues to Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe town). Make sure to buy the ticket as soon as possible since it's always overcrowded and you don't want to get a spare seat on the aisle. The roads are being upgraded so try to avoid the very uncomfortable back row if you are taking a minivan. Some companies (i.e. Rainbow minivans) will move foreigners to the back row so that locals can have the more desirable front seats.
 * Mandalay – Departs in the evening and arrives in Kalaw at around 02:00-03:00. 13,000 kyat.
 * Hsipaw – Via Kyaukme and Pin Oo Lin. Leaving in the afternoon and arriving around 06:00. 15,500 kyat depending on exchange rate (Oct 2015).

By taxi
Shared taxis headed towards Taunggyi depart Mandalay at 08:00 and arrive in Kalaw around 16:00. The front seat costs 30,000 kyat while the back seat costs 25,000 kyat. This is the only daytime option from Mandalay for foreigners. Taxis can be reserved through Mandalay hotels and guest houses.

By train

 * Thazi - 07:00. Prices 800 kyat ordinary, 1,300 kyat upper class (Oct 2015)
 * Heho - with airport, US$2-3
 * Shwenyaung - departing at 08:00 from Shwenyaung (11 km north of Nyaungshwe, Inle Lake). Slow train in the mountains and countryside, 1,200 kyat upper class (Oct 2017)

Get around
You can cover the town and nearby caves by foot. Alternatively bikes are for hire from mid-morning at the mosque.

Trekking
Kalaw offers a variety of opportunities for trekking. The countryside surrounding the town is dotted with ethnic minority villages and agricultural lands growing ginger, oranges, tea, cauliflower and other produce. Limited wild, uncultivated areas exist in the area surrounding the catchment for Kalaw's water reservoir. Trekking to Inle Lake is particularly popular, with 3-day/2-night and 2-day/1-night (including a taxi ride part way) options commonly available. Loop treks around the Kalaw area of varying lengths are also possible. If you only have 3 days, it is a good idea to go trekking one day around Kalaw and do the 1-night, 2-day trek to Inle Lake as it will give a wider variety of experiences, and you can enjoy the nice mountain views from the hills around Kalaw.

Many trekking companies, which provide good treks through multiple areas with enthusiastic English speaking locals, compete for business in the town. Many are associated with a guesthouse and will happily visit you at yours to explain possible options. Better companies will create flexible itineraries, tailoring your trip based on the level of difficulty you can handle, and the types of sights you'd like to see. Some guides are even able to make modifications to your route during the trek depending on conditions. Treks can be organised on site, for the same day or the next day easily. Compare their quality against internet review on the common websites (Google, Tripadvisor, etc.).

Guided treks in the Kalaw area are excellent value. Expect to pay around 30,000 kyat/day for a group of two, 36,000 kyat for a group of three or 40,000 kyat for a group of four including all meals, accommodation and unlimited tea with meals (though not including treated water, which is available for purchase in many villages along the routes.) As most visitors to Kalaw plan to trek, it is usually not difficult to meet others to form a group with and thus reduce the per-person price.

Forwarding luggage to a guesthouse in the Inle lake area should cost around 3,000 kyat per bag. Or is already included in the price. You can forward your luggage to the jetty at Inle lake so you will be free to shop around hotels there.

Bring US$15 to pay the zone fee for Inle. Kyats and euros are accepted too, but at a poor exchange rate.

During high season more than 200 people trek to Inle Lake per day. Those people will all have to homestay in the villages. So be understanding when people don't want their photos to be taken. Show them respect and dress in a polite way during the trek and in the villages.

It is possible to trek independently in the area. Most paths are not too tough to carry a backpack on—they are usually used by locals to haul large amounts of agricultural produce on foot! If you have a GPS device, you can follow the trekking trails on OpenStreetMap.org, which many mobile Apps like OsmAnd or Mapy.cz use. Generally, the main trail is going south from Kalaw and then turning eastwards slowly, reaching the southern end of the lake. Finding accommodation may be slightly difficult if trekking independently, as English speakers are quite uncommon in the villages surrounding Kalaw, but signaling you may want to sleep should not be too hard.

Buy
There is a big central market in the center of the town. Local "cigars" and peanut brittle are interesting purchases to make. It's also very easy to find material for a Longyi (local "sarong" type garment) which the tailors on the main street near the bus offices can sew up or modify for you inexpensively.

Trekking boots are green and found everywhere in the market. For 3,000 kyat. Even the trekking guides wear them because they have a really good tread. Good rain coats are available for 5,000 kyat.

Eat

 * Sam's Family Trekking Company has a restaurant too—check Openstreetmap.
 * The central market is surrounded by many street food stands. Look for plater in the evening (pancake).

Drink

 * Many tea shops surround the central market.
 * Many tea shops surround the central market.

Sleep
It seems as if every house were a guest house or hotel. So expect plenty of possibilities during low season and consider booking ahead as the most popular ones might fill up quickly during high season. Many travellers are surprised when they are suddenly dropped off the bus in the middle of the night, much earlier than the ticket vendor had promised. Hotel owners are normally willing to still let you in, most likely at a reduced price and motorbike-taxi drivers at the drop off point will readily give you the directions.

Stay safe
The Kalaw area is reportedly malaria-free, but mosquitoes are not uncommon, especially during the rainy season, so it's best to cover up and avoid bites in any case.

Go next
The buses from Taunggyi and Inle Lake all stop in Kalaw.

 * Inle Lake – The bus should start around 15:00, ask at the guest houses/travel companies.
 * Yangon – Night bus, VIP 20,000-25,000 kyat.
 * Bagan – Buses take 5-6 hr.

title: Kalaw


text:
Kalgoorlie–Boulder

Kalgoorlie–Boulder is a regional city (pop. 30,000 in 2018) in the Goldfields–Esperance region of Western Australia. Kalgoorlie is a mining town with a long history that contains much of interest to the adventurous traveller. Over a hundred years of mining wealth has produced some beautiful old buildings that house pubs, post offices and general shops.

Understand

The largest open cut gold mine in Australia abuts the town, though you are unlikely to notice it except for the mountain of dirt along the mines edge or the reverberations of the daily blast.

Kalgoorlie makes an ideal base to explore the other towns in the region that have an equally rich history.

Get in
Kalgoorlie is about 600 km east of Perth, 397 km north of Esperance and 235 km south of Leonora. To the east is the endless desert.

By bus

 * From Esperance – TransWa runs 3 buses a week. The services on Wednesday and Friday leave Esperance's Dempster St Bus Station at 8:35AM, arriving Kalgoorlie train station 5 hours later. The Sunday bus leaves at 2PM. It stops at towns along the way including Norseman, Kambalda and Coolgardie.

By car
Kalgoorlie is the end point for three major highways. From Perth, the Great Eastern Hwy is the most direct path (596 km, 6-7 hours). From Esperance, the Coolgardie–Esperance Hwy (397 km, 4½ hr) connects up with the Great Eastern Hwy about 40 km away from Kalgoorlie. A detour via Kambalda on the Goldfields Hwy is slightly shorter. From Leonora, the Goldfields Hwy is a fairly quick drive in from anywhere north (235 km, less than 3 hr).

All the highways are sealed. There are frequent food and fuel stops at small towns along the way, except for on the Goldfields Hwy which has only one town, Menzies, along the way which doesn't have fuel at times. It would be a good idea to fill up in Leonora.

From Interstate
Norseman sits at the western side of the Eyre Hwy at the end of the long drive across the Nullabor plain. From here it's 191 km north on the Coolgardie–Esperance Hwy to Kalgoorlie.

By plane

Parking can be a problem as the carpark is often full with cars left behind by fly-in/fly-out workers. Taxis wait for every arriving flight and cost around $10 to town. There isn't an airport bus service and the local bus doesn't pass anywhere near the airport.

From Perth
Daily Qantas flights leave from Terminal 1 at Perth Domestic Airport. Virgin Australia Regional Airlines has less frequent flights throughout the week.

From interstate
Skywest have a weekly flight from Melbourne and Qantas flys as often from Adelaide.

By train
Kalgoorlie is on the interstate line that sees regular passenger services. The train station is in the main part of town within walking distance of backpackers and some hotels.

Get around
Most of the town attractions are clustered within walking distance in the centre of town. If you don't have a car it would be worth hiring one to get out to the spots on the outskirts.

By car
All the major rental car companies have booths at the airport. There is a big demand from the mining companies, especially during trade exhibitions so it would be worthwhile to book well in advance. Generally there large sedans and 4WD are the most common type of cat but you might be able to get a hatchback if you are just running about town.

By taxi
There are plenty of taxis that operate late into the night in the entertainment areas along Hannan St. The usual taxi charges apply.

By bus
Three routes of Transperth buses circle around town about every hour during the daylight hours. Weekend services are limited to the mornings. Most useful is route 2 that runs between Kalgoorlie and Boulder. The terminal for all services is at the intersection of Maritana and Hannan St, out the front of the Exchange and Palace Hotels. Timetables and route maps are available on the bus or at the visitors centre.

See
You don't have to walk too far to see a plethora of historic buildings from different architectural eras. Some of the best examples line the length of Hannan St and adjoining streets. The businesses that occupy them now have preserved the original interiors in varying degrees, through design or neglect.

Surrounding areas
The past 100 years has seen the activity in the surrounding region flourish and disappear with the whims of gold discoveries, leaving behind a few crumbling scraps of their existence.

Do
Some say there is nothing to do except drink. You can easily prove them wrong without much effort.

Buy
Kalgoorlie is famous for its gold, and so gold jewellery, nuggets or coins make excellent souvenirs. The business area in and around Hannan Street has a multitude of big name retail outlets and a smattering of local specialist stores.

Eat
There are quite a few good restaurants in the main part of town. Many are attached to motels but there are some fine 'stand alone' ones also. The usual fast food chains are scattered along Boulder Rd.

Self-catering
Independent travellers might want to take the opportunity restock supplies before heading as your options are limited till you reach Esperance or Perth.

Drink
There are around 25 operating pubs where you can have a 'middy' with the locals.

Sleep
There are a myriad of places to rest. If you're planning to stay at a motel it may pay to book ahead as they can be filled with fly-in mine workers.

Internet
Free wifi can be found at the McDonalds on the corner of Roberts and Boulder Rd. The public library on Roberts Rd has paid internet terminals for $8 per hour.

Go next

 * Coolgardie – is 40 km away and has a couple of things to look at.
 * Menzies – is almost a ghost town but has the spectacular Lake Ballard and its resident statues nearby.
 * Leonora – has a mining museum with exhibits about Herbert Hoover.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Kalgoorlie–Boulder


text:
Kalibo

Kalibo is the capital of the province of Aklan, Philippines. It is a large town, with an airport that serves as the main gateway for Boracay, and a rich culture.

Understand
"Kalibo" derives from Akeanon sang kalibo (one thousand), referring to the thousands of Ati (Negritos) who attended the first Catholic Mass in Panay. It was also named as Akean, from another Akeanon word. Kalibo is also spelled as Calivo during the Spanish era.

The town was inhabited by Akeanons, a people believed to have originated from Borneo and sailed into Panay. When the Spaniards under Miguel Lopéz de Legaspi arrived, Kalibo has a population of about 2,000. Lopéz de Legaspi hired about 500 of the locals to help him in the conquest of what will become the Philippines.

Kalibo was then, part of Capiz. The town was where the Nine Martyrs of Aklan, a group of nine revolutionaries, are executed. Kalibo became part of Aklan after it was made its own province, and is made its capital. It has since expanded to become a large town, with a population of 80,000

Talk
Akeanons speak their own language Akeanon (or Aklanon), but Ilonggo is also spoken as it's the lingua franca in Panay. Another Visayan language, Kinaray-a, is also spoken here.

By plane
Kalibo is served by regular domestic flights from Manila and Cebu, and its airport has a runway long enough for widebody jets. It is a hub for three airlines, Cebu Pacific, Pan Pacific Airlines, and Philippines Air Asia, and also has international flights.

 * Air Asia - Busan, Seoul-Incheon, Shanghai, Taipei.
 * Air Busan - Seoul-Incheon
 * Cebu Pacific - Hong Kong and Seoul-Incheon
 * China Eastern Airlines - Chengdu
 * Juneyao Airlines - Shanghai
 * Pan Pacific Airlines - Busan, Chengdu, Muan, Seoul-Incheon
 * Philippine Airlines (and PAL Express) - Beijing, Nanjing
 * T'Way Airlines - Seoul-Incheon, Daegu
 * Tigerair Taiwan - Taipei
 * Xiamen Air - Fuzhou

By van
There are UV Express vans from Caticlan, with fares starting from, and the trip lasting 1.5-2 hours. You can also catch a van from terminals in Iloilo City and Roxas City. Vans either terminate at the West Aklan Transport Terminal or at CityMall.

By jeepney
A jeepney to Kalibo from Caticlan port costs about and takes 1.5 to 2 hours.

Get around
Motorized tricycles will take you just about anywhere in Kalibo for a standard rate of, and can take up to 8 passengers. Foreigners or tourists are commonly asked for much higher rates.

See
Kalibo Mangrove Park is one of the places that must not be missed as well as the piña weaving industry.

Do

 * The renowned Ati-Atihan Festival is held every 3rd week of January, celebrated with frenetic dancing, and drinking to the wee hours of the morning.

Buy
Kalibo is famous for woven pineapple silk (piña) that is the darling of Philippine fabrics and the choice of the elites and the landed. The silk was the fabric used in making the barong that was worn by the leaders of the APEC countries during its conference in the Philippines in 1996.

Banana chips, coconut products, dried fish, mangoes, rambutan, lansones.

Eat
During the Ati-Atihan Festivals and the run-up to Aklan Day, food festivals abound where seafood, and copious amount of pork and beef are grilled and served al fresco at the town's main streets.

Drink
Alcohol is cheap like everywhere in the Philippines and is very much readily available at supermarkets, convenience stores, corner stores, and literally alongside the road. The coldest beer in Kalibo -- sometimes literally frozen -- is at Lakapaya, an eatery two blocks from the city plaza which serves pilsner for ), along with arroz caldo (rice soup) at the same price. For some local brew, tuba (fermented coconut wine) is popular amongst the locals (usually in far-flung barangays) and might be worth the taste if you are offered one.

Fruit juices are widely available and made fresh owing to the abundance and proximity of fruit-producing provinces including Aklan.

Sleep
Due to the boomtown character of Kalibo, there is a shortage of places to stay in. Department of Tourism has devised a Homestay Program for tourists where visitors are welcomed into local homes for a fee. Please ask the Philippine Department of Tourism office in your area when planning such.

Connect
Local Police tel. 166

Stay safe
Kalibo is relatively safe - although cases of pickpockets and an occasional brawl arises especially during the Ati-atihan festival rush where people from other provinces flood the town. Kalibonhons are naturally peaceful and religious folks.

Like most Filipino cities, Kalibo is home to many street children, who may ask you for money (especially if you look western) with their palms out. Any money you give them may be taken by their parents or spent on drugs or cigarettes. If you really want to help them, buy them a nutritious meal or, better yet, a toothbrush and toothpaste (some sari-saris stores sell them). You can also donate to an aid organization instead.

Stay healthy

 * Panay Health Care MPC Hospital, Osmena Avenue, +63362683486, http://panayhealthcare.ph/, Open 24 hours
 * Asia Pacific Medical Center - Aklan, Judge Martelino Rd, Andagao, http://asiapacificmedicalcenter-aklan.com/, +639190963082, Open 24 hours
 * Asia Pacific Medical Center - Aklan, Judge Martelino Rd, Andagao, http://asiapacificmedicalcenter-aklan.com/, +639190963082, Open 24 hours

Cope

 * Bureau of Immigration Kalibo Office. ABL Sports Complex Provincial Capitol.

title: Kalibo


text:
Kalikiri

Kalikiri is a city in Andhra Pradesh, India

Understand
Kalikiri is a town with a population of around 25,000 people. The place falls in the route between Madanapalli and Tirupati. This is a laid back town and is 45 km from Madanapalli. The place is very scenic and has a rural flavour.

By plane
The nearest airports are in Tirupathi (2 hours) and Bangalore (3 hours).

By train
There is one train that runs between Tirupathi and Gunthakal via Kalikiri. This number is going to increase over a period.

By bus
There are a number of buses available from Madanapalli, Tirupathi, Chittoor, Palamaner and Rayachoti.

See
Yellamma Temple and Sai Baba Temple.

Do
If you like trekking, then there are many hills around, mainly Ankalamma konda which is good to climb with pleasant environment.

Nearest scenic places of visit: Horsley hills, Thalakona forest and water fall. Pilgrims: Thirupathi, kanipakam, Thalakona shiva temple, vellore golden temple.

title: Kalikiri


text:
Kalimantan

Kalimantan is the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo, the third largest island in the world. The Indonesian part covers around 580,000 km2 (225,000 sq mi) although the vast area is home to only 12 million people, so most of the area, particularly the interior, is very sparsely populated. The vast rainforests in Kalimantan are some of the most bio-diverse areas in the world.

In 2022, Indonesian president Joko Wikdodo announced that Indonesia would be moving its capital from Jakarta to a new purpose-built city called Nusantara in East Kalimantan.

Cities

 * — is called Oil City in Indonesia, because most of the major oil & gas companies have offices there
 * — capital of South Kalimantan
 * — the biggest city in Kalimantan. Famous for its floating market.
 * — capital of Central Kalimantan
 * — capital and culinary centre of West Kalimantan
 * — capital of East Kalimantan
 * — the city of one thousand Chinese temples
 * — an inshore island and the largest city of North Kalimantan
 * — an inshore island and the largest city of North Kalimantan

Other destinations

 * — remote highland plateau inhabited by Dayak tribes
 * — an offshore island with diving and marine attractions
 * — the gateway to Meratus mountainous range
 * — home of the famous Bornean Orangutan
 * — home of the famous Bornean Orangutan
 * — home of the famous Bornean Orangutan

Understand
While in Malay and English, Kalimantan is used to refer only to the Indonesian-controlled part of Borneo, the term is used to refer to the entire island of Borneo in Indonesian.

Flora and fauna
The Borneo rainforest is 130 million years old, making it one of the oldest rainforests in the world and 70 million years older than the Amazon rainforest. Borneo is very rich in biodiversity compared to many other areas. There are about 15,000 species of flowering plants with 3,000 species of trees, 221 species of mammals and 420 species of birds. Subject to mass deforestation, the remaining Borneo rainforest is one of the only remaining natural habitats for the endangered Bornean orangutan. It is also an important refuge for many endemic forest species, as the Asian elephant, the Sumatran rhinoceros, the Bornean clouded leopard, and the Dayak fruit bat.

Climate
Kalimantan has an equatorial climate, with the average temperature ranging between 23 and 31°C. The island receives around 300mm of rain per year, with a light rainy season between March and May, and a more intense one between November and January. Rainfall however considerably lower than in many neighbouring parts of Indonesia.

Talk
There are 74 living languages spoken in Kalimantan. Indonesian is the official language, while the Banjar language serves as a lingua franca on much of the island except in West Kalimantan, where Malay is more popular. Other major languages include Dayak (Bornean) and a number of dialects related to the Chinese Hakka and Minnan (Teochew) languages.

By plane
There are several international airports in Kalimantan, with connections to and from Malaysia. In addition, there is a wide array of flight connections to and from other Indonesian islands, mainly Java.
 * Supadio Airport near Pontianak is the primary airport on the Indonesian side, with international flights from Kuala Lumpur (AirAsia) and domestic flights from Medan and the main cities of Java.
 * Syamsudin Noor Airport near Banjarmasin is an airport located in South Kalimantan, with good connections to destinations throughout Kalimantan and Java.
 * Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan Airport near Balikpapan with domestic flights from many Indonesian cities.
 * Samarinda APT Pranoto International Airport
 * Juwata Airport near Tarakan servers the northeast of Kalimantan, with a range of domestic destinations.
 * Also the airports of Tanjung Redeb, Pangkalan Bun , Ketapang , Sampit , Palangkaraya serve destinations on Java island.

By land
The only formal way to enter Kalimantan by land from Malaysia is at the Entikong-Tebedu crossing between West Kalimantan and Sarawak. As the crossing is listed only as a visa-free entry point, nationalities who do not qualify for this will have to apply for visas beforehand. Read more about this in the article about the trip from Pontianak to Kuching or vice versa.

By ferry
There is an international daily ferry connection from Tawau in Sabah, Malaysia, to Nunukan and Tarakan in North Kalimantan province.

Domestic ferry connections to several ports of Kalimantan (Pontianak, Ketapang, Kumai, Sampit, Banjarmasin, Batulicin, Balikpapan, Samarinda, Tarakan, and Nunukan) are operated by PELNI. In almost all cases it is advisable for tourists to fly instead, except perhaps for trips to Kalimantan from relatively nearby islands such as Bangka-Belitung and the Riau Islands.

Get around
Distances on Kalimantan are long and public transport is spotty and expensive. The easiest option may well be to book an arranged tour.

Diving
Most diving activities takes place in the Berau Archipelago in the Celebes sea, around the islands of Derawan, Sangaliki and Maratua in East Kalimantan, there are also some less visited dive sites in West Kalimantan, these include Batu Payung and Radayan island in the vicinity of Singkawang and Karimata islands reserve further south, some 100 kilometers of the coast from Ketapang.

Eat
In West Kalimantan, you may eat Chinese-Indonesian cuisine, Malay cuisine, and Dayak cuisine. Banjarese cuisine is easily found in South Kalimantan. When you visit East Kalimantan, you can try local Kutai cuisine.

Stay safe
River boats are known to sink, especially on the Kapuas River. If you travel on a river boat, ensure a life jacket is provided and do not get on a dangerously-overcrowded boat.

Go next

 * Brunei
 * East Malaysia: Sabah and Sarawak

title: Kalimantan


text:
Kalimpong

Kalimpong (Nepali: कालिम्पोङ Kālimpoṅ, Bengali: কালিম্পং Kālimpaṁ) is a hill station in the Darjeeling Hills of West Bengal. It has less to see than Darjeeling but is, in comparison, quiet and pleasant to walk around and explore. The town has a number of interesting colonial-era buildings scattered around the town. The climate is ideal for growing a range of plants, particularly flowers and the area has many nurseries. The town is between two hills: Deolo and Durpin Dara, both of which provide views of Mt Kangchenjunga on a clear morning. Deolo provides the most sweeping panoramic views and also has a guesthouse, while Durpin Dara has the Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery.

Understand
Kalimpong began as a trading post on the Tibet to India route. Then, from early 18th to mid-19th century, the town was successively ruled by the Sikkimese and Bhutanese kingdoms. After the Anglo-Bhutan War in 1864, the Treaty of Sinchula (1865) was signed, in which Bhutanese-held territory east of the Teesta River, which included Kalimpong, was ceded to the British East India Company. After falling under British control, the town was developed as a local administrative centre, and a number of missionary schools opened in the area.

The town is populated by mostly Nepalese-speaking people, with a large minority of Tibetans. There are several Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, private schools, and colleges scattered throughout the town and surrounding hills.

At around 1,250 metres, the town enjoys a moderate climate, which attracts people from towns at higher altitude in the winter and from the Plains in the summer.

Get in
Kalimpong is accessible mainly by terrain vehicle, due to the winding mountain roads. There is frequent transportation to and from nearby cities such as Darjeeling and Gangtok (Deorali Bus Stand), where one can book a 3½-hour ride by shared terrain vehicle for ₹130. Booking is not required ahead of time but is advisable if it is urgent.

Regular buses (every 20 minutes until 4PM) provide direct access to and from the Siliguri (Tenzing Norgay Bus Station) for ₹110-130 for the 2½-hour journey. Shared taxis: around ₹300. Private taxis: around ₹3,000. Buses and taxis also travel from New Jalpaiguri Station, with an additional cost of ₹20-30. The nearest airport from Kalimpong is Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri. Taxis ply the route between the airport and Kalimpong: around ₹3,000.

Get around
Kalimpong is a small and walkable city. The main form of transportation within Kalimpong is taxi and auto-rickshaw. The main bus stand is close to Damber Chowk.

Do

 * Kalimpong is beginning to form a small hiking industry – look around for flyers in hotels for local tour operators.
 * Paragliding. Delo Hill. ₹3,000 for short flight, ₹5000 for long flight. ₹500 extra for GoPro video. (as of December 2023). Open: 11AM.
 * Paragliding. Delo Hill. ₹3,000 for short flight, ₹5000 for long flight. ₹500 extra for GoPro video. (as of December 2023). Open: 11AM.
 * Paragliding. Delo Hill. ₹3,000 for short flight, ₹5000 for long flight. ₹500 extra for GoPro video. (as of December 2023). Open: 11AM.
 * Paragliding. Delo Hill. ₹3,000 for short flight, ₹5000 for long flight. ₹500 extra for GoPro video. (as of December 2023). Open: 11AM.

Buy
Most of the Tibetan shops are on 10th Mile Rishi Road, and R.C. Mintri Road.

The Haat Bazar (weekly bazzar), just off Relly Road, down the hill from the bus stand, occurs every Wednesday and Saturday and is a vibrant market with mainly clothing and vegetable stands. Food stands serve plates of momo for ₹50 (2023), as well as a delectable local pasta.

Don't hesitate to bargain: you can haggle quite a bit. Or if you are adventurous, just walk a bit more to the wholesale market (just around the corner from the main street). Its fixed price, but you won't get a better deal anywhere else in town.

To buy clothes all you have to do is to visit R.C. Mintri road full of marwadis. Don't leave Kalimpong without tasting locally made lollipops.

 * Thangka House on 10th Mile, Rishi Road. This shop sells small souvenirs, and beautiful art such as thangkas and authentic hand paintings. They also have postcards and an assortment of prints for sale, which are cheaper than the hand paintings.

Eat
Kalimpong produces the only aged cheese made in India. It has the texture of a hard European cheese and a mild, Parmesan-like flavour

 * Gompu's For the best momo. You can also get a very decent lunch or dinner at this place. Open until 9PM.
 * A.B.C. Restaurant You can try other Tibetan/Chinese dishes like Thukpa (noodles), R.C. Mintri Road.
 * Sagar, Evergreen (on the Main Road)
 * Unique, Shikhar, Mohan Daju
 * Rigyal Restaurant in Malli Road, 30 m downhill from the traffic point, local food with a hygienic kitchen
 * China Garden is the place for Chinese food, tucked in near the bus stop. They make great Mei Foon and their Chicken Drumsticks are worth the inevitable queue during tourist season. Hit the place before 8PM as this town shuts down early.
 * The Soods Garden Retreat For Indian food and drinks, open till 10PM.
 * Himamlayan Hotel You'd miss something if you didn't spare time for a quiet, very British afternoon cup there.
 * Cafe Refuel A good place for an English style breakfast and snacks in the outskirts of the town.
 * King Thai A good place for affordable drinks and food.

Alcohol
There are a few bars in town, or just buy something from the liquor shop around the main stand near the bazaar.

Go next

 * Darjeeling — 50km
 * Deolo Hill — 6 km, provides the most sweeping panoramic views and also has a guesthouse.
 * Lava — 35 km
 * Pedong — This town is an hour by taxi (₹300), is a real off-the-track destination. The town's main monastery is over 150 years old and can act as a base for hikes through the hills and surrounding villages.
 * Rishop — 27 km
 * Sikkim — 3 hours to Gangtok
 * Siliguri — a major transportation hub and shopping and business destination. Buses depart from Kalimpong bus station to Tenzing Norgay Bus Station every 20 minutes until 4PM - ₹110-130 for the two and a half hour journey. Shared and private jeeps also ply to route from the same location - approx ₹300 and ₹2,800/₹3,000 respectively. Add ₹20-30 to the fare for New Jalpaiguri Station.

title: Kalimpong


text:
Kaliningrad

Kaliningrad (Russian: Калинингра́д kuh-leen-een-GRAHD), also known by its original German name, Königsberg, is the capital city of Kaliningrad Oblast in Russia. It has about 475,000 inhabitants (2018). It is also called 'Karaliaucius' in Lithuanian, as Lithuanians (cousins to the 'Old Prussians') used to live there. So it is truly the 'City of the Four Ks': Kaliningrad, Königsberg, Krolewiec, and Karalaucius. Following the Second World War, it was briefly known as Kyonigsberg (Кёнигсберг), the Russified form of the original German name. It is part of the Silver Ring of cultural and historical centers of Northwestern Russia.

History
Kaliningrad's history dates back to the 13th century, when it was under the rule of the Teutonic knights, an order of German knights, priests and laymen who sought to expand Christianity through missions and conquests. Known by its German name of Königsberg then, the city was the capital of Prussia.

Kaliningrad was a hub for science and culture whizzes from Germany, Poland and Lithuania. The famous mathematical Königsberg bridge problem is based in the city. Kaliningrad was also home to renowned philosopher Immanuel Kant and prominent German writer Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann. Kant is said to have had such pride in his hometown that he barely left the place in his lifetime, declaring that he did not need to venture abroad because ships came and brought people to tell him stories.

Destroyed in World War II and annexed by the USSR in 1946, the region was stripped of its German identity after the German population had been expelled, and was named after Mikhail Kalinin, a Russian communist leader. The overwhelming majority of its residents are Russians and those from other Soviet republics who came to the area in the immediate aftermath of World War II. A highly militarised zone during the Soviet era, the area only opened to visitors about 20 years ago. Unsurprisingly, there is very little visible trace of its Prussian past, save for a small number of refurbished buildings such as the Cathedral.

Climate
The best time to visit is in summer between June and August, when the temperature is around 20 to 25 °C. Temperatures in the autumn range from 10 to 15 °C and the season lasts from September to November. The Kaliningrad winter, which is from December to February, is much milder winter than Russia, with temperatures from 5 °C to minus 11 °C.

Take along an umbrella, because the weather is unpredictable and windy. The weather is quite humid due to its proximity to the Baltic Sea. The Baltic sun is mild.

Visa
As Kaliningrad is an exclave of the Russian Federation, almost all visitors require a Russian visa to enter, except citizens of those countries that have signed bilateral agreements for visa-free entries, e.g. Israel, South Korea, South Africa, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Latin American countries. If you plan to travel overland between Kaliningrad and other parts of Russia, you will need at least a double-entry visa in order to exit and re-enter Russia. Travelling by air on domestic flights between Kaliningrad and Moscow, St. Petersburg or other Russian regional centres can be done even with a single-entry visa. For more information about Russian visas, see the visa section on the Russia page.

Nationals of 53 countries including almost all EU countries, Japan, China and a few other Asian countries can get an eVisa free of charge for visits of up to 8 days. You can apply for an eVisa at Russia's MFA website. You should print off the eVisa confirmation (which comes as a pdf) for sake of ease. Border guards might want to see your visa on exit, so it's best to keep a copy on you, though having the pdf on your phone is perfectly acceptable. Note that the eVisa is not valid at some of the smaller border crossings.

Canadian, UK & US nationals must still apply for a regular visa.

By plane
Khrabrovo Airport serves the city. You may also want to consider flying to Gdansk, Kaunas or with fewer flights: Palanga and Olsztyn-Mazury. Somewhat further away are the airports of Warsaw, Vilnius and Riga. All these cities have bus connections to Kaliningrad.

Airlines and destinations include:

 * Aeroflot (Moscow-Sheremetyevo)
 * Air Baltic (Riga)
 * Azimut (Kaluga, Rostov-on-Don)
 * Pobeda (Moscow-Vnukovo, Saint Petersburg)
 * Belavia (Brest, Gomel, Minsk)
 * LOT (Warsaw)
 * Rossiya (Saint Petersburg)
 * RusLine (Belgorod, Lipetsk, Voronezh)
 * S7 (Moscow-Domodedovo)
 * Severstal (Cherepovets)
 * Smartavia (Arkhangelsk, Murmansk, Moscow-Domodedovo, Sochi)
 * Ural Airlines (Moscow-Domodedovo, Yekaterinburg, Saint Petersburg)
 * UTair Aviation (Moscow-Vnukovo)
 * UVT Aero (Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Perm, Volgograd)
 * Uzbekistan Airways (Tashkent)

By train

Eastbound (towards Vilnius in Lithuania) long-distance trains still run regularly. Departures are daily from Moscow (22 hr) via Minsk (11 hr) and every two days from Saint Petersburg (26 hr, also via Minsk). Some services are available from Chelyabinsk (69 hr) in the Urals and Homel (via Minsk). There are also trains from the Black Sea resorts, such as Sochi (61 hr), expect 1-2 trains a week during summer.

All cross-border services across the Polish border were cancelled in 2010, although there were approaches to restore the link and even some occasional rides. Also, a weekend connection to Klaipeda in Lithuania, with a change in Sovetsk, was cancelled.

Regional trains make it possible to arrive in the city from many towns in the oblast but, with the exception of coastal and suburban towns, the schedule is rather rare, often with one train per day. If you're after an adventure, you can try hitchhiking across the border at Mamonovo and taking a train from there to Kaliningrad (timetables can be found here).

By car
The road system is extensive in the Kaliningrad region; however, they are not always well-maintained, and sometimes it is hard to get around because of the absence of sign indicating directions/destinations (especially in the city). Driving rules are generally the same as in most European countries, but many do not follow the rules, especially during rush hour in the city. Beware of the traffic police because they like to stop foreigners and often expect bribes.

There are two ways to get to Kaliningrad by car: from Poland and from Lithuania, but you should expect delays on the borders (sometimes it can take a couple of hours) The green card for insurance is valid.

By bus
Direct bus lines connect Kaliningrad with a number of cities in Belarus, Poland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine. Bus time tables for international and regional buses (in English), see the site of Kaliningrad's central bus station (ulitsa Zheleznodorozhnaya, 7 - next to the South train station), which, besides that, also serves a number of regional lines.

Bus from Tallinn via Riga, see: here

Bus from Gdańsk (Zloty 28, from Kaliningrad to Gdańsk ₽700) - leaves Gdańsk at 06:00, 06:30, 15:00, 15:30. See: here. Bus from Warsaw - leaves Warszawa Zachodnia bus station M W Th-Sa at 08:00, tickets ₽1520. This bus also stops in Olsztyn (700 руб). On Tu and Sa there is another bus that leaves Warszawa Zachodnia at 13:00, the ticket costs ₽1200.

Bus from Vilnius - leaves Vilnius at 13:15.

By boat
During summer there is a boat service between Kaliningrad, and Frombork, Krynica Morska and Elblag, Poland. Further info is available at Zegluga Gdanska.

By bicycle
It is possible to cross the borders by bicycle, though not on foot. As of May 2019, there are reports of bicyclists being able to skip the queue of cars and present passports at the booth of Morskoye crossing. Border guards tend to speak very little English so they'll be happy to let you through without too many questions.

Get around
The city has bus, minibus, trolleybus, tram and commuter railway networks.

By bus
The best way to explore the city is by bus. The public transportation system is relatively good. Half of the population live in the city, hence it is very well-connected. Fares are kept low, at a flat rate of ₽24 on the bus (₽26 on marshrutka, a shared taxi or minibus) and the waiting time is short.

Journeys can be planned using Google Maps. Keep an eye out for the last departure. Some buses lines already stop running around 22:00-23:00.

Tickets on the buses are handed out by the conductors. Marshrutkas are paid to the driver when exiting the vehicle and can also be paid with contactless cards.

The transport card is called Volna Baltiki (Baltic Wave).

By taxi
Taxis within the city may have meters, but most prefer to negotiate fares in advance. Minimum charge within the city is at least ₽100, even for short distances. 33 33 33 is a switch board covering several companies under one number. If you call from a foreign mobile, you should call +7 401 2 33 33 33. Russian app Yandex.taxi works in Kaliningrad.

See

Buy

Amber jewellery and art and craft is the local speciality:

Drink
Local beer brands that are available in stores.

Consulates

 * 🇦🇲 Armenia
 * 🇭🇷 Croatia
 * 🇩🇰 Denmark
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * 🇮🇹 Italy
 * 🇱🇻 Latvia
 * 🇱🇹 Lithuania
 * 🇳🇱 Netherlands
 * 🇳🇴 Norway
 * 🇵🇱 Poland

Visa centres

 * 🇪🇪 Estonia
 * 🇭🇺 Hungary 🇸🇮 Slovenia
 * 🇸🇪 Sweden

Go next

 * Curonian Spit A nearly 50-km-long spit stretching between Zelenogradsk and the Lithuanian border, separating the Baltic Sea from the Curonian Bay, it includes pine forest, hiking paths (beware of encephalitis-bearing ticks), and beaches. The average height of the sand dunes is 35 m, with some reaching 70 m. Entry fees are ₽30 per person, plus ₽200 per car. The entire spit, including the Lithuanian part, is a world heritage site.

title: Kaliningrad


text:
Kaliningrad Oblast

Kaliningrad Oblast (Russian: Калинингра́дская о́бласть) is Russia's only oblast (administrative subdivision) that is separated from the rest of Russia. It is an exclave situated between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea.

Historically, the region was Prussian (and later German) and the capital, today's Kaliningrad, was known as Königsberg. The region was the northern half of historic East Prussia. After becoming part of the Soviet Union at the end of World War II, it was briefly known as Kyonigsberg (Кёнигсберг), a transliteration of its original name, prior to being renamed Kaliningrad after Bolshevik revolutionary Mikhail Kalinin in 1946.

Many of its coastal towns on the Baltic Sea coast have beautiful sandy beaches. It is also the heart of the old Prussian Kingdom of Brandenburg-Prussia and has many ruins of old castles and forts dotting the landscape.

Cities

 * (Калининград) – the capital, formerly called Königsberg
 * (Пионерский) – a beach resort and home to one of Vladimir Putin's many second homes
 * (Примо́рск) – formerly called Fischhausen
 * (Сове́тск) – formerly called Tilsit
 * (Светлогорск) – Soviet era seaside resort, formerly called Rauschen
 * (Зеленоградск)
 * (Железнодоро́жный)
 * (Черняхо́вск) – formerly called Insterburg
 * (Гу́сев) – formerly called Gumbinnen
 * (Балти́йск) – formerly called Pillau

Other destinations

 * (Ку́ршская коса́, Kurshskaya kosa) – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Understand
The Kaliningrad Oblast is the northern part of historic East Prussia (German: Ostpreussen). The southern part is roughly the Warmia-Masuria region of Poland. Since 1945, it has been part of Russia. In 1525 the Duchy of Prussia was founded by the last High Master of the Teutonic Knights Albrecht of Brandenburg-Ansbach who became the first duke of Prussia. From 1618 in personal union with Brandenburg, the duchy was elevated to a kingdom in 1701.

Though the united Kingdom of Prussia (with the capital Berlin) was a member state of the Holy Roman Empire and later the German Confederation, Prussia proper was not a part of Germany (or any other state) but an independent country until 1871 when the German Empire was established under Prussian leadership. Prussia was thereby incorporated into Germany as its dominant and most powerful state.

After Germany's defeat in World War II, East Prussia's native German-speaking population was forcibly expelled and the area was divided among three countries. The northern part with the capital Königsberg became the area of Kaliningrad Oblast, while the southern part was incorporated into Poland. A third part, the district north of the river Memel (Memelland) with the main city Klaipeda (Memel), had been split from Prussia and incorporated into Lithuania after World War I, and this was done again after World War II. In the aftermath of the war, all three areas were ethnically cleansed of their native German speaking populations.

Because the German-speaking inhabitants were forced out and all their property was confiscated, the population of Kaliningrad Oblast now consists mostly of Russian-speaking people, but there are still a lot of traces of old German culture (for example, every city in the oblast has an authentic name in German) which, along with the presence of modern Russian culture, makes it an interesting destination for travelers.

Kaliningrad Oblast produces 90% of the world's amber.

Talk
The Russian language is spoken by more than 95% of Kaliningrad Oblast's population while English is understood by many people. While German culture plays a long historical role in the region, the language is spoken by few.

Visa
As Kaliningrad is an exclave of the Russian Federation, visitors require as a general rule a Russian visa to enter (see below). If you plan to travel overland between Kaliningrad and other parts of Russia, you will need at least a double-entry visa in order to exit and re-enter Russia. Travelling by air on domestic flights between Kaliningrad and Moscow or St. Petersburg can be done even with a single-entry visa. For more information about Russian visas, see the visa section on the Russia page.

Entering Kaliningrad Oblast is possible with a free special e-visa for certain citizens. Some specific rules apply regarding the points of entry. It is not possible to travel to other parts of the Russian Federation with the special e-visa scheme. More information can be gathered here: Kaliningrad Region E-Visa Application Process

By plane
Khrabrovo Airport  is a small international airport, so you may need to fly into Belarus (Minsk) to go to Kaliningrad.

Belavia flies from Minsk. Aeroflot and Pobeda also has several daily flights from Moscow.

By train
As of 2019, it is possible to arrive to Kaliningrad Oblast only from the eastern direction. There is a regular service from the Russian mainland through Belarus and Lithuania. There are no international trains from Poland or from Klaipeda in Lithuania to Sovetsk.

By bus
There are regular bus connections to Kaliningrad from Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Russia, Poland, Ukraine and Germany.

By ferry
There are regular ferry connections from the port of Kaliningrad in Baltijsk to St. Petersburg.

Zegluga Gdanska has duty free cruises from Gdynia and Gdańsk to Baltijsk.

By car
There are several border crossing points.
 * From Poland: Mamonovo, Bagrationovsk and Gusev.
 * From Lithuania: Sovyetsk and Morskoye (on the Curonian Spit).

By train
The Kaliningrad Railway branch of RZD provides regular commuter service from Kaliningrad to Zelenogradsk, Svetlogorsk and Guryevsk. On other lines, traffic is very low, usually one train in the morning to Kaliningrad and one train in the afternoon from Kaliningrad, with extra services during weekends and holidays. Additionally, long-distance trains from Russia to Kaliningrad stop in major towns along the line.

By bus
There is a network of bus connections through the oblast connecting all major settlements. The schedule and network map is available in Russian on this site.

By bike
As a flat country, Kaliningrad Oblast has a huge potential for biking. Unfortunately, the infrastructure is very limited. Through the territory of oblast goes international EuroVelo 13 route.

By car
The road system is extensive in the Kaliningrad region; however, they are not always well-maintained, and sometimes it is hard to get around because of the absence of signage indicating directions/destinations (especially in the city). Driving rules are generally the same as in most European countries, but many do not follow them, especially during rush hours in the city. Beware of the traffic police because they like to stop foreigners.

See
Almost all the sights of the Kaliningrad region belong to the German period. Perhaps the only "remarkable" monument of the Soviet era can be called the House of Soviets in Kaliningrad (an unworthy administrative building in the center of Kaliningrad in the brutalist style, which still causes controversy in society). In the post-Soviet era, quite a lot of new Orthodox churches were built in the region (although a significant part of the Orthodox parishes are located in German churches). Of artistic interest is perhaps the Church of Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia in Bagrationovsk, which is a qualitative imitation of Russian church architecture of the 17th century. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Kaliningrad rather impresses with its size.

The main layer of the German heritage is the monuments of the Teutonic era, castles and churches. They are built in the characteristic North German Brick Gothic style. Unfortunately, the state of most of them is deplorable.

Balga Castle is located on the shores of the Kaliningrad Bay. Built in the 14th century by the Teutonic Order on the site of the Prussian fortress of Honede. The architectural monument is in a dilapidated state.

Georgenburg Castle is located in the village. Maevka, 2 km from the city of Chernyakhovsk, Kaliningrad region. It was erected on the site of the Prussian settlement Karzovin (Garzoven) in the middle of the 14th century by the master of the Teutonic Order Winrich von Kniprode. It is owned by the Russian Orthodox Church, and is a tourist attraction. Part of the premises has been renovated, excursions are being conducted, and a museum of living history is being created.

Insterburg Castle is on Zamkova street in the city of Chernyakhovsk (formerly Insterburg). It was founded in 1336 by order of the master of the Teutonic Order Dietrich von Altenburg. Its location allowed it to control the crossroads at the confluence of the Angerapp, Pissa and Inster rivers (from which the castle takes its name). It has been rebuilt many times, in the 18th-19th centuries it finally lost its military significance. The castle housed a court, a food and fodder warehouse, and during the Napoleonic wars, an infirmary, a barracks for the Uhlan squadron. After the First World War, part of the barracks was given to the police, while the main museum of the Insterburg Antiquities Society was opened in the remainder. The castle was badly damaged in 1945 during the assault by Soviet troops, and in the post-war years by a fire. Due to the efforts of local enthusiasts, the remains of ancient buildings have been partially conserved; various historical and cultural events are held in the castle. In 2010, Insterburg Castle was transferred to the ownership of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Labiau Castle traces its history from the Labegove fortress, located on the Labe River (today's Deima) to protect the waterway that ran along the Deima to the Curonian Lagoon and to the Memel Fortress. The fortress has been mentioned in historical documents since 1258. For a long time the castle was an advanced defensive position in the wars with Lithuania. Twice - in 1758 and 1813 - it was engaged in Russian troops. In 1860, it lost its military significance and was rebuilt as a prison. It was used in this capacity until 1963 (it was taken by Soviet troops in January 1945). Badly damaged in 1968 by fire. The castle houses the MBU "Polessky CDC", the museum of puppets, the museum of the city of Polessk and the INS-theater "Labiau".

Schaaken Castle is located on the shore of the Curonian Lagoon in the village. Nekrasovo. The word "schaaken" is of Prussian origin and means "grass". Erected by the Teutonic Order on the site of the Prussian fortress Zoke, it served as a stronghold on the coast of the bay, on the ice of which Prussian and Lithuanian tribes often raided. Until 1871 the castle belonged to the royal dynasty. Three times - in 1711, 1712 and 1717 - the castle was visited by Tsar Peter I. During the Second World War, Schaaken was almost not injured, in Soviet times it was given over to housing, in the 1990s, local residents began to dismantle it into bricks. In the early 2000s, attempts were made to save the castle, the restoration of walls and buildings began, a private museum was opened, and excursions began to be held. The castle belongs to the Russian Orthodox Church.

In Kaliningrad and some other cities of the region, examples of civil buildings of the late 19th and early 20th centuries have been preserved. The condition, again, is often deplorable.

An interesting layer of the heritage of the Kaliningrad region is the defensive structures of the 19th and 20th centuries. First of all, this is the system of city fortifications of Kaliningrad and the sea fortress Pillau (Baltiysk).

Eat
The cuisine practically does not have any local flavor, but a large number of beer-themed establishments and a strong presence of Lithuanian, German and Polish cuisines can be noted. Several private breweries operate in the region. On the "continental" territory of Russia, the myth of a truly Kaliningrad dish - bedbugs is widespread. According to the Kaliningraders themselves, hardly one in ten has tried this dish at least once in their life. Additionally, the food is much cheaper than Moscow and much of Russia proper.

Stay safe
Many roads in the Kaliningrad region have a pre-war shape and width. Since the time of the German government, there have been close plantings of linden trees along the roads. The local name for such landings is "the last soldiers of the Reich", which is not entirely correct. Many plantings were carried out already under the USSR, this is clearly seen in the age of lindens, often not exceeding 50 years. Pump trees help keep the roadway intact from landslides. In summer, lindens provide a pleasant shade, a motorist standing in a traffic jam will surely appreciate it. However, there is a local saying: "A tree ran across his path", so you should respect the speed limit and be careful when overtaking/passing and cornering.

Go next

 * Poland
 * Lithuania

title: Kaliningrad Oblast


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Kalispell

Kalispell is a town in Montana, near Glacier National Park. The name of the town means "flat land above the lake" in Salish, a Native American language. The population is about 23,000 (2016).

Understand
Kalispell is the largest city in the Flathead Valley. The Flathead Valley is a unique area of Montana created by the forces of glacier processes. The valley is a testament to the wonders nature can create.

Today, the Flathead Valley offers a variety of recreational activities including skiing (considering world class Whitefish Mountain Resort is nearby), fishing, camping, water sports, climbing and old fashioned exploring. The city of Kalispell is full of shopping and restaurants and is also just north of Flathead Lake, which is the USA's largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.

A number of smaller towns surround Kalispell giving visitors a chance to explore. Find additional restaurants and picturesque views in Evergreen, Lakeside, and Somers.

By plane
The  is a city-owned airport for public general aviation use. The airport is southeast of the city center along US Hwy 93.

For commercial flights, the nearest airport to Kalispell, Whitefish and Glacier National Park is:

By car
You can take either Exit 96 on I-90 near Missoula and head north on U.S. 93, or take Exit 364 on I-15 at Shelby and head west past Glacier National Park. U.S. 2 continues west through the mountains into northern Idaho and eventually reaches Spokane from the north, while U.S. 93 heads northwest into British Columbia, eventually reaching Cranbrook.

By train
The nearest is in Whitefish,  north of Kalispell along Hwy 93. The train station is at 500 Depot St in the north side of downtown Whitefish. It is only served by:
 * Amtrak Empire Builder which runs once daily (towards each direction) between Spokane & Chicago via Glacier National Park (West Glacier stop) in one direction and Libby in the opposite direction. The westbound train splits in Spokane with one half continuing towards Seattle and the other towards Portland while the eastbound train joins in Spokane for the onward trip to Chicago.

Get around
Walk, drive, bike, or take the Mountain Climber to get around. The city isn't too large, so you shouldn't get lost.

Buy
North Kalispell is the shopping area of the city. Stores include most of the nationwide chains.

For those who prefer the more traditional shopping mall, the Kalispell Center Mall is at 20 North Main Street. Anchored by JCPenney, it also includes a Red Lion Hotel.

Connect
Kalispell is part of the market region of Spokane, Washington, despite being in a different time zone. Local Montana over-the-air TV networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox have their weekday primetime from 7PM to 10PM, while those from Spokane are from 9PM to midnight (which is quite unusual).

Stay safe
Roads outside of town are mostly two-lane and winding. Naturally, use extra caution when snowing. It is advisable to turn on lights during the day in any rain. This gives better visibility of your vehicle to oncoming traffic.

Go next

 * Glacier National Park
 * Cranbrook in British Columbia, Canada
 * Missoula, Montana
 * Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

title: Kalispell


text:
Kalisz

Kalisz is a mid-sized city in the Greater Poland Voivodeship in central Poland.

Understand
Kalisz (pop. 110,000) is the main city of south-eastern Greater Poland and the region's second city (after Poznań). It is probably the oldest town in Poland. Ptolemy mentions a city named 'Calisia' in his Geographia, written circa AD 142–174. Archaeological excavations after the Second World War found remains of a settlement from that time.

Kalisz got its municipal right from duke Boleslaus the Pious in appr. 1260. After the location it was developing rapidly, thanks to its location on the Amber Trail. During the Partition Time (1793-1918) for most of the time it was under Russian control, and the border with the Prussia (later-on: Germany) was just next to the city westwards - that's why we still have an enormous railway station in Nowe Skalmierzyce, where the border used to be. Present Kalisz is an important industrial centre, there are two theatres in the city, one "own" university and several branches of higher schools from Poznań and numerous secondary schools.

By plane
Kalisz is almost equally distant (120 km) from 3 airports: Poznań-Ławica, Wrocław and Łódź, travel time to each of them is appr. 2 hours. But - taking into account a very small number of connections from Łódź, use airport in Poznań or in Wrocław.

By train
Kalisz is not a railway hub. One line passes through: from Ostrów Wielkopolski to Łódź. Trains regularly run from Kalisz via Ostrów Wielkopolski to Poznań, Wrocław and Leszno. From Kalisz, several trains head to Łódź and some continue as far as Warsaw.

By bus
Because of few train connections, buses are the most important mean of travel for some destinations:
 * Jelenia Góra - 2 daily
 * Konin - 10 daily
 * Kraków - 1 daily
 * Łódź - 2 daily
 * Poznań - 12 daily
 * Przemyśl - 1 daily
 * Sieradz - 6 daily
 * Wrocław - 9 daily
 * Zakopane - 1 daily

By car
Kalisz is located on the crossing of two main roads:
 * number 12 from the western border (crossing to Germany: Łęknica - Bad Muskau) to the eastern one (crossing to Ukraine Dorohusk - Jahodyn). The road enters Greater Poland from Głogów, then passes through Wschowa and Leszno and further it leads through Gostyń, Jarocin, Pleszew and Kalisz; from there it goes eastwards to Sieradz and Piotrków Trybunalski and further through Lublin to the Ukrainian border.
 * number 25 from Strzelno located on the border between Kujawy region and Greater Poland. Further it leads through Konin, Kalisz to Ostrów Wielkopolski and further to Oleśnica, where it links to the road number 8 leading to Wrocław and Sudety Mountains.

Kalisz is criss-crossed also by regional roads:
 * number 442 from Września through Pyzdry (good access to Gniezno or to motorway A2 - crossing in Września)
 * number 470 from Kalisz to Turek and Koło (between these two towns another access to A2)
 * number 450 from Kalisz to the south to Wieruszów and Opatów, from where one can continue the journey southwards to e.g. Katowice or Częstochowa.

Get around
The lines in Kalisz and surroundings are served by Kaliskie Linie Autobusowe (Kalisz Bus Lines)

See

On the square, in front of the church - the monument of Pope John Paul II, erected in 1999, who had prayed in the temple two years before.

Events
Many of cultural events in Kalisz take place in the archeological reservation in Zawodzie.
 * The Archeological Market - in June
 * The Kupala Night - as well in June (Kupala was one of the Gods in the old Slavonic religion; the night is now called: St.John's night)
 * The Piast Feast - in August
 * The Prince's Meed production - in September

Buy
A typical must-buy in Kalisz are local traditional wafers called andruty (pronounced: androotyh) - thin, sweetish wafers, baked for over 200 years. Since 2005 they've been inscribed the list of regional products of the Polish Ministry of Agriculture, and 4 years later, in 2009, the joined the official prestige list of regional product of the European Union.

Budget

 * Bartek, 5, Mariańska str., phone: +48 62 757 60 63
 * GASTRO 19, Babina str., phone: +48 62 757 29 49
 * Bar Mleczny (Milk Bar) 2/12, Targowa str., phone: +48 62 757 53 61
 * Bar Mleczny - Maleńki, 2/3 Parczewskiego str., phone: +48 62 501 93 03
 * Bar Mleczny - Smakosz, 15, Główny Rynek Sq., (entrance from Rzeznicza str.), phone: +48 62 768 51 71
 * Osteria, 2–4, Konopnickiej str., phone: +48 62 501 20 02

Mid-range

 * Antonio Restaurant-House, 21, Śródmiejska str., phone: +48 62 757 46 90
 * Bacówka, 12, Wolności Av., phone: +48 62 503 10 35
 * Bambus, 31, Śródmiejska str., phone: +48 62 764 29 85
 * Karafka, 10, Górnośląska str., phone: +48 62 767 86 60,
 * KTW, 2, Park Ludowy str., phone: +48 62 767 42 95,
 * Marrone, 2, Wolności Av., phone: +48 62 757 07 07
 * Maguro - Sushi Bar, 20, Śródmiejska str., phone: +48 62 757 00 73,
 * Roma, 9, Chopina str, phone: +48 62 766 43 74
 * Puenta, 1B, Fabryczna str., phone: +48 62 767 86 27
 * Rendes-Vous, 3, Słowiańska str., phone: +48 62 768 01 10,
 * Szaława, 36, Rzymska str., phone: +48 62 766 11 77

Pizzeria
 * Cool Pizza, 17, Górnośląska str., phone: +48 62 502 54 52
 * Cool Pizza BIS, 5, Jana Pawła II Sq., phone: +48 62 757 47 47
 * Da Grasso, 2A, Fabryczna str., phone: +48 62 757 55 45,
 * Imperia, 5A, Sukiennicza str., phone: +48 62 767 68 86
 * Manhattan Pizza, 78A, Graniczna str., Osiedle Dobrzec Zielone Łąki, phone: +48 62 764 64 64

Splurge

 * Baja Mexico, 3, Główny Rynek Sq., (entrance from Piskorzewskiej str.), phone: +48 62 767 55 04
 * Calisia, 1–3, Nowy Świat str., phone: +48 62 767 91 00,
 * Emilia, 46, Nowy Świat str., phone: +48 62 757 58 15
 * NOT, 2, Rumińskiego str., phone: +48 62 757 47 86,
 * Europa, 5, Wolności str., phone: +48 62 757 04 33,
 * Kaliszfornia, 19, Główny Rynek Sq., phone: +48 62 760 20 87
 * Wanatówka, 6, Łazienna str., phone: +48 62 764 10 40
 * Pięterko (old-polish cuisine) 12, Zamkowa str., phone: +48 62 757 53 02
 * Piwnica Ratuszowa, 20, Główny Rynek Sq., phone: +48 62 757 05 03

Cafes

 * Belle Epoque, 1, Piskorzewska str., tel: 062 757 43 75
 * Chimera - Tea-House, 5, Złota str., tel: 062 757 60 94
 * Delicje, 2, Rzeźnicza str., tel: 062 501 90 16
 * Caffe Uno, 15, Główny Rynek Sq., tel: 062 598 35 28
 * Karafka, 10, Górnośląska str., tel: 062 767 86 60
 * Marysieńka, 32, Górnośląska str., tel: 062 757 66 21

Drink

 * Beka, 13, Piekarska str., phone: +48 62 767 73 92,
 * Browar Kaliski "Złoty Róg" (A golden Horn), 3, Wolności Av., phone: +48 62 599 71 71
 * Carski, 3, Wolności Av., phone: +48 62 767 87 60,
 * Domek Parkowego (A park-keeper's House), 7, Niecała str., phone: +48 62 757 07 00
 * Gastro, 19, Babina str., phone: +48 62 501 88 22, +48 62 757 29 49
 * Kaliszfornia, 19, Główny Rynek str., phone: +48 62 760 20 87
 * Kuźnia "U Stacha" (Stanley's Smithy), 1, Łazienna str., phone: +48 62 501 81 70,
 * Piwnica, 1–3, Nowy Świat str., (a PWSZ-school building) phone: +48 62 767 91 16
 * Piwnica "Pod Klonami" (At The Maple-tree), 14, Niecała str., phone: +48 62 757 51 85
 * Piwnica "U Roberta M.", 2, Park Ludowy str., phone: +48 62 764 29 46,
 * Pod Muzami - Klub Studencki UAM (The Poznań UAM-University students' Club), 27, Wolności Av., (entrance from Bankowa str.), phone: +48 62 757 67 19,
 * Podkowa (Horseshoe), 20, Górnośląska str.,
 * Złoty Róg (A Golden Horn), 1, Wolności str., phone: +48 62 503 15 05

Budget

 * Guest Rooms Rendez Vous, 3, Słowiańska str., phone: +48 62 768 01 10
 * Youth hostel, 30, Handlowa str., phone: +48 62 757 24 04, fax: 062 502 33 60, mailto:sosw@ecentrum.kalisz.pl
 * Students' hostel in the Orionists Christian Centre, 24, Kosciuszki str., phone: +48 62 502 53 50, fax: +48 62 502 54 18, , mailto:orionisci@poczta.onet.pl

Mid-range

 * Hotel ARENA**, 22–24, Hanki Sawickiej str., phone: +48 62 598 27 00, mailto:recepcja@arenahotel.pl
 * SEVEN Hotel, 77, Czestochowska str., tel/fax: +48 62 764 43 43,
 * ROMA Hotel, 9, Chopina str., phone: +48 62 501 75 55 mailto:roma.kalisz@gmail.com
 * Hotel Bursztyn, 29, Lodzka str., phone: +48 62 757 97 03,
 * Hotel U BOGDANA, 15–17, Legionów str., phone: +48 62 753 08 23,

Splurge

 * Hotel CALISIA***, 1–3, Nowy Swiat str., phone: +48 62 767 91 00 or +48 62 767 91 14,, mailto:rezerwacja@hotel-calisia.pl
 * Hotel EUROPA***, 5, Wolności Av., phone: +48 62 767 20 31, or +48 62 767 20 32, fax: +48 62 767 20 33,, mailto:recepcja@hotel-europa.pl
 * Hotel E.T.***, 6, Tuwima str., phone: +48 62 760 00 25 or +48 62 767 30 91 ext. 110,, mailto:recepcja@et-hotel.pl
 * Hotel Flora***, 3, Wiatraki str., phone: +48 62 757 46 50 or +48 604 177 446,, mailto:recepcja@hotel-flora.pl

Connect

 * The Polish Country Lovers' Society, Kalisz Department, 2, Targowa str, phone: +48 62 598 24 33 or (mobile) +48 509 360 171, fax: +48 62 598 24 33,, mailto:info@pttk.kalisz.pl

title: Kalisz


text:
Kalkan

Kalkan is a small harbour in Lycia on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, with a population of 3926 in 2022. It's well-developed for tourism but hasn't attracted a mass market, so it remains unspoilt.

Get in
The village is on the coast highway D400, which wends and winds from Marmaris and Fethiye to Kalkan and runs on east to Antalya and far beyond.

By plane
Dalaman Airport is the closest, with seasonal package flights from Europe and the UK. It's 125 km west of Kalkan, and the drive might take 90 min to 2 hours via D400 (toll tunnel). You could take the airport bus as far as Fethiye then change to the regular bus (below) or taxi.

By bus
Buses from Istanbul run six times a day and take 15 hours via Gebze, Bursa, Izmir, Muğla, Akyaka, Dalaman, Göcek and Fethiye. The section from Izmir takes 7 hours.

Bus lines on these routes are Pamukkale and Flixbus, and Batı Antalya plies between Fethiye and Kalkan. To get further east along this coast to Demre, Finike and Antalya, look for a dolmuş.

the bus station is north end of the village just off D400. You'll probably need a taxi to reach your accommodation.

By boat
Kalkan is popular with yachts and other leisure craft. It's not a Port of Entry into Turkey, so if you sail from the Greek islands you need to clear immigration and customs in Fethiye to the west or Kaş or Finike to the east.

Get around
You can get around the village on foot, but you'll soon exhaust its delights and want to explore further out. So you need car hire, simplest done at the airport as that takes care of your transfer to Kalkan.

See

 * is the marina in village centre, crowded with yats, gulets and other pleasure craft. The "lighthouse" is a simple harbour light at the end of the breakwater.
 * Koca Mustafa Mosque east side of the marina was originally Greek Orthodox, built in 1855. In 1934 it was converted into a mosque and the minaret added.

Do

 * Beaches are narrow and shingle. The main public beach is southeast of the marina. Kaputaş to the south and Patara west have sandy beaches.
 * Scuba diving: Kalkan Diving Centre is by Lures Hotel. It offers courses and outings for experienced divers.
 * Boat trips potter along the coast. There's a dozen operators around the harbour.
 * Lycian Way is a long-distance hiking trail from Fethiye to Antalya. The local section is accessed at Bezirgan 3 km inland - this village is on a rare stretch of level ground, an infilled lake, so it stands in a quiltwork of fields and little grain stores. From the west you come through İslamlar to Akbel then 10 km to Bezirgan. Continue to Sarıbelen (7 km) in a similar valley then 13 km to Gökçeören, and so on east.

Buy

 * Small stores are strung along Şehitler Cd east side of the village, and open daily 08:00 till late.

Eat
Dozens of restaurants line the streets leading up from the marina.

Drink

 * Cafes serve alcohol and bars serve food, so there isn't an obvious difference.

Sleep

 * Pansiyons everywhere, the cluster near the marina (eg Turk Evi, below) are the most central.
 * Villas for self-catering: lots, but mostly a long walk or taxi ride from the restaurants and harbour.
 * Likya Pavilion is their branch nearby on the waterfront.
 * Likya Pavilion is their branch nearby on the waterfront.
 * Likya Pavilion is their branch nearby on the waterfront.
 * Likya Pavilion is their branch nearby on the waterfront.
 * Likya Pavilion is their branch nearby on the waterfront.

Connect
Kalkan and the coast road have 4G from all Turkish carriers. As of April 2024, 5G has not rolled out in Turkey.

Go next

 * Patara 20 km west has an ancient city and a good beach.
 * Kınık 30 km north has the ruins of Xanthos and Letoon.
 * Saklikent Gorge is a further 20 km north.
 * Kaş is a larger port to the east, with ferries to the Greek island of Kastellorizo.
 * Demre has the ruins of ancient Myra and ferries to the island of Kekova.

title: Kalkan


text:
Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay is a small fishing harbour along the east coast of the Cape Peninsula to the south of Cape Town. It has become a very hip and trendy place, with a fine selection of restaurants, coffee shops and bistros, and a number of eclectic, alternative shops along the Main Road on either side of the train station.

By car
Kalk Bay is easily accessible from Cape Town by car. Follow the M3 south until it ends at the junction with the M42 (Steenberg Road). Turn left/east onto the M42 then right/south onto the M4 (Main Road) through Muizenberg. Kalk Bay is a few kilometres south of Muizenberg.

By train
MetroRail operates frequent and regular trains to Kalk Bay from Cape Town via Muizenberg (to the north) and Simon's Town via Fish Hoek (to the south) every day. The station is on Main Road, in the centre of town.

Get around
Kalk Bay is small enough that you can cover the entire village on foot with ease.

See
Watch the incoming boats and the sale of fresh fish.

Do
Walk up the small, twisting alleys on the mountain-side of Main Road and look at some of the old houses built by fishing folk. Many of these have now been converted to yuppie apartments or shops but some still remain in their original state.

Buy
Kalk Bay offers a wide selection of shops from hippie clothing to designer labels, from antique shops to contemporary jewellery designers.

Eat
Be sure to taste some fresh fish in the fish restaurants next to the harbour.

Drink

 * Brass Bell
 * Cape to Cuba drinks with atmosphere and view.

Go next
The next town towards Cape Point is Fish Hoek, with a safe swimming beach.

Towards Cape Point is the historical village of Simon's Town, a South African Naval base, which is great fun to visit. There is a statue of Just Nuisance, a Teddy Bear Museum and a Gemstone Factory.

A little further on is Boulders Beach, which has one of the few land-based African penguin colonies. These endemic penguins come right up onto the beach and among the resident's gardens, where they nest. Then on to Cape Point, where two oceans meet there are baboons and lots of wild flowers and animals in the Game and Nature Reserve. Curios are available from the African Arts and Crafts village. Kommetjie is famous for surfing (large waves), crayfishing and bird life.

Going towards Cape Town is Muizenberg, famous for its surfing

title: Kalk Bay


text:
Kallooppara

Kallooppara is a village in Central Travancore in India. Kallooppara is on the eastern side of Thiruvalla. This pilgrim center is at the central part of the blue waters of the Manimala River.

Understand
Kallooppara used to be known as Perumbranad. The name came from its massive storage of rocks, Perum Parra Nadu and later shortened to Perumbranad. Folklore also has it that the Royalties of the Thekkumkoor Dynasty and Edappally Thampurans once governed this place.

Kallooppara is known for its religious harmony between all the sects of god loving souls be he a Nair, a Christian, or a Muslim. People of this land have lived in peaceful coexistence from time immemorial.

Master craftsmen belonging to the Viswakarma clan were brought to Kallooppara from Edappally, and hamlets of the then Thirukochi, now known as Kochi, for parting their craftsmanship in the construction of temples like Kallooppara Devi Kshethram, Thelliyoorkavu, Porittikavu and the legendary Kallooppara St Mary's Church. There are no clear evidence of the origin of the church but it is believed that the church had the same age as the origin of Edappally dynasty. The Christians coming from Manimala, Vaipur and Kottangal who were once the members of the Great Kallooppara Church, established Vaipur St. Mary's Church 600 years ago.

The study of the archaeology department reveals that church was constructed in the 2nd millennium. The sculpture and figure carved in wood indicates the church's age. Some letters carved on the slab of holy place of the church also traces back to the origin of the church. Though the letters have faded out, they are believed to be of the earlier century

Though the Christians devotees of Kallooppara claims their roots to the first century, history dates their arrival and settlement at Kallooppara only from the 9th century onwards. Most of them migrated from Christian centers like Kuravilangad, Vaikom, and Kadambanad.

One of the oldest family is Aruveedan, who built the oldest church in Kallooppara (St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, Kallooppara).

It is commonly believed that the founding stone of the present church was laid on Malayalam month Karkadakam 3rd of 515 (1339 AD).

Abraham Thomas Valiyaveetil Tharayil: the Aaruveedan family, which existed in Kalloopara for over 1000 years, had the privilege of building and maintaining this historic church for over 750 years, prior to the time of Adangapurathu family's establishment. The Aaruveedan family stood courageously for the existence of this church despite of many obstacles as a result of religious riots and conflicts up until 1750 AD.

They were members of the governing body (Executive Committee) of Marthamariam Syrian Church of Kallooppara along with representatives of Aaruveedans, Adangapurath Tharayil, Kallor, Cheruvloor, Peralummood and Mudiyil families and diligently and honesty worked for the church in its various activities.

Kallooppara was once governed by the Royalties of the Thekkumkoor Dynasty and Edappally Thampurans. The old 'Vemolinad' was separated into 'Vadakumkoor' and 'Thekkumkoor' in 1100 AD. Kottayam, Chenganacherry, Thiruvalla, Kanjirapally, and some places of high range were included in Thekkumkoor kingdom.

Kallooppara was under the control of the Thekkumkoor dynasty. There used to be a Kalari (training center for material arts) at Kallooppara. The famous Kalari was known as Thekkumkoor fort.

The Thekkumkoor army camped here and it was risky for the enemy to attack them. The King had many close friends in Kallooppara and its surroundings, it is said. The Old Nair Lord Family at Koipuram in Eraviperoor was in close touch with the Kings. It was this Nair Lord family who had great influence on the king could inspire him to donate Kallooppara sub-division to Edappally dynasty.

As the withdrawal of Thekkumkoor kings, Kallooppara came under the Edappally dynasty, which is also known as Elangalloor Swaroopam.

The Edappally dynasty has the history of elevation of a temple priest to the royal position of a King. The founder of the Edappally dynasty was a priest of Thrikkakara temple according to the historical evidence and proverbs.

By bus
Kallooppara is well connected by road network to state highways. The nearest KSRTC bus stations are Mallappally and Thiruvalla. From Mallappally (5 km away), there are road transport services to Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram and Pathanamthitta Districts.

Since Thiruvalla (8 km away) is on the State Highway (M.C. Road), there are long distance State Transport Services available to almost all parts of Kerala. Direct buses are available to Bangalore and Tamilnadu. KSRTC Bus Station: Thiruvalla: 0469-2602945, 2601345, Mallappally: 0469-2785080.

By train
The nearest railway station is in Thiruvalla (8 km).

Most of the express trains stop here as it is the only station in Pathanamthitta District. Trains advanced booking is available M-Sa 8AM-5PM. Auto rickshaws and taxis are available at the station. Negotiate the charges before you hire a vehicle. Also, beware of ticket reservation agents.

Railway station enquiries: Online IVR: 1331, Thiruvalla: 0469-2601314, Chengannur: 0479-2452340, Changanacherry: 0481-2420108, Kottayam: 0481-2563535.

By plane
Kochi International Airport, Nedumpaserry, is 135 km away (via Alapuzha) and Trivandrum International Airport is 130 km away.

Air India ticket booking office is at Ramanchira in Thiruvalla,. There are many travel agencies operated at Thiruvalla.

By boat
Boat Services by KSWTC is available from Changanacherry, Chenganoor and Thiruvalla (Pulikeezhu) to Kuttanadu and Alapuzha.

Sleep
There are few good private lodges available in Thiruvalla. Also there is a Government Rest House. There is a cloak room in Thiruvalla Railway Station.

Connect

 * Postal facilities. There is a post office in Kallooppara. Also, there are few small post offices in the panchayat. However, the general post office is in Thiruvalla Town. Pincode for Kallooppara - 689583.

title: Kallooppara


text:
Kalmar

Kalmar is a city in the Småland province in southeastern Sweden, with 38,000 inhabitants. It is located on the coast of the Baltic sea, and is the seat of the municipality. Kalmar kommun, the city, has 67,000 citizens, and the county Kalmar län with some 233,000 inhabitants.

Understand
Kalmar is one of the oldest Swedish cities, and traces of settlements from the Iron Age have been found. Recorded history goes back to the year 1027, and the foundation of the Kalmar Union, which ruled all the Nordic Countries during the 14th and 15th centuries. The port of Kalmar, was important for the country's and the region's trade. The major exports via this trade was iron, tar, and wood.

The Kalmar Union unraveled in the late 16th century but the city was still important to Sweden. After the Treaty of Roskilde in 1658, the strategic importance of Kalmar gradually diminished as the borders of Sweden were redrawn further south causing Kalmar to lose its status as one of Sweden's main military outposts. Kalmar Castle then fell into disuse. Serious renovation efforts on the castle began before WWII, but was put on pause during it. Renovations resumed later in the 20th century, and has restored the castle to its current state.

In Kalmar, the Öland Bridge connects Öland to mainland Sweden.

By train
There are direct trains from Copenhagen, via Copenhagen Airport and Malmö as well as trains from Gothenburg. From Stockholm, a change of trains in Alvesta or Linköping is required. is just a few blocks from the central square.

By plane
Flying to Stockholm (Skavsta) is another option, and driving down the E22. have connections from Stockholm Arlanda Airport.

By ship
Kalmar has a beautiful harbour with good facilities for the visitor. Occasionally cruise ships call at Kalmar.

Get around
You can walk to all interesting locations. The city center is relatively small, with two main squares. On one you find the cathedral (Domkyrkan) and the other is called Larmtorget. From the second one, you can walk to the Baronen shopping centre. You can also rent canoes at the low cost hotel Svanen, and you can paddle your way around the centre, which is an island.

Driving in the city center is a challenge as there are many one way streets, and the street signs have many caveats which are written out in Swedish only. Free parking is virtually non-existent, and paid parking requires an app to be installed on your phone in many cases. Some paid parking lots may have an automated machine where you can pay for parking, but getting US credit cards accepted is a matter of luck. If you are travelling into Kalmar from another city, take the train!

Do
Kalmar is an interesting town in many ways. The town was established in 12th century and the old city wall is still well preserved. The Kalmar Castle dates back to the year 1160 A.D and the tower of the castle was continuously expanded in the 13th century. Beside the castle, there is a very peaceful city park.

This town is connected to the island of Öland by a bridge, which used to be Europe's longest (6 km). Kalmar is about 45 minutes away (by car) from the Glass Kingdom (Glasriket) where the famous works of Orrefors, Kosta Boda, Nybro, Pukeberg, Målerås are located. Kalmar has a football team, Kalmar FF, that won the Swedish cup in 2007. They play in the highest division, the Allsvenskan. You can watch them play at Kalmar Arena. Newly constructed and opened in 2010.

Buy
The past couple of years many shopping malls and establishments have opened in Kalmar. The main shopping areas are
 * the city centre has many small shops
 * the city centre has many small shops
 * the city centre has many small shops
 * the city centre has many small shops

In the museum Länsmuséet you can buy many Christmas articles, some made after designs by Jenny Nyström, a famous Swedish artist born in Kalmar.

Sleep
Hotell Kalmar has info on all hotels in Kalmar.

Connect

 * Turistbyrån has Internet for 20 SEK. This is for a total of 24 hours usage to be used within 3 months and is wireless, so you need your own phone/laptop or iPad. Very cheap and fast, though only useful if you are visiting the wharf as it does not reach much more than within a 1 km radius.

Go next
Kalmar is a good starting point to experience the Swedish east coast. Swebusexpress runs between Kalmar and Karlskrona regularly and the cost of this bus trip is low. It is also possible to travel to another elegant and relaxing summer resort in the east cost, Västervik. The local bus goes to Borgholm in Öland island and it takes approximately one hour.

If you want to experience the inland of Småland nearby cities include Vimmerby, the home town of Astrid Lindgren and the epicentre of Astrid Lindgren tourism, and Eksjö, a well preserved historical wooden town.

title: Kalmar


text:
Kalmykia

Kalmykia is a republic in Southern Russia and is the only Buddhist area of Europe. 20% of the Kalmykia's land is national reserves, parks and hunting plots. Kalmykia borders Astrakhan Oblast to the northeast, the Caspian Sea to the east, Dagestan to the south, Stavropol Krai to the southwest, Rostov Oblast to the west and Volgograd Oblast to the north.

Cities

 * — the capital and Kalmykia's only "city"
 * — located near the Caspian Sea.
 * — located on the Volga River, Tsagan Aman is a popular fishing area and a fast developing spa-resort
 * — located near the Caspian Sea.
 * — located on the Volga River, Tsagan Aman is a popular fishing area and a fast developing spa-resort
 * — located on the Volga River, Tsagan Aman is a popular fishing area and a fast developing spa-resort

Other destinations

 * Yashalta Salt Lake — located between Berezovoe and Solenoye villages of Yashalta district, it is known in Kalmykia for its therapeutic values. The administration of Yashalta district and republican authorities are planning to open a balneo-resort on Yashalta Salt Lake. Yashalta was founded by Estonian settlers in 1877.
 * Chess-City — an administrative unit within Elista, it often serves as a venue for multiple international chess events. The Chess-City complex also hosts meetings of Russian state officials as well as Russian school olympiads.
 * "Black Lands" Biosphere Reserve — a nature reserve situated on the territory of Chernozemelsky and Yashkulsky districts. It is a refuge for ancient saiga antelopes.
 * Lola Horse Farm — situated not far from Elista in the quiet village of Lola — produces kumys (see Drink). During the Soviet era, this horse farm and adjoining clinic for respiratory treatment was very popular among communist party bosses, who visited from Moscow, Saint Petersburg and from other faraway places in Soviet Union.
 * The Golden Abode of the Buddha Shakyamuni — a Buddhist Temple finished in 2005, located in the centre of Elista with the biggest statue of Buddha in Europe.
 * Säküsn-Süme (Хурул «Сәкүсн-сүме») — the second largest but oldest khurul in Kalmykia, located 6 km north of the capital (closed for visitors most of time).
 * The Ergeni Hills are located in the northern part of Kalmykia. Different from the sandy dunes and steppe regions of central and eastern part, the Ergeni Hills are the only place to find some woods in the republic. Ergeni landscape area is filled with numerous heights, ravines, spring streams, and water-bearing sands. Popular for its mineral medicinal and fresh subsoil waters, the Ergeni Hills are also home to endangered fish species and Kalmyk medicinal plants. In addition, it is the highest point in the republic which rises to 218 metres above the sea level.
 * The Sarpa Lakes — right next to the Ergeni Hills, in the north-central part of Kalmykia freshwater lakes called the Sarpa are dispersed. The Sarpa Lakes include lake of Sarpa 42,6 sq.km, lake Barmanzak 25,8 sq.km, lake Tsagan-Nur 23,5 sq.km, and lake Batur-Mala 21,9 sq.km. Not only it is a picturesque wild scenery of Kalmyk flora and fauna, but also a perfect place for hunting and fishing.
 * Buddhist temples and monasteries  - There are 30 khuruls in the republic. The smaller sacred memorials or stupa are dedicated to good events.
 * Bamb-TseTsg (Tullip) - National Nature Park. Founded in 1991 it includes over 500 hectares of grass and tulip fields of red (mostly), white, yellow and violet colour.

Understand
Kalmykia (also known as "European Mongolia") is one of the poorest regions of Russia, where unemployment is high, wages are low ($ 150-200) and the standard of living is generally low. There is very little industry here, and agriculture is also poorly developed due to the lifeless steppes, very cold winters and dry summers. Many residents of this republic leave for other regions of Russia in search of a better life and for earnings.

History
In antiquity the region was home to nomadic tribes, including Khazars, and later was the north-western corner of the Mongol Empire. Being a historical crossroads on the steppe route to Asia, one branch of the Silk Road, the region had its section east to the Caspian coast.

The Western Mongol Kalmyk tribes, also called Oirats, migrated across Central Asia from an ancestral home around Xinjiang, China and southeastern Kazakhstan and eventually arrived in Southern Russia, displacing the Tatars of the Astrakhan Khanate. Originally an independent khanate, Kalmykia's independence was slowly chipped away and it was eventually assimilated into the Russian Empire.

As more than half of Kalmyks are followers of Tibetan Buddhism, the country is often referred to as the only Buddhist country in Europe. Sadly, nearly all of Kalmykia's beautiful khuruls (Kalmyk Buddhist temples) as well as all Christian churches were demolished under Stalin's massive campaign of cultural vandalism. Under German occupation all Jews of Elista were exterminated. Later in 1943 Stalin deported the entire population of Kalmyks to Kazakhstan and Siberia. The inappropriate agriculture along with previous collectivization caused erosion and desertification. Those Kalmyks who survived the brutal deportation and exile were finally allowed to return home in 1957, under Khruschev. But despite these hardships, Kalmykia's khuruls are being rebuilt, and the people remain, and merit a visit.

Present day Kalmykia garnered some press attention for the excesses of its former flamboyant and dictatorial president Ilyumzhinov. Ilyumzhinov, a former Kalmyk statesman in the USSR and president of the World Chess Federation, led Kalmykia since the break up of the Soviet Union, but failed to deliver on rather grandiose promises to turn Kalmykia into a "Caspian Kuwait" in which there would be "a mobile phone for every shepherd." He, however, turned Elista into the claimed chess capital of the world by building a small district of Elista known as "City Chess" and by hosting successive chess championships in the capital.

One of Europe's poorest and most underdeveloped regions, and with one of the highest birthrates in Russia. It has a growing private food production sector. Livestock raising and processing remains the main economic activity and there is also some fishing and arable farming. Oil-production contributed significantly to the economic revival. The official GDP growth in the republic was 2% in 2010.

Religion
Besides Vajrayana Buddhists and Orthodox Christians, there are smaller communities of Muslims, Catholics and Protestants.

Talk
Although the traditional language of the Kalmyk majority is Kalmyk, a language related to Mongolian, it is mainly older people who speak it natively, while younger people usually speak Russian as their native language (although they are taught Kalmyk in school). Nowadays just a few villages are mainly Kalmyk-speaking by all generations. Russian is spoken and understood everywhere - although not by some of the very oldest Kalmyks.

Get in
The Republic of Kalmykia is a part of the Russian Federation. Therefore, when planning your trip to Kalmykia, you should apply for a Russian visa.

By plane
The

By train
All train connections to Elista have been cancelled. If once resumed, the only way to get there by train is through Stavropol, thence it would take a lot of time. The most convenient way is travel to Volgograd by train then on to Elista by an express minibus (marshrutka), which are cheap.

By bus
Several private companies operate a daily bus service between Moscow and Elista. The pickup point in Moscow is Luzhniki Stadium. A one-way ticket costs about 1000RUR.

Itineraries
In addition to the sights within the present boundaries of the Republic of Kalmykia, worth visiting in Astrakhan oblast is one of the few remaining pre-revolutionary Buddhist Temples (under restoration but disused so far) in the village of Rechnoe on the left (east) bank of the Volga. It was founded in honour of Kalmyks fought against Napoleon and later was visited by novelist Alexander Dumas. To its north is Mount Bogdo (Great), revered by Buddhist Kalmyks, and with many fossils in its rocks. To its south the sacred lotus of the Buddhist Kalmyks can be seen growing in the waters of the Volga delta. These objects are inside the Nature reserve.

In Rostov Oblast here are some settlements previously occupied mainly by the newer Buzaf clan of traditionally more russified and christianised Kalmyks who were also Cossacks. They were not allowed to reoccupy this area after their return from deportation.

In Stavropol krai to the south lies the spa resort of Yessentuki (Kalmyk: "Ten Flags") in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, near Europe's highest peak, Mont Elbrus. In the European part of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the town of Kalmykovo, looking across the Ural River at Asia.

And if you cross Kazakhstan to its border with China, you can meet the Oirats, living in Dzhungaria, part of Xingjiang province. They are those Kalmyks who did not wish to remain in Kalmykia when it was incorporated into the Russian Empire, so they returned home. All these places occupy a small part of the former Kalmyk Empire that stretched from the Great Wall of China to the River Don in Europe, and from the forests of Siberia in the north to Tibet and the Himalayas in the south.

Do

 * The republic's national sport is, by the will of the former President Ilyumzhinov, chess and locals play throughout school. It is relatively easy to join a game in the parks.
 * Fishing, hunting.
 * Attend a performance of traditional Kalmyk dance
 * Horseback riding
 * Tullip-watching lasts from the end of April till the first week of May, when the steppes is being covered with wild red flowers

Eat

 * Berk — Kalmyk traditional dumplings are larger and contain more meat than your average meat dumplings
 * Bortsg — Kalmyk traditional frybread
 * Makahan — Kalmyk dry horse meat sausage
 * Makhan sheltagan — Kalmyk traditional soup, contains a lot of meat and potato.
 * Kuyr
 * Dotur - lamb meat and haslet
 * Bortsoki - cookies

Drink
Traditional Kalmyk drinks bear some similarity to those found in Mongolia, but are unique to the region. Try:

 * Dzhomba — milk tea with salt (the so called Kalmyk tea served and drank in a certain ceremony)
 * Kumys — a sour horse milk that is considered a cure for respiratory diseases like tuberculosis, asthma, etc.
 * Araka — a milk vodka

Sleep
With tourism on the rise, travellers will have no difficulty finding good accommodation in Elista, although accommodations outside of the capital may be scarce or of lesser quality. It may be possible (and extremely rewarding) to arrange homestays in rural areas by asking around town or village centres.

Stay safe
Due to poverty and a mixed Buddhist-Orthodox Christian mentality, the crime rate in Kalmykia is slightly higher in Russia.

Stay healthy
Kalmykia is known for its sunny weather and fresh air. However, visitors are advised not to drink tap water due to the high content of minerals and salt. Otherwise, Kalmykia offers a healthy environment, and delicious and fresh food — mutton and beef being specialties, also Caspian caviar, prized as far away as Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

 * From April till October stay sun-protected.
 * Swimming in the salt lake is prohibited for more than 20 min. because of the risks of skin problems.

title: Kalmykia


text:
KaloChorio Istron

KaloChorio Istron  is a village in the Lasithi Prefecture region of Crete.

Get in
KaloChorio Istron (Crete) is about 40 miles from Herakleion Airport (HER). The journey time is 45 - 60 minutes by car or taxi.

By Bus
Local bus service with modern air conditioned buses.

By Ferry
Major ferry lines operate to the port of Herakleion, connecting with bus services at the main bus station near to the port. Ferries run directly to Agios Nikolaos via LANE lines from Pireaus and Rhodes. Frequent ferry lines operate to the port of Sitia as well.

By plane
The distance from Heraklion Airport to KaloChorio Istron is about 64 km and from Sitia airport 67 km.

Get around
By bus: Local bus service with modern air conditioned buses.

Elounda, Kritsa, Agios Nikolaos, Sitia, Heraklion (and from there, Knossos), Malia and Hersonnisos are easily accessed with a regular bus service which is very good value.

Scooters: Readily available. Wearing of crash helmets is compulsory. Do not ruin your holiday by receiving a large fine.

Quads: Not designed for use on road. Cause traffic congestion and impatience leading to many accidents and occasional deaths. Think very carefully before hiring one and using it on the roads.

Car hire: You will not normally need a 4 x 4 to negotiate the roads, most of which are sealed. Some places and rental properties are less accessible. Beware of damage to the underside of the hire car on rough tracks.

Taxis: Excellent value. Invariably will be a large, clean and air-conditioned Mercedes. Most drivers speak basic English and have none of the bad habits of many Med taxi drivers (loud local music, smoking en route, etc.)

See
There are boat trips up the coast to see Barbarossa's cave and the old leper colony (formerly a Venetian fortress) of Spinalonga, which are fascinating and amazing value (do not spend more than €10, there is no need) and usually include an ocean swim.

Do
Go to the Golden Beach, a long golden sandy beach. Perfect for a cooling paddle if the heat gets too much. About a 10 minute walk from anywhere in KaloChorio. Or visit the beautiful Silver Sands Beach with its picturesque church at one end. If it is windy, consider the amazingly private and long pebble beach rather than the two sand beaches.

Buy

 * Locally produced fruit and vegetables are available at all supermarkets in the village. The tomatoes are superb. Or visit the local bakery for some fresh cheese pies.
 * Thyme honey. The bees here take the pollen from thyme and the subtle flavour is transferred to the honey.

Eat
There is a good selection of restaurants and tavernas in the village, catering to all tastes.

Drink
Generally there are a few cafes and bars in KaloChorio, but don't expect a throbbing nightlife scene; expect a quiet traditional affair, where locals, tourists and ex-pats all meet and enjoy nights out together.

If you enjoy sport coverage, the small but friendly "Commotions Bar" is on the main road.

title: KaloChorio Istron


text:
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is on the Kona coast of the island of Hawai'i. The purpose of the park is to preserve, interpret, and perpetuate traditional native Hawaiian activities, values, and culture, and to demonstrate historic land use patterns. The park is under development.

See
The park contains hundreds of archaeological features. The most obvious are the three ancient fish ponds:
 * `Ai`opio Fishtrap
 * `Aimakapa Fishpond
 * Kaloko Fishpond

Do
Several short hiking trails exist in the park. These include:

Ala Kahakai

Ala Mauka-Makai
 * Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is a 175-mile-long (280 km) historic trail that covers most of the circumference of the island of Hawai'i. While most of it is not available to the public, about 2.3 km of the trail is available for hiking within Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park.

Ala Hu'e Hu'e

Ala Kahiko

Ala Mamalahoa


text:
Kalona

Kalona is a small town in Eastern Iowa of about 2500 residents.

Understand
There is no larger Amish Mennonite settlement west of the Mississippi than Kalona. The town embellishes this fact, with special consideration given to these settlers and an economy geared toward supporting the Old Order Amish Mennonite way of life.

Get in
From I-80, drop south on U.S. 218/IA-27 and then take IA-1 south to Kalona. From the south, take 218/27 and until IA-22 East.

Do

Buy
Hand crafted furniture, many created by Amish craftsmen, quilts and antiques dominate Main Street.

Eat
Kalona is known for baked goods, many of them made in Amish kitchens, bakeries or restaurants.

Connect
Local area code is 319.

title: Kalona