Sikkim
Travel to Sikkim, an enticing state of North East India, in order to explore the
culture and heritage of the landscape that entices many travellers from all over
the world. Tour the landscape of Sikkim and make your travel an enchanting
experience.This jewel -like mountain state of ethereal beauty with an area of
7299 Sq. kilometres, nestles in the heart of the Himalayas.Wrapped in mists and
clouds. A garden state with an incredible variety of orchids, rhododendrons,
gladioli and a host of other flowers. Rustling, tumbling streams and torrents.
Mountain monasteries and quaint shopping plazas. The beautiful hill state of
Sikkim lies on the Eastern tip of the Himalayas bordered by Bhutan, Nepal an
Tibet.
Sikkim The land of mighty Kanchenjunga. A holiday land with few equals anywhere.
This jewel -like mountain state of ethereal beauty with an area of 7299 Sq.
kilometres, nestles in the heart of the Himalayas.Wrapped in mists and clouds. A
garden state with an incredible variety of orchids, rhododendrons, gladioli and
a host of other flowers. Rustling, tumbling streams and torrents. Mountain
monasteries and quaint shopping plazas
India's 22nd State lies in one of
the most enthralling regions of the Himalayas. This hidden peaceful land of rice
cultivation, called "Bayul Demojong" by the local people, is inhabited by
Nepalis, Lepchas, Bhutias, Tibetans and Marwaris.
Getting There :
- By Air: Nearest airport Bagdogra (124 km). Taxis Private taxis are available at the airport and Siliguri for transpor to Gangtok.
- By Rail: Nearest railhead New Jalnaiour (125 km) Reserve rail tickets at the Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) bus stand counter (Tel 222014, 222131)where there is a special quota for trains at New Jalpaiguri railway station. Book well in advance. especially during the holidays.
- By Road: From Siliguri, one starts for Gangtok on NH 31 and then branches off to NH 31 A from Sevoke. 20 km from Siliguri. The main link between
Gangtok and the rest of the country is through Siliguri (110 km). One can also go to Gangtok from Darjeeling (98 km) and Kalimpong at (75 km). Driving to Gangtok from Siliguri, Kalimpong or Darjeeling is exhilarating, with the highway hugging the Teesta River for long stretches, passing through forests. On a clear day, a trip to or from Gangtok can be combined with picnics at beautiful spots en route.
Fast Facts :
- Area: 7290 sq Km
- Capital: Gangtok
- Language: Nepali
- Best time to visit: March to August
- Major Cities: Gangtok
Tourist Attractions :
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden :
Very close by to Rumtek
Monastery, and maintained by the parks and Gardens unit of the Forest Department
of the Government of Sikkim, the Garden is an enchanting and soothing experience
among the lush green vegetation, rare plants and trees and certain species of
Himalayan flowers and Orchids.
Gangtok :
Gangtok its
captivating architectural beauty radiates with pagoda-like wooden houses,
painted turquoise roofs and gay bazaars. Undoubtedly modern times have wound
their way into this picturesque town, but the gently swaying and elegant
costumes of the Sikkimese people, their smiling faces, the unhurried pace of
their life-style and the towering beauty of Kanchenjunga ..... all cast a magic
spell on this delightful location in the foothills of the grand
Himalayas.
Tsuklakhang (The
Palace Monastery) :
Located in the grounds of the palace of the former
rulers, the Chogyals of Sikkim. Built in traditionally Sikkimese style, it is
capital’s most accessible monastery and has interesting murals and images of the
Buddhist pantheon.
Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist
Studies :
Initiated by the late 16th Karmapa, the institute in housed in
the adjoining building of the Rumtek Monastery. The Jamyang Khang Primary School
meant for 5 years of primary monastic studies is also located here.
Permanent Flower Show :
White Hall, Close by the White Memorial
Hall and just below the Palace Ridge park is the more recent Flower Show Hall.
In recent years this show has become quite popular and famous as there are
flower exhibitions throughout the year in accordance with the seasons and the
flowers in bloom.
Enchey Monastery :
An important seat
of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery meaning the Solitary temple, was
originally built with the solace that no other construction would be allowed
near it is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master
known for his flying powers. This 200-year-old Monastery has in its premises
images of god, goddesses and other religious objects. Every year around January
'Chaam' or religious masked dance is performed with great fanfare for two days.
it is situated adjoining the Sinolchu Tourist Lodge, 3 kms from Gangtok Town.
Orchid Sanctuary :
Just below the Institute of Tibetology, it is a very specialized garden.
According to Government Department, there are over 200 species of temperate and
intermediate type orchids. Such orchids are best seen during the blooming season
of April-May, July-August and October-November.
Orchidarium :
In spite of its name, this is essentially a botanical garden in a green
and landscaped fold in the hills. Paths wind down past streams, tree ferns and
flower beds. At the bottom are enormous conservatories where masses of orchid
plants thrive in their preferred environment.
