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Sikkim The Land Of Peace & Tranquility

Keeping Darjeeling tourism as the base, nature lovers can visit the Mountain Kingdom of Sikkim. Sikkim is an all-year Indian tourism destination, offering low altitude trekking opportunities in winter and higher-level excursions during the spring, summer and autumn months. Kanchendzonga National Park, Fabong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, half a dozen beautiful Lakes and 200 odd monasteries makes Sikkim a naturalist's delight and a perfect destination for vacations in quest of enchantment, tranquility or adventure.

Sikkim - Sikkim is the 22nd state of the Indian Union from 16th may 1975 recognized by all Nation except China. In 2003 Sikkim was finally recognized to be a part of India by the Chinese government. Long sequestered in the lap of the Himalayas, sandwiched between Nepal Bhutan and Tibet lays a small stretch of rugged land, 114 kms from the north to south and 64 kms from east to west (40 miles by 70 miles), the elevation ranges from 300 mts to over 8540 mts above sea level. Nathula pass is assessable from Sikkim. The name Nathu literally means "listening ears", and La means "Pass" in Tibetan. Nathula Pass is a mountain pass on the Indo-China border connecting the Indian state of Sikkim with Yadong County on the southern border of Tibet. The erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim - now a state of India. Sikkim provides a wide potential in tourism that has yet largely remained unexploited. The perennially snow-capped mountains, lush green tropical and temperate forests, gurgling streams and the rich flora and fauna are a tourist paradise. With valleys ranging from only a few hundred meters above sea level to some of the highest peaks of the Himalaya, the tiny state has an incredible range of flora and fauna. Majestic peaks, dense foothill forests, the frothing rivers and the lush paddy fields make it a hotbed of bio-diversity not found anywhere else. Sikkim has four districts.

Connectivity

Connectivity in kilometer from Gangtok

By Air - Bagdogra Airport (IXB) - 124 kilometers,
By Rail - New Jalpaiguri (NJP) - 148 kilometers (4 hours),
By Road - Siliguri (SNT OR TNB) - 114 kms, Darjeeling - 94 kms, Pelling - 117 kms and Kalimpong - 75 kms.

Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong, Mirik, Sikkim and all other tourist spots are interlinked with National Highways and each road basically reaches south to the town of Siliguri. The City of Siliguri with Bagdogra Airport / Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus / New Jalpaiguri Railway station is the nodal point to Darjeeling, Sikkim, Kalimpong along with the North Eastern States like Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh etc. and neighbouring countries like Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Bangladesh etc.

Flora and Fauna - Sikkim's botanical and zoological richness is inspiring, boasting of more than 3500 species of plants and 30 per cent of all the birds found in the Indian sub-continent. Dr. J. Hooker surveyed in detail the botanical wealth in Sikkim and his findings were embodied in the publication 'Himalayan Journal' that is still considered as an authoritative document. Dr. Salim Ali an ornithologist has given a detailed account on birds in his book 'The birds of Sikkim'. Due to its popularity there are many books available on the flora & fauna of Sikkim. 35 species of rhododendrons grow in temperate and alpine regions, their flowering from May to August colors hillsides.

Butterflies - Out of the total of about 1400 butterflies recorded from the Indian sub-continent almost 50% of the butterflies are recorded from Sikkim. Other than the flowers, orchids, exotic flora and fauna Sikkim is also famous for its moths and butterflies. Here Butterflies’ catching is treated as criminal activity and one can be behind bars up to ten years. Most of the butterflies and moths found in Sikkim are endangered species.

Rivers - Teesta is the main river and its main tributaries are Zemu, Lachung, Rangyong, Dikchu, Rongli, Rangpo and Rangit.The path taken by the river is one of the most scenic routes in this part of the hills.

People & Lifestyle - The people of this place are warm and fun loving and they welcome visitors with warmth and hospitality. Communities, Cultures, Religions and Customs of different hues intermingle freely here in Sikkim to constitute a homogeneous blend. Feel the peace and quiet of being one with nature and close to the almighty as sacred words mingle with the whirring prayer wheels. The predominant communities are the Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese. Buddhism, the major religion in the state, arrived from Tibet in the 13th century. It took its distinctive Sikkimese form four centuries later.

Monasteries in Sikkim - Sikkim's boost of nearly about 200 monasteries or Gompas belonging to the Nyingma and Kagyu order have not only been influencing the cultural heritage and lifestyle of the people, but also demonstrates the ancient rituals and practice.

Adventure in Sikkim - The perfect destination for vacations in quest of enchantment, serenity or adventure is this tiny state of India. A jewel embedded in snow clad mountains, Sikkim is a primeval land that is unlike anywhere else. Trekking and Rafting are two of the most sought after leisure.

" An inviting
Tibetan-themed place
with exceptionally
friendly service and
clean.
- The Lonely Planet"

"Extensive, well-run
hotel with comfortable
airy rooms. Exchange
facilities and credit
cards are accepted
for un-discounted rooms;
there is a cheaper
annexe up the road.
- Roughguides.com"