SIKKIM is one of India’s smallest, newest (incorporated into the Indian Union in 1975), and the highest state. Sikkim, wedged in between Nepal and Bhutan which bound it west and east, and the vast Tibetan plateau which encloses it in the north, lies at the foot of the mighty
Khangchendzonga, the world’s third highest mountain. The state has beautiful land lush
landscape, elevation ranges from 244 meters
where the mountain begins, to the lofty peaks over 8000 meters.The rugged mountain scenery of Sikkim has unique geographical features. From certain vantage points, a single sweeping gaze can cover habitat almost at sea level altitudes, terraces fields carved from hillsides, densely forest ridges, and dazzling snows, towering and luminous peaks. Such a dramatic terrain is a spontaneous host to incredibly varied species from the natural world, a variety which covers “the lichens of the poles and palm of the tropics”. It is home to many rare animals and plants. The red panda, the Himalayan bear, the snow leopard and Yak are some of them. There are about 600 varieties of birds and more than 600 species of butterflies. One third is covered by forests containing plants now collected for their medical value.Gangtok (1500 m.) meaning “Hilltop”, is the capital of Sikkim and has a population of around hundred and fifty thousands. First established in 1716, Gangtok has lost its original architectural style with the pagoda-like wooden houses and painted turquoise roofs, which is replaced by high rising modern buildings and colorful bazaars. High above the town on a ridge that commands magnificent views of the Himalayas, is the most arresting and important building in Gangtok, the Tsuklakhang.
It is a royal Gompa (monastery) of the former Chogyals (Kings) of Sikkim. It has an elegant structure in traditional Sikkimese style, carved and painted woodwork, superb murals, thanks and precious Buddhist treasures While in Gangtok, you can visit the Flower show all round the year with varieties of Orchids and various seasonal flowers. Research Institute of Tibetology, which is established for research in the Mahayana Buddhism as well as the language and traditions of Tibet. Visits to the Chorten, Secretariat building, Tashi view point, Enchey monastery in the morning and Rumtek monastery is must in the afternoon. Rumtek monastery is a splendid example of Tibetan monastic art, traditional architecture, intricately carved and painted woodwork. Rumtek is now the residence of His Holiness (the reincarnate) and the headquarters of Dharma Chakra Religion Center.
The Lepchas are the oldest inhabitants of Sikkim. These tribal people migrated to Sikkim around 13th. Century. Now, the population is mixed, comprising of the Nepalese, Bhutanese and Indians. They give a colorful cultural atmosphere to the state, with festivals the whole year round.Gangtok, for many years isolated from the foreigners, still maintains the old-world Shangri-la atmosphere. The charm of the Sikkimese, the elegance of their costume, the gentle pace of their lifestyle and the magic of the Khangchendzonga mountain range, makes Gangtok
one of the most delightful places in the foot-hills of the Himalayas.
DARJEELING
Darjeeling, the Queen of the Hills, lie as if posing for a picture with the mighty Khangchendzonga range at its background. Darjeeling derives its name from the Scepter of Lord Indra “Dorjee” which is supposed to have fallen in this place “ling”. Darjeeling is amaze of steps, terraces and narrow winding roads always going up and down. Until 1814 part of Sikkim, when the Raja (King) of Sikkim ceded it to the East India Company in exchange for protection, it then became a famous hill station. It is studded with exotic little bazaars, lovely villas, forests, gardens and of course, the aroma of the rich Darjeeling tea cannot be missed.
Darjeeling boasts the highest railway station in the world, connecting it with Siliguri. The famous Himalayan Mountaineering Institute displays equipment used by famous mountaineers, Hitler’s Observatory is a powerful telescope. The Tibetan refugee self-help center offers Tibetan handicraft and carpets. Natural History Museum displays a comprehensive collection of the local fauna.The name of Darjeeling at once conjures thoughts of the rich aroma and the sharp taste of “good tea”. Since 1850, tea has been the major industry in Darjeeling and the “best teas” comes from his district. If one were to visit Darjeeling, one would realize the obvious reasons.
It is internationally acclaimed as one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world.The alpine habitat of Darjeeling abounds in orchards, orange groves, medicinal herbs, over four thousand species of flowering plants, ferns and orchids. Rare birds, animals, butterflies are other attractions. During your stay in Darjeeling, you will ride up to Tiger Hill, visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, ropeway across the tea gardens, venture into the monasteries, roam in the Botanical Garden, watch hand-knitted carpets being made at the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center. Or, just stroll around the exotic little bazaars ooking for bargains, for Yak trails and Nepalese Khukuris.
Trekking in the Himalayas is also a wonderful option.Darjeeling is home for the Nepalese, Sharpas, Tibetans. They are friendly, ever smiling, hospitable, gregarious people. The presence of the multiracial community provides a rich cultural base and varieties of foods. Festivals are, therefore, present throughout the year.The best months to travel are March to June and September to mid-January. Temperatures during these months vary from a minimum of 0 degrees to 20 degrees centigrade
