Sikkim - Paradise of Botanists
Sikkim, a northeast Indian state, is a landlocked region lying amidst the Himalayan mountain ranges. The name of Sikkim implies �Goodly Region�, also refers to �one of the fortified place�. The state shares international borders with Nepal in its west, China's Tibet Autonomous Region in its north and east, and Bhutan in its southeast. It borders Indian state of West Bengal in its south.
Having around 7,096 sq km (2,740 sq mile) of area, the second smallest Indian state houses over 607,000 inhabitants and becomes least populous state in the country. Securing unique culture, ideal natural landscape, lakes, hill stations and wildlife amidst Himalayas, and biodiversity, the state is a very popular Indian tourist destination. Its land border opens only between India and China.
Having around 7,096 sq km (2,740 sq mile) of area, the second smallest Indian state houses over 607,000 inhabitants and becomes least populous state in the country. Securing unique culture, ideal natural landscape, lakes, hill stations and wildlife amidst Himalayas, and biodiversity, the state is a very popular Indian tourist destination. Its land border opens only between India and China.
How to Reach
- Air: Sikkim�s nearest airport is Bagdogra in North Bengal, 124 km from Gangtok, the state capital, receiving flights from Calcutta, Delhi, Patna, Imphal and Guwahati.
- Rail:Its nearest railheads are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri, 114 km and 126 km respectively, from Gangtok.
- Road:Gangtok is well networked by road with Calcutta (721 km), Darjeeling (139 km), Guwahati (589 km) and Patna (584 km).
Best Time to Visit
- Sikkim faces summers during March to May, with wintry and humid weather, since it rains most of the time.
- Monsoon stays here from late-June to early-September, resulting in landslide all around the Sikkim.
- Winters remain in the state from October to February, with chilly weather.
Sikkim is a year round destination with beautiful lakes, hill stations and wildlife. Sikkim receives regular snowfall throughout the year. The summer season and the time just before beginning of the winters can be chosen to visit the destination. The periods from March to June and September to December are the best time to visit Sikkim.
Major Attractions
Blessed immense natural beauty, Sikkim possesses many grand monasteries, temples, stupas and lush greenery as well as room for adventure sports. The list of its popular attractions includes :- Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa) : This Stupa was constructed by Trulshi Rimpoche, the head ruler of Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism school of thought, in 1945.
- Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology : Nationally acclaimed centre of Tibetan Studies and Research is popular for its huge collection of exceptional Buddhist books, manuscripts and over 200 Buddhist icons.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden : Situated at an altitude ranging between 1,800 meters to 2,200 meters, Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, founded in 1987, is 24 km from the capital city Gangtok.
- International Flower Festival : Much popular among tourists, this flower show of different varieties of flowers, orchids and other rare plants is organized every summer during the peak flowering season.
- Orchid Sanctuary : Located just below the Institute of Tibetology, the Orchid Sanctuary is popular for its rare and extensive collection of orchids with almost 454 species of orchids.
Fairs and Festivals
- Maghe Sankranti Mela
- Bumchu
- Losar
- Saga Dawa
- Pang Lhabsol
- Tendong Lho Rum Faat
- Dasain
- Tihaar
- Losoong Festival