Sikkim India

Sikkim, lies in the north eastern part of India and is located in the eastern Himalayas. This exquisite city is the ' Switzerland of the east' and is surrounded by Nepal to the west, Tibet (China) to the north, Bhutan to the west and West Bengal to the south. The city is crowned by dense forest housing diverse variety of flora like cherry, oak, chesnut, maple, pine and magnolia, rhododendrons. It also houses Mount Khanchendzonga (8534 mts). Numerous monasteries, adventure sports opportunities, and the vibrant lifestyles of the Lepchas, Bhutias are some of the attractions for the visitors to the state.

Getting There

By Air : The town of Bagdogra at a distance of 124 km from Gangtok is the nearest airport. There are regular flights to Guwahati, Kolkatta, and Delhi from Bagdogra.

By Road : Gangtok is connected by road to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Siliguri.

By Rail : The nearest railway stations from Gangtok are New Jalpaiguri (125 km) and Siliguri (144 km).

Related Accommodations

Hotels provide all the luxuries to make the stay comfortable. Visitors can have breathtaking view of mountains, varied flora, fauna and the hills from the hotels.

Ask for Hotel

Did You Know?

• Sikkim is the least populous state in India.
• TSikkim is the largest producer of cardamom in India.

Attractions

Yumthang

Well known for its beauty, this place is located 140 kms away from Gangtok at an altitude of 11,800 ft. It is a heaven for nature lovers with a splendid flora and fauna . "Tsa-Chu" or the hot spring on the left bank of Lachung Chu is popular for its curative and healing power. It look great in the month of May when whole valley is covered with rhododendron shrubs and trees.

Tendong Hill

This hill is situated near Namtse town and is a flat stretch of land at an altitude of 8530ft. Surrounded by dense forest this place was like a monastery for the buddhist Lamas who did meditation in this silent paradise From the top of the Tendong Hill, visitors can see vast landscape, plains of Bengal to the marvelous Himalayan ranges. Trekking can be enjoyed in this hill.

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden

The garden is 24 kms away from Gangtok and is situated at an altitude ranging between 1800 mtrs. to 2200 mtrs. It was established in 1987 and comprised of temperate forest. Visitors can see fifty different species of trees here.

Tsomgo Lake

Well known as the 'Source of the Lake', is located 40 kms away from Gangtok.This beautiful lake is situated at an altitude of 3780 metre and is believed to be sacred by the local people. Tourists can see differnt variety of flowers like poppies, primulas etc in the month of May to August giving superb look to the lake. This serene lake remains frozen during the winter months. Visitors can see Red Panda and varied species of birds here.

Temi Tea Garden

One and the only 'tea estate', is spread out in the hill slope of the Tendong Hill. The tea produced here enjoys International repute. Tea here are planted along steep hillsides ranging from 1,200-1,800m, visitors must visit the factory and see the tea processing methods.

Travel Facts

Area 7,096 sq.kms
Population 540,493
Climate Summer: Max. 21°C; Min. 13°C :Winter : Max. 15°C; Min. 8°C
Languages Lepcha, Bhutia, Nepali and Limbu
Best Time to Visit From March to May and October to December
Excursion Namchi (78 Kms), Singchu-thang (45 Kms)

Must Try Out

Shopping

Best buys in Sikkim include carved furniture, Lepcha weave bags, carpets, wooden and bamboo handicrafts, dresses and jewellery. A very popular buy is the 'Dragon designed gold and silver earrings.

Cuisine

In Sikkim, Momo is the mouthwatering dish made by stuffing minced meat. Gya Thuk or Thukpa( a noodle based soup with vegetables or meat), Ningro with Churpi( an alpine fern cooked with cheese), Gundruk( leaves of the mustard plant cooked along with onions and tomatos), Sael Roti( Nepali cuisine prepared by grinding a mixture of rice and water) must be relished by the visitors.