Sikkim is the land of ethereal alpine beauty
Sikkim remained as a tiny, independent kingdom for centuries before becoming a state of India in 1975. Sikkim was inhabited largely by the Lepchas and Bhutia of Tibetan origin. Its ethnic composition changed rapidly from the end of the nineteenth century due to the influx of Nepalese settlers who outnumbered Sikkim's original inhabitants.
Sikkim has few affinities with Nepal, it is mostly Tibetan in character. Even the style of the buildings shows its affinity with Tibet. A large number of Buddhist monasteries dot the region, including the magnificent Rumtek monastery and are far more prominent than Hindu temples. Although the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, has now expanded much with all modern facilities but Sikkim is still a traditional society and not an urban one. Small villages are scattered all along the length and breadth of its valleys and through the hills. Sikkim is very famous for its variety of orchids and butterflies. Cultivation of cardamom and other spices in alder groves are other traditional mans of livelihood. The state is also known for its tea and handicrafts.
One can still feel the tropical heat entering the state across the Teesta River Bridge but moving ahead to Gangtok takes to the cooler climate. Gangtok is a peaceful town spread over the hillside facing Khangchendzonga. The name Gangtok comes from the Bhutia language in which ‘gang' means flat and ‘tok' means hill. This ‘flat hill' or ‘the Ridge', was apparently the area of choice for the king's Palace, 'Tsuk-La-Khang', Sidlon's (Dewan's) quarters, 'Mintokgang', and the state secretariat, ‘Tashiling'. Flower Show is the exhibitions are held during flower blooming seasons. Spring Orchid Festival is the grandest among them. Its venue is near the White Hall below Mintokgang.
From Gangtok, tourists can go to the Rumtek monastery, a short drive away, or the Tibetology Research Institute situated just outside the town. This institute is famous for its collection manuscripts and artifacts from Sikkim and Tibet. However, the greatest attraction of Sikkim lies in its splendid mountain views and landscapes. From Yumthang in the north to the Dzongri highlands, Sikkim is a paradise.
There are many places in Sikkim that are popular among tourists like Saramsa Garden, Tashi View Point, Rabdentse Ruins, Soreng, Lachung and Yumthang villages, Guru-Dongmar and Tsogmo Lake and wildlife sanctuaries. Other than most popular Rumtek, there are many more monasteries which are worth visiting like Enchey Monastery, Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Monastery, Tashiding Monastery, Phodong Monastery, Phensang Monastery.
Sikkim has few affinities with Nepal, it is mostly Tibetan in character. Even the style of the buildings shows its affinity with Tibet. A large number of Buddhist monasteries dot the region, including the magnificent Rumtek monastery and are far more prominent than Hindu temples. Although the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok, has now expanded much with all modern facilities but Sikkim is still a traditional society and not an urban one. Small villages are scattered all along the length and breadth of its valleys and through the hills. Sikkim is very famous for its variety of orchids and butterflies. Cultivation of cardamom and other spices in alder groves are other traditional mans of livelihood. The state is also known for its tea and handicrafts.
One can still feel the tropical heat entering the state across the Teesta River Bridge but moving ahead to Gangtok takes to the cooler climate. Gangtok is a peaceful town spread over the hillside facing Khangchendzonga. The name Gangtok comes from the Bhutia language in which ‘gang' means flat and ‘tok' means hill. This ‘flat hill' or ‘the Ridge', was apparently the area of choice for the king's Palace, 'Tsuk-La-Khang', Sidlon's (Dewan's) quarters, 'Mintokgang', and the state secretariat, ‘Tashiling'. Flower Show is the exhibitions are held during flower blooming seasons. Spring Orchid Festival is the grandest among them. Its venue is near the White Hall below Mintokgang.
From Gangtok, tourists can go to the Rumtek monastery, a short drive away, or the Tibetology Research Institute situated just outside the town. This institute is famous for its collection manuscripts and artifacts from Sikkim and Tibet. However, the greatest attraction of Sikkim lies in its splendid mountain views and landscapes. From Yumthang in the north to the Dzongri highlands, Sikkim is a paradise.
There are many places in Sikkim that are popular among tourists like Saramsa Garden, Tashi View Point, Rabdentse Ruins, Soreng, Lachung and Yumthang villages, Guru-Dongmar and Tsogmo Lake and wildlife sanctuaries. Other than most popular Rumtek, there are many more monasteries which are worth visiting like Enchey Monastery, Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Monastery, Tashiding Monastery, Phodong Monastery, Phensang Monastery.
