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Sikkim
is situated amongst the highest peaks of the Eastern Himalayas, offers
visitors, nature in all its grandeur. Sikkim was an independent kingdom till 1975,
thereafter joined the
Indian Territory
to become the 22nd state of the Indian Union. Gangtok, the delightfully quaint
capital, has many buildings with pagoda like roofs, and you cannot miss the
presence of crimson robed monks in the bazaars.
It is entirely mountainous, with
one-third of the land covered with dense forests of sal, sambal and bamboo, which
are mostly inaccessible and unexploited.
The world's 3rd highest mountain
- Khangchendzongna at 28,156 ft. Amidst the high peaks nestle fabulous natural
lakes worshipped by the people of
Sikkim
and about which legends abound.Crowning many hill tops are fabled centers of
Buddhist worship and learning, such as the monasteries at Rumtek, Lingdum, Enchhey
and Pemayangtse, to mention only a few.
Awe inspiring Stupas and Chortens
are set amidst fluttering prayer flags and numerous prayer wheels spun by clear
mountain streams tinkle melodiously to remind you that you are in the abode of the
Gods. The population of
Sikkim
comprises three main groups of people, the Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese, who make
up 75% of the population.
The four hour drive follows the
river Teesta through some of the most picturesque terrain in the world.Leaving
behind the sweltering plains of
Bengal
, you will quickly travel up through orchid laced subtropical jungle of the
Himalayan foothills.
Some important tourist centres
are Gangtok, Bakhim, Yumthang, Dubdi, Dzongri, Varsey, Tashiding, Rumtek
monastery, Pemayantse monastery, Tsomgo and Phodong monastery.Relax in one of
Sikkim
's many natural hot water springs among vistas of sn
Gangtok
offers a hospitable base to explore |
India
