Sikkim, nestled in the snow-capped Himalayan range, is a mystical place of picturesque natural beauty. Its spectacular view of the high mountains, flower-festooned meadows, varied flora and fauna along with its vibrant culture will ensure you have one of your best holiday trips.
Where is Sikkim?
Sikkim, the second-smallest Indian state is geographically located at 27.33° N and 88.62° E. Landlocked in the Himalayan range, the state is bordered by Tibet towards north-east, Nepal in its west, Bhutan in the south-east and West Bengal in the south.
Capital City of Sikkim
The capital of Sikkim is Gangtok, which is even the largest city of the state.
Districts of Sikkim
Sikkim, being one of the smallest states of the country, is divided into just 4 districts:
- North Sikkim
- South Sikkim
- West Sikkim
- East Sikkim
Population of Sikkim
Stretched over an area of 7, 096 sq. km., the state has got a total population of 6, 07, 688 (according to the 2011 census). The density of Sikkim's population stands at 85.6 per sq. km; 76.6 % of the total population is literate.
Time Zone in Sikkim
Sikkim falls within the time zone of Indian Standard Time (IST), which is calculated as UTC + 05:30.
Different Climatic Conditions in Sikkim
Being located in the Himalayas, the residents of Sikkim experiences two kinds of climate. The northern part of the state experiences tundra type of climate, whereas, the southern part observes sub-tropical climatic conditions. Because of the tundra type of climate, the northern Sikkim remains covered by snow for almost 4 months in a year, when the night temperature goes below 0° C.
The weather condition of the state is mainly divided into 5 seasons, which are:
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Monsoon
- Winter
Monsoon in Sikkim sets in during the month of June and continues till September, when the place receives heavy rainfall. The chances of landslides increase during monsoon, which makes transportation risky.
The state experiences chilled winter season in between December and February especially in its northern part, where the temperature even drops down to -40° C. During that time, the state receives regular and huge snowfall ranging from 16, 000 feet to 20, 000 feet.
Best Time to Visit Sikkim
Keeping in mind the above mentioned climatic conditions, the best time to visit the mountaineering state of Sikkim is the months of April and May. This is the time of the year, which observes the full bloom of orchids and rhododendrons.How to Reach Sikkim?
Sikkim, being bordered by national as well as international destinations, is well-connected to the neighboring Indian states and foreign countries. In spite of the fact that rail tracks and airports could not be made easily available in the state due of its uneven terrain, Sikkim manages to maintain an overall smooth transport system.Road transport: Proximity to National Highway 31 and National Highway 31A connects the state to Siliguri. Western Sikkim is connected through a division of the highway near Melli. The mountain pass called Nathu La connects the state to China. Buses and trucks run by Sikkim National Transport (SNT) is the main medium of road transport in Sikkim. Besides that, bus, local cabs and jeep services are provided by private transport companies.
Rail transport: The state of Sikkim is connected to the other parts of India mainly by the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. Located at just 117 Km from Gangtok, this is the nearest railway station to Sikkim.
Air transport: Sikkim is domestically connected mainly to Kolkata by the Bagdogra Airport, which is around 124 km from Gangtok. The state is about to have it own airport at Pakyong (30 Km from Gangtok) by this year. As of now, civilians use the Gangtok helipad, operated by the Sikkim Helicopter Service to reach the Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri.
Main Tourist Attractions in Sikkim
- Sikkim, being a place located in the Himalayas, is famous for its high snow-capped mountains covered by lush green forests. Trekking in those mountains amidst the roar of the sprinkling waterfalls will give you a lifetime experience. Some of the places, which you need not miss while in Sikkim are:
- Ghati-Tso or Aritar Lake: Aritar Lake, located near Rhenock is said to be the trekker's hub. It will take just 3 hrs from Gangtok to be in the peaceful environment to enjoy boating or visiting the Lingsay Monastery. A short trek or a night's stay in the nearby resorts or the British Bunglow will give you an enthralling experience.
- Bakthang Waterfalls: Originating from the Ratey Chu, Bakthang Waterfalls is the main source of water in Gangtok. This cascading waterfall is just 20 mins drive from the capital of Sikkim.
- Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary: Sprawling over an area of 51. 76 sq. km., Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the varied species of plants, birds and animals. The place along with its famous wild rhododendrons and orchids as well as vegetation like oak, kimbu, katus, champa, ferns and thick bamboos will make you fall in love with nature.
- Dubdi Monastery: Dubdi Monastery is the first monastery built after the sanctification ritual of the first Chogyal. Located on the top of a hill above Yuksom, this monastery can be reached solely by trekking. The surrounding green forest will mesmerize you.
Other Places to Visit in Sikkim
Sikkim has got numerous places to visit in like monasteries, lakes, waterfalls, natural parks etc. Ropeway, which takes one on a joy ride over the snowy mountain peaks, forests and waterfalls, is the most famous attraction among tourists. Other tourist spots in Sikkim include:- Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple
- Ban Jhakri Falls
- Borong Ralong Hot Spring
- Buddha Park
- Botanical Garden
- Chogyal Park
- Chakung
- Do Drul Choten
- Enchey Monastery
- Ganesh Tok
- Gonjang Monastery
- Gangtok Ropeway
- Gurudongmar Lake
- Bulbuley (Himalayan) Zoological Park
- Hanuman Tok
- Hurhuray Dara
- Khecheopalri Lake
- Khangchendzonga Waterfalls
- Kongri-Labdang
- Labrang Monastery
- Menmecho Lake
- Maenam Hill
- Namchi Rock Garden
- Nathula Pass
- Pelling
- Pal Zurmang Kagyud (Lingdum) Monastery
- Phensang Monastery
- Phamrong Waterfalls
- Phodong Monastery
- Rangit Water World
- Rimbi Waterfall & Karchen Power House
- Rumtek Monastery
- Sang-Choling Monastery
- Sa-Ngor Monastery
- Saramsa Garden
- Seven Sisters Waterfalls
- Sawaro Rock Garden
- Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
- Sikkim Science Center
- Shiva Mandir
- Tashi View Point
- Temi Tea Garden
- Tashiding Monastery
- Tendong Hill
- Tsomgo (Changu) Lake
- Versey Rhododendron Sanctuary
- Water Garden
- Yumthang Flower Valley
Where to shop in Sikkim?
The shopping areas of Sikkim are famous for goods like handicrafts, dragon designed earrings and pendants, woolen carpets from Tibet, tea and cardamom. The capital city of Gangtok is the best place to shop. However, the District headquarters, nowadays, are gradually housing handicraft shops. The main market in Gangtok is the Gangtok Market. Apart from that, Directorate of Handloom & Handicrafts offers products like handlooms, carpets, paintings, wooden masks, bamboo and cane products, embroidered items and many more.
Cuisine of Sikkim
Sikkim is famous to food lovers for its traditional cuisine of Himalayas. Rice is the basis of Sikkim cuisine. Besides that, the famous restaurants in Sikkim even serve non-vegetarian Indian, Tibetan, Nepalese, Chinese and Italian cuisines along with brewed beer and other beverages. The Sikkim restaurants serve mouth-watering Momo, Pakku (Mutton curry), Thukpa, Chhurpi (conventional cottage cheese) etc. Following are the names of a few famous restaurants in Sikkim:- China Palate in New Market
- Dragon's Den on M. G. Marg
- Little Italy in Deorali
- Oberoi's Barbeque in New Market
- Parivar Restaurant in M. G. Marg
- Metro's Fast Food at NH 31A
- Krishna Restaurant
- Fusion Lounge Bar & Restaurant in Tadong
- Glenary's in New Market
- The Square in Paljor Stadium Road
Where to stay in Sikkim?
Sikkim, being on of the world famous tourist place, houses a number of hotels ranging from premium to budget ones. Besides providing comfort and classy facilities, the location of these hotels provides an opportunity to view the beauty of mountains. Some of the famous hotels in Sikkim are:Premium hotels: The Norkhill Elgin Mount Pandim
Luxury hotels: Denzong Regency De Regency
Deluxe hotels: Hotel Sidlon Residency Chiminda International
Standard hotels: Asian Heights Aryan Regency
Budget hotels: HotelYatung Hotel Touristo
Last Updated on 05 May 2011
|
|
||
