AN INTRODUCTION TO SIKKIM
Sikkim, the 22nd and the smallest state of India, is located in the north-eastern part of the country. It is bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north, Bhutan to the southeast, West Bengal to the south and Nepal to the west. The capital city of Sikkim is Gangtok, a beautiful destination which lies in the south eastern part of the state. Sikkim is also notable for its biodiversity, subtropical climate and enriching cultural diversity. People here consist of three ethnic groups; Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali. The official languages of the state remain English, Nepali, Sikkimese (Bhutia) and Lepcha.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN SIKKIM
“Wonders come in small packages” and if you want to experience it, the best destination is the state of Sikkim. Being the gateway to the North Eastern corridor of India, Sikkim offers several enchanting places for its tourists to visit. Here are some of them:
1. Gangtok: The best time to visit Gangtok is between March to April and October to November. It doesn’t have an airport of its own, but the nearest one is the Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, which is 133 kms away. Gantok is the home to the two most beautiful monasteries; Rumtek and Enchey. In addition, Gantok consists of other serene tourist destinations like Nathula Pass, Baba Mandir and Tsomgo Lake.
2. Ravangla: Ravangla is one of the most beautiful places of Sikkim and is famous for its enshrining temples, monasteries, picturesque tea gardens, snowy mountains, gushing waterfalls, adventure spots and exotic flora and fauna. It can be best visited in the months from April to May. But the weather here is very volatile, with occasional rainfalls and windy climate. Ravangla is also known for the flocks of migratory birds and breathtaking views of several peaks like Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim and Mt. Sinalchu.
3. Namchi: Namchi is one of the most alluring natural destinations of Sikkim. It is widely known for its scenic and natural beauty. Every year in the month of October, Namchi holds the popular Namchi Mahotsav. In addition, it also holds a flower festival displaying it’s beautiful blooms. Beyond that, Namchi is also known as the capital of south Sikkim. Being a home to the world’s biggest Buddhist Padmasambhava (118 tall feet ), Namchi holds the title of being a famous pilgrimage site too, for the Buddhist. The best time to visit this place is from March to October.
4. Yumthang Valley: The Yumthang Valley is one of the most busy valleys of Sikkim. Its beauty is often compared to the valleys of Switzerland. Popularly, this place is known as the ‘valley of flowers’ as it comprises the beautiful Himalayan flowers in the spring like the rhododendrons, poppies, primulas, cobra lilies, louseworts and irises. The best time to visit the valley is between
April and June as that is the flowering season. The valley usually remains closed from December to March due to heavy snowfall. There is also insufficiency in ATM’s, medical and digital stores etc in the valley so the travelers should go with sufficient stocks of various amenities.
5. Zuluk: Zuluk is one of the least but the most appealing destinations of Sikkim. The drive to Zuluk is considered to be one of the wonders in earth which each and every individual should trace in their lifetime. At 11,200 feet, Thambi View Point near Zuluk offers a panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Another major highlight of Zuluk is its serene lakes out of which Kupup Lake aka Elephant lake is considered to be the most beautiful and sacred one. The best time to visit Zuluk is between the months of August and September in the flowering season or between the months of January and April to feel the chilled winter snow. One of the drawbacks of Zuluk, which is very rare is that there are no hotels. Home stays are the only option left for the tourist.
TRANSPORTATION INDEX TO SIKKIM
Sikkim is a high terrain land mainly comprising of several mountains and valleys, which further makes the transportation transits a bit irregular in the region. However, it is connected with some efficient transportation services from all spheres. The nearest airport to Sikkim is the Bagdogra Airport of West Bengal, located at a distance of 124kms away from Gangtok. Apart from air travel, the state is well connected with railways, out of which the nearest ones are Jalpaiguri (187 kms) and Siliguri (146 kms), connecting major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati and Mumbai.
RICH FOOD CULTURE OF SIKKIM
Sikkim apart from being a scenic wonder is also a state having one of the most delicious, unique and rich food cultures. The most famous cuisine of the state is the Sikkimese cuisine. Apart from that, the other well known dishes of the state are Chhurpi, Dhindo, Kinema, Phagshapa, Sel Roti, Sinki, Thukpa and others.
WEBSITES PROVIDING THE BEST AND CHEAPEST TOUR PACKAGE TO SIKKIM:
1.https://www.thrillophilia.com/sikkim-tour-packages
2.https://www.esikkimtourism.in/gangtok-tour-packages/
3.https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/sikkim/sikkim-tour-packages.html
Conclusion
Hence, with a defined content copy, it is quite clear that Sikkim has held the hearts of many tourists and travelers from not only India but around the globe. While being a culture-rich, clean, safe and beautiful city, representing the northeastern tradition of India, Sikkim rightfully remains one of the best places to visit and explore, thus leaving a positive intent of it’s characteristics among the tourists as well as the locals.
