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About Sikkim |
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Sikkim is the India's twenty second smallest state located in
the north eastern part of India. Sikkim is spread over an area
of 7096 square kms and is known for the beautiful scenic
beauty. Bhutias, Lepchas and Nepalis are the different types
of people that resides in Sikkim. The customs and cultures of
these different communities present a very beautiful and
picturesque picture. The Nepalis called this state as 'Sukhim'
or the New Place, the Bhutias called it as the 'Demazong' or
the Valley of rice and the Lepchas called it as the 'Nye-mae-el
lang’ or the abode of the Gods. This state is bordered by the
Nepal in the west, Bhutan in the east, Tibet in the north and
West Bengal in the south. This state is divided into four
districts which are North, South, West and East district.
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is located in the East
District. Most of the population of Sikkim lives in the East
and South Districts. A large variety of plants, animals,
rivers, mountains, lakes, waterfalls are found in the state of
Sikkim than any other place in this world. The mountain peaks,
holy lakes, ancient monasteries, orchid nurseries and stunning
trekking routes have made Sikkim a famous holiday destination.
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Physical Features |
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Sikkim has a very rough topography due to which there are very
less flat lands in Sikkim. The rivers and mountains are the main
phsical features that define the boundaries of the state of
Sikkim with its neighbouring countries. Besides the rivers and
mountains, the glaciers, mountain passes, lakes, hot springs and
waterfalls are also found in this region. The Kanchenjunga
mountain, one of the highest mountain peak in the world is also
situated in Sikkim. The Yumthang hot springs are the famous hot
springs located in Sikkim. These hot springs are rich in sulphur
content and have high medicinal value. Gurudogmar, Cholamu,
Changu, Bidang Cho, Menmecho, Kechopari are some of the lakes
which are also found in Sikkim.
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Information on Physical Features of Sikkim |
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Sikkim History |
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The glorious history of Sikkim can be known only after the 17th century. Phunstok, the great grand son of
Guru Tashi was consecrated as the King of Sikkim in 1642 by three holy men at Yoksum. The kingdom
of Sikkim was attacked by the Bhutanese and Nepalis, which further led to the Chinese intervention.
Tsudphud Namgyal who became king in 1793 shifted his capital to Tumlong. The Britishers also signed a
treaty in Sikkim inorder to control the internal and external affairs of Sikkim. Thutob Namgyal also shifted
the capital to Gangtok in 1894. On 4th September 1974, the leader of Sikkim Congress Kazi Lendup Dorji
was elected as the Chief Minister of the state. On 16th May 1975, Sikkim became a full fledged state of
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Climate
of Sikkim |
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The tropical and tundra climate is found in Sikkim. Some of the parts in the northern, eastern and western
borders of Sikkim are covered with snow almost throughout the year because of high altitudes. The climate on the two opposite
hill sides also varies considerably. Here one can also experience the sunshine on the flat Llllllachen
valley studded with the beautiful Cholamu and Gurudogmar lake and a hailstorm on the other side in the
Llachung valley with its muddy lakes that feed the Donkiaachu. The places in Sikkim with a moderate
altitude have a more or less good climate. During the springs and autumn the weather is very pleasant.
During the monsoons, there are torrential rains and winters are very cold where the temperature even
drops below the freezing point. Due to the moderate to low temperatures, woolens are required in Sikkim
almost throughout the year. |
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Places in Sikkim |
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One can visit the various places in Sikkim for the holiday and
various other purposes. One of such place in Sikkim is Gangtok.
Gangtok is the capital and cosmopolitan city in Sikkim.
There are various places of sightseeing in Gangtok like the Research Institute of Tibetology, Phurba-Chorten, Himalayan
Zoological Park, Government Institute of Cottage Industries, Enchey
monastery, Rumtek monastery, Yumthang Hot Spring and Kechopari Lake. The Research Institute of Tibetology is an example of Tibetan architecture and has
a well stocked library.
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Information on Places in Sikkim
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Monasteries
of Sikkim |
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The famous monasteries in Sikkim are the Tsuk-La-Khang
Monastery, Enchey Monastery, Rumtek Monastery, Phodong Monastery, Pemayanste Monastery and Tashiding Monastery.
Tsuk-La-Khang Monastery is a two storied monastery and was
used during royal functions like weddings and coronations. The Enchey monastery is located in a dense wood and one can see
the Kanchendzonga range over the crown of trees. Another monastery is the Rumtek monastery.
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on Monasteries of Sikkim
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Fair
& Festival
in Sikkim |
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The fairs and
festivals in Sikkim are celebrated according to Buddhist
calendar. During these festivals the people of Sikkim perform
colorful dance and music. Chaam is one of the most interesting
form of ritual dance of the Lamas, which feature colorful
masks and charming musical instruments and are held at various
monasteries during the festivals. Costumed Lamas with gaily
painted masks, ceremonial swords and sparkling jewels, leap
and swing to the rhythm of drums, horns and music. Some of the
festivals which are celebrated in Sikkim are Losoong, Bhumchu,
Saga Dawa and Pang Lhabsol, etc.
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Information on Festivals in Sikkim
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People
of Sikkim |
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The culture,
religion, customs and traditions of different communities of
people living in Sikkim constitute a homogeneous blend. These
three communities of people are the Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalis.
In urban areas many plainsmen have also settled which are
engaged in business and Government service. The Lepchas were the
original inhabitants of Sikkim before the Bhutias and Nepalis.
Today, the Nepalis constitute more than 80 % of the total
population of Sikkim.
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on People of Sikkim
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Flora and Fauna in Sikkim |
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The
land of Sikkim is covered by a wide range of flora (plants) and fauna
(animals) as nowhere else in the world. More than 4000 species of plants are found in Sikkim
like bamboos, ferns, wild cherry, oaks, chestnuts, pines and white magnolia. About 35 species of rhododendrons and 600
species of orchids grow in temperate and alpine regions of Sikkim.
These rhododendrons flowers in the month of May to August. About 400 varieties of
butterflies and moths and 550 species of birds are also found in Sikkim.
The most commonly
found animal in Sikkim is yak. The musk deer, Barking Deer, Red Panda, snow leopard, blue sheep, flying
squirrels and tahrs are some other animals which are also found in
Sikkim.
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Wildlife
Sanctuaries
in Sikkim |
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The Sikkim government established various
national parks and sanctuaries in order to protect the rich flora and fauna of Sikkim
from the hunters. Some of the famous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are
the Khangchendzonga National Park, Famlong Lhe Wildlife sanctuary, Maenam
Wildlife Sanctuary, Singba Rhododendron sanctuary, Kyongnosla Alpine sanctuary
and Varsey Sholodendron sanctuary. The Khangchendzonga National Park is the
largest national park in Sikkim which covers an area covering 1784 sq km.
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Wildlife Sanctuaries in Sikkim |
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Trekking in Sikkim |
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Sikkim offers a number of fascinating trekking routes
to the people. The best time to trek is between mid of February to May and from October to December but the foreigners have to obtain permits for trekking on most of the routes in Sikkim. The trekking routes pass through beautiful gompas, colourful hamlets and forests. Yuksom
is an ideal starting point of trekking.
More Information on Trekking in Sikkim
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How to reach
Sikkim |
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Sikkim is fairly
well connected with the rest of the country by road and by rail
through Siliguri and by air through Bagdogra in West Bengal.
Gangtok is about 115 kms. from Siliguri, a very pleasant drive of
about three and a half hours. Siliguri has two railway stations.
Siliguri is the meter gauge station and New Jalpaiguri is the
broad gauge railway station. |
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