Monk in Meditation
The beautiful little state of Sikkim is the second smallest state in India. It is barely 7,096 sq. kms. in size but the highest elevation has been recorded at 8585 mtrs. above sea level. It lies nestled under the protective shadow of Mount Khangchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world. Sikkim, for this reason is known as the Himalayan Jewel and is a popular tourist attraction. There is a hotbed of bio-diversity here that is not found anywhere else in India. Sikkim also has many Cardamom, Orange and Tea plantations.
Teesta River
The geography of Sikkim is cleanly divided into four parts:
East District ? This is the administrative hub of Sikkim as the capital Gangtok is situated here. Also houses the world famous Rumtek Monastery and the Dharma Chakra Centre. Besides being popular for artifacts and the Ropeway cable car, places of interest include the Alpine Tsomgo Lake and the Nathula Pass.
West District ? An adventure lover can have his fill of adventure here. You can go White Water Rafting on the waters of the Teesta and Rangit or trekking through the dense forests.
Tea Garden in Gangtok
North District – This district is clearly for the lover of nature. Yumthang houses the Valley of Flowers. A must-see here are the Hot Springs and the vibrant Sikkimese tribal culture and customs.
South District ? Some of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim are located here. Adventure trekking is being promoted in a big way with a base camp being set up at Ravangla for treks up to Maenam and Tendong Hill, the root of Lepcha folklore. One can also go mountain biking here.
Teesta River
Getting there
We flew from Calcutta to Bagdogra airport (one can fly from all major cities) and then took a jeep to Gangtok, Sikkim. The jeeps are all driven by very young boys who don?t look a day over 18. Our enthusiastic driver not only drove at breakneck speed on all the steep curves and bends but also greeted all his other driver friends by leaning halfway out of the vehicle. It was the longest four hours of my life. Never knew one could fly on wheels.
Mercifully, the driver who took us around Sikkim for the rest of our stay not only did some responsible driving but also briefed us on some important tourist spots.
Mt. Kanchenjunga is in the far distance but covered with fog
Monasteries
The monasteries have an age-old charm to them and are a must-see. The atmosphere inside is calm, reverential and peaceful. Some of the monasteries (like the Rumtek monastery) are really old. If you go at the right time you might be lucky enough to witness a prayer session. The chanting monks, the dimly lit interior, the incense and the ambience can transport you to another time and place altogether.
The Flower Show
Another place that is breathtaking in its beauty is the Flower Show. As you walk in, you are transported into a world of vivid colours. Blue, green, white, red, orange, purple, yellow?..splashes of colour everywhere. Gladiolas, roses, sunflowers, rhododendrons, orchids, lilies, violets all vie for first place in this contest of natural beauties. However, it is difficult to judge which is more beautiful as each flower has its own perfume, its own beauty, its own colour and its own charm, but together they are simply spectacular. Sikkim is very famous for its orchids. We were told, if you want to see a profusion of orchids you have to time your visit between January and May. The International Flower Festival is held between March and May.
Terrace Farming
The Nathula Pass
We didn?t get to see the famed Yak and the Red Panda (both endangered species). These are found at the Nathula Pass in the northern region. Due to heavy rainfall, fog and landslides, we were advised against going to the Northern part of Sikkim. However, we did see lots and lots of bamboo shoots all over Sikkim. Bamboo shoots are the staple diet of the Red Panda. Even managed to pick up some bamboo shoot pickle from the Government Emporium. The Musk Deer and the Barking Deer are also found in this region.
Top of a buddhist holy statue shrouded in mist
Teesta River
The Teesta river is something you cannot fail to mention as it seems to follow you wherever you travel within Sikkim. This legendary river originates in the Himalayas, flows into West Bengal, Sikkim and finally ends its journey by merging into the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh.
White Water Rafting on the River Teesta
White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting is exciting and full of adventure. However, there are different levels of rafting ranging from the inexperienced to the experienced rafter. If you have never gone rafting before, choose the one with the least risk. Also make sure you get a lifejacket that can be belted properly. Even though the guides assure you that even small babies have gone rafting with their parents, make sure your small kids never get on the raft. In unpredictable weather the rapids can be very dangerous.
Teaworkers
The People, Language, Food
The Sikkimese people consist of the Lepchas, the Bhutias, the Nepalese and the plainsmen (mostly businessmen from elsewhere in India). Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries, a few Christian churches, Muslim mosques and Sikh Gurdwaras are proof of the intermingling of communities, cultures, religions and customs. The Marwaris, Biharis, Bengalis, South Indians and Punjabi?s comprise the business community. A few thousand Tibetan Refugees are also settled in Sikkim.
Nepali is the most common language, English is used in urban areas and Hindi is easily understood by all. Do not leave without tasting the famous Tibetan delicacy – steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables known as Momos.
Buddhist Prayer Flags line the roads
Tourism
The Government of Sikkim is doing a lot to promote tourism. Not surprising as it?s supposed to be their primary source of income. The result is a tourist-friendly atmosphere with good roads everywhere. Vehicles are not allowed into the market areas after 6 pm thus giving the tourists an unrestricted access to all the shopping areas. Due to its proximity to the China and Nepal border, there is plenty of security throughout Sikkim with Army and Military cantonments found everywhere. For the same reason, the average tourist has to be prepared for time-consuming extra security and baggage checks at the airports both at entry and exit points.
Tea Garden
A little note on hotel bookings here ?
Hotel bookings made through travel agents can sometimes cost you more than what you have bargained for. Get the website address and make bookings online or call directly. Also avoid paying online. Sometimes you might make the payment and not like the hotel on arrival. Most hotels keep the bookings and accept payments on arrival. If you find the right hotel to stay your trip will be all the more enjoyable. A couple of good hotels are Hotel Royal Plaza (of the Sarovar Plaza groups) and Tashi Delek.
And on leeches –
When in Sikkim, avoid walking in moist areas, as these places are infested with leeches. Wear proper footwear and check footwear and trouser ends for leeches before getting into your vehicles. A good idea would be to carry sliced limes. If a leech does latch on to you, just squeeze some lime juice on it and it will fall off, depending on how much blood it has sucked already?..;)
Good Roads promote tourism
End Note
I was pleasantly surprised to find here, the ?Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences? and the ?Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology?. All in all, Sikkim is a place worth visiting for its natural beauty, its fauna, it?s adventure prospects and mainly for the sheer exuberance of inhaling that fresh, clean, unadulterated mountain air. However, if you want to cover all regions of Sikkim, you need to plan your trip for at least one week.
Added attraction – Darjeeling, another popular holiday destination is within driving distance (94 kms) from Sikkim.
All statistical information is from the Sikkim Tourist Information Centre, State of Sikkim
Author: Shaly Pereira- Oman