Thebrother of the seven sisters, as they call it, Sikkim is a pleasant surprisefor any traveller looking for a comforting experience, and has a lot to offerto its guests. Located in the foothills of Himalayas, it is a state with variedlandscapes and has an enchanting environment complete with monasteries andtemples. A trip to Sikkim is like entering a new world of culture, heritage andadventure. Take a dip into the Yumthang Hot Spring, go caving in the NorthLha-ri-nying phu, trek the highest of peaks like Dzongri Top or just spend yourday sitting by the lake in the lap of nature. Away from the bustling city life,Sikkim is a celebration of nature. The mountains, the waterfalls and theforests together make this landlocked state a beautiful place to live and explore.Witness the majestic Buddha statue with Himalayas in the background inRavangla. Experience the thrill of biking from Gangtok to Rangpo, taste thelocal drink Tongba made from fermented millets or shop till you drop at MGRoad. You can literally do anything and everything in here. Sikkim is one suchplace where number of days will never matter; it will always surprise you andleave you awe-inspired with its beauty and culture.
Sikkim has been given manynames. The Lepchas, original inhabitants of the land called it Nye-mae-el`paradise'. The Limbus named it Su Khim or `new house' while to the Bhutias itwas Beymul Demazong `the hidden valley of rice'.Today,travelers embarking on a journey of Sikkim discover a mystical wonderland ofspectacular natural beauty. The panoramic perfection of the snow-cappedHimalayas, the heady scent of flower-bedecked meadows, the vibrant culture andjoyous festivals, the infinite variety of its flora and fauna makes it aholiday that is at once fascinating and challenging.The crowning glory of Sikkim is Mt. Khangchendzonga, the thirdhighest mountain in the world. With magnificent snow and ice scenery it isoften regarded as the undisputed monarch among the peaks of the world. But forthe Sikkimese Khangchendzonga is much more than a mountain and is revered asthe abode of their guardian deity Dzo-nga.
Eventoday the mountain god is invoked and prayed to during Pang Lhabsol, a majorSikkimese festival, which also commemorates the blood brotherhood sworn betweenthe Lepchas and the Bhutias at Kabi in the fifteenth century. The sacredmountain can be viewed from every corner of Sikkim and remains an intrinsicpart of the consciousness of the people. Sikkim shares its border with Nepal inthe west and Bhutan in the east, with the Tibetan plateau rising from itsnorthern border. It was once a Himalayan monarchy and part of the fabled SilkRoute to China. Its merger with India in 1975 has offered a window to the worldto discover the treasures of this hidden land.
Sikkim's tiny sizegeographically belies the profound diversity she offers. The state has thesteepest rise in altitude over the shortest distance and has within its 7,096sq. kms the entire climatic range, from tropical to temperate to alpine,bestowing on the land an intense natural heritage. Lush and thick forests,flush with blooms of exotic flora, hilly expanses embellished by Sikkim's twomain rivers, the Teesta and the Rangeet, the picturesque villages, hot springsand waterfalls have a compelling appeal. The mountain sides are dotted with many caves which areconsidered holy by the people and revered as places of pilgrimage. The 135 feettall statue of Guru Padmasambhava is situated at Samdruptse, South Sikkim.
Sikkim has much to offer all her visitors. From popular homestays where one can get a first-hand experience of rural Sikkim to endlesspossibilities for adventure sports. From ancient monasteries and flamboyantfestivals to all the amenities of the modern world. The State is naturallygifted having all sorts of destinations and circuits required for the tourists.Tourism in Sikkim has impressive varieties of Tourism Products, some of them are:
- Organic, Green and Pollution Free State
- Very rich Culture, traditions, heritage and strong commitment
- Eco-tourism & Wildlife
- Village Tourism
- Adventure Tourism
- Wellness, Health, Yoga, Herbal and medical tourism
- Religious, culture, Heritage and pilgrimage Tourism
- Conference Tourism and many more.
