SIKKIM - THE FIRST ORGANIC STATE OF INDIA
Sikkim is India's youngest state, and ecologically the most diverse. Owing to it's close proximity to the Himalayas, this relatively small state harbors one of the richest reserves of orchids, ferns, rhododendrons, and butterflies. Hence, every Spring, Sikkim hosts the annual International Flower Festival, featuring thousands of organically grown orchids, magnolias, rhododendrons, jacarandas, ferns and wild flowering plants in the capital town of Gangtok.
STATE OF MANY ACHIEVEMENTS
The entire state is divided into four directional districts, all of which come under India's top 10 hill districts nation-wide in terms of governance and tourism. Honored by the Prime Minister, Sikkim also has received the National Award for being the cleanest tourist destination in India by the Ministry of Tourism. Usage of plastic is entirely banned in Sikkim, spitting, and littering is a punishable public offense. All of these progressive regulations and the abiding locals takes Sikkim a step ahead of every other destination in terms of aesthetics and appeal.
ENDLESS CHOICES OF RECREATION
Sikkim, despite being India's second smallest state after Goa, makes up for its small size in the department of diversity. In Sikkim alone, you can trek through the mountain trails, camp within the lush forests alongside bonfires, explore endless monasteries, sit inside quaint bookstores with a cup of Temi tea and look over the beautiful skyline, raft through the frothy waters of Teesta or just lounge inside your hotel room and soak in the cool breezy ambiance of Sikkim. Your choices are endless.
YOUR SIKKIM BUCKET LIST
- Ride on a yak till the Tsomgo Lake, that holds immense religious significance in Sikkim. Enjoy the breathtaking surroundings of stark white mountains above a frozen lake surface.
- Lounge in the Ban Jhakri Park beneath a scenic waterfall. The park is dedicated to the mythical forest dwelling gnomes and healers that the locals believe do exist.
- Seek divine blesssings at Solophok where a grand statue of meditating Shiva is surrounded by twelve dharmic jyotirlingams. You will find replicas of the religious Char Dhams here in Namchi.
- Trek through the beautiful Yumthang Valley of Flowers, that gets blanketed by multi-hued rhododendrons during Spring, which is truly a sight to behold.
- The Gurudongmar Lake is associated with a holy legend. A section of the lake remains unfrozen even during sub-zero temperatures. Locals believe this happens because Guru Rincpoche & Guru Nanak touched this part of the lake.
- M.G.Marg is an ideal location to shop for local Sikkimese treats like Churpi, Sikkim cups and prayer flags, temi tea, thangkas and much more.
DO YOU KNOW?
The Baba Mandir in Sikkim is dedicated to a human and is one of its own kind. The temple was erected in the memory of a Sikh army official, Baba Harbhajan Singh, who died when he slipped in the snow and fell into an ice-cold stream. Even after his death, his spirit is said to have continued patrolling the border that stands between the territory of India & China. Even the Chinese soldiers are said to have noticed a turbanned official marching through the posts at night. Owing to his contribution and devotion, the Indian Army elevated his position to that of a Captain, and his salary is still sent home. He is said to warn the Indian soldiers before mishappenings in the border. Devotees flock inside his temple and keep bottles of water near his shrine. They return after few days and take the bottle. It is said that drinking the water will have your wishes fulfilled.
NEAREST CHECK-IN POINTS
- Nearest Railway Station – NJP Railway Station
- Nearest Airport – Bagdogra Airport, Pakyong Airport
- Nearest Bus/Vehicle Stand – Siliguri Junction Vehicle Stand near Pradhan Nagar
