Once a remote mountain kingdom, it
is now a small Himalayan State of India in the Eastern Himalayas surrounded
by China & Tibet in the North. Bhutan on the SouthEast, West Bengal in
the South and Nepal in the West Mountain Ranges. It also constitutes the
watershed of the Great Teesta and Rangeet rivers. Kanchenjunga (28,168 ft.)
the third highest peak in the world is in Sikkim and is regarded as a
guardian deity by the Sikkimese people.
Sikkim lies in one of the most spellbinding regions of the Himalayas. This
hidden peaceful land of rice cultivation, called "Bayul Demojong"
by the local people, is inhabited by Nepalis, Lepchas, Bhutias, Tibetans and
Marwaris. Amidst the grandeur of the mountain peaks, lush green valleys
cascading waterfalls and fast flowing rivers, beautiful monasteries and
terraced hills, Sikkim offers her visitor a rare and exotic experience.
Sikkim has a great variety of vegetation, including 4,000 rare species of
plants, than anywhere else in the world. Its fascinating flora and fauna
will fascinate one and all. In the wild gorges one will find ample
opportunities for white-water rafting. In short the state of Sikkim is the
dream destination for the nature lovers to carry memories worth cherishing
for a lifetime.
Gangtok : Gangtok which means “hill
top” is the capital of Sikkim which is perched at 5,500 feet, high on
the ridge of a valley. It is a beautiful hilly town, which spreads down the
western side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipul River, and houses some of
the most important Buddhist religious sites in India. Gangtok is also known
for its wonderful orchids and every spring, an orchid festival and flower
show is held to celebrate this exotic bloom.
