GANGTOK, Dec. 28. - A
severe cold wave has hit Gangtok and its surrounding areas,
as some places including Penang la and Hanuman Tok witnessed
heavy to medium spells of snowfall.
Incessant rain for several days has confined
local residents and tourists indoors. Tours to places such
as Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La were cancelled as well, due to
the sudden change in the weather.
According to the weather department, the
present state of weather is likely to continue for the next
two to three days.
Residents today said that it was the coldest
day of the season, which indicated that the cold spell was
at least two months in advance. But no road in Sikkim or those
from Darjeeling and Siliguri was reported to be blocked.
The cold weather, coupled with the snowfall,
is expected to draw a large number of tourists, once the rains
stop.
In anticipation, the tourism department has announced new
plans to promote tourism in Sikkim, by exhibiting the rich
flora and fauna and the cultural heritage of the state.
Senior tourism department officials said that efforts would
be made to attract tourists to ancient Buddhist sites scattered
all around Sikkim from Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, China and
Japan.
The travel agents' association of Sikkim also said that they
would work towards the improvement of Sikkim tourism.
Courtesy
The Statesman |
Home
| About Us | Contact
Us | Site Map | Feedback
