|  The
state is legendary for its peaceful nature and simplicity.
Famous for Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the
world at 8586m, the mountain state of Sikkim offers tremendous
variety of plant and wildlife besides a diverse ethnic mix
of people with rich cultural tradition.
Travel and Tourism in Sikkim gained popularity
during the last decade with increasing number of tourists
visiting this hilly region for its natural beauty.
One of the smallest states in India, Sikkimese
life is centered on Gangtok, the capital. Rising 300m above
the Indian plains, Sikkim borders the edge of the Tibetan
Plateau on its north and Nepal on its east. Although it was
historically a Buddhist kingdom, the Hindus currently represent
the majority. Sikkim has close links with Tibet and it's the
home of over 250 monasteries of mostly the Nyingma-pa sect.
Sikkim is rich with wide variety of flora
and fauna. About 450 varieties of orchids, over 600 species
of butterflies, 500 species of birds along with red pandas,
snow leopards and other animals can be seen in Sikkim. The
largest collection can be seen at the Kanchenjunga National
Park which covers an area of 850 square kilometers. As a result
ornithology tourism is also gaining in prominence in Sikkim.
Entering
Sikkim - Foreign visitors to this state
must first get tourist permits before travel to Sikkim. naturebeyond
assists foreign visitors in getting the same. To promote tourism
the entry formality has been considerably eased up.
The State
Capital - Gangtok, the
capital of Sikkim lies on a ridge with fine views of the
Kanchenjunga. This is the most common tourism destination
for those who travel to Sikkim.
Culture : Sikkim's cultural life is related
to Tibetan traditions. The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
in Gangtok has one of the largest collections of Tibetan books
in the world. Many Buddhist monasteries are repositories of
artistic treasures, including wall paintings, tankas, and
bronze images.
Buddhism is an integral part of Sikkim and its culture, and
many of the recommended trips around Gangtok have a monastery
as their ultimate destination. The monasteries that are closest
to Gangtok are Enchey, Rumtek and Phodong. Click
here to see a list of monasteries of Sikkim
 Occupation
of Sikkemese: Travel and Tourism and agriculture is the basis
of the local economy. Sikkim is India's major producers of
cardamom. The local forests have great economic value in timber
and wood pulp. The states cotton and wool weaving, carpets,
rugs, blankets, and bamboo work is also well known.
Climate : The annual rainfall varies from
50-200 inches (mostly during June - September), and perennial
snow in the upper levels often accumulates to a thickness
of few meters. The best times to see orchids in bloom are
April - May, July - August, and November.
Summer: Max. 21°C; Min. 13°C
Winter : Max. 15°C; Min. 8°C |
To
really see this himalayan state, it is necessary to leave
the hamlets and travel to the remote areas. It is impossible
not to be awed by Sikkim's sharp, lush hills, leaping waterfalls,
thundering rivers, and placid lakes.