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Sikkim Tourism

The tiny and beautiful state of Sikkim lies just south of Tibet, sanwiched between Nepal to the west and and Bhutan to the east.Sikkim, braided in its magic and charm is not just a travel destination, but is truly a dream land where beauty drops its shadow on its innocent tribes, on the lofty snow capped Kanchenjungha which stands at a height of 8586 m, the third high mountain peak in the world and on its pea green woodlands. Enlaced with its sheer mystery and tranquility, Sikkim invites all who want to spend those quiet moments in the lap of nature. Sikkim is the land of colors, lakes and flowers. The cryptic waterfalls, the clear lakes and the white patina of the huge glaciers shed their eternal charm forever. Kissed with its celestial thrill Sikkim caters to all the need of the travelers whilst assuring few days break amidst the wilderness of nature. The capital city is Gantok which invits travel lovers to a world of scenic splendor.

The word ` Sikkim` combines of two words Su and Khyim. Su means "new", and Khyim, means "palace"or house. Therefore the word means new palace or house, in reference to the palace built by the state`s first ruler, Phuntsok Namgyal. The Tibetan name for Sikkim is `Denjong, which means the "valley of rice".

History of Sikkim
The original inhabitants were the Lepchas or the "raven folks" who came to the area from Assam and Burma.From the 1200`s the Bhutias or the Tibetan people moved into Sikkim. Buddhism which arrived from Tibet took its distinctive Sikkimese form four centuries later. tibetan monks of the old Nyingmapa order, disenchanted with the rise of the reformist Gelugpas, migrated south
and gathered at Yoksum in western Sikkim. The other migrants included the Namgyal clan who arrived in the 1400`s and gradually won political control over Sikkim. In 1642,Phintsok Namgyal  (1604-1670) became the first Chogyal (King). His descendents ruled Sikkim for more than 330 years. During the 1700`s Sikkim suffered massive invasion from Nepal and Bhutan and lost much territory as a result. The Nepalese also migrated to Sikkim and settled as farmers. Sikkim assisted the British in a successful war against Nepal in the year 1814-1815 and won back some of its land. The British India Company purchased the health resort of Darjeeling from Sikkim.
During the mid 1800`s, Sikkim violently resisted attempts to bring it under British Rule, but in 1861 it finally became a protectorate. The Indian government took responsibility of Sikkim`s external affairs, defense and communication of Sikkim in the year 1950. In 1973, India took Sikkim into the union as an associate member. In 1975, Sikkim became the 22nd state of India.

Geography of Sikkim
Sikkim is a gorgeous and beautiful state nestled in the Himalayas. Sikkim is thumb-shaped and has a mountainous terrain. The state is hilly and as a result is unfit for agriculture. Certain hill slopes have been converted into farm lands using terrace farming techniques and is used for cultivation. The summit of the Kanchenjunga is the highest point in Sikkim. Numerous streams from the west and south of the state combine into the river Teesta and its tributary, the Rangeet. The Teesta is described as the "lifeline of Sikkim", which flows through the state from north             to south.

Transport in Sikkim
Tourists can visit Sikkim by means of air, rail and road transport. The closest airport, Bagdogra Airport, is near the town of Siliguri, West Bengal. The airport is about 124 km away from Gangtok. A regular helicopter service run by the Sikkim Helicopter Service connects Gangtok to Bagdogra The flight is takes only thirty minutes and operates only once a day, and can carry 4 people.The Gangtok helipad(landing area for helicopter) is the only civilian helipad in the state. The closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri which is situated 16kms from Siliguri.

National Highway 31A links Siliguri to Gangtok. The highway metalled and is suitable for all weathers. There are public and private bus and jeep services that connect the airport and railway station. Within the state there are four wheel drives which are the popular means of transport. Mini-buses link the smaller towns to the state and district headquarters.

Districts of Sikkim

Costumes of Sikkim

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