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Sikkim

Sikkim, the 22nd state of India, well protected by the Himalayan Mountains, was once a Kingdom. The small state is rooted to the hill like a snake on the neck of a Dragon. The Nepalese calls it Sukhim or the New House while the Tibetans gave it the name of Denzong or the Valley of Rice. For the original inhabitants of the place, the Lepchas, Sikkim means Nye-Mal-Ale or Heaven.

Out of the four districts into which Sikkim is divided, the most populated one is the eastern district containing the capital of Gangtok. The 64km wide state is locked between the mountaneous valleys of Bhutan and Nepal while the high plateau of China lies to the north.

Climate
The best time to visit this state is during the months of March to May and from October to December. Temperature is tropical in the lower valleys while at the elevated places it is snowy.

Major Attractions
» Gangtok - The name itself signify a high hill that is on a ridge at a height of 1547 meters over looking the river Ranipool. The mighty Kanchendzonga dominates its skyline and can be seen clearly when one rises in the morning from the beds. Gangtok is a heavily forested land surrounded by Pandim, Narsinh and the Simnvo mountain ranges.The stupas and monasteries of Gangtok are worth visiting as they provide a peaceful ambience to the visitors and relieve them of the earthly bondages.

» Temi Tea Garden - The only Tea Estate in Sikkim, it produces one of the best quality teas for the international markets. The garden spreads out on a gentle hill slope, emerging from the Tendong Hill and gives a wonderful view of the surrounding villages. A beautifully built British bungalow gives the visitors a night to spend amidst the greenery of the Tendong hill.

» Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden - The Botanical Garden house several species of botanical plants, making it a treat for the plant lovers. The view of the Garden is an enchanting and soothing experience among the lush green stock of vegetation. Found herein are some rare plants and trees with certain species of Himalayan flowers and Orchids.

» Monasteries
Enchey monastery, nyingmapa school , Gangtok, Sikkim, India

Enchey monastery, nyingmapa school , Gangtok, Sikkim, India

¤ Enchey Monastery - Enchey Monastery is situated on a hill top built during the reign of Thutob Namgyal. The Enchey Monastery is an important seat of the Nyingma order. The Monastery was constructed on the place blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his power of flying. This 2 century old Monastery houses many images of Gods, Goddesses and other religious objects within its complex.

¤ Pemayangtse Monastery - Pemayangtse Monastery belongs to the Nyingma order and all other Nyingma monasteries in Sikkim are under it. The Monastery commands an impressive view of the Kanchenjunga and it holds a total of 108 monks from leading Bhutia families. Pemayangtse Monastery was initially a small Lhekhang build by Lhatsun Chenpo in the 17th century. Later, during the rule of the third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal, Jigme Pawo extended the monastery and rebuild the structure.

¤ Rumtek Monastery - The 3 century old Monastery was built by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa, when he took refuge in Sikkim after the Chinese invasion. Rumtek Monastery possesses some of the worlds most unique art pieces, ancient manuscripts and icons. It is the seat of the Kagyu order, one of the four major Tibetan Buddhist sects. Constructed traditionally the Monastery is a replica of the original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet.

» Lakes
¤ Tsomso lake - The lake situated 32 km from Gangtok is a holy lake worshiped by the people. A small temple of Lord Shiva is constructed on the side of the lake. The lake, commonly called Changu lake, is not far from the famous Nathu Pass and Lasha. Around the lake, beautiful Primila flowers and other alpine plantations grow, adding a touch of pristine beauty to the place. A path leads to the resting shed. The lake remain frozen in the winters.

Tsomso Lake

¤ Khecheopalri Lake - Located 24 km from the place of Pemayangtse, the lake is known as the Wishing lake. The lake is surrounded by the forests and considered to be one of the sacred lakes of the Buddhist and the Hindus. Only prayers and no water sports is allowed near the lake. The surrounding is confined by the Lepchas houses and their community.

Shopping
Old market, New Market and Lal market are the major areas where one can look out for shopping things as per ones choice. Attractive items like carved furniture, the dresses, Lepcha weave bags, carpets & durries with intricate designs and colourful decorations are easily available. One can also buy wooden and bamboo artifacts.

Accommodations
Quite a few hotels are located which provide comfortable stay to the visitors, some of the prominent names includes the Hidden Forest Retreat, the Norkhill Heritage Hotel, Himalayan Height hotels and the Takshi Delek Hotel. The rooms of the hotels comes with luxurious finishing.

How to Reach
» By Air - Bagdogra at a distance of 124 km from Gangtok has the nearest airport. A helicopter service from Bagdogra to Gangtok has recently been launched.

» By Rail - The nearest railway stations from Gangtok are New Jalpaiguri, situated 125 km away and Siliguri, 144 km far. These places are well -connected to Delhi, Calcutta, Guwahati, and other important cities in India.

» By Road - Gangtok, the state capital is connected by road to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Siliguri. Cars, luxury coaches and jeeps are available for hire in the town. Regular bus services run under the Sikkim Nationalised Transport.

Tour Packages : - Adventure Tours | Beach Tours | Buddhist Tours | Pilgrimage Tours | Goa Tours

Tour Packages : - Adventure Tours \| Beach Tours \| Buddhist Tours \| Pilgrimage Tours \| Goa Tours
	West India	East & North East	Central India
	Feel yourself under a magic spell as you step into the west Indian states of Goa and Maharashtra. Experience the joy that surrounds as you visit the enchanting cities of the region. Get flying !	Find to your amazement the most ancient centres of learning in Bihar. Astonish yourself by the unfailing fervour of devotees at the Jagannath Temple in Orissa. Kolkata, the 'City of Joy', beckons you to explore its rich culture and ever-vibrant heritage.	Take a plunge into the ocean of sensual love at Khajuraho. Drag yourself into the bygone eras, gazing at gigantic structures like the Gwalior Fort, the Orchha Fort and lots more. Do not think. Just be there !