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Famous
for Kanchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world at 8,586m, the
mountain kingdom of Sikkim has a tremendous variety of plant and wildlife
besides a diverse ethnic mix of peoples with rich cultural traditions. One
of the smallest states of India, it is bounded by Nepal to the west and
Bhutan to the east; by the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north
and northeast and by West Bengal to the south.
Gangtok - The Capital of Sikkim
Sikkimese life is centred around Gangtok. Its Buddhist past
is the root of its appeal for visitors, and remains evident at the
impressive Institute of Tibetology, the Enchey Monastery, Pemayengtse and
the marvellous Rumtek Monastery not far away, the last a thriving centre
of Mahayana Buddhism. Sikkim's pride, the orchid, is nurtured at the
Orchid Sanctuary and other sites in and around Gangtok. Among the festive
attraction of this hilly capital is the flower show that is held over here
every spring near White Hall, the Governor's residence on the ridge above
town. Trekking in Sikkim is another adventure
sports that attracts lot's of trekkers to visit the state.
History & Ethnicity
Ruled
by the Namgyal (Lepcha) clan since the 15th century, Sikkim lost much land
to the British and to Nepal and Bhutan in the 18th century. With the
defeat of the Nepali army by the British in 1817, southern Sikkim was
given back to the ruler, in exchange for the hill that later became known
as Darjeeling.
The original inhabitants of Sikkim are the Lepchas who stay in the
central and northern areas; lower valleys are inhabited by Nepali
immigrants. Other ethnic groups are the Magars renowned as warriors and
the Bhotias, who came to Sikkim from the Kham area of Tibet in the 13th
century.
Culture & Tradition
The state's cultural life is related to Tibetan religious
and aesthetic traditions. The cultural climax of the year comes with the
2-day Phanglhapsol festival, when masked dances are performed in honour of
Kanchenjunga, presiding deity and the mountain. There are also many
secular folk dances. The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology has one of the
largest collection of Tibetan books in the world. Many Buddhist
monasteries are repositories of artistic treasures, including wall
paintings, Tankas or Thangkas (religious paintings mounted on brocade),
and bronze images.
Way Of Living
Tourism and agriculture are the two basis of the Sikkim's
economy. Sikkim is one of the world's main producers of Cardamom, and the
region has also become an exporter of Mandarin Oranges, Apples, and
Potatoes. Sikkim is also rich in mineral wealth. Its forests have great
economic value in sawn Timber and wood Pulp. Sikkim's cotton and wool
weaving, carpets, rugs, blankets, and bamboo work is well known.
The
climate varies with elevation and ranges from tropical in the low valley
bottoms to Arctic-like conditions of perpetual snow and ice in the higher
reaches. The annual rainfall varies from 50-200 inches (mostly during
May-October), and snow in the upper levels often accumulates to a
thickness of 30m. The best time to visit this state is during the months
of March to late May and from October to December.
Summer: Max. 20.7°C; Min. 13.1°C, Winter: Max. 14.9°C;
Min. 7.7°C
CLICK HERE FOR SIKKIM CLIMATE INFORMATION
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre - Department of Tourism,
Gangtok
Govt of Sikkim Office, 14 Panchsheel Marg, Chankyapuri New Delhi
Sikkim Tourism Infornation Centre, 4C Poonam, 5/2 Russel St Calcutta.
Indian Mountaineering Foundation, Benito Juarez Road, Anand Niketan, New
Delhi-21
Sikkim Tourist Information Centre, SNT Colony, Siliguri.
CLICK HERE FOR DISTRICT MAP OF SIKKIM
CLICK HERE FOR ROAD MAP OF SIKKIM
CLICK HERE FOR LOCATION MAP OF SIKKIM