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Area: 7300 sq.
kms.
Population: 4,21,500
Climate:Summer: Max. 20.7°C; Min. 13.1°C Winter
: Max. 14.9°C; Min. 7.7°C
Best Season: March to late May/October to December
Clothing: Summer- Light Woollens Winter- Heavy Woollens
Language: Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Tibetan, Spoken English,
Hindi
How To Get There
Air : The nearest
airport is Bagdogra in North Bengal, 124 km from Gangtok,
Sikkim's capital. Indian Airlines operates flights from Calcutta,
Delhi, Patna, Imphal and Guwahati.
Rail : The nearest railheads are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri,
114 km and 126 km respectively, from Gangtok.
Road : Gangtok is well connected by road with Calcutta (721
km), Darjeeling (139 km), Guwahati (589 km) and Patna (584
km).
The saying 'Small
is beautiful', is amply demonstrated by the tiny mountain
state of Sikkim. With the grandeur of her mountain peaks,
verdant valleys, fast flowing rivers, terraced hills and
floral wealth, a visit to Sikkim is a rare and unique experience.
Situated on the eastern Himalayas, in the shadow of the
towering Mount Kanchenjunga, which is worshipped as the
principal deity, Sikkim measures approximately 100 kms from
north to south, and 60 kms from east to west.
The inhabitants of Sikkim are beautiful people who radiate
with life, and a simplicity which is truly endearing. The
population of Sikkim comprises of three main groups of people,
the Lepchas, Bhutias and the Nepalese. The Sikkimese, are
by nature, polite and non - aggressive people. Being devout
Buddhists, they celebrate their festivals, with a distinct
mixture of abandon and reserve. One of the most colourful
performances in the world, are Sikkim's mask dances performed
by Lamas in the 'gompa' (monastery) courtyards. The colourful
dances of Kagyat, and the masked Rumtek and Enchey 'Chaams'
(ritual dance of the lamas), are the popular dances, that
recreate legends and myths connected with Buddhism, and
the eternal triumph of good over evil.
Sikkim has an estimated 4,000 varieties of flowering plants
and shrubs, that include Orchids and the rare Rhododendrons,
that cover the slopes and mountains. Ornithologists have
catalogued 550 species and sub species of birds, along with
600 varieties of butterflies. Its dense forests abound with
endangered species of Himalayan Bear, Musk and Barking Deer,
Red Panda and Blue Sheep, among other fauna. The capital
city of Gangtok, monastries of Sikkim, the trekker's paradise
at Dzongri, and the overall raw natural magnificence, leave
a visitor to this mountain state with memories to last a
lifetime. Other places of tourist interest include the Deer
Park, Enchey Monastery, Orchidarium Tashi View Point, Rumtek
Monastery and Phodong Monastery.
Entry Formalities
Foreigners must obtain an Inner Line permit from the Home
Ministry, New Delhi, four weeks in advance. They should apply
to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New
Delhi through the Indian Diplomatic Missions in their respective
countries. A copy should be endorsed to Sikkim Tourism, Room
No. 10, Hotel Janpath, New Delhi to expedite matters. This
permit will allow them to stay for seven days in case of sightseeing,
and ten days for group-trekkers, not exceeding twenty |
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Darjeeling is
the dreamland of the east and boasts of extraordinary natural
splendor. At an altitude of 8,586 meters, the Darjeeling
hills are the highest mountains in India. This beautiful
hill station is largely under forest cover and surrounded
by tea plantations. Buddhist monasteries dot the land.
The dense alpine
trees, beautiful orchids, panoramic lakes etc. provide the
perfect setting for long hikes in Darjeeling. The panoramic
glimpse of Mt. Everest and breathtaking view of the sunrise
over Kanchenjunga are exhilarating. Darjeeling is a fascinating
tourism place rich in natural beauty and surrounded by the
Buddhist monasteries. Its beauty surpasses any other hill
station of India. The tourist flow to Darjeeling city has
been increasing day by day.
Darjeeling has
some of the lovely tea plantations (estates) in the country.
One can travel these plantations and watch tea being processed.
Darjeeling is a place where one feels as if being in the
lap of mother nature. Due to the vast and abundance of natural
splendor Darjeeling is called queens of hill stations. Darjeeling
is also a trekkers paradise and the Gorkha hill council
has provided ample trekking facilities for the adventure
loving people.
The Darjeeling
toy train coming from Siliguri is some thing which is liked
by the elders and the children equally. The real fun in
coming to Darjeeling is by the toy train. The toy train
takes six to seven hours to cover a distance of 82 kms and
the slow speed gives you enough time to watch and appreciate
the beauty which nature has provided it. This toy train
passes through the Forests, waterfalls, over deep valleys
and through the mountains and tunnels.
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