Capital
: Gangtok
Language : Nepali
Tourist season : March to August
Area : 7290 sq Km
The tiny state of Sikkim is cradled by Bhutan on the east,
Nepal on the west and Tibet on the north. Sikkim is
situated amongst the highest peaks of the Eastern
Himalayas, along the higher reaches of the Tista River
Valley. An independent kingdom till 1975, Sikkim
thereafter joined the Indian Territory to become the 22nd
state of the Indian Union.
Tourist Attraction of
Sikkim
Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo lake is only 40 kms. from Gangtok town and is
situated at an altitude of 12,210 ft.
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre :
The seat of the 17th Gyalwa Karma, late His Holiness
Rangjung Rigpae Dorjee, it is believed that the monastery,
built in 1960 is a replica of the original Kagyurpa
Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet. ( 24 kms from Gangtok).
Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies
Initiated by the late 16th Karmapa, the institute in
housed in the adjoining building of the Rumtek Monastery.
The Jamyang Khang Primary School meant for 5 years of
primary monastic studies is also located here.
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
Very close by to Rumtek Monastery, and maintained by the
parks and Gardens unit of the Forest Department of the
Government of Sikkim, the Garden is an enchanting and
soothing experience among the lush green vegetation, rare
plants and trees and certain species of Himalayan flowers
and Orchids.
Permanent Flower Show
White Hall, Close by the White Memorial Hall and just
below the Palace Ridge park is the more recent Flower Show
Hall. In recent years this show has become quite popular
and famous as there are flower exhibitions throughout the
year in accordance with the seasons and the flowers in
bloom.
Enchey Monastery
An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey
Monastery meaning the Solitary temple, was originally
built with the solace that no other construction would be
allowed near it is built on the site blessed by Lama
Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his flying
powers. This 200-year-old Monastery has in its premises
images of god, goddesses and other religious objects.
Every year around January 'Chaam' or religious masked
dance is performed with great fanfare for two days. it is
situated adjoining the Sinolchu Tourist Lodge, 3 kms from
Gangtok Town.
Hanuman Tok
It is approximately 5½ km. from Gangtok town. A temple of
God Hanuman, worshipped by the Hindus. Besides offering
prayers, one can enjoy the scenic beauty of Gangtok town
and have a satisfying glimpse of Mt Kanchendzonga, which
is snow clad.
Tashi View Point
Built by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal, it is
situated 4 km from Gangtok town from where one can have a
clear view of opposite hills, besides Mt. Kanchandzonga.
This site offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic
Mt.Kanchandzonga and surrounding hills.
Ganesh Tok
It is a very small temple of Ganesh, a God worshipped by
Hindus. It is on a hillock on Gangtok-Nathula Road. A
Sikkim Government nursery is just nearby.
Saramsa Garden
About 14 kms from Gangtok is the Saramsa Garden, the home
of Sikkim's most exotic orchids and other rare tropical
and temperate plants. Established and maintained by the
Department of Forest, it is an excellent recreation and
picnic spot.
Water Garden
Water Garden at Martam Khola is on the 31-A National
Highway some 16 kms. south of Gangtok. It is an ideal spot
for picnic with a small swimming pool for children.
Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre
It is a Tibetan refugee monastic institution established
in 1961 by his Eminence Luding Khen Rimpoche, Head of
Ngorpa, sub-sect of the Sakya Order, with the blessing of
H.H. Sakya Trizin and H.H. the Dalai Lama. This is the
only monastery of the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism in
Sikkim. It is located on a beautiful hill-top just 5 kms
away from Gangtok Sikkim.