SIKKIM GUIDE |
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Sikkim is sandwiched between Nepal to the west
and Bhutan to the east. The magical lure of
Sikkim has always been attracting people all
over the world. Sikkim is a
dream that one can realize and enjoy, now that
the area is open to all.Sikkim
is full of Buddhist monasteries. Its capital,
Gangtok has a lot to see, specially the Research
Institute of Tibetology, a World centre for the
study of Buddhist philosophy & religion and has
a rare collection of statues and over 200
Buddhist icons.
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Guide |
Hotels |
Attractions |
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SIKKIM INFORMATION |
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| Sikkim The land of mighty Kanchenjunga.
A holiday land with few equals anywhere. This jewel
-like mountain state of ethereal beauty with an area of
7299 Sq. kilometres, nestles in the heart of the
Himalayas.Wrapped in mists and clouds. A garden state
with an incredible variety of orchids, rhododendrons,
gladioli and a host of other flowers. Rustling, tumbling
streams and torrents. Mountain monasteries and quaint
shopping plazas.India's 22nd State lies in one of the
most enthralling regions of the Himalayas. This hidden
peaceful land of rice cultivation, called "Bayul
Demojong" by the local people, is inhabited by Nepalis,
Lepchas, Bhutias, Tibetans and Marwaris. |
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SIKKIM FACTS AND FIGURES |
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Area:
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7300 sq km |
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Capital: |
Gangtok |
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Languages:
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Hindi, English |
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Per Capita Income: |
6,451 |
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Religion: |
Hindu, Christianity |
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Main Income: |
Tourism, Agriculture, Industry |
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Best
Time to visit: |
September to March |
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SIKKIM HISTORY |
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| In 1947 when India became independent,
Tashi Namgyal was successful in getting a special status
of protectorate for Sikkim. This was in face of stiff
resistance from local parties like Sikkim State Congress
who wanted a democratic setup and accession of Sikkim to
the Union of India.The treaty signed between India and
Sikkim ratified the status of Sikkim as a protectorate
with Chogyal as the Monarch. Tashi Namgyal died in 1963
and was succeeded by his son Palden Thondup Namgyal. By
the beginning of 1970 there were rumbling in the
political ranks and file of the State, which demanded
the removal of Monarchy and the establishment of a
democratic setup. This finally culminated in wide spread
agitation against Sikkim Durbar in 1973.There was a
complete collapse in the administration. |
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SIKKIM TOURIST ATTRACTIONS |
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| Changu Lake (Gangtok) » Yumthang (Gangtok) » Rumtek Monastery (Gangtok)
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SIKKIM FAIRS AND FESTIVALS |
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Saga Dawa, Lhabab Dhuechen,
Losoong, Losar, Dusshera, Diwali, Saraswati Puja, Holi are the fais & festivals celebrated in Sikkim. |
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HOW TO REACH |
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By Air: The busiest route in and out of Sikkim is
the road between Gangtok and Siliguri. The town of
Bagdogra at a distance of 124 km from Gangtok has the
nearest airport. Flights from Bagdogra can be booked at
the Indian Airlines office on Tibet Road in Gangtok
(Phone 03592-23099). There are regular flights to
Guwahati, Calcutta, and Delhi from Bagdogra.
By Rail: The nearest railway stations from
Gangtok are New Jalpaiguri (125 km) and Siliguri (144
km) connected to Delhi, Calcutta, Guwahati, and other
important cities in India.
By Road: Gangtok is connected by road to
Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Siliguri. Cars, luxury
coaches and jeeps are available for hire in the town.
There are also regular bus services run by the Sikkim
Nationalized Transport.
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SIKKIM MAJOR CITIES |
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| Gangtok » Phodong » Rumtek |
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SIKKIM WILDLIFE AND BIRDS |
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Mountain slopes, foot -hills and valley walls covered
with a variety of dense growth offer a natural habitat
for many types of animals, birds and insects. About
500-600 species of birds and 631 species of butterflies
alone are found in this small state. Orchids found in
abundance attract several hundreds species of
butterflies which can offer a lepidopterist a lifetime
of work and delight. In forest surrounded valleys the
butterflies are found inn swarming numbers .The black
and the dreaded brown bear are mostly found in forests
located at heights ranging from 4,000 feet to 11,000
feet (1250 metres to 3453 metres) above sea level. Musk
deer are quite common in areas with an average height of
9000feet (about 2800 meters). Tiger, leopard, sambar,
barking deer, leopard cat, marbed cat, squirrel are
mostly confined to warmer areas. Yak, panda, otter,
goral, wild bear, ovis, nahura, bhyang-lung (wild sheep
)and Vyang-gra (wild goat) are other animals that can be
seen in Sikkim. Otter is much prized for the brocaded
fur caps worn by some Sikkimese. The tail-less mountain
rats, rock Lizards and snow fox like predators are also
found in high altitudes.Numerous species of birds
ranging from gigantic Imamergeyer to the miniscule
flower pecker abound in the forests of Sikkim and are
enough to make this land an Ornithologists paradise.
Flamboyant pheasants, partridges, ducks, quails, teals,
eagles, barbet, Himalayan cuckoo, Babblers and Thrushes
are some of the birds found in Sikkim. The Tibetan black
crow with rosy feet is also found in northern Sikkim.
The bright red coloured Miniwet known as "Red King" in
Nepal has also its habitat in Sikkim. Crap and Trout
fish abound in the rivers and lakes of the state. |
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SIKKIM ARTS AND CRAFTS |
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Foremost among Sikkim's products are the beautiful hand
woven woolen carpets with traditional Sikkimese motifs
and unique designs and combinations of rich colours.
These attractively designed carpets are in great demand
in Sikkim and abroad. The handsome woolen texture are
durable, plush and are dyed not with synthetic dyes but
traditional vegetable Sikkimese dyes. The designs vary
from sophisticated harmonising tones to the brilliant
rioting of vermilions against intense blues. Another
exclusive product of the state is the Sikkimese table
locally called as Choktse. These foldable Choktse are
prepared in varying designs and dimensions. The
Sikkimese hand made paper is another product demanded
inside and outside the state. The traditional Sikkimese
weaves and woolen blankets which can be designed into
bags, shawls, jackets, opulent Sikkimese thankas
(traditional tapestry ), leather works, dolls,
variegated applique work, batiks, an exquisite selection
of dolls and a variety of fashionable garments for
modern people are the other specialties of the state.
For the development of these industries government has
set up an institute of cottage industries. The locally
made handicrafts are sold at the institute. |
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