SIKKIM ::
A wonderfully exotic state ! Nestling in the Himalayan range, Sikkim is a hilly state located in Eastern India. God has endowed it with beauty beyond imagination. This small Himalayan mountain state of India, with its pristine beauty and peace-loving people, offers a life-time opportunity to a visitor to rejuvenate his tired mind and body. Those who visit Sikkim, can only marvel at The CREATORS ingenuity.
The capital, Gangtok is situated at an altitude of 5840 ft above the sea level, is well connected by all weather motor able road from New Jalpaiguri (125 kms). Mount Kangchendzonga, the third highest peak of the Himalayas is clearly visible from Gangtok. This is a sacred mountain of the Sikkimese and is worshipped as the guardian deity to this land.
HOW TO REACH :
In order to reach Gangtok, the capital, the nearest city is Calcutta from where a number of trains and buses leave for New Jalpaiguri.
The nearest station is NEW JALPAIGURI.. It is well connected by railways to all the major cities of India. Otherwise, one can easily avail a number of scheduled flights from Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati and reach BAGDOGRA, the nearest airport to Gangtok(125 kms).
From Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri there are innumerable taxis to ferry tourists to Gangtok. Although the road is winding and through a very hilly terrain, one tends to forget all his worries and simply get immersed in the breathtaking scene that folds in every curve that he encounters. It is a visual delight that one doesn't want to miss even for a second!! River Teesta is a constant companion through out the journey. The water of this river is delightfully sweet and pure. One can always drink this cold, pure water to quench his thirst without any inhibition. I was tepted to take a dip into it but as the water was frightfully cold, I was forced to retract my feet.
MAJOR HOTELS:
There are hotels galore to suit every pocket. Some of the very renowned hotels with extremely affordable tariff are listed below:
1. HOTEL MOUNT SIMYA 10 mins from town
TADONG
Tariff : rs.900/- +
2.HOTEL GOLDEN PAGODA
M.G.Marg, Gangtok
Tariff : Rs.900/- onwards
3. THE HIDDEN FOREST RETREAT
Middle Sichey, Gangtok
Tariff : 1300/- upwards
4. TIBET HOTEL
Paljor Stadium Road, Gangtok
5. KEWZING HOME
Centrally located, Gangtok
Tariff : rs.450/- to Rs.950/-
6 HOTEL TASHI TAGAY
Tadong, Gangtok
Places of tourist interest:
1. Government Institute of Cottage Industry.
2. Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa)
3. Changu Lake (Must see)
4. Premayangtse(Must See)
5.Pelling(Must See)
6. Thangu (Must See)
Adventure sports offered:
1. River rafting
2.Mountain biking
3.Mountaineering
4. Trekking
5. Yak safari
Wishing you A Happy Journey
Raj Prateek Verma
