Sikkim also called as Shikim or Shikimpati is a non-coastal state that belongs to India. It is nestled in the midst of the Himalayan Mountain Range. It is also believed that the name of the place is coined from the words Su,Him which means beautiful home.
The state shares its borders with the three neighboring countries as in its western side the state shares the borders with Nepal, in its north and east it is circumscribed by China’s Tibet Autonomous Region and in its southeast side the state touches Bhutan. In its southern side it is bordered by the Indian state of West Bengal.
The state with least population in the country and geographically, the smallest one after Goa, Sikkim is sprawled over an area of about 7,096 sq km. the sate enjoys its close association with the great Himalayan Range, which renders it a pleasant climate of alpine that ranges to subtropical one.
In its western side along with sharing its borders with the neighboring country, Nepal, the state also shares its vicinity with the world’s third highest peak, Kangchenjunga. Thus, the state is aptly recognized as the ‘Land of Himalayas’ and its attendant peaks are such as Pandim, Narsing, Kabru, Talung, Siniolchu, Pau-Hunri, Simvo and Jopuno.
This virgin land is enveloped with the snow- capped peaks with a backdrop of lush green woods, gushing brooks and has abundance of flora and fauna, making it truly a “Nye-mea-el” simply defining heaven. Coroneted with several sobriquets as the jewel of North East of India, The Land of Himalayas, abode of nature, Nye-mea-el; the state is also looked upon as one of the Himalayan Shangri-La’s. Situated in North East India, the state of Sikkim is one of the most visiting places in the country for providing the perfect ambience that makes it to be an ultimate hill resort. The Himalayan Range appends an additional charm as these loom over the land and creates an aura that leaves a person in déjà-vu. The mesmerizing charm and the pleasant climate along with its verdant peaks and steep gorges it happens to be a perfect hill resort.
The state enjoys the privilege of being the only state in India with cultural majority of Nepal. This petite state has 11official languages such as Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Limbu, Newari, Rai, Gurung, Mangar, Sherpa, Tamang and Sunwar. In addition, English is also taught in the schools.
The incredible beauty in Sikkim is wrapped up in its concealed valleys, snow-fed lakes, long stretches of tea plantations, floral paradise and a lot more is what makes an ultimate tourist destination and attracts millions of tourist who honor the place with their feet every year.
Sikkim travel and tourism is a popular among the Indian and foreign tourists alike and for that the Sikkim tour packages are a perfect way of exploring the splendor of the destination in North-eastern India.
General facts about Sikkim Location: North-East India Area: 7,096 sq km Language: Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Limbu, Newari, Rai, Gurung, Mangar, Sherpa, Tamang and Sunwar Climate: Cold and moderate Major Attractions: Pemayangtse Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake, Yuksam Tashiding, Reshi Hot Springs Ideal Time to Visit: March to June
Tourist sightseeing in Sikkim The state of Sikkim is segregated into four divisions and each division boasts off its attractions, making it a complete package of paradise. Some of the tourist destinations in this quaint little state of Sikkim that happens to stands on the western dovision of the state are Pelling, Pemayangtse Monastery, Khecheopalri Lake, Yuksam Tashiding, Reshi Hot Springs, Sanga Choeling Monastery and Rinchenpong. In the east division of the state the places to visit are Tsomgo (Changu) Lake and Menmecho Lake, Nathula Pass, Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa), Deer Park, Flower Show, Enchey Monastery, Ridge Park , White Hall, Tashi View Point, Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok and the Himalayan Zoological Park. In its west division, the state holds tourists spots like Ravangla, Temi Tea Garden, Sikip and Jorethang. The famous festivity that is celebrated in Ravangla is Pang Lhabsol festival which is held annually. Other attractions in the area are Samdruptse Hill and Namchi. And its north district is famous for the hot springs. The attractions in the area are Yumthang Valley, Kabi Longtsok and the Phodong Monastery.
Climate of Sikkim The state of Sikkim enjoys climate that ranges from sub-tropical type in the south to tundra in its northern division. The climate is moderate here in Sikkim which predictably never exceeds 28 degree Celsius in summers and drops down below 0degree Celsius in winters. The state receives snowfall, on a regular basis and during its monsoon season the state becomes inundated, which even results into landslides. The state has a moderate climate and welcomes 365 days to pay a visit, yet in order to take a sigh of relief from the usual climate of summers in different part of India, you can come on this land from March till June, as this land will make you forget about those scorching heat of summers that otherwise makes you restless in your state.
How to reach Sikkim Sikkim by Air: The nearest airport is at Bagdogra in North Bengal, which is just at a distance of 124 km from Gangtok, Sikkims capital. Sikkim by Rail:The nearest railway stations are at Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri, 114 km and 126 km respectively, from the state capital Gangtok. Sikkim by Road:The state capital, Gangtok is well connected by road with the major cities of the country such as Calcutta (721 km), Darjeeling (139 km), Guwahati (589 km) and Patna (584 km).