Sikkim Tourism
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A landlocked state of India, Sikkim is nestled in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas and nature has blessed this state with distinctive beauty. A Himalayan wonderland, bestowed with a variety of vegetation and undisturbed valleys, five climatic zones, peaceful environment, hospitable and humble people and a rich cultural heritage - all of it is unmatched and hard to find anywhere else.
The state is one of the notable destination for travel enthusiast simply for the gurgling streams, snowcapped mountains, monasteries, flora, and fauna. This tiny state boasts of over 552 different species of birds and about 690 species of butterflies. Also, among its mountains is the well known Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. Sikkim is the least populated state in India.
Sikkim is now a popular tourist destination. The state government has marked tourism as a priority segment. From the cities to remote villages, local people have adopted this industry as a sustainable income generator. The state government is making efforts in providing better services like roads, power and water to make tourism a flourishing industry.
The state government has also efficiently and successfully educated and guided the people to preserve the culture, traditions, and heritage. Further to facilitate tourism in all parts of the state wayside amenities like accommodation facilities, public convenience and support facilities like parking, waiting sheds, watch towers, beautification of the area, trekking trails have been enhanced at all tourist destinations.
Best Time to Visit Sikkim
Best time to visit is from March to June and September to December. The best season to travel is summers. It is recommended not to visit during monsoons, as the rivers and roads become impassable, and the state is prone to landslides.
Tourist Attractions in Sikkim
Gangtok, the capital city, tops the list of tourist destinations in the state. For nature lovers resisting the alluring charm of this city is impossible. While for adventure lovers are the cable car rides, mountain biking, and river rafting. Also, on your visit to Gangtok, stop by the Tsomgo Lake, situated at an elevation of 12,400 ft. It is one of the highest lakes in India.
Amongst the other monasteries, Rumtek Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries. An ode to the Buddhist traditions and culture. Once a part of the historic ‘Silk Road’, a visit to Nathu La is a must while you visit Sikkim. One of the highest motorable passes in the world connects Sikkim with Tibet.
Lying on the Western side, Yuksom is the origin of various enthralling treks into the Himalayas or the mystical Kanchenjunga. It is also known as the ‘Meeting place of Three Lamas.'
How to Reach Sikkim
By Air : Sikkim doesn't have an airport, being situated in a hilly area, the nearest airport lies at Bagdogra in West Bengal. Bagdogra Airport is connected with Kolkata, Delhi, Patna, Imphal, and Guwahati.
By Rail : Sikkim doesn't have a rail network in its periphery. The nearest railway stations are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. Both of these stations are well-connected with Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati and the other main cities of India.
By Road : The state has an excellent network of roads. Road links Gangtok with Calcutta, Darjeeling, Guwahati, and Patna. It is also directly connected with Siliguri and Kalimpong. The road, connecting Siliguri and Gangtok, is the busiest route in and out of Sikkim.
