Sikkim is an Indian state in the North East of the country. The Himalayan state boarders Chinese Tibet in the North, Nepal in the West, Indian state of West Bengal in the south and Bhutan in the East. It is one of the smallest states of India and has a population just over 6,00,000.
Tourism is the main industry in the state. In fact, the annual tourist inflow in the state has surpassed the population of the state.The state is legendary for its peaceful nature and simplicity. Famous for Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world at 8586 m, the mountain state offers a tremendous variety of plant and wildlife besides a diverse ethnic mix of people with rich cultural tradition.
History of Sikkim
The Lepchas are considered to be the earliest inhabitants of Sikkim. However the Limbus and the Magars also lived in the inaccessible parts of West and South districts as early as the Lepchas perhaps lived in the East and North districts. The Buddhist saint Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, is said to have passed through the land in the 8th century. The Guru is reported to have blessed the land, introduced Buddhism, and foretold the era of monarchy that would arrive in Sikkim centuries later.
Best Time to Visit in Sikkim
The enchanting beauty of the Himalayan kingdom Sikkim with its lush green landscapes, super-steep valleys and pristine lakes will mesmerize you on a trip here. View the beauty of the snow-clad Himalayan mountains here in this traditional yet modern region where monasteries and skyscrapers coexist. You can also view the scenic charm of the Khangchendzonga mountain range, that is the world’s third highest mountain from any high points in this region. This charming state is ideal for a vacation at any point as each season has something new to offer. You can visit here with family, friends or even on your own as there are plenty of things to do and scenic sights to visit. However, if you had to plan a trip here and needed to know the best time to visit Sikkim, the following information could help you out.Thus, Sikkim is beautiful to view in any season as the weather generally stays pleasant and cool. Summer is warm and moderate and is the ideal season for trekking where you can see blooming rhododendrons and orchids all around in this beautiful Himalayan kingdom. The monsoon season may be beautiful as the rain showers make this region look more beautiful but you should also be cautious while traveling here as this area is prone to landslides. Winter season is charming and perfect for romantic dates as the whole area is enveloped in snow.Thus, ideally the best time to visit Sikkim is from March to June and from September to December. Plan your trip to this Himalayan kingdom and create some grand memories in this holiday destination.
How to Reach Sikkim
Travel to Sikkim by train is possible by getting to major railway heads near Gangtok- New Jalpaiguri (188 km) and Siliguri (145 km). These railway stations are well connected with major cities and towns of India. Frequent trains connect the railway stations. You can further board a bus or hire a taxi to reach Sikkim.
Shopping in Sikkim
Sikkim; being a unique state in culture and tourism, offers a unique shopping experience as well to its visitors. The happy people of Sikkim celebrates it rich culture by dressing up colorfully and wearing equally beautiful jewelleries, that demand for an extra space in your luggage while going back. Its deep rooted traditions abore variety of ritual objects of religious significance but also make for an attractive souvenir to gift to the near and dear ones or even adorn your house with.The Government Institute of Cottage Industry conserving authentic manifesto, testimonies and skills of local artisans in their attractive products like handloom, Tibetan woollen carpets made of pure sheep wool, traditionally hand carved tables like Choktses and furnitures, make for a good start for your shopping. There are many curio shops around the town sells amazing canvas paintings and scrolls with local motifs, cloth bags, handmade paper products, and also the eight lucky signs - ‘Tashi Tagey’.
Best Things To Do in Sikkim
Colourful valleys, misty hills, semi-frozen lakes, stunning Buddhist shrines, smiling faces, and enormous snow-clad peaks of Himalayas guarding these dreamy landscapes – no wonder all the top things to do in Sikkim are on everyone’s Travel Wishlist. From paragliding, river rafting, cable car rides, challenging treks, shopping, sightseeing, to birdwatching, there is no dearth of activities in the breathtaking realms of Sikkim for all kinds of travelers. While browsing customised Sikkim tour packages, make sure you include as many of these activities as you can in your Sikkim itinerary to make the most of your holiday.
