SIKKIM INTRODUCTION
Sikkim, referred to as Denzong (valley of rice) by most locals Himalayan folks, Sikkim is better known internationally for its spices like cardamom, ginger and even famous for its varieties of rare and exotic orchids, rhododendrons and wild flowers. Specimens of the rarest butterflies on earth along with an incredible range of ubiquitous animals and birds thrive in the temperate forests and alpine woodlands of Sikkim.
Inexorably charming Sikkim reveals in the lure of its primeval attractions, Replete with an abundance of untamed wilderness and rugged beauty. , Endowed with a bounties combination of enchanting attributes, its interesting wealth of Bio-Diversity coupled with a colourful extravaganza of vibrant Himalayan cultures makes it ideal for a perfectly enjoyable holiday. Imposing monasteries perched on top of verdant hills are enveloped in an aura of sublime tranquility. The spiritual ambiance of their locale is accentuated by an orchestrated rendition of mantras amidst a reverberating clash of symbols lingering echo of drum beats and the deep melancholic boom of trumpets. A large number of devotees flock to numerous centers of pilgrimage that are sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists alike.
The landscape of Sikkim features rolling expanses of mountainous terrain. Temperate forests, alpine pastures and glacial lakes, vertiginous cliffs, cavernous gorges, deep ravines and picturesque waterfalls, a cold desert on its northern fringes forms its borders with Tibet. The ever transforming images portrayed by its landscape and verdure encompass a jaw dropping range of variations in elevation. A compelling combination of grandeur and austerity can be experienced in the most dramatic convergence of its topographical features. Foot hills, steep mountains and souring snow clad peaks of the Himalayas blend into each other to represent the finest examples of natural symbiosis.
Sikkim was another independent Himalayan kingdom until 1975 when it finally merged with the Republic of India. Upon the signing of the instruments of accession, the rule of the “Chogyels” as the kings of Sikkim were called came to an end. Although sovereign Sikkim was a protectorate of the imperial British Empire, India inherited the legacy when it was granted independence in 1947. Today Sikkim shares contagious borders with Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the east and China to the north. Since it is a strongly fortified strategic enclave of India, travel to this sensitive province was restricted until a couple of years ago. Now with the harmonization of border disputes between India and China, tourist’s permits can be procured. Thus a window of a new frontier in exploration and discover awaits those in the quest of adventure, spirituality, authentic tribal culture and splendid mountain scenery.
The Sikkimese people as a whole are comprised of mainly three distinct ethnic communities viz. Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese, who all share a common tribal background. The Mahayana (Tantric Buddhism) and Hinduism are the two most dominant religions. Like all other Himalayan dwellers, the people of Sikkim are extremely friendly and hospitable. Religion continues to play an important role in their everyday lives, even helping to shape their behavior characterized by a genial attitude and compassionate nature.
Inexorably charming Sikkim reveals in the lure of its primeval attractions, Replete with an abundance of untamed wilderness and rugged beauty. , Endowed with a bounties combination of enchanting attributes, its interesting wealth of Bio-Diversity coupled with a colourful extravaganza of vibrant Himalayan cultures makes it ideal for a perfectly enjoyable holiday. Imposing monasteries perched on top of verdant hills are enveloped in an aura of sublime tranquility. The spiritual ambiance of their locale is accentuated by an orchestrated rendition of mantras amidst a reverberating clash of symbols lingering echo of drum beats and the deep melancholic boom of trumpets. A large number of devotees flock to numerous centers of pilgrimage that are sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists alike.
The landscape of Sikkim features rolling expanses of mountainous terrain. Temperate forests, alpine pastures and glacial lakes, vertiginous cliffs, cavernous gorges, deep ravines and picturesque waterfalls, a cold desert on its northern fringes forms its borders with Tibet. The ever transforming images portrayed by its landscape and verdure encompass a jaw dropping range of variations in elevation. A compelling combination of grandeur and austerity can be experienced in the most dramatic convergence of its topographical features. Foot hills, steep mountains and souring snow clad peaks of the Himalayas blend into each other to represent the finest examples of natural symbiosis.
Sikkim was another independent Himalayan kingdom until 1975 when it finally merged with the Republic of India. Upon the signing of the instruments of accession, the rule of the “Chogyels” as the kings of Sikkim were called came to an end. Although sovereign Sikkim was a protectorate of the imperial British Empire, India inherited the legacy when it was granted independence in 1947. Today Sikkim shares contagious borders with Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the east and China to the north. Since it is a strongly fortified strategic enclave of India, travel to this sensitive province was restricted until a couple of years ago. Now with the harmonization of border disputes between India and China, tourist’s permits can be procured. Thus a window of a new frontier in exploration and discover awaits those in the quest of adventure, spirituality, authentic tribal culture and splendid mountain scenery.
The Sikkimese people as a whole are comprised of mainly three distinct ethnic communities viz. Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese, who all share a common tribal background. The Mahayana (Tantric Buddhism) and Hinduism are the two most dominant religions. Like all other Himalayan dwellers, the people of Sikkim are extremely friendly and hospitable. Religion continues to play an important role in their everyday lives, even helping to shape their behavior characterized by a genial attitude and compassionate nature.
REGION DESTINATIONS
PLACES TO VISIT
