An Insight :
With a backdrop of the Himalayas, Sikkim offers breathtaking vistas,
colourful lifestyles, Buddhist shrines, adventure, watersport, exquisite
flora and fauna, including hundreds of varieties of butterflies, all close
to the capital, Gangtok. Efforts are on to expand quality tourism to other
areas. There has been a rapid increase in the availability of accommodation.
Apart government accommodation at various places, Gangtok is teeming with
lodges and hotels. Sikkim is ideal for a visit by itself, or combined with
visits to Darjeeling and/or Kalimpong. Surrounded by Tibet, Bhutan, West
Bengal and Nepal, Sikkim was a monarchy and emerged as the 22nd Indian state
in the 1970s. The capital is expanding, to the status of a city. The hustle
and bustle of the market places contrasts with the serene areas, all within
minutes of each other.
Lets Explore Gangtok :
The list of attractions in Gangtok is endless. The small town itself is a
beautiful place to move around. It houses sites like the most important
stupa of Sikkim, the Do Drul Chorten, the solitary temple or the Enchey
Monastery, the marvelous collection of orchids in the Orchid Sanctuary and
the picturesque Tashi Ling that provides an astounding view of the
Kanchenjunga range. The Namgyal Institute of Research and the Tsuk la Khang,
a depository of a large collection of scriptures and the principal place of
worship for the local Buddhists, are some of the other places that are worth
visiting.
The Rumtek Monastery, which is the largest monastery of its kind in Sikkim
and the Phodong Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries in the
region, are also well worth visiting.
All good things in life come in small packets and Gangtok is the perfect
illustration. Be it the rich flora, the beautiful people, or the serene
Buddhist monasteries, this small town, occupies an important position in the
itinerary of tourists in search of tranquility from the humdrum of modern
life.
Where is Gangtok?
» By Air - The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, 120
km away from Gangtok. Bagdogra is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati and
Kolkatta by air.
» By Rail - New Jalpaiguri is the nearest mainline
railhead for Gangtok.
» By Road - 120 kms from Bagdogra, and a little
over a 100 kms each from Darjeeling and Kalimpong, Gangtok is well connected
to the other Eastern Hill-stations.
