- @Sai Residency

About Sikkim

Calvin Carlo
13th August, 2019

This erstwhile Himalayan Kingdom became a state of India in 1975, bearing an area of 7095 sq. km. The smallest state in the North East India is bordered by three International borders, Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west & China (Tibet) in the north, and West Bengal (India) in the south. There is a wide altitude variation in a short North – South span of 150 km, resulting in a varied climatic zone.

The state is the home to the third highest mountain peak in the World (Mt. Kanchendzongha)and has over 500 species of Orchids, large variety of Rhododendron flowers. Red Panda & Blood Pleasant are the state animal and bird respectively.

Sikkim, the tiny Himalayan state mainly consists of mountainous terrain, interspersed with ravines and verdant valleys. The snow clad Kanchendzongha, the world’s third highest mountain dominates the tiny state and in considered as the guardian deity of Sikkim. The main rivers of Sikkim are Teesta and Rangit. The people have remained cocooned for centuries by the protective mountains and have developed inimitable lifestyle of their own, untouched by external influences. They structured their dress, folklore and cuisine around their ancient faith. Their sense of colour was inspired by the exotic floral wealth and colourful butterflies. The dances capture the savage forces of nature, while in their endless guest for secrets of nature, the scholars and seers in their monasteries have opened doors of mental perception, which, for one, compel them to accept rebirth as a proven fact of life.

District	Area	Population	Head Quarters	Place of Interest
EAST	954 Sq. Km.	1,78,452	Gangtok	Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, Nathula pass (China Border), M.G. Marg (Market), Rope Way ( Cable Car), Ranka Monastery, Banjhakri waterfalls, Hanuman Tak, Ganesh Tak, Tashi View Point, Tibetology (Tibetian Museum),Handicraft center, Flower show, Enchey Monastery, Rumtek Monastery, Botanical Garden, Himalayan Biological park (Zoo).
NORTH	4,226 Sq. Km.	31,240	Mangan	Lachung, Lachen, Yumthang valley, Hot water spring, Rhododendron santuar, Yumesamdong (Zero point), Gurudongmar Lake, Thangu, Chopta valley
SOUTH	750 Sq. Km.	98,604	Namchi	Namchi, Temi Tea Garden, Samdruptse, Rock Garden, Char Dham (Solokhop), Sai Temple Trekking points: Maenam Hill, Tendong Hill, Sang moo cave Ravangla
WEST	1,166 Sq. Km.	98,161	Geyzing (Gyashing)	Pelling, Pemyangtse Monastery, Darap valley, Kanchendzongha waterfalls, Rimbi rock garden, Rimbi waterfalls, Khechuperi lake Trekking Points: Dzongri & Yuksam (Base camp), Varsey valley Legship KirateswarTemple, Kaluk, Soreng, Hee Barmiok, Rinchenpong, Tashiding Monastery.

Connectivity

Airways: The Nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB), near Siliguri in West Bengal, about 120 kms. from Gangtok. It is connected with regular flights from Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati and other major cities of India by direct or via flights, from airport to Gangtok is around 4 hours drive.

Note: Gangtok will be connected by direct / indirect flights (Domestic) with other major cities of India very soon, the airport around 30 kms. from the city is ready for operation, hope to be operative very soon.

Railways: The nearest Railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) near Siliguri in West Bengal, about 110 kms. from Gangtok. It is connected by regular trains from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati and other major cities of India. From New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station to Gangtok is around 4 hours drive.

Note: Direct Railway connection with Sikkim with other cities of India is under construction. It will be connected by broad gage railway track from Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri (NJP) till Rongpo (Sikkim Border), around 40 kms. from Gangtok city, very soon.

Helicopter Service: Sikkim Tourism operates a helicopter service between Bagdogra (IXB) and Gangtok, about 30 minutes flight. Besides Sikkim Tourism also arrange a mountain joyride flight (15 minutes) regularly.

Roadways: Gangtok is connected by National Highway (NH – 31 A) with Siliguri (4 hours), the main gateway of Sikkim. Regular Bus services by Sikkim Nationalized transport (SNT), as well as private bus service and Taxi / Jeep services are available at regular intervals from Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri station / Bagdogra airport to Gangtok.