Sikkim

Fascinating thumb-shape of Sikkim makes it look weird on the map from a satellite view. Tucked in the caring arms of Himalayas, Sikkim is the least populous state in India. Squared by three different countries on the sides – it is an ancient land that fetched the honor of ´Indrakil´ or garden of Indra, which signifies interesting tales from the History pages. The sate charms its guests with its cleanest and safest environment.

Demographics

Though the state is scarcely populated, but the Census reads a total population of 540,493 inhabitants, of which the males comprise a figure of 288,217 and females 252,276. Nepali is the official language of Sikkim, but both Hindi and English go hand in hand. To name the other few languages that is accepted here incorporates Bhutia, Sherpa, Tamang, Tibetan, Limbu, Magar, Majhi, Majhwar and many others. Estimation shows that about 60.9% adhere to the Hindu religion. Buddhism also plays a pivotal role, though it forms a minor part of the population at 28.1%. Christianity is also followed marking a percentage of 6.7%.

Geography

Sikkim is perched on the eastern Himalayas and is bordered by Tibet in the North, West Bengal in south, Tibet and Bhutan in the East and Nepal in the West. What is most spectacular about the location is that it spreads its far-flung wings right below Mount Kanchanjunga, which is the world´s third highest peak.

Sikkim is all about hills and mountains. Mainly the hills consist of half-schistose rocks and gneissose. The soil consists of iron oxide concentration and poor organic and mineral nutrients that is perfect for supporting deciduous and evergreen forest.

Climate

The Summer and Autumn are the best months to visit Sikkim, since the climate remains at its best then. Between March and June or September and December, it is ideal for reveling in the celestial beauty of the land. In Indian sub continent, there are four seasons in a year, but Sikkim exceptionally experiences five seasons like summer, winter, autumn, spring and the monsoons. The temperatures also remain at an ideal 18 °C in the warmer months of the year. It is one of the very few states in India that receive a regular snowfall.

Flora and fauna

The bright red flowers of Rhododendron fill the slopes of Sikkim. Apart from this, you would find Oaks, Chestnuts, Maples, Magnolias and much more. Sikkim also flaunts a few reserve forests and sanctuaries, which are rich in animals like musk deer, snow leopard, the barking deer, the jungle cat, the civet cat, the marbled cat, the leopard cat, Himalayan Bear, Red Panda and much more.

Major Attractions

Sikkim is the land of monasteries. The Dharma Chakra center is located at a height of 5800 feet and is the main exile seat of Kagyu lineage. You cannot deny the old elegant Tibetan look of the monastery. The Enchey Monastery is the place where to seek solitude and serenity. A few kilometers away from Sikkim’s capital, Gangtok lies the Tashi View Point. What is most fascinating about the point is that, it offers splendid view of the Mt. Kanchanjunga and the plains. The Tsomgo Lake is located on the 12000 feet on the Gangtok Nathu La highway. The northern part of Sikkim experiences year round snowfall, which is rich in remote and exclusive spots like the Gurudongmar Lake, Lachung and Lachen. Sikkim, is also the favorite for trekkers. Starting from novices to experienced adventure-hungry souls, Sikkim provides trekking routes like Goecha La, Green Lake, Tendong Hill, Mainam Hill for everyone.

Tips

- Tourists should exchange money through Authorized banks in Sikkim.
- Tourist should be careful about their purchases in Sikkim, since certain commodities in India can be exported only under export permit
- Taxis or other motors hardly maintain the authenticity of the meters therefore tourist should be careful about that and fix the fare before starting off.
- Get consent of the authorized heads prior to venturing into the restricted areas of Sikkim
- Being a tourist avoid taking help from the brokers and tout