SCINTILLATING, SENSATIONAL, STUNNING, SOLEMN, SERENE SIKKIM .......Part I

Sikkim is a small Himalayan State in the North East of India. Its capital is Gangtok.  Since it is bordering China there is a lot of army presence in the State and one needs special passes to travel within the State.  Fortunately our travel agent had made all arrangements for us including the passes, transport and all hotel arrangements.

Since Sikkim is in the Himalayan Ranges, it can only be reached by road transport.  The nearest Airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal and the Railway Station is New Jalpaiguri also in W.B.

There are 2 Seasons to travel:

1.              Spring/Summer – April to June

2.           Fall/Early Winter – September to December.

We had the opportunity to travel to Sikkim in April 2009 since we had a wedding to attend in Kalimpong, W.B. We decided to combine the wedding and a small vacation for ourselves.  The entire trip was for 12 days, 3 days in Kalimpong, 6 days in Sikkim and 3 days in Darjeeling.

Since we were transitting in and out of Gangtok we decided to taste the hospitality of 2 hotels there.  We checked into Orange Valley Resort on our way in from Kalimpong. 

Our first visit was to the Enchey Monastery meaning solitary temple, 3 kms from the city of Gangtok. The place was so silent and serene and situated at such a beautiful spot that one does not feel like coming away from there. 

We visited the famous Nalanda University which is just above the Rumtek Monastery in Eastern Sikkim 24 kms from Gangtok. We could see the monks of all ages mainly from the Himalayan Region. 

These pictures of Orchids are taken at the Flower Show that is always held at the famous White Hall just below the Palace Ridge Park which is the office of the Sikkim Government.

Our next visit was to Ganeshtok which is a small temple of Ganesha situated on the Gangtok – Nathula Road.  We took some pictures dressed up in their traditional Sikkimese outfit.

Tashi View Point is another famous tourist spot which is a small climb of steps from where one can see the opposite hills very clearly. We bought some cushion covers from there depicting the Tibetan Origin and their Culture.

(TO BE CONTINUED.....TOMORROW)