By Dr HimanshuTalwar
(Avid traveller, Author of several books, Writes travelogues)
A state which has always been close to my heart is the hill station state of Sikkim. Primarily because of the people; highly talented, smart, well-cultured and polite. And secondly because of the cuisine. Yes, the food is indeed fabulous. Taking readers on a small tour of the state through this travelogue.
The clean, green and all-organic North-eastern State, Sikkim is one of the most popular hill stations in India. Snow-peaked mountains, glacier lakes, picturesque waterfalls and vivid valleys together form the beauty that is Sikkim. The state is rich and vibrant in culture and heritage that is influenced by the mix of communities peacefully coexisting in Sikkim, including Nepalese, Lepchas, and Bhutias.
Here are somehighly recommended places you must visit in Sikkim:
· Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is home to numerous beautiful monasteries, such as Enchey and Rumtek monasteries, and scenic spots like the Tashi viewpoint. With everything in just the right amount from a diversified culture to divine landscapes, Gangtok is a dynamic and enthralling paradise.
One must-visit landmark in Gangtok is MG Marg, which is regarded as the main hub of the town, and is an open mall or boulevard. It is the best shopping destination for tourists as well as a great place to take a leisurely stroll or just sit on the benches and bask in the zestful ambience. Besides, it is regarded as a hotspot for adventurous fun as it offers cable car rides,river rafting, even mountain biking and paragliding etc.
· Moving forward, Tsomgo Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sikkim. It is one of the few high-altitude lakes in India that falls enroute to the Silk Routeat a dizzying height of 12400ft above sea level.Situated between a bright green carpet of alpine forests and surrounded by steep snow-peaked mountains from all sides, the beauty of Tsomgo Lake is bound to leave you in awe. The water is crystal-clear,and blue in colour and the lake is decorated with Buddhist prayer flags as it holds a lot of significance to the locals. It offers mesmerising landscapes that you will forever cherish. They also offer Yak rides around the lake. The lake's mesmerising scenic allure is one of the reasons you must visit Sikkim to admire all its charms.
· Nathu La Pass, which is known to Indians very well due to its historical significance, is situated on the Indo-Chinese borderat 14450 ft above sea leveland is one of the biggest tourist attractions in India. Every year many tourists flock here for trekking in the valley to enjoy the scenic beauty. There are a plentiful number of waterfalls that fall on the way from Gangtok to Nathu La, with a backdrop of the beautiful snow peaks which encircle the entire area.
There’s also a trade market near the border where you can find beautiful Tibetan crafts. The region also supports Himalayan wildlife like Tibetan gazelle, snow leopard, yaks, Tibetan wolves, etc. Apart from a spectacular wildlife range, Nathu La Pass has a rich variety of flora.
· For all who know about the valley of flowers in northern India, there’s one in Eastern India too. Yumthang Valley,located in North Sikkim, is famous for its breathtaking flower meadows. In the months of April-May, the Rhododendrons flowers are in full bloom and the entire valley is enveloped by them. Infamously known as the "Valley of flowers", this is a rare and exotic location with hot springs, rivers, yaks and lush green meadows. Situated at an altitude of 3564m, this stunning valley also houses the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary which has over 24 species of Rhododendron flowers (the state flower) and is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The ride towards Yumthang also offers a stunning viewof the gushing waterfalls and streams along with a splendid sight of the peaks ofPauhunri and ShunduTsenpa.
· Another great attraction of Sikkim is Pelling. Surrounded by a thick forest cover, Pelling has a variety of wildlife. This scenic town is home to the beautiful Khangchendzonga peak and Changey waterfalls. The famous Pemayangste monastery is less than a kilometre from here which is a major tourist hotspot. Sangachoeling Monastery and Rabdentse Ruins, the old ruins of the Old Rabdentse Palace, are other such attractions. Apart from serving as a base for numerous treks in the region. Pelling also has sites for mountain biking, rock climbing, village tours, meditations etc.
Despite being one of the smallest states in the country, Sikkim has a lot of charms. It is a breathtaking beauty that is home to many untouched high-altitude lakes, and snow-capped mountains including the world's third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga, and exotic flora and fauna.
Honestly, there is no lack of adventure in Sikkim and neither is there a lack of delectable cuisine. The scenic state is, indeed, a perfect holiday destination for all food and nature lovers to adventure enthusiasts.