Sikkim: Nature at its
best
December 2, 2016 03:41
AM , The Week Bureau
One
of the loveliest destinations in India, Sikkim is said to be one of
the world’s last utopias by Buddhist guru Padmasambhava. The least
populated state in India, it is bordered by Nepal to the west,
China’s Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and northeast, Bhutan
to the east and the Indian state of West Bengal to the
south.
Though small, it is a place
of much diversity: plunging rhododendron-clad mountain valleys in
the north, West Sikkim’s atmospheric Buddhist monasteries,
monumental religious statues in South Sikkim, and friendly and
cheerful urban centers in the east. Then there are the stunning
views of Mount Kanchenjunga from almost any point of the small
state. This is what makes this state such a haven for many
travelers.
A strong preserve of
Tibetan Buddhism, Sikkim’s public aesthetics are executed in shades
of ritualistic vermilion, gold, blue and green, which make striking
photo-ops. Throw in yummy local food, exotic Himalayan wildlife,
picture-postcard landscapes and some great hikes in the mountains,
and you have one of the best vacations you could ask
for.
Tsomgo
Lake
A two hour drive
from Gangtok in the Gangtok Nathu La highway lies the oval shaped
Tsomgo Lake. Encircled with lush green landscape, it is not only a
tourist attraction but a holy site as well. There is a small Shiva
temple, some local food stalls and mesmerizing flora and fauna
around the lake, which you can admire by riding a yak. You can
sometimes catch a glimpse of the Changu Lake hidden in a veil of
mist. However, you do need to obtain entry permits to visit this
lake.
The rope
way
One of the best ways to
sight see while in Gangtok is to ride the rope way or the cable
car. It’s a 15 to 20 minute journey and you can choose to get off
at the upper station or ride back down to the station you took the
cable car from. It is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm everyday and
provides stunning views of not just the city but the surrounding
hills and mountains too. There are three stations you can choose to
start your ride from – Tashiling, Namnang or Deorali.
Chorten stupa
Chorten stupa, also known
as Dro-dul Chorten is a stupa that was built in 1945. One of the
biggest stupas in Sikkim, it is best known for its golden topped
dome which can be seen from various places in Gangtok. If you like
peace and quiet and meditating, this is one of the places you
definitely need to visit.
Shingba Rhododendron
Park
The park boasts of 40
species of rhododendron trees and is located in Yumthang Valley.
You can also view various species of bird in this park including
the wood snipe and Hoary-throated barwing. The valley is surrounded
by scenic mountain ranges and the Yumthang Chu river flows through
the valley. All this make for breathtaking views of the entire
landscape.
How to get there
There are various ways you
can reach Sikkim from Kathmandu. You can opt to drive there
yourself, take a Tata Sumo or the bus or fly to Bhadrapur and then
take a taxi or jeep from there.
Sarita Koirala, who was
born in Sikkim and lives in Kathmandu, revealed her favorite places
in Sikkim. She thinks Sikkim is one of the best places to visit
because not only are the people very friendly and it is so
pollution free but also because majority of the people speak Nepali
and it is very easy to get around.
Tshangu lake
Also known as Changu lake,
this lake lies at an altitude of 12,300 feet and is near the
Sikkim-China boarder. It’s a freshwater lake that is quite scenic,
if you go during winter. During the winter, it is even more
breathtaking as the snow just makes everything so much more
beautiful. You can catch a glimpse of it veiled trough mist through
the Tsomgo Lake too.
Ravangala
Situated in south Sikkim,
it stands at an elevation of 7000 feet. The Buddha park, also known
as Tathagata tsal, is a must visit when at Ravangala, where there
is a statue of Buddha 130 feet high. Sarita loves this place for it
gives her a sense of peace and serenity that she doesn’t find
anywhere else. She says that might be because of the combination of
natural beauty and the spiritual vibe it
gives.
Temi tea garden
The Temi tea garden is also
located in Ravangala, and though it is the only tea garden in
Sikkim, it is considered the best not only in India but the rest of
the world as well. Walking through the rows of tea garden, inhaling
the fresh air is an experience Sarita goes back for every time she
is in Sikkim.
Chardham Namchi
Namchi literally means sky
high in the Sikkimese language and is located 5,500 feet above sea
level. It is the religious and cultural center of Sikkim and the
main temple is of Lord Shiva which houses the statue which is 87
feet high. Sarita likes going to this place for the variety of
experiences it gives her, from e yak riding to the religious
discourses and nature studies.