2. Geographical location
Sikkim is a state in northeast India, bordered
by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal. Part of the
Himalayas, the area has a dramatic landscape
that includes India’s highest mountain, 8,586m
Kangchenjunga. Sikkim is also home to glaciers,
alpine meadows and thousands of varieties of
wildflowers. Steep paths lead to hilltop
Buddhist monasteries such as Pemayangtse,
which dates to the early 1700s.
3. Sikkim’s beauty
Nature is revealed in its entire splendour in the
serene lakes, cascading rivers and pristine
waterfalls. Sacred lakes, waterfalls and hot water
springs dot the mountainous landscape. Sikkim has
a spectacular diversity of natural habitats and
wildlife within a small geographic area of just
7,096 Sq. Km. From the river valleys and verdant
forests to alpine meadows with rainbow of flowers
blooming in monsoon; to the ice barren high
glaciers and cold deserts – the vistas are endless
and captivating for a visitor who is taken aback by
such splendour.
4. Sikkim’s Food
Sikkim is famous not only for its natural beauty but also
for its delicious cuisines.Sikkim cuisine is layered with
flavours. Soups, dumplings, stews, meats, and a whole lot
of vegetables constitute the food of Sikkim.Sikkim is
known as an organic state, and the locals usually prefer
organically grown fruits, vegetables, eggs, and meat
produced by local farmers. Therefore, you can mostly see
locally sourced ingredients and the many different flavors
that wouldn’t otherwise be used in food dishes across
India and that makes the food options a delight to savor.
You must try out the many local cafes, restaurants, and
street stalls to make the best of the many culinary
delights offered in this beautiful state.
5. Sikkim’s Culture
Sikkim is a unique blend of different customs, religion
and traditions of different communities. Since the
ancient times, Sikkim was occupied by three tribes,
namely, the Lepchas, the Bhutias and the Nepalese.
They continue to form the people’s group and culture in
Sikkim even today. The Nepalese population dominates a
considerable portion of the Sikkim’s population and that
is why Nepali is also the most common language among
all the others in Sikkim. Recently, people have flocked
over from the entire country and many Bengalis,
Punjabis and Biharis have settled in to set up travel and
construction businesses. A fusion of many cultures
hence can be spotted but the state has remained
exceptionally friendly and peaceful.
6. Sikkim’s Festivals
The Sikkim festivals are celebrated with a lot
of pomp and show and as per the Buddhist
calendar. Throughout all these festivals the
citizens of Sikkim indulge in vibrant and lively
dances and music. Chaam, one of the most
fascinating type of ritual dance performed by
the Lamas, which involves brightly colored
masks and fascinating musical instruments and
takes place at the different monasteries across
Sikkim while these festivals are on. Some of the
most popular festivals, notable in Sikkim are
Losoong, Drupka Teshi, Bumchu, Saga Dawa,
Dassin and Phang Lhabsol.
7. Sikkim’s Flora and Fauna
Flora
Sikkim is home to around 5,000 species of flowering plants,
515 rare orchids, 60 primula species, 36 rhododendron
species, 11 oak varieties, 23 bamboo varieties, 16 conifer
species, 362 types of ferns and ferns allies, 8 tree ferns,
and over 900 medicinal plants.[68][8] A relative of the
Poinsettia, locally known as "Christmas Flower", can be
found in abundance in the mountainous state. The Noble
Dendrobium is the official flower of Sikkim, while the
rhododendron is the state tree.
8. Fauna
The diversity in the plant world is
complemented by a similar variety in the
animal kingdom. Amongst the mammals of
Sikkim are the rare Snow Leopard,
Himalayan Black Bear, Red panda, Musk
Deer, Blue Sheep, Shapi, Common Langur,
Leopard Cat, and the Flying Squirrel.
Sikkim boasts of not less than 550 species of birds and out of them, some are recognized to be rare and
endangered. Impeyan Pheasant, Crimson Horned Pheasant, Snow Partridge, Snow Cock, Lammergeyer, Griffon
Vultures, Golden Eagles, Quail, Plovers, Woodcock, Sandpipers, Pigeons, Old World Flycatchers, Babblers and
Robins formulate the avifauna of Sikkim. Yet another group of fauna is that of butterflies. In Sikkim, 695 species
of butterflies have been recorded, while Indian subcontinent has 1438 species on the whole. Kaiser-i-hind, Yellow
Gorgon and Bhutan Glory are some of the endangered species of butterflies that are found in Sikkim.
