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Tucked away in the foothills of the Himalayas, Sikkim is a Himalayan wonderland
with its lovely views and exotic orchids, and its forest-trails. A virtual
Shangrila overlooked by Mt. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third  highest peak, Sikkim
is attractive equally for the sightseer, the adventure sports enthusiast and
those interested in Buddhism and Tibetology.
Buddhism is the predominant
religion here, with many fine old monasteries rich with frescoes, religious
paintings on silk and statues of the Buddha’s various incarnations. In Gangtok,
the delightfully quaint capital, are pagoda like roofs of many buildings and the
presence of crimson robed monks in the bazaars. The Institute of Tibetology, the
only one of its kind in the world, was set up by the erstwhile ruler to promote
research on Mahayana Buddhism, and on the language and traditions of Tibet.
Lower down the hill is the famed orchid sanctuary where 500 species of orchids
indigenous to Sikkim are cultivated. Sikkim offers several treks that lead
through pine forests, through picturesque valleys, monasteries and to mountain
lakes. It is also the base for mountaineering expeditions and the rivers Teesta
and Rangeet offer excellent river rafting. Prior permission must be sought from
the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, by all foreigners wishing to
visit Sikkim – though travel formalities are being relaxed gradually. Permission
may, therefore, be sought from Indian Missions overseas, or from offices of
Sikkim Tourism, A number of good hotels and lodging houses exist in Gangtok.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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Area :7229 sq. Kms.
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Population: Sikkim- around three lakh and Gangtok- around 40 thousands.
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Literacy rate: 56.94%
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Main Language: Napalese
 Near by cities: Bagdogra- 124 Kms
Siligurhi- 114 kms Kalempong- 75 Kms Jalpaigurhi- 125 kms Calcutta- 724 Kms
CLIMATE
The climate of the state has been roughly divided into the
tropical, temperature and alphine zones. For
TEMPERATURE
The mean temperature in the lower altitudinal zone, it varies from
1.5 degree centigrade to 9.5 degree centigrade. Temperature varies with
altitude and slope. The maximum temperature is recorded usually during July
and August, and minimum during December & January. Fog is a common feature in
the entire state from May to September. Biting cold is experienced at high
altitude places in the winter months and snowfall is also not uncommon during
this period.
HOW TO REACH?
By Air : Nearest Airport
is Bagdogra (124 kms). Fare:- Calcutta-Bagdogra Rs.1025.
By Rail : The nearest railway stations are Siliguri 114 kms, New
Jalpaiguri (NJP) 125 kms.
By Road : Good motorable roads connect Gangtok with Siliguri 114 kms,
Calcutta 725 kms, Darjeeling 139 kms and Guwahati 589 kms.
By Bus : Regular bus services connect Gangtok with Bagdogra, Darjeeling,
Kalimpong, Siliguri and Calcutta.
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