Sikkim Tourism

Area - 7,096 sq. kms
Density - 76 per./sq.km.
Sub Divisions - 9
Temperature - Summer - Max 21° C, Min 13° C
Winter - Heavy Woolens
Annual Rainfall - 3,894 mm

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, bounded by some of the highest mountain peaks, amidst spectacular terrain, pristine lakes, luxuriant forests, roaring rivers and gentle streams, Sikkim is a veritable paradise and a destination for all seasons. Visitors can spend days in splendid isolation inmany places at short distances from the main hubs of Gangtok, Namchi, Mangan and Gyalshing. There are neat and comfortable accommodations to suit every taste and budget. The attractive cultural patterns of the Sikkimese Lepchas, Bhutias and the Nepalese are well projected in a number of festivals organized at district and sub-divisional headquarters. The gourmet can taste a variety of cuisine. The flore and fauna of Sikkim is a treat for nature lovers. Sikkim also offers a voyage of adventure and discovery if one wishes to undertake trekking, boating, rafting, mountaineering or mountain biking.

Pristine purity, a wide biodiversity, unique culture and natural landscape are some of the synonyms to the smallest yet most beautiful state of India. Affectionately cradled in the Himalayas, Sikkim has been much famed for being a repository of exceptional natural resources. Spread over a lush area of 7,300 sq kms, Sikkim lies just below the third highest mountain in the world- Mount Khanchendzonga. The elevation of the state ranges from 300 mts to over 8540 mts above sea level.

The tourists thronging Sikkim consider it to be a magical destination, the charm of which is exuded by its magnificent mountain peaks, lush valleys, fast flowing rivers and sky high hills. This strategically important state of the Union Territory is bordered by three foreign nations with West Bengal sharing its boundary with Sikkim. Leading from the western border of the Tibetan plateau down to the plains of West Bengal, with a fall of about 5,215 metres in 240 kms, Sikkim appears like an astounding stairway. Teesta River flowing through the state acts as a lifeline of the state. Complimented by over 180 perennial lakes, Sikkim remains to be a bountiful state. Revered by the locals as their Guarding Deity, Mount Khangchendzonga or Kanchenjunga also plays a significant role in the state as its benevolent watchfulness ensures peace and prosperity for the land. The five peaks of Khangchendzonga, crowned by an animal are the five Treasures of the Eternal Snow.

The state is known to be very rich in natural beauty and resources. To add more, the rich cultural heritage and amiable people of the state make it to be a most sought after tourist destination of modern India.