Hello everyone. After a lot of urging from Tanmay, I had no choice but to write a review here and I couldn’t think of anything better to write on than Gangtok - the place where I spent my childhood. Sadly, after that I had to shift to Delhi and I miss Sikkim very badly. I had many friends there. If given a chance I’d like to go back there and settle again. But all our wishes can’t come true.
Sikkim is one of the smallest states of India bounded by Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the east, by Tibet to the North and West Bengal to the south. Most of the activity is centered on Gangtok since it is the capital of Sikkim. Yet another great thing about Gangtok is that it’s pollution free. The freshness in the air of Gangtok can’t be found in any other city.
Sikkim came in India in 1975.Gangtok is one of the most beautiful places on this earth. As my title says if there is a heaven on earth, it’s in Sikkim. It is not possible to show you the real beauty of Gangtok by words. You need to visit the place to believe it. Everyone must visit this place at least once. It will be a memorable experience for you. A flower show is held here every spring season near White Hall (the governor’s residence) and is a must watch. Kanchunjanga - the great, has a special place in the map of sikkim and also of my heart since I used to admire it from the window of my house.
Climate
The best time to visit Sikkim is in the month of April, May, June, October and November. Since, there may be inconsistent rainfall and snowfall in other months.
How To Reach There
You can reach Gangtok from Siliguri (West Bengal). The railway station is Newjalpaiguri. From there one has to take a bus/car to drive to Gangtok. The drive is around about 4 hours. The airport is in Bagdogra and sometimes helicopter service is available too!
Places to visit in and near Gangtok
Government Institute of Cottage Industry
Tashi View Point
Tourist Places to see in Sikkim
Tsomgo/Changu Lake - Around 40 kms from Gangtok, and 12210 feet above sea level, this lake is about 1 km long and oval in shape. It is regarded extremely holy . The lake freezes in winter.It is also a home of Brahmini ducks.
Khecheopalri lake - Also known as Wishing lake..no other activity other than prayers are allowed there and its said that the birds dont even permit leaves to fall on the water.
Yuksam - Around 124 kms from Gangtok, Yuksam is set amidst hills and lakes.
Yumthang Valley - Called the Valley of flowers....its located on a flat valley and is near the tree line, April and May promises colourful flowers whereeas nov to march usually sees snow.It also has hot springs.
More Places To See - Zongri, Pelling, Lachung, Reshi hot springs, Nathula pass. At some places one needs permit to go there which can be obtained from the tourist office there.
Food - Tibetan, Chinese and Indian.
Languages - Hindi, Nepali, English, Bhutia, Lepcha and Tibetan.
A number of Adventure Sports like Trekking, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, River Rafting, Yak Safari can be done there.
If God grants me one wish - it would be to go back to Sikkim!