Sikkim is a flourishing example for the rest of its sisterly states on the basis of environmental sustenance. Initially founded by the Namgyal Dynasty, 25% of Sikkim comprises of a national park & is the least populated Indian state. The home to the Khangchendzonga, Sikkim is dotted with lush alpines & is the most environmentally conscious state extant.
The Sikkimese are famous for their indigenous production of beverages, especially Tongba, which is basically fermented rice beer. Don’t miss out on the 41m figure of Buddha that sits in a park. Embark on a religious trek to Char Dham with your entire family, or visit the myriad cafes of Sikkim that buzzes with undiscovered artists lilting on transcendental tunes. Sip on steaming Temi teas & lounge in unconventional bookstores harboring every genre or visit Sikkim’s majestic & revered lakes in Spring. You are bound to remember every vivid detail.
Sightseeing Places in Sikkim
Solophok Char Dham
Just 5 km from Namchi, an 87ft high statue of Lord Shiva sits amidst a 7-acre estate overlooking the Himalayas, surrounded by 12 jyotirlingas & pristine dhams. Chardham, owing to its religious significance & beauty has emerged as one of the most significant tourist sites in India. This an ideal spot to visit with your family, come and witness this melting pot of cultural richness in person.
Buddha Park
1.8km from Ravangla, by the entrance of this park, looms a golden, 130ft high effigy of Sakyamuni Buddha blessed by His Holiness Dalai Lama in the year 2013. The park houses sacred relics from 11 countries & sports an in-house meditation center. Buddha Park is a beautiful remnant of Sikkim’s appreciable efforts to promote their state as a religious touring center. The end results are clearly remarkable.
Gurudongmar Lake
Located at an altitude of 17,100ft, Gurudongmar Lake holds religious significance for Buddhists & Sikhs. Come here during spring to witness the pristine waters reflect back the clear azure of the skies as the lake sits calmly amidst snow-capped mountains. Or visit in winter to watch the entire surface of the lake freeze into one vast, icy solid surface that is a treat to the eyes.
Rumtek Monastery
24km from Gangtok, the Rumtek monastery enshrines the statues of the four guardians of the Universe. The interior of the monastery is decorated with prized relics, a 10-foot Sakyamuni Buddha, beautiful thangas & silk banners, and paintings. The architecture of the monastery served as the blueprint for monasteries all over India.
Banjhakri Falls & Energy Park
10km from Gangtok, this location blooms around a 40ft tall waterfall named after a mythical member of Sikkimese folklore. The park is scattered with figurines of ban jhakris who are believed to be healing entities dwelling amidst the forest worshipping the spirits. The park hosts dainty bridges to get a better view of the waterfall & you can even take an actual shower beneath it.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Come here if you’re hungry for cultural information regarding Sikkim & Tibet. The institute houses rare Tibetan religious scriptures in a sanctum-style library, including the 135-volume Encyclopedia Tibetica. It’s just a pleasant walk away from Deorali Bazaar Ropeway Station.
The Seven Sisters Waterfalls
32 km away from Gangtok, is a scenic stoppage on the highway enunciating the waterfalls that run down through seven stages. Various lounges & cafeterias have emerged by the surroundings for tourists to sit by and enjoy the view of the cascading waterfalls with a steaming cup of tea.
