Friday 10 August 2012

Tourist Attractions in Gangtok


Gangtok is the capital of the state Sikkim and is its largest town. It is located in the eastern Himalayan range at an altitude of 1800 meters. The town has a population belonging to different ethnicities. It is a Buddhist pilgrimage site and is
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. 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. A number of good hotels and lodging houses exist in Gangtok.

Entry to Sikkim is most convenient by coach, taxi or helicopter. The state of Sikkim lies in the shadow of the mighty Kanchenjunga and its capital, Gangtok, is a picturesque mountain clinging town with monasteries, parks, pagoda style houses and colorful bazaars.

How to reach Gangtok:  
By Air: Nearest Airport is Bagdogra- 124 kms.
By Rail: The nearest railway stations are Siliguri- 114 kms, New Jalpaiguri -125 kms.
By Road: Siliguri- 114 kms, Calcutta- 725 kms, Darjeeling- 139 kms and Guwahati- 589 kms

3 comments:

  1. We went to Gangtok in the month of May 2012. All the rooms at the Royal Demazong the Club Mahindra resort have a beautiful view. All the rooms are spacious and well-maintained and provide a great view of Gangtok.
    The resort like most CM resorts is 8 kms away from the city, which makes it more peaceful & serene and gives us full opportunity to unwind. The food and service at the Orchid was excellent thanks to overwhelming support from AM F&B Ananth and team. The Chef was sporting enough to teach my wife & other guests on the art of momo making.

    All our travel arrangements for local sight seeing, Nathula pass visit & airport drops were efficiently made by an outsourced travel agency managed by an extremely sweet lady Ms Pema . Also note that there are only a handful of acceptable hotels in North Sikkim. For a decent appreciation of N Sikkim without getting tired a minimum of 3D 2N are required. The food is good and presents plenty of variety. Outside the resort also there are cheap vendors selling momos for Rs 25 for 10 pieces, very inexpensive and delicious.

    The service and hospitality of the resort staff during our entire stay was exemplary.

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