A paradise of natural beauty, Sikkim lies nestled – and
almost hidden – between Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and Darjeeling
in the Eastern Himalayas. This small but beautiful land is
dominated by Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain
in the world. Religion forms an integral part of the daily
lives of the Sikkimese, and Kanchenjunga is revered as their
protective deity. With 200 Buddhist monasteries dotted across
the tiny land, the influence of Buddhism iseverywhere. Even
in the remotest hamlet, the fluttering of prayer flags are
a constant reminder of the teachings of Lord Buddha. Until
1975, Sikkim was an independent kingdom ruled by Chogyals
(kings). The history of Sikkim's Chogyals dates back to the
sixteenth century, when the first Chogyal was consecrated
by three holy men at Yoksom, in West Sikkim. In 1975, following
a popular movement to abolish the monarchy, Sikkim became
the 22nd state of the Indian Union.
Sikkim's botanical and geological affluence is truly impressive.
The varieties of birds and butterflies in Sikkim is matched
only by incredible diversity in the animal and botanical world,
nourished by unique dramatic geographical features. The lower
altitudes are sub-tropical and abound in some of Sikkim's
more than 600 hundred Orchid varieties, sprays of Cardamom,
fruits orchards and terraced rice paddies. To the Lepchas
- this was "
Nye Mae-El"
(Paradise), and to the Bhutias it is , "
Beymul
Denzong" (The Hidden Valley of Rice).
Sikkim is commonly attributed to the Tsong word "Sukhim"
meaning (New or Happy Home).
Various explorers and mountaineers have claimed to have
seen YETI
or its foot prints in the vicinity of the mountain and its
glacier, - "The Abominable
Snowman" has its place in folklore.
The best known peaks are Pauhnuri (7125m) , Pandim (6691
m), Talung (7349m), Tent Peak (7365 m), Jongsang (7459 m),
Rathong (6679 m), Koktang (6147m) and Sinioulchu (6887m)
regarded by the mountaineers as the most beautiful peak
in the World.
In such a small area, nowhere in the world one can find
flora and fauna of all varieties - tropical to the alpines.
Sikkim's botanical and zoological richness is awe-inspiring,
boasting of more than 4,000 species of plants and 30% of
all the birds found in the Indian sub-continent. Which could
be truly a naturalist's delight. The hillsides and mountain
slopes of Sikkim are strewn with bright patches of myriad
colours. The lower mountain slopes are abundant with many
species of lush green bamboos and ferns. And the northern
valleys are draped with wild cherry, oaks, chestnuts, pines
and white magnolia. Higher altitudes are abloom with a carpet
of many species (varieties) of rhododendrons with a splendour
of their own. Sikkim's 600 varieties of orchids are a feast
for the eye.
Sikkim offers her visitors a rare and singular experience.
Within a matter of hour one can move from its sub-tropical
heat of the lower valleys to the cold of the rigged mountains
slopes that reach up to the areas of perpetual snow.
Long a restricted area, Sikkim now welcomes a few visitors
from around the world to share its rich heritage and natural
bounty.
