Location : East India
Major Attractions : Guwahati, Dispur
Best time to Visit : October to April


About Sikkim
Spread over an area of just over 7000 sq. km, Sikkim is one of the smallest Indian states, yet so full of nature's bounties that it has everything that a tourist could ever wish for in a dream vacation destination. Known by several names such as Sukhim (The New Place), Demazong (The Valley of Rice), Nye-mae-el lang (abode of God's), Sikkim is one of the seven states making up the north eastern region of the country, known as the seven sisters.

The state is criss crossed by a number of rivers with its large area covered with forested land, thus making it a most favored spot for naturalists and wilderness lovers. Buddhism is the dominant religion followed by a majority of the population, however, a large portion of the population also follows Hinduism. With its lofty snow covered mountain peaks, lush valleys, ancient religious sites and a variety of flora and fauna, Sikkim offers a complete vacationing experience for the visitors.
Tourist Attractions in Sikkim
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is also the major tourist attraction in the state which houses most of the tourist places. The entire state is basically divided into four parts, North Sikkim, East Sikkim, West Sikkim and South Sikkim. Amongst the most prominent tourist destinations in the state are Gyalshing (headquarters of West Sikkim), Mangan (headquarters of North Sikkim) and Namchi (headquarters of South Sikkim).

Religious Attractions in Sikkim
With close to 200 monasteries, Sikkim is also known as the land of monasteries. These exotic looking places are not only significant religiously but is also an important insight into the culture and traditions of a particular region. A visit to these monasteries will acquaint you to the Buddhist culture and traditions which have been closely guarded for centuries. The air filled with the chanting of religious mantras and the exotic climate will surely be a pleasure for your senses and provide you with a experience of being close to mother nature. Some of the most popular monasteries in Sikkim are the Rumtek Monastery, Pemyangtse Monastery, Enchey Monastery, Ralang Monastery and Zumang Monastery.

Cuisine of Sikkim
The delectable and unique culinary delights of Sikkim are also one thing that deserves a mention when talking of Sikkim. The reason being that the region is known for some of the most exotic types of dishes, which are typical of the place and can not be found anywhere else on the planet. The food here is deeply influenced from the culinary traditions of the Nepalese, Lepchas and Bhutias. Rice is the staple diet of Sikkimese people apart from non vegetarian food, which is also preferred by the locals. Some of the most popular dishes of Sikkim are Momos, Kinema, Chhurpi, Tama, Khalo Dal, Saelroti, Pakku and Phapar ko roti.

Adventure in Sikkim
The north-east is known for its diverse landscape consisting of lofty mountains and meandering rivers. The snow covered mountain peaks and endless unexplored trails attract thousands of tourists from all over the world. The state offers an array of breathtaking adventure sports including trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, paragliding, fishing and kayaking.

Climate in Sikkim
The climate of Sikkim is very different in the plains and hills. While the lower reaches experience sub-tropical weather, the hills is where the climate is alpine and temperate. The temperature during the summer season remains between 15 to 20 degrees while that of the winter is from 7 to 14 degrees. The south-west monsoon arrives here in May and remain here till October. The best time to visit Sikkim is from September to December.

Getting There
By Air : Bagdogra is the nearest airport, located at a distance of 124 km from Gangtok. All the major domestic carriers provide services between Bagdogra and other major cities of India including Delhi, Kolkatta and Mumbai. From Bagdogra, the tourists can hire a taxi or avail of the helicopter service to reach Gangtok.

By Rail : New Jalpaiguri railway station is located at a distance of 148 km from Gangtok. The place is connected to all the major Indian cities through regular trains. Buses and taxis are available to reach Gangtok from New Jalpaiguri.

By Road : Well built roads connect the state with other cities in and around Sikkim. State transport buses provide regular services to Gangtok from Siliguri.