|
Sikkim
A
GRACIOUS PEOPLE AND UNIQUE CULTURE
The people of Sikkim are warm,
simple and friendly with a natural gaiety.
The customs and rituals of Sikkim
are as diverse as the ethnic groups that inhabit the
land; the Lepchas essentially children of the forests,
the Bhutias and the Nepalese.
The people of Sikkim love to
celebrate. Be it the chasing away of the evil spirit or
the celebrations on the occasion of the New Year, the
Sikkimese do it all with a gay abandon. And if you are
fortunate you can take 'Chaang' - a preparation from
fermented millet. The drink is served to you in bamboo
containers with a hollow bamboo pipe.
The Sikkimese culture finds
expression in its beautiful arts and crafts. Carry back
a momento of your holiday - be it an intriately carved
piece of furniture, a highly embellished carpet or an
artifact of woven bamboo.
MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
It is difficult to visualise
Sikkim without the mountains. The unspoilt natural
splendour and tranquillity of the countryside has made
certain regions in Sikkim ideal for trekking.
These mountains which form an
intrinsic part of the lives of the Simmimese, also
offer adventure to the brave hearted. Listen to the
sound of the wind among the trees, feel the way of the
rocks, watch the snowclad peaks as you trek up a
mountain side, dwarfed by the ramparts of echoing
cliffs. Adventure in the form of trekking, Kayaking,
rafting and Hang gliding have now been introduced. An
experience which is unique to Sikkim.
JEWELS OF FAITH
One of the sacred objects of
worship to the Sikkimese is Bumchu, a sacred pot
containing holy water, blessed by a Buddhist saint in
the 17th century. Today even after 300 years the water
remains as fresh as before.
Religion forms the main thread in
the fabric of life of the Simmimese. With close to 230
monasteries and Mani Lhakangs the
influence of Buddhism is
all-prevasive. Even in
the remote mountain regions, near wind-s-swept summits, fringing
monasteries or private houses, flutter the ubiquitous prayer flags.
The main monasteries are Pemayangtse and Tashiding
in West Sikkim; Enchey in Gangtok and Rumtek near Gangtok, Ralong in
South and Phodong and Tolung in North Sikkim.
Influencing the lifestyle and cultural heritage of
the people each monastery is host to a number of festivals which are a
singular experience in pomp and pageantry. The lama dances complete
with fierce masks, gorgeous brocade costumes, music and chants is at
once evocative and out of this world.
The Sikkimese Nepali is the inheritor of the
legacy of Hindu traditions. The visitor to Sikkim is spellbound by the
colourful festivals of Dassain/Tihar celebrated by the Hindu Nepali
population.
Innovations are made to Goddess Durga and barely
seeds are planted in prayer rooms. Their other important festival is
Depavali, a rare treat.
There are around 171 temples all over
Sikkim.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
AIR
Nearest Airport is Bagdogra in North Bengal which
is 124 km. and approximately 5 hrs. drive from Gangtok. Bagdogra has
regular Indian Airlines services from Calcutta, Delhi and also the
North East.
RAIL
The two closest railway stations are Siliguri (114
km) and New Jalapaiguri (125 km) connecting Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati,
Lucknow & other important cities in India.
ROAD
Gangtok is connected by road with Darjeeling,
Kalimpong, Siliguri and other entries and also with all the District
Headquarters with Sikkim.
SIJU CAVE
The famous limestone caves of Siju are located
close of Naphak Lake and the Simsang Game Reserve. The formation of
stalagmites & stalactites in these caves resemble those of the Blue
Grotto in the Isle of Carpis.
PLACE OF TOURIST INTEREST
DIRECTORATE OF HANDICRAFTS & HANDLOOM
Centre for promoting & keeping alive the
traditional Arts & Crafts, a veritable store house of exquisite
Carpets, Blankets & Shawls in 'Lepcha' weaves.
DEER PARK
A haven for nature lover, where the Red Panda
& fleet footed deer can be observed in their natural habitat. An
imposing statue of the Buddha is situated here.
DO-DRUL CHORTEN
(STUPA)
One of the most important Stupas of
Sikkim, built
by Trulsi Rinpoche, head of the Nyingma order, containing rare mandals,
of Dorji Phurpa (Bajra Kilaya). Holi Books, Mantras and encircled by
108 prayer wheels.
RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TIBETOLOGY
Renowned worldwide centre for study of Buddhist
philosophy & religion, treasure house of rare Thankas, Statues,
over 200 Buddhist icons and prized objects of art.
ORCHID SANCTUARY
An exotic sight of over 200 species of orchids set
amidst beautiful landscape. Situated just below the Institute of
Tibetology.
RUMTEK MANASTERY
A must for every visitor. Situated 24 km away the
seat of the 'Kagyu Order' a close replica of the original Kagyu in
Tibet. Here one can find some of the most unique art objects of the
world.
TASHI VIEW POINT
Situated 8 km from
Gangtok, this site offers a
breathtaking view of the majestic Mount Kanchendzonga and Mount
Siniolchu.
PHODONG MONASTERY
38 km from
Gangtok, one of the six major
monasteries of Sikkim. About 4 km from Phodong is the uniquely
architectured Labrang Monastery.
|
