Perched between Nepal in the west, Bhutan in the east and
Tibet in the north, Sikkim’s pride is Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest
peak in the world. Formerly a Kingdom, since 1975 it has been a land locked
province in India. Gangtok the capital of Sikkim, is famous for its scenic
beauty and spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga. Shrouded in the heavy mist,
the mighty Kanchenjunga both protects and frightens the inhabitants of the
magical kingdom.
Kanchenjunga is worshiped as a deity in Sikkim. The name
meaning ‘House of Five Treasures’, is represented by its five summits. Along
with its natural beauty, Gangtok’s chortens and stupas mesmerize the visitor
from the beginning. Monasteries, prayer wheels, red robed monks and rosary
beads create a setting that is unknown to most travelers.
Wooden houses with pagoda designs, turquoise colored roofs
and buzzing local markets complete the town’s look. Add to it the elegant
costumes of the local people, their smiling faces, the unhurried pace of their
lives and you have a place that is both unique and quaint. And if you see a
proliferation of orchids anywhere, it’s only because that’s the state’s
official flower.
Getting There:
The closest airport is Bagdogra and the nearest rail-head is
New Jalpaiguri. Both are well connected with all the metro cities. (I took a
flight to Bagdogra via Kolkatta. From airport hired a cab.)
