|
DARJEELING
AND SIKKIM
Sikkim
opened to the world in 1990. Once an independent kingdom, Sikkim
became a state of the Indian Union on April 26, 1975. It is bounded
on the west and east by Nepal and Bhutan and by the vast Tibetan
plateau in the north. Due to its unique location, the inhabitants of
Sikkim comprises a mixed population of Nepalese, Bhutanese, Indians
and Tibetans which contributes to the varied colorful cultural
atmosphere of the state with festivals the whole year round.
Gangtok
– the
capital of Sikkim at an
altitude of 1640 meters. Places of interest here the Institute of Tibetology, a center of study on Buddhist philosophy
and religion, the Rumtek
Monastery,
Tashi view point
and Phudong Monastery.
A
visit to Sikkim is incomplete without a visit to Darjeeling,
a fascinating hill
station with a maze of steep terraced fields, tea gardens, narrow
winding roads and commanding a superb view of the mountains
including Kanchanjunga.
A
rewarding day can be spent visiting the Tiger
Hill, the Himalayan
Mountaineering Institute, the Tibetan
Refugee Self Help Center, the rock Garden and the monasteries
or just stroll around the exotic little bazaar looking for bargains.
A
visit to Sikkim can be combined with a trip to India, Sikkim,
Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet as well.
BEST
SEASON
The best month to travel are mid September through March. Sikkim can
be reached from India by air from Delhi or Calcutta to Bagdogra, or
overland from Nepal or Bhutan.
VISA
Sikkim requires a visa for India and special permit for Sikkim,
which can be obtained from the Indian High Commission office from
your home country.
MONEY
MATTER
It is possible to exchange foreign currencies only in the banks.
Indian currency is easily accepted here. It is comparatively easier
to exchange US$ cash rather than Travelers checks. Credit cards are
difficult to use.
[
PHOTO GALLERY ]
|
