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Famous for
Kanchendzonga, the third highest mountain in the world at 8,586m,
the mountain kingdom of Sikkim has a tremendous variety of plant
and wildlife besides a diverse ethnic mix of peoples with rich
cultural traditions. One of the smallest states of India, it is
bounded by Nepal to the west and Bhutan to the east; by the Tibet
Autonomous Region of China to the north and northeast and by West
Bengal to the south.
Gangtok - The Capital of Sikkim
Sikkimese life is centred around Gangtok. Its Buddhist past is the
root of its appeal for visitors, and remains evident at the
impressive Institute of Tibetology, the Enchey Monastery,
Pemayengtse and the marvellous Rumtek Monastery not far away, the
last a thriving centre of Mahayana Buddhism. Sikkim's pride, the
orchid, is nurtured at the Orchid Sanctuary and other sites in and
around Gangtok. Among the festive attraction of this hilly capital
is the flower show that is held over here every spring near White
Hall, the Governor's residence on the ridge above town
History &
Ethnicity
Ruled by the Namgyal (Lepcha) clan since the 15th century, Sikkim
lost much land to the British and to Nepal and Bhutan in the 18th
century. With the defeat of the Nepali army by the British in
1817, southern Sikkim was given back to the ruler, in exchange for
the hill that later became known as Darjeeling.
The original inhabitants of Sikkim are the Lepchas who stay in the
central and northern areas; lower valleys are inhabited by Nepali
immigrants. Other ethnic groups are the Magars renowned as
warriors and the Bhotias, who came to Sikkim from the Kham area of
Tibet in the 13th century.
Culture & Tradition
The state's cultural life is related to Tibetan religious and
aesthetic traditions. The cultural climax of the year comes with
the 2-day Phanglhapsol festival, when masked dances are performed
in honour of Kanchenjunga, presiding deity and the mountain. There
are also many secular folk dances. The Namgyal Institute of
Tibetology has one of the largest collection of Tibetan books in
the world. Many Buddhist monasteries are repositories of artistic
treasures, including wall paintings, Tankas or Thangkas (religious
paintings mounted on brocade), and bronze images.
Way Of Living
Tourism and agriculture are the two basis of the Sikkim's economy.
Sikkim is one of the world's main producers of Cardamom, and the
region has also become an exporter of Mandarin Oranges, Apples,
and Potatoes. Sikkim is also rich in mineral wealth. Its forests
have great economic value in sawn Timber and wood Pulp. Sikkim's
cotton and wool weaving, carpets, rugs, blankets, and bamboo work
is well known
Climate
The climate varies with elevation
and ranges from tropical in the low valley bottoms to Arctic-like
conditions of perpetual snow and ice in the higher reaches. The
annual rainfall varies from 50-200 inches (mostly during
May-October), and snow in the upper levels often accumulates to a
thickness of 30m. The best time to visit this state is during the
months of March to late May and from October to December.
Summer: Max. 20.7°C; Min. 13.1°C, Winter: Max. 14.9°C; Min. 7.7°C |
