Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Sikkim Tourism

 Sikkim Tourism :  Main attractions :Gangtok , Tashi View Point , GANESH TOK , HANUMAN TOK , HIMALAYAN ZOOLOGICAL PARK , ROPEWAY , ENCHEY MONASTERY ,etc
Population: 540,490 million
Area: 7096 sq. km.
Capital: Gangtok.
Main Language: Hindi & Nepali.
Best Time: Mid-October to Mid- December; March to late May

EAST SIKKIM
GANGTOK
An important transit point on the busy trade route with Tibet at one time, Gangtok - is the hub of all administrative activity of Sikkim & a charming peaceful laid back town (elevation, 1,780 m/ 5500 ft.) – the present capital of Sikkim- today has become the base from which tourists can plan their exploration of Sikkim. This district is the most commonly visited area in Sikkim.Sikkim has emerged into the mainstream of the Tourism Industry with more & more national as well as International tourists visiting this peaceful Himalayan state every year. All modern facilities in terms of accommodation / transport & communications are available here.
TASHI VIEW POINT
is about 08 kms away from Gangtok, acclaimed to be amongst the most popular photography point in the Sikkim Himalayas. From this point you get a breath taking view of Mt. Khanchendzonga & Mt. Siniolchu, one of the most graceful peaks in the world. Above the viewpoint is a park that is a popular picnic spot. Tourists can avail of the facilities provided by a small but well stocked cafeteria located here. Ideal time to visit is early morning subject to clear weather conditions.
GANESH TOK
It is situated on a ridge & is only 07 kms away from Gangtok. From this spot one can get a bird’s eye view of sprawling Gangtok town down below. Adjacent to it is a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Adjoining the temple is a beautiful Pine tree forest reserve.
HANUMAN TOK
Scrupulously & appropriately maintained by resident units of the Indian Army this is a hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman which is situated about 09 km uphill from Gangtok at an altitude of 7,200 ft. Popular belief has it that wishes made here are fulfilled.
HIMALAYAN ZOOLOGICAL PARK
Recently set up at Bulbulay, this wildlife park comprises an area covering 205 hectares. Endangered animals of the Eastern Himalayas are maintained in open enclosures in a semi natural habitat. Wildlife enthusiasts & visitors can observe different species of Himalayan black bear, clouded snow leopard, Red Pandas, Barking deers, Tibetan wolves, Civet cat & other animals.
The ideal time to visit is during the feeding time when the animals come out for their feast. One needs a lot of patience & time to visit this park. – a day trip & Pack lunch recommended.
ROPEWAY
Inaugurated on 7th Dec’ 2003, the ropeway operates between the main Secretariat Deer Park, Sikkim Legislative Assembly & the Tibetology at Deorali. The two cable cars have a capacity of accommodating 25 passengers each. The ride gives a breathtaking view of the Bhusuk river about 1000 mtrs below as well as the Deorali Bazaar.
ENCHEY MONASTERY
Lama Druptob Karpo, a great tantric saint known for his power of flying is supposed to have built a small hermitage at this spot after he flew here from Maenam Hill more than two hundred years ago. This monastery was built here in 1901 in the form of a Chinese Pagoda during the reign of Sidkeong Tulku. The monastery follows the Nyingmapa order of Tibetan Buddhism & the main prayer & ritual dances are held here every year, which normally corresponds to the month of January.

FLOWER EXHIBITION CENTER
The Pride & joy of Sikkim where the world famous Orchids are on exhibition along with seasonal flowers & bonsai. Flower exhibitions are organized around the year at the Flower Show Venue near White Memorial Hall Complex, Gangtok. Orchid shows held during the spring season is one of the most popular shows organized in the state.
DIRECTORATE OF HANDICRAFTS & HANDLOOMS
The Institute was established in 1957 with the purpose of promoting the manufacture & sale of local handicrafts, carpets & furniture’s. An sales emporium at the Institute sells handicrafts, Thankas - which are scrolls with paintings, hand carved foldable wooden tables known as chok – tse & exquisitively woven woollen carpets, masks & dolls. Visitors can also see the artisans at work here. Hand made paper is another unique novelty of the Institute & is made from the bark of a tree called Algeri. The paper is used extensively for invitation cards & letter pads.
NAMGYAL INSTITUTE OF TIBETOLOGY
Just another one minute walking distance from the Chorten lies the “Namgyal Institute of Tibetology” built amidst a small forest of oak, magnolia & birch trees. This Institute treasures a rare collection of antiques, manuscripts, ritual objects, thanka paintings, rare statues, over 200 Buddhist icons & precious objects of arts. It is also a worldwide centre for study of Buddhist Philosophy & Religion. The foundation stone of this Institiute was laid in February 1957 by his holiness the Dalai Lama & was inaugurated by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in October 1958. The Institute also has a retail outlet where related books & commercially produced religious art & craft of Tibet can be bought.
DO - DRUL CHORTEN
One of the most important stupas in Sikkim built by Trulsi Rimpochee, head of the Nyingmapa order containing rare mandalas of Dorjee Phurba (Bare Kilaya) Holy Mantra Books, & encircled by 108 prayer wheels. Chorten Lhakhang & Guru Lhakhang surrounds the chorten, where there are two huge statues of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpochee, the patron saint of Sikkim.
RUMTEK DHARMA CHAKRA CENTRE
24 km drive away from Gangtok through the scenic lush green terraced fields takes you to the headquarters of the Kagyupa sect, the Rumtek Monastery that was built in the year 1960.  It is also the seat of the Gyalwa Karmapa Lama. It is immensely decorated & is certainly the largest traditional architecture of Sikkim with unique art objects of the world
BABA HARBHAJAN SINGH MEMORIAL
Built in the memory of Harbhajan Singh, a sepoy in the 23rd Punjab Regiment, the mandir lies between the Nathula & the Jelepla Passes. Legend has it that he appeared in a dream a few days after he went missing & expressed the desire that a monument be built in his memory. His fellow soldiers then built a monument that has over the years acquired the status of pilgrimage. Believers leave a bottle of water, which they collect a few days later to take back home.
NATHULA PASS
Indo-China border (elevation 14,400 ft. / 4,320 m) on the old caravan trail to Tibet till 1962 is 14 km further from Tsomgo Lake. Recently opened for Indian tourists, the pass is poised to have become a favourite tourist spot. Visitors prone to heart problems & high altitude sickness are advised to avoid this trip. Nathula is open only on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. The visitors need permit on the basis of individual any proof of identification to visit the place by applying to the Tourism Department 48 hrs in advance through a registered Sikkimese
TSOMGO LAKE
38 km from Gangtok at an elevation of 12,400 ft./ 3780 m is the beautiful Tsomgo Lake, which freezes over in winter up to mid-May. The drive from Gangtok takes about 3 hrs. The Lake derives its waters from melting snows of the surrounding mountains. The Lake is about 1 km long, oval in shape, 50 ft./15 mtrs deep & is considered sacred by the local people. It is also a home of Brahminy ducks besides stopover for various migratory birds. You can also experience a Yak ride around the Lake.
WEST SIKKIM
The West district of Sikkim is a rich cultural cauldron with exotic scenic views. Full of monasteries, streams, waterfalls and a rich kaleidoscope of flora and fauna it makes for a perfect holiday.
YUKSOM
Situated at an altitude of 6050 ft. / 1700 mtrs and a 35 km driveway from Pelling, Yuksom is a beautiful village. It is also the base of the mystic peaks of the mighty Khanchendzonga & serves as a trailhead for those who want to trek up to Khanchendzonga National Park, Dzongri or Goechala Pass. Its importance lies in the fact that it was the first capital of Sikkim from where the early history of Sikkim began.
PELLING
Situated at an altitude of about 2105 mtrs/ 6840 ft., Pelling was originally known as Pemalingpa. The name Pemalingpa is derived from Pemalingpa monastery. The place is famous for its magnificient view of the Khanchendzonga ranges.
PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY
This monastery is nearby to Pelling situated at an altitude of about 6840 ft. / 2072 m. It is the most important monastery of the Nyingmapa order & was built in the late seventeenth century by Lama Lhatsum Chenpo one of the revered Lamas to have performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal (religious monarch) of Sikkim & has been considered as one of the premier monasteries in the State, having been entrusted with the task to perform all religious functions of the erstwhile monarch. The monastery houses numerous religious idols & other objects of worship, most of which are priceless because of their antiquity.
RABDENTSE RUINS
Rabdentse was the second capital of Sikkim & was established in the late seventeenth century by the second Chogyal of Sikkim. It was abandoned towards the end of the eighteenth century because of the threat posed by Nepal & the capital was shifted to Tumlong.
SANGACHOELING MONASTERY
This monastery built in 1697 AD, is the second oldest in the state constructed by Gyalwa Lhatsum Chenpo. It lies amidst a thick-forested hilltop opposite the Pemayangtse monastery towards the west. One has to walk for one hour to reach the monastery from Pelling.
TASHIDING MONASTERY
Ngadak Sempa Chembo, one of the three lamas who had performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal, built this monastery in 1717, during the reign of the third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal & lies on top of a symmetrical hillock above Tashiding Bazaar. Second half of the distance to the monastery you must make on foot, which takes about half an hour. The sacred ceremony of Bumchu is held at this monastery at midnight of the 14th & 15th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar that normally corresponds to the month of February.
KHECHEOPALRI LAKE
Situated at an altitude of 1951 meters (6400 ft) this sacred lake is well hidden & surrounded by dense forest. The Lake is also famous for fulfillment of wishes. Irrespective of the season worshipers always visit the Lake.
BARSEY / HILLEY
Barsey is situated at an altitude of about 10000 ft. & is 70 kms from Pelling, is known as the garden of Rhododendrons. This place is accessible from Hilley through a 4 km bridle footpath, which takes one up to the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary (1600 m – 3600 m).
NORTH SIKKIM
YUMTHANG VALLEY
Yumthang, which is at an altitude of 3782 m/ 11,800 ft. is, situated about 149 kms from Gangtok in North Sikkim. But going there is like travelling 149 years back in time – it is so remote & almost untouched by the vagaries of civilization. Termed as the valley of flowers & Sikkim’s Switzerland, Yumthang tour takes you to the heart of North Sikkim. The route to Yumthang from Lachung - adjoining the Singba Forest Reserve- has a very picturesque landscape.
LACHUNG
Lachung (2,684 m/ 8,610 ft.) is a beautiful remote Bhutia Village with a unique self - governing body called the Dzumsa, which substitutes the modern Gram Panchayat. Lachung has emerged as a tourist destination with the soaring popularity of Yumthang Valley, which is just 24 kms away from Lachung.
GURUDONGMAR LAKE
Gurudongmar Lake is a high altitude sacred Lake with an exotic view surrounded by snow peaked mountains. Gurudongmar Lake – the desert mountains – is another 40 km / 2 hrs drive ahead of Thangu Valley/Chopta Valley.
LACHEN
Lachung’s sister village, Lachen is a high altitude beautiful valley situated at an altitude of 2,728 m/ 9000 ft. Lachen village also serves as an overnight stay place before proceeding towards Thangu / Chopta Valley & Gurudongmar Lake.
LABRANG MONASTERY
Another one km uphill from Phodong Monastery on the same jeepable road is the Labrang Monastery, which was built about one hundred years later & belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Labrang means the "dwelling place of Lamas"
SOUTH SIKKIM
TEMI TEA GARDEN
The one and only tea estate existing in the State produces one of the top quality teas in the international market. The tea garden is spread out on a gentle hill slope originating from the Tendong Hill and provides a magnificent view for the surrounding villages. The visit to the fact" could be an eye opener for those wanting to know more about the tea processing methods.
A night spent in a old British built bungalow located just below the tea garden could be an enthralling experience of linking the past to the present. A visit to the garden, enroute to the Tendong Hill, could be a rewarding experience for those who want to cornbine nature and culture as they keep trekking.
RAVANGLA
(6,800 ft.), saddles the ridge between Maenam Hill (10,600 ft) & Tendong Hill (8,530 ft.). It is the sub-divisional headquarter of South district & is famous for the panoramic view of the snow peaks especially of Mt. Narsing (19,170 ft. high). Just above the town is the Tibetan Refugee Settlement Camp, which houses the Kheunpheling Carpet Centre where one can buy fine Tibetan style woolen carpets.
RALANG MONASTERY
13 kms from Ravangla are the two monasteries at Ralang, which follow the Kagyupa sect of Buddhism. The old monastery was built in 1768 AD & legend has it that the 9th Karmapa, head of the Kagyupa sect, blessed the site of the monastery with grains of rice thrown from Tibet. “Pang Lhabsol” the worship of Mt. Khanchendzonga & “Kagyed Chaam”(masked dances) are held every year.
SAMDRUPTSE
Samdruptse literally means ‘wish fulfilling hill’ in the bhutia language. Situated near Namchi in south Sikkim it is at a distance of 75 kms from Gangtok. A unique, awe inspiring gigantic 135 ft. tall statue of Guru Padmasambhava is one of the tallest statue of its kind in the world. This statue designed & constructed under the supervision of Kyabje Dodrupchen Rimpochee, conceptualized by Shri Pawan Chamling, the Chief Minister of Sikkim is a glowing tribute to the patron saint who blessed Sikkim in the 8th Century & whose teachings permeate the very ethos of the State.
SOLOPHUK
The place is regarded highly sacred by the Hindus & a gigantic statue of Lord Shiva as equally big as Guru Padmasambhava’ s statue is coming up. This place is soon going to be one of the most ideal points which is a must visit tourist destination as well as a fam

Fairs and Festivals in Sikkim


Losar
This festival is held around the festive month of February to celebrate and welcome the Tibetan New year with feasting and merry-making.

Saga Dawa
Held during the month of May, this festival celebrates the triple blessed day of Buddha's Birth, Enlightenment and Maha parinirvan in most of important monasteries in Sikkim.

Pang Lhabsol
Unique to Sikkim, this festival worships the snow peaks of Mount Kanchendzonga. An important feature of the celebration is the warrior dance with its intricate steps and leaps accompanied by martial war-cries.

Tendong Lho Rum Faat
This festival celebrates the event, when according to legend, the Thedong Hill had risen to save the Lepchas, during a great flood. 
  Maghe Sankranti Mela
A three day holy festival of the Hindus celebrated along the river banks with huge fairs.

Bumchu
It is held in the month of January/February in the monastery of Tashiding. The abbot of the monastery unveils a pot of holy water and foretells the future of the state.

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TOURISM IN INDIA

Taj Mahal , Akshardham Temple , Golden Temple , Hawa Mahal , Kerala Backwaters , Victoria Memorial , Gateway of India , Charminar , Ajanta Ellora Caves , Bodhi Temple, Mysore Palace ....

Main tourist Attractions of India Tourism in India Packages Hotels Operators Guide Visiting Places

Taj Mahal

Located in Agra city of Uttar Pradesh, the world famous Taj Mahal is one of the seven 'Wonders of the World.' Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Taj Mahal stands as a symbol of eternal love for centuries.

BY AIR- Indian Airlines (Domestic Airline in India) runs daily flights from Delhi to Agra. Kheria Airport (Airport of Agra) is about 6 km from the Agra city

BY RAIL -Well connected by excellent train services to Delhi such as The Shatabdi Express (2 hrs), Taj Express (2.5 hrs), Intercity Express (3 hrs).


Akshardham Temple

The massive temple is located in Delhi, on the banks of the river Yamuna. The temple complex sprawls over 100 acres, is an amazing world of Indian culture ornate with 20,000 statues, floral motifs, arches and intricately carved pillars.

Location - East Delhi, on Yamuna bank near Nizam -ud-Din Bridge.

How to Reach -Take an auto or cab or disembark at Indraprastha Metro station

Golden Temple

The Golden Temple or Sri Harmandir Sahib or Sri Darbar Sahib, is situated in Amritsar, Punjab. Built by Guru Arjan Sahib, the temple is visited by thousands of devotees throughout the year.

How to reach the Golden Temple

Air : Flights operate to the Rajasansi airport at Amritsar from many national destinations. Rail : Regular trains operate between Amritsar and national capital Delhi. Road : Buses are available to Amritsar from Delhi and other destinations of Punjab. Amritsar is at a distance of 234 kms from Chandigarh and 464 kms from Delhi.



Hawa Mahal-Situated in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Hawa Mahal is a major landmark of Rajputs rulers. Built in the traditional Rajpur architecture, the five story palace offers the breathtaking view of city. How to Reach -By Air Jaipur is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, Kolkata and Varanasi by domestic flights.By Rail Jaipur is well connected to major cities of India by rail. The train service to Jaipur is available from all the major parts of the country.By Road Jaipur can be accessed from all the major places in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Mumbai by bus.


Kerala Backwaters

Kerala is famous worldwide for its tranquil backwaters, which offer amazing boating experiences. The backwaters are created by to and fro motion of sea waves in the forms of lagoons, lakes and estuaries.

Air -The two international airports in Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and Kochi International Airport, and a domestic airport in Kozhikode are strategically located. All public and private airlines operating regular flights link these airports to major airports in India as well as abroad.Rail- Most of the places in and out of Kerala are interconnected by 200 Railway Stations . Direct trains to Kerala can be availed from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Calcutta and other major Indian cities


Victoria Memorial ( KOLKATA )

The memorial situated in Kolkata, West Bengal was built in attempt to match the Taj Mahal. The neo-classical marble building, opened in the year 1921, is a blend of classical western and Mughal architecture style.How to Reach:Air: There is N.S.C. International airport at Dumdum in Kolkata. Regular flights to rest of India and world are available here.Rail: Kolkata is very well connected to rest of India through two major railway station, Sealdah and Howrah.Road: Kolkata is connected to the rest of India by excellent road network.


Gateway of India

Situated in Mumbai, Gateway of India is one of the famous landmark of the city. The historical monument consists of a central hall with big archways.

Inaugurated in:1924 AD Highlight:It is an excellent example of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture.

How to Reach - One can easily reach Gateway of India by hiring taxis or autos, or by boarding buses or trains from the city.

Charminar

Charminar the landmark of Hyderabad city, got its name from its four minarates (towers). It was Built in 1591 by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutub Shahi, the 56 metre high monument has beautiful galleries and arches. Places Nearby Worth Visiting:

Mecca Masjid is a very nice masjid at the distance of 1 km.Golkonda fort is around 16 kms from the Minar.Hussain Sagar is a lake in Hydrabad city. Nice place to g for evening walk. Salarjung art museum.Falaknuama PalaceChilkur Balaji Temple

How to Reach - Hyderabad is well connected with the rest of the country by air, railways and roads. Once in Hyderabad, the local transport like auto-rickshaws and taxis should get you to Charminar.

Ajanta Ellora Caves-The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ajanta Ellora Caves are situated in Aurangababd district of Maharashtra. The caves have many temples of Hindus, Jains and Buddhists faiths.By Air : The nearest airport from Ajanta caves is the Aurangabad domestic airport (99 kms). By Rail : Aurangabad is directly linked to Mumbai and Pune by rail. Jalgaon, a railhead on the Central Railways line, is 59 kilometres from Ajanta. Two trains Tapovan Express and Devgiri Express depart daily from Mumbai to Aurangabad.By Road :Well connected to rest of India



Bodhi Temple

The Bodhi Temple located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar is one of the sacred places of worship for Buddhists. The magnificent Bodhi temple is an architectural blend of many cultures.dfsaa How to Reach - Air : The nearest airport is Gaya (12 Kms) and Patna (135 Kms).. The flights of Indian Airlines connect Patna to Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Ranchi, Lucknow and many other cities.Rail : Gaya Railway Station (12 Kms) is the major rail head. .Road : Bodh Gaya is well connected by good network of roads to Gaya (12 Kms), Patna (135 Kma), Nalanda (101 Kma), Rajgir (78 Kms) and Varanasi (252 Kms). Regular buses run from Gaya, Patna, Nalanda, Rajgir and Varanasi. Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation run buses from Patna twice a day.

Mysore Palace

The palace also called as the Amba Vilas is the main palace of Mysore.. The architecture of the palace is the amalgamation of Dravidian, Indo-Saracenic, Roman and Oriental styles.

How to Reach- By Train-Mysore is connected with a number of trains to Bangalore. The super fast luxury train the Shatabdi Express connects Mysore to Madras. The quickest and most comfortable way to reach Mysore is via Bangalore.

By Air - The nearest airport to Mysore is Bangalore (139 km). By Road -Mysore is 139kms to the south west of Bangalore, well connected with rest of India.