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Sikkimese hospitality tangibly manifests itself in the intricately
designed welcome gates with pagoda type roofs that are normally
located at the entrances of monasteries and important public
buildings. Wayside resting sheds which Sikkim abounds in
also have curved roofs and pillars around which painted dragons
curl themselves. So much so that even public buildings,
powerhouses and other structures tend to look like huge pagodas in
a true blend of typical Tibetan and modern architectures. Besides
the natural beauty that one continuously beholds while in Sikkim,
there are many places that deserve a special mention. These are
given below.
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Tsomgo(Changu) Lake : Tsomgo(Changu) lake is only 40 kms
from Gangtok town and is situated at an altitude of 12,210
ft. The drive from Gangtok takes about 2½ hours by bus. The
lake is bout 1 km. long and oval in shape, 50ft deep and is
regarded extremely Holy. It is also a home of Brahmini ducks
besides stopover for various migratory ducks(Changu)lake.htm">...More
Handloom and Handicrafts Centre :
It is now known as the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms as
well as the Government Institute of Cottage Industries. Started
during the time of the Chogyals of Sikkim, as a venture to protect
and propagate the craft and skills of local and village artisans,
it has become on t of the major attractions for people visiting
Sikkim where traditional handcrafts, furniture, handlooms carpets
and other products can be viewed and also purchased . A word of
caution to the innocent guest. It is better to check whether there
is a government holiday or not as the GICI. is closed on Sundays,
all government declared holidays, second Saturdays and the odd
unforeseen holidays...more
 Rumtek
Dharma Chakra Centre : The seat of the 17th Gyalwa Karma,
late His Holiness Rangjung Rigpae Dorjee, it is believed that the
monastery, built in 1960 is a replica of the original Kagyurpa
Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet. ( 24 kms from Gangtok).
Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher
Buddhist Studies : Initiated by the late 16th Karmapa,
the institute in housed in the adjoining building of the Rumtek
Monastery. The Jamyang Khang Primary School meant for 5 years of
primary monastic studies is also located here.
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
: Located very close to Rumtek Monastery just half a kilometer
before reaching Rumtek Monastery on the highway, it is maintained by the
parks and Gardens unit of the Forest Department of the Government
of Sikkim, the Garden is an enchanting and soothing experience
among the lush green vegetation, rare plants and trees and certain
species of Himalayan flowers and Orchids.
This garden is a mixture of well tended tropical and
temperate plants and trees can be found here. A huge greenhouse
containing many species of orchids has been constructed within the
garden. For children there is even a small playground with a
merry-go-round, swings and a see-saw. A cemented footpath winds
its way through the garden and is good for taking a relaxed
stroll. The sprawling town of Gangtok can be seen on the hill
opposite. The garden is indeed an ideal picnic spot.
Sikkim Research Institute of
Tibetology (SRIT) : About a kilometer downhill from the
main market of Gangtok, amidst a small forest of oak, magnolia and
birch trees stands the Institute of Tibetology. The building
accommodating the Institute is an example of Tibetan architecture.
It is world renowned and is one of the few of its kind. It has one of the world's largest
collection of books and rare manuscripts on the subject of
Mahayana Buddhism plus many religious works of art and incredibly
finely executed silk embroidered thangkas...More
Adjoining the institute is the Orchid Sanctuary where most of the
454 species of orchid found in Sikkim could be seen depending on
the season. About a km beyond the institute stands a huge chorten
whose gold apex is visible from many points in Gangtok.
 Do-Drul
Chorten ( Stupa) : The Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa was built
by the venerable Trulshi Rimpoche, head of the Nyingma order of
Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Inside this stupa, there are complete
mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), a set of Kan-gyur
relics ( Holy Books), complete 'Zung'( mantras) and other
religious objects. Around this Chorten, which is one of the most
important stupas in Sikkim, are 10 Mani-Lhakor( prayer wheels).
These prayer wheels are turned by the devout Buddhist while
chanting "Hail to the jewel in the Lotus", to invoke the
Buddhisattva. The Chorten is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang, where
there are two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava).
Deer Park : This park, established in
the late fifties, is located adjacent to the new Secretariat and
is also called the Rustomji park so named after one of the Dewans
of the Chogyal of Sikkim and the author of the book
"Enchanted Frontiers". The park has a big open enclosure
in which different types of deer can be seen. There are also a few
cages in which some animals native to Sikkim have been kept. A big
statue of Lord Buddha commemorating his preaching of the noble
truths in the deer park at Sarnath adorns the park premises.
A butter lamp perpetually burns in front of the statue which is
surrounded by flowers of the most exotic variety. Below the
statue, in golden letters is the following stanza from the works
of the renowned scholar saint of Buddhism, Shantideva:
Shower forth, Ye Heavens sweet rains in
season due,
That Earth's rich harvest swell in ample stream,
Holdfast, O' king, the path of righteousness,
That world on world may rise to bliss supreme.
The park which commands a good view of the
hills surrounding Gangtok is perched on top of a hillside that
plunges almost vertically deep into the valley.
Adjacent to the new Secretariat and also called
the Rustomji Park named after one of the Dewans of the Chogyal of
Sikkim, the park has a big open enclosure in which different types
of deer can be seen. There are also cages in which animals native
to Sikkim like the Red Panda and the Himalayan Bear are kept. A
big statue of Lord Buddha commemorating his preaching of
the noble truths in the deer park at Sarnath adorn the park
premises. A butter lamp perpetually burns in front of the statue
which is surrounded with flowers of exotic variety. The park
commands a fantastic view of the hills, surrounding Gangtok
Permanent Flower Show : White
Hall, Close by the White Memorial Hall and just below the Palace
Ridge park is the more recent Flower Show Hall. In recent years
this show has become quite popular and famous as there are flower
exhibitions throughout the year in accordance with the seasons and
the flowers in bloom.
 Enchey
Monastery : An important seat of the Nyingma order, the
Enchey Monastery meaning the Solitary temple, was originally built
with the solace that no other construction would be allowed near
it is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric
master known for his flying powers. This 200-year-old
Monastery has in its premises images of god, goddesses and other
religious objects. Every year around January 'Chaam' or religious
masked dance is performed with great fanfare for two days. it is
situated adjoining the Sinolchu Tourist Lodge, 3 kms from Gangtok
Town.
Hanuman Tok : It is
approximately 5½ km. from Gangtok town. A temple of God
Hanuman, worshipped by the Hindus. Besides offering prayers, one
can enjoy the scenic beauty of Gangtok town and have a satisfying
glimpse of Mt Khangchendzonga, which is snow clad.
Tashi View Point : Built by
the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal, it is situated about
six kilometres away from Gangtok on the North Sikkim Highway, this
place offers an astounding view of the Khangchendzonga snowy range
on a clear day. On the opposite hill, the Phodong and the Labrang
monasteries can be seen. A resting shed and a small cafeteria
situated at Tashi View Point provides shelter and other amenities
to the tourists. A park above the View Point is a good place to
enjoy a picnic.
Ganesh Tok : It is a very
small temple of Ganesh, a God worshipped by Hindus. It is on a
hillock on Gangtok-Nathula Road. A Sikkim Government nursery is
just nearby.
M.G. Marg Main Market
Every major town in India has a Mahatma Gandhi Road and Gangtok
is no exception. Slightly less than a kilometre in length, the
road is flat and is lined with shops which constitute the Main
Market and downtown of Gangtok. Overlooking the M.G. Marg is the
Statue of Unity which depicts the meeting of the Bhutia Chieftain
Khye Bumsa with the Lepcha leader Thetong Tek and his wife Ngo-kong-ngol.
Almost midway, is the bust statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The market
has hotels, restaurants and shops selling all types of consumer
goods. There are many liquor shops and bars too. The shops are
open by 8 am and close by 7 pm. This market is closed on Tuesdays.
Lal Market
Located just below the Main Market a few minutes walk away, was
an open space market encircled with shops. This market was built
in 1956 and named thus in honor of J. Lal, a Dewan of the Chogyal.
If you were interested in seeing how different cultures - old and
new as well as diverse - blend together here in Sikkim, then a
visit to the Lal Bazar on Hat Day that is Sunday was a must.
Villagers in bakhus(Bhutia dress), daura-saurals (Nepali dress)
and Bihari businessmen in dhotis brush shoulders with urbanites
sporting jeans and chic fashions communicating with each other in
Bhutia, Lepcha, Nepali and Hindi over the blare of both Indian and
Western songs - a seemingly Tower of Babel! The wares on sale were
equally diverse - from local cottage -cheese, incense sticks to
the latest electronic gadgets. The smell of fish, spices, cheese
and vegetables permeates the air.
Now this market is shifted to children park while new
construction is coming up where it used to be.
Himalayan Zoological Park
The park is located exactly across the road opposite Ganesh Tok
and covers an area of 205 hectares. This area is also known as
Bulbuley and extends almost upto Hanuman Tok. Although a 3 kms
long jeepable road runs right through the park, vehicles are not
allowed in. There is a paved cement path that passes by fenced
open air enclosures housing the red pandas, Barking Deer, bears
and other animals of Sikkim in a semi natural habitat. As the
enclosures encompass a huge area the animals are sometimes not
easily visible and one has to be patient to get a sight of them.
Making noise drives away the animals to take refuge behind bushes.
Saramsa Garden: Also know
as lpecac Garden is about 14 kms
from Gangtok, the home of Sikkim's most
exotic orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plants. The
garden is know as Ipecac garden because of the plant Ipecac that
is grown here. Established and maintained by the Department of Forest, it is an
excellent recreation and picnic spot. Besides this plant,
this garden also contains a wide variety of other flora including
numerous types of orchids and medicinal plants. A large green
house also accommodates many other species of plants. One has to
take a taxi to reach this place.
Water Garden : Water Garden at
Martam Khola is on the 31-A National Highway some 16 kms. south of
Gangtok. It is an ideal spot for picnic with a small swimming pool
for children.
White Hall : The White Hall only has historical value
and is situated on the Ridge. It is a two storied structure and
has typical British architecture and was built in 1932. It is so
called not because it is, painted white but because it was built
in memory of the first Political Officer of Sikkim, Claude White
to whom a reference has been made elsewhere in this book. There is
an Officers' Club and a badminton court in the White Hall.
The Ridge
The Ridge is a small stretch of plain and flat road above the
town of Gangtok. It is just about fifteen minutes walk from the
main market. The Ridge has the White Hall and the Chief Minister's
official residence, known as the Mintokgang, meaning
"blossomed crowned hilltop" on one end and the
beautifully designed Palace Gate with a pagoda rooftop on the
other end. A statue of Nehru, the late Prime Minister of India,
adorns the roundabout above White Hall. Situated on the Ridge is
also a resting shed using Tibetan architecture. The ridge is lined
with plants and trees which when in bloom are a riot of colours.
Flower shows which attract tourists from all over the world are
held just below the Ridge. From the ridge, the, road winding its
way up along the Chola range towards Nathula( border between India
and China) can be clearly seen. During 1967 (not 1962, when this
border was quiet), a confrontation broke out between India and
China at Nathula. Long ago, a small market called the Sudder Bazaar
consisting of a few shops lined the Ridge. In the early twenties
this market was shifted to the present M.G. Marg.
 Sa-Ngor-Chotshog
Centre : It is a Tibetan refugee monastic institution
established in 1961 by his Eminence Luding Khen Rimpoche, Head of
Ngorpa, sub-sect of the Sakya Order, with the blessing of H.H.
Sakya Trizin and H.H. the Dalai Lama. This is the only monastery
of the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim. It is located on
a beautiful hill-top just 5 kms away from Gangtok Sikkim.
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