Sikkim: An Experience

The 2nd smallest and the least populated state of India, Sikkim is nested in the lap of the mighty Himalayas. In May 1975 Sikkim became the 22nd state of India. The state is bordered by Nepal, China, Bhutan and West Bengal. Personally I call it the “Thumbs Up” of India (If you look at the map you’ll know what I mean).

Though it is a small state of about 7000sq.kms it has a rare biodiversity. It has more that 4000 species of plants and 30% of all birds found in India. Sikkim can proudly boast of having about 600 varieties of orchid and 35 species of rhododendrons. With 36% of the land covered in forest Sikkim is one of the few states that encourage Eco Tourism. The state is equally blessed with varieties animal species that it houses. You can find over 400 varieties of butterflies and moth 550 species of birds and many animals even the elusive and rare snow leopard. Khangchendzonga National Park houses some of the most rare and endangered species. Sikkim is a true delight to all nature lovers.

Sikkim can be an example to the world as to how different communities, culture and religion can coexist in peace and harmony. A true reflection of the simplicity and the inner beauty of the people of Sikkim. Their respect for one another, others cultures, religions and their surroundings makes me ever so proud to belong to this place. Also the smile on everyone’s face is something that you will definitely notice here. If we must then we can broadly classify Sikkimese people into Lephcas, Bhutias and the Nepalese. The language spoken is predominantly Nepali but several local languages like Lepcha, Bhutia, Tibetan and many more are also spoken in their respective communities. Though only 28% of the people follow Buddhism but undoubtedly Buddhist culture dominates the entire Sikkim map; from building structures to handicraft to food and monasteries you can see the rich color and heritage of Bhutias all across Sikkim. Personally the local food and booze is what I love, you can not get the same flavor anywhere else.

Now comes the part that I love the most the natural beauty of Sikkim. Winding roads along the river, green hills towering over them and snow clad mountains behind the hills are the most common site that you see as you travel along Sikkim. Every season brings a different beauty and a totally different experience with it. Spring brings with it a burst of colors where every little plant flowers along the village path, rains brings you the light shade of green all over the forest and the paddy fields, autumn brings the hue of the golden harvest that shimmers with the moon and winter brings with it fire to keep you warm and different hills each day that you can see covered with snow. This changing face of my hill state always amazes me. I know you will understand when I say that this place has a rare natural beauty that is best witnessed and experienced because it really can not be expressed with words.

To experience Sikkim truly it is best to know the people of Sikkim first after all they know their land more than any one. Camping, long walks, trekking and staying in villages are some ways you will understand the people and their cultures better.

Over the past few years tourism has increased tremendously here but it’s really sad to see the way it is progressing. In the capital town Gangtok and other towns buildings are coming up to accommodate more tourists, cars have clogged the roads and tourists have no hesitation in throwing an empty pack of chips anywhere they want. I wonder at times is this what most people want… is this their idea of visiting a new place… do they get satisfaction out of it… will they go back and say “ I have been to Sikkim” but will they ever be able to say “ I know Sikkim I have experienced it”. If people seek the same confusion and congestion that they get in their daily life then I guess they have got it. But I am sure there are many like me who would seek to know the real Sikkim, not in the urban areas but in the villages, camping near the river or the woods, waking up to the sound of nature not the honking of the cars, breathing the fresh clean air, capturing amazing views and sites on camera… in a sense just relaxing and absorbing the surroundings feeling the beauty of the place not just seeing it. So if you are planning a trip to Sikkim think … what is it you want? Do you want to just visit it the commercial way or do you want to make your visit a UNIQUE EXPERIENCE. The choice is yours it always has been.