Sikkim
is termed as the Switzerland of the east, a heavenly
paradise on earth. It covers an area of 2818
square miles 7325 square kilometers. It is rectangular
in shape.the Himalayan Mountain state of India,
ends here. Please profit from it. With its pristine
and un-spoilt natural beauty and peace loving
people, Sikkim offers you a truly unique visitor
experience.
Darjeeling
Darjeeling
is the legendary British hill station perched
in the foothills of the Himalayas. Located in
the northern extreme of the Indian state of West
Bengal, Darjeeling is just east of Nepal, just
south of Sikkim, and a bit west and south of
Bhutan. It is most famous for its once magnificent
tea estates. Despite a steady and inexorable
decline since independence, roughly a half century
ago, these estates still produce a substantial
portion of the world's tea.
Blessed with a cool and bracing climate, and a panoramic view of the Himalayas,
the world renowned hill resort of Darjeeling is a welcome respite during the
hot summer months.
Siliguri
Siliguri is the gateways to Darjeeling, Sikkim, Nepal, Dooars, Bhutan and most
of the North-East states of India. Although Siliguri by itself is not a tourist
spot and it is more of a transit point with very strong road, rail, air links.
The tourists has to come to Siliguri since New Jalpaiguri railway station (NJP),
the main railhead of the region, and Bagdogra Airport, the airport catering to
the region with connections to Calcutta, Delhi
and Guwahati are near this city.
Siliguri is the commercial capital of North Bengal,
Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Hosts to over 5 lakhs domestic and 15000
foreign visitors,
excluding
the people of Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal, who visit Siliguri regularly
both for business as well as for leisure.Siliguri is the major trade centre
for the North-East and eastern Nepal; a real boom city, cycle-rickshaws dominate
the roads and there are large number
of buses and jeeps plying to different tourist destinations of the region.
The main national highways of this region pass through Siliguri. Bus services
to all the neighboring places and states is available from Siliguri. Bus services
to Bhutan are also there.
Kalimpong
The meaning that has found the most favour, however, is the Lepcha meaning of
the name-'ridge where we play'. It is said that these local tribesmen used to
organise field sports while not engaged in agricultural pursuits - hence the
name.This ' playground on the ridge' has for long been in the shadows of its
better known big brother - Darjeeling. Kalimpong enjoys the best climate in the
region.
The dense forests of golden oak trees offset by the rich undergrowth of moss
and lichen provide an ideal setting for balmy walks on the thick cushions of
russet-brown leaves. One comes to Kalimpong to slow down and be pampered by nature's
bounties.The vast rolling meadows covered with a riot of wild flowers, the sparkling
brooks and rivulets meandering lazily by the terraced fields are a feast for
one's eyes. Kalimpong is a blaze of colour throughout the year owing to the richness
of its stunning flora. The orchids of this region in particular are famous for
their infinite variety as well as their delicate tints.
Kurseong
Kurseong is a quiet little town on the Darjeeling-Siliguri Toy Train’s
route. It is noted for its secluded charm and Eagle's Crag, which offers a commanding
view of the undulating plains below. The word Kurseong means - the place of White
Orchid. Because of its lower elevation, Kurseong enjoys a milder and very healthy
climate throughout the year. It is the peace, serenity and the healthy climate
of Kurseong, that attracted many a great person to this place. Guru Rabindra
Nath Tagore and the great composer Atul Prasad Sen got inspiration for some of
their famous works around Kurseong.
The rich flora of Kurseong town and surroundings is fascinating, and it has aptly
been described as a 'Botanists' Paradise'. With the first showers in May, after
a relatively dry winter and spring, the river beds glitter in the light of the
sun like silver lines, while the sunlight and dappled shadows play hide and seek
on the higher slopes of the valley. Sometimes on a clear day, one can see the
clouds piling up in the plains and advancing slowly but relentlessly to cover
the foothills.
Pelling
Pelling, the laid back, scenic, but rapidly swelling hamlet is situated at 2,085
m above sea level about 2 km beyond Pemayangtse. Pelling is famous for the magnificent
view of the snow-capped mountains of Khangchendzonga. High above the forest covered
hills, in an amphitheatre of cloud, snow and rock, the entire route from Yuksam
over Dzongri La to the Rathong Glacier can be seen.
Pelling is about 133 km away from Siliguri and 125 km from Gangtok and well connected
by bus and jeep services. Pelling itself consists of little more than a road
junction, Helicopter pad and numerous hotels, creating the so-called "Bengali
Boulevard", a strip of highly unimaginative identikit concrete blocks. Pelling
offers numerous attractive walks and hotel terraces from where one can gaze in
awe at the world's third highest peak. Pelling is an ideal getaway for tourists
as its vicinity has numerous waterfalls, soft trek routes, villages and soothing
atmosphere for all discerning.
Mirik
Mirik is another tiny hill resort easily accessible from Siliguri, Kurseong or
Darjeeling. The center-piece of the town is the Sumendu Lake where boating under
the serene gaze of Khangchendzonga makes for a most relaxing pastime. Rameetay
Dara and Deosi Dara are two elevated points near the lake from where the view
is terrific. Apple orchards and tea gardens are other attractions.The peaceful
and tranquil hill resort of Mirik boasts of several nature spots. The wild flowers,
lovely lake and flourishing forests of Cryptomaria Japanica trees make Mirik
appear as a tropical paradise.
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