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Sikkim was a
hereditary monarchyuntil it
joined the main land of India as
the 22nd state in 1975.
According to religious taxts
Sikkim was inhabited as early as
the 8th century AD. The
chronicled and recorded history
of Sikkim is found only after
the coming of Buddhism and the
crowing of Phuntsog Namgyal, the
first raja of Sikkim in 1642 AD.
Sikkim - The Land
Snuggled in between mystique
lands of Bhutan, Nepal and India
lies dreamy and misty
mountainous state of Sikkim or
“Sukhim” (a “Limbu” term meaning
“new house” a land which has
always worshipped) and
vene-reted it’s natural
surrounding and is known for
it’s closeness with the native
fauna and flora. The land of the
Mountain God “Khangchendzonga”,
who according to ancient lore,
first created man with a fistful
of Snow.
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| Sikkim - The People |
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The population of
Sikkim is a heterogenous one compri-sing
of Nepalese, Lepchas, Limbus and Bhutias.
There is also a small section of
plainsmen co-existing peacefully with
these hills-people. Inspite of apparent
ethnic diversity there are no social
tensions. The passage of so many years
has seen a cultural cross-pollination,
which has seen a cultural
cross-pollination, which has resulted in
a distinctive Sikkimese ethos. A
striking example of this amalgamation of
cultures is evident in the absorption of
the God Mount Khangchendzonga (hitherto
worshipped only by the Lepchas) into the
Bhuddist ceremonies. |
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Sikkim - The
Culture |
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The Hindu and
Bhuddist rituals have been interwoven
together with the tribal customs and
beliefs, which have given rise to the
unique Sikkimese culture. The
timelessness of the land and it’s
tranquility is sharply contrasted with
the verve and the zest for life
reflected in the festivals and
celebrations of this “realm of riches”.
Each ethnic group has an impressive
repertoire of folk songs and dances
along with their unmatched range of
handicrafts. The Monasteries are
considered storehouses of Sikkimese
Culture. |
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GLIMPSES OF
SIKKIM |
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Best season |
Mid February to
late May and
October to
December |
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Clothing |
Summer – Light
Woolens
Winter – Heavy
Woolens |
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Area |
7300 sq kms. |
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Population |
5,00,000 approx |
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Climate |
Summer – max
20.7 degrees
min 13.1 degrees
Winter -
max 14.9 degrees
min 7.7 degrees
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| Some Places of Tourist Interest |
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Rumtek Monastery |
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Tashi View Point |
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Phodong Monastery |
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Tsomgo Lake |
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Nathula Pass |
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Institute of
Tibetlogy |
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Orchid Sanctuary |
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Directorate of
Handicrafts |
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Ban Jhakrey Falls
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Lungdum Gumpa |
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