Jan 15, 2009 10:33 AM
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Hello Friends!
This is my second review that I would like to put forward, regarding Sikkim, and your plans in visiting this tiny 22nd State of India. I have in my last review mentioned how you could get to Sikkim and here I would like to tell you something regarding the Climate.
Sikkim, joined mainstream of the nation of the 16th of May, 1975. It is dedicated emotionally to the cause of national integration. There is complete harmony situation, with no feeling of Caste, Creed and Community. Sikkim lies nestled under the protective shadow of its gurdian deity, Mount. Khangchendzonga(8598mts) [ the 3rd highest peak in the world] and it is sacred to the people of Sikkim.
Communities, cultures, religions and customs of different hues intermingle freely here and constitutes a homogenous blend. You would find Hindu Temples coexisting with Buddhist Monasteries, with Christian Churches, Muslim Mosques, and even Gurduwaras. Although the Buddhist monasteries all over the state are the most conspicuos religious group, they are infact a minority constituting only around 28 - 30% the rest 68 - 70% profess Hinduism.
It has four distinct seasons. Winter season(mid December - end of February) or it can extend upto March/ April. The season all depends on the altitude one is at. In the valleys, Spring comes early sometimes by late February or early March, and this is one particular season when Beautiful Rhododenderons are blooming along with fantastic Orchids in its different shades and grandeur, and I am sure most of those who dare to be with nature and appreciate it will be blessed with the pure beauty of it. Summer season starts somewhere around mid May and carries on till the end of September.Monsoonseason would sometimes be from the month of June till the end of September.this is one season I would say I dont fancy much because with the start of it one can be sure of roadblocks, Landslides and Leeches(blood suckking parasites) though again I should add here that July and August would also be ideal to appreciate the High Altitude Flora as it's best on alpine meadows. Autumn Seasonwould be my favourite season, and sure is a very fine season in Sikkim, with the rains having washed clear the atmosphere, and you can bask in the clear view of the mountains almost every day. The days are clear and sunny and the nights crisp and cold. You can also sense the Air of Festivity starting around this time which sure will continue till the month of January.
Life in Sikkim is not as Taxing as most parts of India, you can well say though the works are done it has its own pace and the word 'STRESS'still has not crept into the lives of the people of Sikkim. The Government offices are generally open 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday, and the holidays coincide with festival days. The shops in Sikkim are usually open from 10am till around maybe 7 - 7:30pm, Lal Market is the place to be on Sunday when farmers from adjoining villages come and sell off their goods.
Sikkim Government is very particular with regards to Ecology, and have long since banned the Use of Plastic(if I am not mistaken than it must have been the 1st one in the Country), the Government has gone one step ahead by declaring Sikkim to be an Organic Stateand as mentioned in my earlier review the Government has banned the Entry of Vehicles inside the market area which makes it the most cleanest bazaar, with kids playing around, and people sitting and enjoying the evening shopping, side by side enjoying the light music sprayed in the air by the local Police bands(Bagpipers), which soothes the listeners and can enjoy their evenings out along with bagful of Shopping.
So if you, your loved ones, your family, or maybe just for the heck of exploring if you plan to visit Sikkim then the best Season would surely be from March to May and again from October to mid-December. If you are a trekking enthusiast then the best season would be from October to mid December. Clothings would be to bring over warm sweater or jackets for the mornings and evenings throughout winter and early spring.
