Jun 10, 2009 01:12 PM
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One usually hears an array of comments and views about the frequently visited vacationer attractions . You often get the news that one of your relatives is either touring Kashmir or is exploring the valleys of Kullu- Manali . While places like Kashmir and Nainital continue to be the tourist magnets , the north -eastern valleys remain severely unexplored.
After visiting all the above mentioned places , it was a time for my family to attempt a different corner of India . After much research my father was convinced that Sikkim was the right place to endeavour. A north eastern state of India, Sikkim is currently ruled by a party named Sikkim Democratic Front , which people hardly fail to elect each time due to the party's organised efforts in development. Another fact is that sikkim is the lowest populated state in India with an astonishing population of approximately just 5.5 lac which adds to its smooth functioning. A travel to this place doesn't seem to be a bad idea at all .Thus, here's a methodical review on this wonderful place.
Firstly, there is no direct train to Sikkim as Sikkim lacks railways on account of being entirely situated on hills. So first a flight to Kolkata and then train to New Jalpaiguri, is a good option .(You can adjust according to your place of residence).
DARJEELING-Although . not a part of Sikkim a short visit to Darjeeling is a good way to utilise your days of tourism. The tiger hills , the rock gardens , the monasteries are adorable and worth one watch . Toy trains are also easily accessible from NJP which drop you to Darjeeling .However they are quite out listed from my preferences owing to the number of hours they consume.
Tip:Beware of taking any package tours from NJP . Make it a point to visit the Padmaja Naidu Zoo [ A beautiful zoo having a thunderstruck medley of the natural world] and., the Mirik lake . AVOID VISITING DARJEELING.ON HOLIDAYS AS THE HOTELS GET SEVERELY CRAMMED BY PARENTS OF HOSTEL KIDS.
Days required:2
PELLING--From Darjeeling employing a taxi to Pelling is a humble alternative. Pelling is a small village and the former capital of Sikkim. There is no wow element about this place but certain spots like the Holy Lake *, *Pemyangtse monastery are pious pleasures.
Tip:To pass your days with good rooms and meals Hotel Chiminda is the most reasonable place to try at this site . Accomodate yourself in a room which faces theKachenjunga range as it looks striking at dawn The weather here is highly unpredictable. So pack your good luck along with other essentials.
Days required:1 & 1/2
GANGTOK-- The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok is one of the most organised places in India . It's sparkling clean roads and accountable cops are what Indian citizens are longing for.Shopping is also a absolute delight on the M.G ROAD.where one finds an assortment of shops, restaurants and hotels.The handicraft showroom , the flower show , the Rumtek monastery, Hanuman tok and *Ganesh tok *are certain visual treats near Gangtok.
Tip:If you need a fine hotel ask for Juniper Tree Inn and put up all your bargaining skills at the reception there .... you'll get the best room at the most equitable amount . For woolen clothes try out the. Although the shop is hardly in limelight it offers good prices. For meals try the following restaurants - Rasoi [ for Punjabi food], Tip Top [ for finger-licking Gujarati Thali ] and Baker's cafe [For continental stuff]. The much eminent restaurant Parivaar fails to reach quality standards.
Days required: 5
LACHUNG --It's a good option to buy package tours to Lachung from Gangtok itself .Lachung is situated at a very great height and it would be one of the highest hillstations you would ever visit During this stay you would visit Katao . Katao is merely a place to find snow . It is indeed a good place to click pictures and to feel the tremble and shiver. Another place of visit is Yumthang '' The valley of flowers " . Yumthang , a valley, is a location of exquisite scenic beauty if visited at a appropriate time . It gets entirely covered with blossoms in the spring .
Tip:This is the place where you actually get the enlightenment about the importance of proper visiting time. Wrong seasons are not a good way to spend holidays. For instance, you get bowled over by the Yumthang valley in spring ..... but wrong visiting time to the place will leave you seriously wondering '' Why did they drop me here ?'' .Another important thing is that warm clothes are a pre- requisite at this place . Otherwise you will end up paying hospital bills instead of hotel's !
Days required: Included under the stay at Gangtok.
TSAANGO LAKE--One of the most wonderful lakes, it is located at a jaw dropping height of 12, 000 ft.
approx. Although you are not offered boating you would be showered with offers of a ride on the yak. It is a fact that the ride is a cherished dream but the sky- scraping rates may shatter the same.
Tip:It's quite understandable that the place is cold and cacophonous , but hiring warm clothes at this place would be nothing less than insanity.Instead you can buy certain good accssories at Gangtok .
Days required: Included under the stay at Gangtok.
OVERALL OUTLOOK:Sikkim as a whole is a great place to visit. It may be something different than expected ...... but eventually it has its own share of uniqueness.......But it is definitely a c0ol spot to explore and watch out for.......
