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| General Information |
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| The Rice Bowl |
The land of mountain crests lies between the kingdom of Bhutan, Nepal and the plateau of Tibet. This small stretch of rugged land may just be a speck on the world map but its size belies its' richness and diversity of culture, customs, heritage, flora and fauna.
Sikkim, one of the most beautiful nooks in the Himalayas, offers the visitors nature in all its grandeur. The third highest mountain of the world, Kanchenjunga (8598m) and attendant peaks present a surreal vista unmatched.
Crowning hilltops are fabled centers of Buddhist worship and learning, such as the monasteries at Rumtek, Enchey and Pemayangtse, to mention only a few. Awe inspiring Stupas and Chortens are set amidst fluttering prayer flags, and numerous prayer wheels spun by clear mountain streams tinkle melodiously to remind you that you are in the abode of the Gods. Come and explore the wonder that Sikkim is.
Area of Sikkim: 7,096 sq. kms.
Altitude (Gangtok) 1.547m
Population of Sikkim: 500.000
Commonly spoken languages: Sikkimese, Nepali, Hindi & English |
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| Darjeeling |
The Place of Thunderbolt
Darjeeling is a popular hill-resort and fascinating place. "The Queen of the Hills" lies perched at a height of 2134m with a panoramic view on the mighty Kanchenjunga Cluster.
Darjeeling has attracted many generations of visitors to enjoy the joys of the cool and healthy climate of the mountains. It was the very first "Hill Sanitarium" developed by the British to escape the heat, humidity and hassle of the North Indian plains. |
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| Toy Train |
| Until the late 1800s, all supplies for Darjeeling and all the tea exported had to be transported by bullock carts along the Hill Cart Road (beginning in the plains at Siliguri). An agent of East Bengal Railway, Franklin Prestage, came up with the plan for a narrow gauge rail link between Siliguri and Darjeeling. Construction started in 1879 and the first train pulled by the "gutsy" little steam engine and three coaches puffed into Darjeeling on 4th July 1881. The "Toy Train" has been making daily journeys for over a century. The 88km journey to Darjeeling is certainly not the quickest way to get there but is nevertheless an experience that should not be missed. A joy ride on the train is included in your sightseeing tours. |
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| Famous Tea Gardens |
| "Darjeeling" and "tea" have become synonymous. Tea drinkers all over the world must constantly bless the memory of the person who decided around 1840 that the climate of the Darjeeling region was very conducive to the growth of tea. Huge forest areas were cleared and tea was planted. Chinese experts were called in to teach the art of tea making and thousands of Nepalese were hired to work in the tea gardens. Darjeeling Tea became so famous for its aroma and delicacy of taste that it was soon named "Champagne of the East". |
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| Kalimpong |
The Governor's Fort
Kalimpong nestles in West Bengal at a modest altitude of 1250m. enjoying moderate climate. Forming a triangle with its more illustrious "neighbors", Darjeeling and Gangtok.Kalimpong is an excellent spot for a restful and quiet holiday. It has a number of houses, which speak of the town's heritage and gracious living in earlier decades of this century when it was the main trading post between Tibet and British India. Today it is a flourishing floriculture center as the climate has proved to be extremely conducive to this activity. |
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| Siliguri |
| Siliguri serves as a gateway because of its location and connects 3 international borders: Bangladesh, Bhutan & Nepal. Siliguri is the only road and rail link to North Eastern India, Sikkim and the hills of Darjeeling. The train station is known as NJP (New Jalpaiguri) and the airstrip of Bagdogra is only 13 km away. However the town by itself has not much charm other then being a convenient stopover. |
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