Rise in popularity of Sikkim as a tourist hot spot

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A hidden Gem

Sikkim is strategically located while sharing international borders with Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal, in the north-eastern region of India, owes its linguistic origin to the pair of two ancient words Su and Khyim, the former means new and the later stands for a palace or a house

True to the meaning of its name, Sikkim still resembles a beautiful new gem surrounded by nature's jewels in form of mountains, glaciers, lush green and dense forests, caves, rivers, waterfalls, beautiful monasteries, and hot springs while nestling the highest mountain peak of India i.e., Mt.Kanchanjunga.

Sikkim tourism is gaining popularity due to many reasons, let us see below.

Easy Accessibility

As Sikkim is well connected with the rest of India, one can reach Sikkim via Air, Rail, and Road. Bagdogra, which is 125 km from Gangtok is the nearest airport to Sikkim apart from Pakyong.

New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station located 120 km from Gangtok and majorly connects Sikkim with all the big metro cities and other states.

Better road connectivity with Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim via Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong is a boon for travelers. Many buses run on the route and cabs are also easily available.

Adventure sports hub

Sikkim due to its demography offers numerous options for adventure travelers.

Camping

There are mesmerizing camping spots like Lamuney and Teesta where you can relish the beauty of nature under the open sky and wake up to an enchanting sunrise.

Best time to Camp- Feb.- April, and Oct.-Nov.

Treks

Challenging treks of Goechala, Kanchenjunga base camp, Sandakphu, Dzongri, Singalila, etc. invites the trekkers form across the world to explore this grand terrain comprising green landscapes and forest in summers and mystical glaciers and snow-clad mountains in winters.

Best time - March-May (Spring ) and September to November (Autumn)

River Rafting

Two major rivers namely Rangit and Teesta flow through Sikkim, have the best rapids and offers one of the best white water rafting experience to beginners as well as experts.

Best time - March-May

Leisure Travel Sites

Monasteries

Home to more than 200 monasteries also known as gompas, Sikkim allows you to discover its rich spiritual cultural heritage and introspect while enlightening your inner self. These monasteries are grand in structure and are aesthetically designed. Rumtek, Enchey, Phodong, Ralang, Tashiding are a few must-visit monasteries in Sikkim.

Holy Caves

There are four holy caves namely, the secret cave of dakinis, the heart of the god's cave, the Secret cave of the east, and the cave of great happiness that are marked as pilgrimage sites and are highly revered among the natives.

National parks and bird sanctuaries

For all the nature lovers, there are 8 national parks and bird sanctuaries in Sikkim that one can visit and experience the natural flora and fauna with a glimpse of rare wildlife animals and migratory birds.

Hot springs and Waterfalls

Locals call them cha chu another word for hot springs. These springs are considered holy due to their healing properties to cure skin and other ailments as they contain high sulphur. The popular ones are located at Phurchachu, borong, ralong & yumesamdong

Take a dip, enjoy the serenity, and relax in the lap of nature. There are more than 10 waterfalls for you on a platter in Sikkim.