| EAST INDIA
>> SIKKIM |
SIKKIM
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| Spread
below the Mt. Kanchanjunga (8534 m), the third highest
mountain in the world and revered by the Sikkimese
as their protective Deity, Sikkim shares her borders
with Tibet in the north; Bhutan in the east, Nepal
in the west and state of Bengal in the south. Kanchanjunga's
five snowy peaks soar high above the Himalayan landscape
of Sikkim, sometimes wrapped in mists and wreathed
in clouds, sometimes blazing while against a brilliant
blue sky. Below Sikkim unfolds its magic and its
charm : a garden state with rich green tropical
forests; brilliant birds and butterflies; an amazing
variety of orchids, rhododendrons and wild flowers;
rushing tumbling streams and torrents; and endless
vistas of snow-crowned peaks. Gangtok, the capital
of Sikkim, 1600 metres above the sea level is a
picturesque town which cascades down the mountain
side from a ridge 1520 mts. high. Gangtok means
the Lofty Hill, which has grown into a busy, bustling
city with pagoda style houses, painted turquoise
roofs and colourful people. Famous for its Royal
Chapel, The Institute of Tibetology, Orchid Sanctuary,
Gangtok is more popularly known for Rhumtek Monastery,
an exact replica of the monastery of Chhofuk in
Tibet. |
DARJEELING |
Nestled
in the Himalayas, approx. 700 kms from Calcutta,
at 2134 metres, Darjeeling surrounded by tea plantations
is one of the most popular hill stations of India.
Until the beginning of the 18th century, Darjeeling
(then called Dorje Ling) was with the rajas of
Sikkim. It was invaded by by Gurkhas in 1780 and
later by the British after series of war. The
major development of this pretty hill station
took place between 1840-1857. Darjeeling is famous
for Tiger Hill, the highest point (2590 m) and
an excellent spot to see the world's third highest
peak Kanchenjunga (8598 m) at sun-rise as its
snowy peak emerges from darkness into light; Ghoom
Buddhist Monastery enshrines the image of Maietrya's
Buddha. The other places of interest are the Zoological
Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Museum,
Botanical Gardens and Tibetan Refugees Self Help
Centre. Darjeeling is most famous for for export
of Tea. It has over 75 tea gardens employing over
40,000 people. The most convenient plantation
to visit is the Happy Valley Tea Estates, only
two km from the town. The best time to visit plantations
is between April to November when plucking is
in the progress. Toy Train, the journey to Darjeeling
from New Jalpaiguri (main station connecting to
east and north India) on the miniature railway
(popularly called Toy Train) is a superb experience.
The train runs daily, although services during
the monsoon are often disrupted due to the track
being washed away. The train passes through interesting
tea plantation areas; provides a panoramic view
of the valley. |
KALIMPONG |
Another
small Hill Station of West Bengal lies at an altitude
of 1250 metres. It was once part of the lands
belonging to the rajas of Sikkim until the beginning
of the 18th century when it was taken away by
the Bhutanese. In the 19th century it passed into
the hands of the British and thus became part
of West Bengal. It became a centre for Scottish
missionary activity in the late 19th century,
and Dr. Graham's orphanage and school is still
running today. Kalimpong's main attraction is
Tharpa Choling Monastery, established in 1922,
belonging to the Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism
founded in the 14th century in Tibet. This monastery
is not visited by very many due to its location.
It is a 40 minute walk (uphill) from town. The
other monastery which is situated down the hill,
the Thongsa Gompa, or Bhutanese Monastery, is
the oldest monastery in the area and was founded
in 1692. |
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