Sightseeing Places in Sikkim
Gangtok
At first glance, Gangtok, Sikkim's bustling capital, is like most Indian cities much noisier and much dirtier than you might care for. A little ways into town, however, the city reflects more of the peace and tranquility you might expect from its picturesque setting in the Himalayan foothills.
Gangtok is a transit hub as well as one of the few places in Sikkim where you can check your e-mail. Most of the tourist-friendly hotels, restaurants, and services run along MG road or Tibet Road. Popular amongst the backpacker set is the clean, friendly Modern Central Lodge on Tibet Road, while those looking for isolation make the steep climb to the government-run Sinolochu Lodge above the city just below the entrance to Enchey Goompa (monastery).
Most people stay in Gangtok for only a day or two on the way to the more picturesque Sikkimese villages of Pelling or Yuksom. Gangtok also has access to the beautiful Rumtek monastery as well as Chaggu/Tsomgo Lake about two hours away by jeep.
Kalimpong
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, the town of Kalimpong is situated at an altitude of 1,250 m. Forming a triangle with its most illustrious neighbours, Darjeeling and Gangtok, it is in the northern part of the state of West Bengal.
The name, Kalimpong, has three different origins. One, it means the place where the local tribesmen gathered to organize field sports, second, it takes its name from the Bhutanese King Minister stronghold and thirdly, it is named after "Kaulim", a fibrous plant found in abundance in this region
The town offers a breathtaking view of the snowy peaks of the Himalayan range that lies not far beyond it. The lush green valleys are a soothing sight. There are two things that strike one on reaching Kalimpong. These are its bustling bazaars that stand out in sharp contrast to the quiet atmosphere heightened by the several places of worship all around.
The gushing rivers in the vicinity and bursts of green forests only add to the scenic beauty of the region. Another major attraction in Kalimpong are the various nurseries abloom with exotic flowers and rare varieties of plants.
The best time to visit Kalimpong is during summer.
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At first glance, Gangtok, Sikkim's bustling capital, is like most Indian cities much noisier and much dirtier than you might care for. A little ways into town, however, the city reflects more of the peace and tranquility you might expect from its picturesque setting in the Himalayan foothills.
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, the town of Kalimpong is situated at an altitude of 1,250 m. Forming a triangle with its most illustrious neighbours, Darjeeling and Gangtok, it is in the northern part of the state of West Bengal.