Sikkimese Natterings

Our trip which always got postponed due to some reason or the other was
finally happening.Yes,small and tall,serene,visual delight,orchid kingdom,naturalist's paradise,sprawling rivers,hypnotic scenery's and the list goes on to infinity.Can you guess our destination?All these features describe the least populated state of India called Sikkim situated in the Eastern Himalayas below the third highest mountain in the world-Khangchendzonga.

We gave a call to Naresh,my husband's bosom friend from Gangtok,the capital of Sikkim and he fixed up our vacation plan.We did not even have to bother about accommodation as Naresh was the proud owner of one of the luxury hotels in Sikkim- the Royal Plaza hotel located amidst breathtaking topography.Besides this there are other good and affordable hotels to suit every ones budget like Hotel Tibet,Golden heights,Golden pagoda,New castle ,Orange village,etc.

We reached Bagdogra airport,the nearest from Assam by the Jet airways flight and boarded a jeep to travel upwards to Gangtok.Bagdogra and Siliguri are well connected by air and rail from all major cities in India.However ,one has to take a cab from there to reach Gangtok.Another great option is the Helicopter service which I am sure would be the ideal option for honeymooners as it would provide an excellent aerial view of the mighty Teesta River.

By the time we reached Gangtok,it was late in the evening and like any other hill station there is nothing much to see and do after dark but to drink and enjoy bonfire.

We got up early in the morning and were amazed to see nature in its morning glory.It was the annual picnic day for naresh's family and we joined them at the Tashi view point's park.What better option than that could have been for an ever memorable vacation-a mesmerizing view of the snow clad Khangchendzonga peak on one side and the Phodong and Labrang monasteries on the other side.

The next day was for local sightseeing.We visited the Institute of Tibetology,Do-Drul Chorten(Stupa),Flower show in White hall,Enchey Monastery,White hall,Ridge Park,Rumtek Monastery,Sri Nalanda Institute of higher studies and the Ipecac gardens.

But the most awaited spots in this Himalayan beauty was yet to be explored-so hold on your breath till I come back with my next posts of the Nathula Pass and the Tsomgo Lake.Till then enjoy the pictures we had taken during our trip.