Sikkim is the 22nd state of India came into existence with effect from 26th April, 1975. Sikkim state being a part of inner mountain ranges of Himalayas, is hilly having varied elevation ranging from 300 to 8540 meters. But the habitable areas are only up to the altitude of 2100 mtrs. Constituting only 20% of the total area of the state. A large number of mountains having altitudes of about seven thousand meters stands here with – Kanchenjunga (8598 m.), the third highest peak in the world.
Government of Sikkim
- Capital : Gangtok
- Chief Minister : Pawan Chamling
- Governor : Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil
- Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court : Justice Sunil Kumar Sinha
State symbols of Sikkim:
- Date of formation : 16. May. 1975
- State animal: Red panda
- State bird : Blood pheasant
- State tree: Rhododendron
- State flower: Nobile orchid
- Literacy Rate (2011) : 87.75%
- Females per 1000 males : 889
- Assembly constituency: 32
- Parliamentary constituency : 1
- Major crops : Maize, paddy, wheat, barley
National parks and wildlife sanctuaries
- Khangchendzonga National Park
- Fambong Lho Wildlife sanctuaries
- Kyongnosla Alpine Wildlife Sanctuaries
- Maenam Wildlife Sanctuaries
Rivers
- Teesta
- Rangit
Festivals
- Kanchendzonga, Lossong
Major dance and music forms
- Khanchendzonga, Kali Topi Hat
Famous places in Sikkim
Rabdentse: Rabdentse was the erstwhile royal capital of Sikkim. About 107 km west of Gangtok, the town was first established in 1670 by Chadok Namgyal.
Yuksom: Yuksom is an old historic town in west Sikkim bestowed with natural beauty and uninterrupted trail for trekkers. If you are looking forward to spend some quiet moments in the shadow of nature away from the hustle bustle of the city.
Nathula Pass: Nathula pass, located in the Himalayas, connects India with Tibet. The pass, at 4,310 m above sea level forms a part of a side-shoot of the prehistoric Silk Road. Definitely one of the places to visit in Sikkim without fail.
Lachung, Lachen and Yumthang Valley: Lachen is a distant village in North Sikkim and the winter home for Tibetan nomadic tribes. Lachung is also a high altitude village of Tibetan and Bhutia people in North Sikkim. And Yumthang is a beautiful valley bounded by snowcapped mountains. All three are extremely beautiful tourist places in Sikkim.
Ravangla: Furrowed by dense forests and outstandingly balanced on a ridge superintending an extensive swish of western Sikkim, Ravangla assures one of the most beautiful mountain views. It is a popular tourist place in Sikkim and draws many nature lovers every year.
Namchi: Namchi is blessed with fresh air which is fragmented with the aroma of lush flora. The beautiful sight of snowcapped mountains and the woodland mountain valleys adds to the scenery; and makes it an important one among the places to see in Sikkim.
Zuluk: Zuluk is a small village located at a high altitude and has a very empowering history due to its connection with the Silk Route. It promises great views of the snowcapped mountain ranges especially during winter.
Teesta River: A different one among places to visit in Sikkim, Teesta River is stunning to look at when it is frozen in winters. During spring however the river is shimmering in the sun rays and displays a perfect habitat for blooming flowers.
Gangtok: Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim and has loads of gems in its kitty; you would be awestruck by the never ending walking trails, gorgeous silver-fir trees and most importantly the hospitality by the locals. Make sure it is on your list of places to visit in Sikkim.
Famous Personalities of Sikkim
Balmiki Prasad Singh is the present governor of Sikkim, India. He is a distinguished scholar, thinker and public servant and has written several books and thought- provoking articles.
Baichung Bhutia is an Indian footballer, who is currently contracted by the club he owns, United Sikkim, which he also plays for. Bhutia is considered to be the torchbearer of Indian football in the international arena.
Danny Denzongpa Tshering Phintso “Danny” Denzongpa is an Indian actor working in Bollywood films. He is of Sikkimese ancestry. Denzongpa was born in the state of Sikkim, at that time an independent monarchy.
Pawan Kumar Chamling is the charismatic leader and present serving Chief Minister of Sikkim. He served for five successive times as CM of Sikkim.
Omi Gurang is a famous fashion designer who was born and brought up in Sikkim.
Omi Gurang is a famous fashion designer who was born and brought up in Sikkim.
Facts About Sikkim
It shares border with only 1 state – West Bengal in south. It also shares international boundary with 3 countries i.e. Bhutan in east, Nepal in west and China in north which also happens to be maximum number of international borders shared by any Indian State. Note – there is only one more state which has maximum ( 3 nos.) number of international borders : Arunachal Pradesh.
- This is the 22nd state of Indian union. As per 2011 census it is the least populous state of India and second smallest state by area just after Goa.
- Nathu La pass is the key geographical feature of this state. Nathu La pass is a part of the ancient Silk Route which once was an important trade route connecting India with the far reaches of Tibet. This pass was closed follwed by the India China war of 1962.
- Kangchenjunga the world’s third highest and India’s highest peak (on actual grounds Mount K2 doesn’t comes in India’s control as it lies in POK) starts from this region and is located on its border with Nepal.
- River Tista and its tributaries flows through the state from north to south. River Tista is the main waterway of Sikkim.
- The Sikkim state boasts about its 5 major and numerous others hot water springs.
- These hot springs are known for their medicinal & therapeutic reasons.
- Some of the important hot springs are at Borang, Ralang and Yumey Samdong.
- Ban Jhakri water falls which is located near Gangtok is a major tourist attraction.
- Sikkim is known for its rich biodiversity and is the land known for more than 500 different species of Orchids, 11 Oak species, 23 different varieties of Bamboo trees and over 400 different medicinal plants.
- More than 81 % area is forest and it has trees such as sals, figs, bananas at lower elevations. At higher altitudes there is abundance of chir, pine, oaks and maple trees.
- Khan-gchendzonga National park is one of the highest national parks in world and includes World’s third highest mountain Kangchenjunga.
- Yak and musk deer are the main animals found in Sikkim.
- Sikkim is the first Indian state known to have implemented organic farming and is called first organic state.
- GDP of the state is very poor and Sikkim comes on second last position by GDP rank of all Indian States. If economy is measured in terms of GDP per capita then Sikkim stands at third position among all Indian states (first being Goa, second is Delhi). (as per year 2014 GDP data).
- Sikkim’s economy is dependent mainly on agriculture and tourism.
- Mineral Resources of Sikkim – Gold, silver, copper, Zinc. Main Industries of Sikkim-most available industries are food processing, tanning, watch assembly, distilleries, breweries, flour mills etc
- Main agriculture products of Sikkim – Maize, paddy, millet, wheat and barley. Orange, potatoes, apples and cardamom are also produced.
- Sikkim has largest area for Cardamom production and also it is the highest producer of large cardamom in India.
- Sikkim is very rich in many species of orchids.
- Sikkim Rhubarb (Rheum Nobile) is a huge flowering plant about 2 Mtr maximum height. It is native to Himalayas and Sikkim specially.
- After re-opening of Nathu la pass on 6th July 2006, the state’s economy has seen significant growth as it facilitated growth of trade and business with Lhasa region of Tibet, China.
- Apart from the Laddakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, it is the only Indian state which shows the glimpses of rich Buddhism culture.
- Hinduism and Buddhism are the main religions of the state. About 61 % of population is of Hindus and 28 % follow Buddhism.
- Rumtek and Phodong monasteries are the most famous religious spots depicting Buddhist culture of Sikkim. Other famous monasteries include – Enchey monastery, Pemayangtse monastery, Phensang monastery and Tashiding monastery.
- Sikkim is known for Gumpa dance which is performed by Buddhists during the Losar (New year) festival.
- In Tibatese language Sikkim is called as Drenjong which means valley of rice.
- In Bhutan, the Sikkim is called as Beyul Demazong which means hidden valley of rice. In ancient times Sikkim was also called as Indrakil which means garden of lord Indra.
- Sikkim has third highest per capita alcohal consumption rate (just behind Punjab and Haryana) among all Indian states.
- Momos, Wonton and Thukpa are the most popular cuisine of the state.
- Buddha park of Ravangla containing 130 feet high statue of Buddha is famous tourist spot of Sikkim.
- Gurudongmar lake & Tsomgo lake which are situated at a height of 5180 mtr and 3700 mtr respectively are sacred lake as per Buddhist beliefs.
- Statue of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) in south district is considered as patron of Sikkim as per Buddhist beliefs.
