Gangtok means, aptly enough “hill top” and the little capital of Sikkim is perched at 5,500 feet, high on the ridge of a valley. It lies snuggled between the borders of Nepal and Bhutan at an altitude of 1547 m above sea level, and is famous for its numerous important monasteries and picturesque Himalayan views.
Gangtok is a beautiful hilly town, which spreads down the western side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipul River, and houses some of the most important Buddhist religious sites in India. The entire Kanchenjunga range is visible from the town and locals worship the range as a deity. It is a quaint mix of the old and the new, of modern structures and ancient Buddhist monuments, of bustling commercial centers and quiet monasteries emanating an aura of spirituality. Gangtok is also famed for its wonderful orchids and every spring, an orchid festival and flower show is held to celebrate this exotic bloom. The Kanchendzonga, considered to be Sikkim’s guardian, is visible from many parts of the town. Gangtok offers every traveler a unique traveling experience.
Need a break from the heat and the dust of the plains? Enjoy the pristine air of the hill resort of Darjeeling. Darjeeling in the eastern state of West Bengal offers the cool height of the Himalayas. The nature is at its best. The spectacular sunrise and sunsets are unforgettable sights at Darjeeling India. The hill resort has attracted botanists, ornithologists, trekkers, photographers and holidaymakers alike. Darjeeling is famous for the magnificent mountains of Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Small town perched at an altitude of 1,250 metres, It is situated in the state of West Bengal at a distance of 50 km from Darjeeling. Till about hundred years ago, Kalimpong used to be a tiny hamlet. In 1916, the area was made into a separate subdivision with Kalimpong as the headquarters. Today Kalimpong has been developed as a popular tourist resort. Kalimpong has a very mild climate. Summers are sunny and are the best times to visit this place. The winter season lasts from September to February when the minimum temperature can drop to 7°C making the nights quite cold. |
