Sikkim-Darjeeling: “The Land Of Cultures”
Sikkim
Sikkim is known for its beautiful landscapes and monasteries. Sikkim has a very low population which makes it less crowded, It is a place where your soul can have peace because Sikkim is surrounded by beautiful mountains, Hinduism and Buddhism are two religions mostly followed in Assam. In Sikkim You can find the World’s Highest Lakes, You can experience a moderate climate in Sikkim.
Darjeeling
A Small Town Located in the lap of the lesser Himalayas, Darjeeling is the place where you can experience Asia’s largest ropeway. Darjeeling Architect reflects that It was one of the Favourite Places of Britishers. The Sunrise at Tiger Hill is one of the favorite tourist activities to do. Darjeeling is the rare point where you can find language diversity, traditional diversity along cultural diversity.
Sikkim-Darjeeling 10 Best Places to Visit/Travel
Lake Tsomgo
Tsomgo Lake also known as Changu Lake, This lake remains frozen during winters. The special characteristic of this lake is it changes colour according to different seasons, You may discover a small Shiva temple at the bank of the lake, variety of wildlife roams around the lake which makes it more circean.
Nathu La Pass
Nathu la Pass is one of the most important Himalayan Pass in the country. It connects Sikkim to China and the Tibet region. It is guarded by both sides from the Indian and Chinese military. You can do many adventurous activities from Nathu La Pass like trekking to Menmecho Lake, visiting the war memorial, and swimming at Mandakini Waterfall.
YumThang
YumThang as the name says “Valley Of Flowers”, Even if you ain’t a nature lover you will still fall for such pretty flowers. The best time to visit YumThang is from Feb to June when varieties of flowers bloom altogether giving the place a graphic and vivid view. Tourist can take shelter in the forest rest house because it is the only permanent shelter one can have. The main tourist attraction point of YumThang Valley is the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary.
Banjhakri Water Falls
This 100ft. waterfall is a Perfect Place for a Picnic, situated 6 km away from Gangtok town. This place is one of the most ravishing nature’s creations. There is a man-made lake here that features a dragon at the center it is one of the famous attraction points for tourists. This park is also known as “Energy Park”, This waterfall is surrounded by amazing greenery that makes it a perfect photo shooting location.
Himalayan Zoological Park
Place dedicated to all wildlife lovers. the staggering trees on each side of the path give it a breathtaking view. It is the First Zoological Park of Sikkim, For an extended view of this zoological park the government has made provisions for a ropeway. Barking Deer is one of the rare species found in this zoological park. Animals in this Zoo are kept in open enclosures.
Do Drul Chorten Stupa
One of the tallest Stupa in Gangtok, it is believed that this place was once haunted, Later very respectful Lama of Tibet Trulshik Rinpoche visited the place and built the Stupa to drive away the spirits. Many Valuable items were kept inside the stupa, including the Buddhist religious book Tanjur, and even Trulshik also kept his priceless Swiss Watch that was gifted by the queen.
Tiger Hill
The Most Famous Point To Witness the beautiful Sunrise is Tiger Hill, The Hill has an enormous height of 8,482 feet People can also witness the striking panoramic view of Mt. Everest as well. Visit to Tiger Hill Must Start early. You must start your hike at 2:00 am to witness the best view and avoid the rush. You can enjoy hot coffee and tea at the top through local vendors.
Batasia Loop
It’s 5 Km from Darjeeling town, the one which can give a complete view of Darjeeling town with the Kanchenjunga and other snow-capped mountains. The loop is a part of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also known as the “Toy Train” of Darjeeling. The loop is adorned with beautiful gardens, fountains, and a war memorial, which was built in honor of the Gorkha soldiers who sacrificed their lives in various wars and conflicts.
Ghoom Monastery
One of the Oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling. This Monastery was built by famous astrologer Lama Sherab. One of the key attractions inside the Monastery is the 15-foot model of Lord Buddha which is known as Maitreya Buddha which means “Buddha Of The Future”. This is one of the oldest and biggest statues of buddha in Darjeeling.
Nightingale Park:
The Shrubbery Nightingale Park in Darjeeling is a lovely public location that is remarkable for the great view of the snowcapped peaks of the Himalayas. The park is rather oval in shape though some imaginative souls have found a similarity with Titanic, the ship that was lost on its very first run. The creators of this park took a lot of time to build this park in such a way that it gives immense peace to travelers.
Darjeeling Peace Pagoda
Peace Pagoda a gleaming White Structure that reflects sunlight smoothly, Close to it there is a beautiful temple. The Temple reflects Japanese architecture. Peace Pagoda showcases four avatars of Lord Buddha. From the top of Pagoda, you get panoramic views of Darjeeling landscapes including the Kanchenjunga Range. You need to walk for 5 to 6 minutes to reach the Pagoda.
River Rafting In Teesta
One of the most popular adventure activities that can undertake along with your loved ones. River Teesta originates from Tso Lhamo Lake in North Sikkim. River Teesta is one of the major sources of water for the people of Sikkim. River Teesta and River Rangeet Merge and create foaming white water. Sikkim tourism is incomplete without Rafting. Major attraction while rafting is Cho Lhamu Lake, Lachen Village
Tinchuley
Tinchuley means three “chulas” or three “ovens”, The basic attraction of Tinchuley Village is its alluring natural beauty. The Peaceful nature of this village gives calmness to every disturbed soul. It is a place to relax, rejuvenate, and soak in the mystical magic of the hills. Tinchuley Sunrise Point and Tinchuley Monastery are top attraction points for tourists.
Tenzing Gombu Rock
The Rock is named after Tenzing Norgay, the man who created history by climbing Everest first time, Trekking on Tenzing Combu Rock after a certain time feels like flying high in the sky. Tenzing and Gombu Rock are also known as “Monkey Rock”, For an adventure-loving soul this place is a complete delight as it will give your adrenaline a quick rush.
Lepchajagat
The name of this place is based on the Lepcha Tribes, It is well known for its views of Mount Kanchenjunga and surrounding Himalayas. Lepchajagat is one of the best places for couples to spend quality time as this place is soul soother. You can Experience a densely forested area full of pines, oaks, and rhododendrons, One can stay in a forest lodge as well to have quick access to the dense forests of Lepchajagat.
Best Dishes Of Sikkim-Darjeeling
kodo Ko Roti
Smooth Roti’s made of Ragi (Finger Millet) flour. along with finely chopped onion, chilly, Cummins, and salt to taste.Best served with some garlic chutney.One of the major sources of carbohydrates.
Gundruk Soup
It is an authentic dish of Nepal followed along by many terais to mountains, It is dried fermented leafy vegetables, made generally from mustard green leaves, Excess Leafy Vegetables are kept in a clay pot and later Sun-dried, The fermentation process helps to add different tangy flavors to the soup.
Sel Roti
Sel Roti is homemade sweet, ring-shaped rice bread. This mild sweet bread is made of rice flour, sugar, ghee, and water flavored with cardamom. It is one of the most preferred snacks in Sikkim.
Churpee Milk Based Snack
A delicious dessert made from Yak’s Milk, One can’t differentiate between natural paneer and soft churpee. Churpee is made from buttermilk, the buttermilk is boiled and the leftover solid is hanged for some time.
Thukpa
The most famous Darjeeling dish, Thukpa is a hot noodle soup made with hakka noodles, along with a variety of vegetables and spices. It is served as an appetizer but it can be served as a complete meal.
Kwati
The most popular Darjeeling dish is made from deep-soaked sprouted beans, blended with lots of spices like cumin seeds, black mustard seeds, fennel seeds, lovage seeds, onion, garlic, and ginger paste. Best served with steamed rice.
Sha Phaley
Bread stuffed with seasoned meat and cabbage which is then served into semi-circular or circular shapes. It can be either deep-fried or partially pan-fried. Crispy on the outside, softer inside. It is moreover like Dumplings which can be steamed, fried, or Potstickers.
Masauyra curry
It is a popular and flavorful Nepali dish. The Major ingredient of this dish is the fermented black gram, blended with numerous aromatic spices. Through Masauyra curry you can dive deep into Sikkim Culture and authenticity.
Chang
Traditional Wine preparation through rice. It is mild alcohol which is Fizzy in nature. Rice or any other grain is soaked and ground into a paste mixed with water and fermented for several days. This rice beer is served in traditional bamboo containers.
Dhindo
Dhindo is prepared by boiling water and slowly pouring in buckwheat, ground millet, or cornflour, Sticky paste is formed by stirring continuously, The paste is then rolled into balls and dipped into lentil soup.
Best Temples Of Sikkim- Darjeeling
Thakurbari Temple
Thakurbari Temple attracts a number of devotees from all over the country. The Temple is open to visitors from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m, One can witness The Holy Chatth Puja if they visit this temple in oct-nov. This Temple is Situated in a very calm and serene environment. The Temple is considered to be the oldest temple in Sikkim.
Hanuman Tok
Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this divine place is located in Gangtok as soon as you ascend the stairs, a far-distant prayer comes into sight and religious music is heard. You can be a spectator of the ravishing view of Gangtok and other picturesque valleys and hills.
Parbateyswar Shivalaya Temple
The Temple is completely allocated to Lord Shiva. Most devotees visit this temple at the time of Sawan Month. It is believed that drinking holy water from Sacred vessels can give you “Moksh”. The temple is a complete paradise for all the nature lovers.
Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple
This memorial temple was built in memory of the great courageous sepoy Baba Harbhajan Singh. It is believed that that he appeared to his colleagues in a dream a few days after he went missing while patrolling the border, informed them about the way to find his body, and expressed a desire that a Samadhi be built in his memory which later acquired status of pilgrimage site.
Dhirdham Temple
The architecture of this temple is highly inspired by Tibetan and Buddhist styles. This temple is a reflection of the Kathmandu Temple in Nepal. The Rooftop of this temple is a major attractive view of this temple. The idol of Lord Shiva depicts “Pancha Bakram Tri Netram”. There is also stunning scenery of hills and valleys.
Japanese Temple
This Temple is also known as Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple. This Beautiful white temple is built completely in Traditional Japanese style. The Prayer time in this temple is from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m, While leaving you will get some sweet balls. The prayer room gives divine vibes.
Kirateshwar Mahadev Mandir
A Beautiful temple located at the bank of the glistening River Rangeet.It is said that Kirateshwar Mahadev is the oldest temple in the state. Bala Chaturdesi is the most famous festival of this temple at the time of November – December every year. You can see a huge rush at the time of Maha Shivratri as well.
Solophok Chardham
Another Soul-pleasing place for Shiva’s Devotee, Solophok Chardham’s temperature remains 4 degrees Celsius to 12 degrees c. This place is an eternal heaven but if you want to spend and explore the best time, you must visit this place in the summer season. This Place will drive your unpleasant and worried mind into complete Shiva’s Consciousness.
Shri Viswa Vinayaka Mandir
This temple is mostly known as Ganesha’s Temple. The interior of this temple comprises mythological Shivlings and statues of Samudra Manthan surrounded by lush green valleys of Sikkim. This ravishing temple is 108 ft. tall. This temple is allocated to 51 forms of Lord Ganesha. The main altar has a 12-foot-tall statue of Lord Ganesha with 16 hands.
Lachung Monastery Temple
Lachen Monastery was first built as a tiny house later it evolved into a vast tall Monastery. The Lachen Monastery appears to be quite colorful and appealing. Lachung is a popular destination for pilgrims. The monastery is mostly known for its beautiful architecture and is a great place to learn about the local culture and religion. Another top attraction of this place is Lachung.
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