GANGTOK:
Gangtok – a Capital of Sikkim and situated in the North-east part of the India. It is a tourist’s delight. The ‘mountain top’ as it is surrounded by the beautiful kanchanzhonga Mountains also known as Kangchenjunga Mountains. This Mountain is the third highest mountain in the world, and lies partly in Nepal and partly in Sikkim, India. One gets mesmerised to see this small, clean place, the pristine beauty untouched by man. It is a place full of green meadows, terrace farming, placid lakes, fast flowing rivers and the salubrious weather. Gangtok is a Switzerland in the India and gives you a Shangri-la feel.
There is no direct connection to reach Gangtok, either it is by train to New Jalpaiguri from there via cab to Gangtok or by air to Bagdogra airport in Siliguri and again a cab or bus to Gangtok. The journey by cab takes 5-6 hours and only helicopter connectivity is there from Bagdogra to Gangtok, which is not worthwhile as weather conditions vary in Gangtok. Sometimes weather create a problem in our journey due to inclement weather the helicopter ride is not possible.
Once you reach Gangtok, you will be impressed by cleanliness, law and order. The place itself exudes a mystic aura, the cool climate interspersed with a drizzle .You get an invigorating feel, and your appetite enhanced seeing shops and restaurants selling, noodles, hot coffee. Aroma of fresh baked bread and cakes wafts into your nostrils. The main market or M.G Road is worth visiting, pollution free, no traffic zone, musical fountains, varieties of orchids and begonias are a feast for the eyes.
Places worth visiting in and around Gangtok are the;
The Hanuman Tok: a Hindu temple which is located in the upper reaches of Gangtok. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and gives an excellent view of the kanchanzhonga Mountains. People are very religious minded and the place abounds in monasteries.
Enchey monastery: It’s a 3 km away from Gangtok. And 200 yr old monastery.
Tashi View Point from where you get the best view of the mountains makes you spell bound.
The Cable Car Ride is an important part on the of the itinerary of a tourist, the 1 km ride on the ropeway gives you the fairytale appearance of the place, you can capture the sunset.
Orchid Sanctuary: exotic species of orchids set amidst a beautiful landscape.
Deer Park: The Red Panda which is their state animal and fleet footed deer can be observed in a natural habitat.The trek inside is a treat.
Research Institute of Tibetology: it is a renowned centre for study of Buuddhist philosophy and religion.It is a treasure trove of thankas,statues and Buddhist icons.
Tsomogo Lake: a trip to Gangtok is nots complete if you do not visit the Changu lake as called by the locals. One has to cross the check post; it’s a restricted area so clearance to visit the place is taken in advance. It is sheer magic to witness the clear blue skies against a backdrop of snow-clad mountains. No restaurants are found here only shacks serve wai- wai noodles, momos and black tea to the tourists. If one wants, he can opt for a yak ride. The panoramic beauty is worth capturing.
I could pen down paeans about this place, worth your money to visit it.
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