Gangtok
Gangtok, the capital of the Eastern Indian State of Sikkim, with a backdrop of the Himalayas, offers breathtaking vistas, colourful lifestyles, Buddhist shrines, adventure, watersport, exquisite flora and fauna, including hundreds of varieties of butterflies.
The list of attractions in Gangtok is endless. The small town itself is a beautiful place to move around. It houses sites like the most important stupa of Sikkim, the Do Drul Chorten, the solitary temple or the Enchey Monastery, the marvelous collection of orchids in the Orchid Sanctuary and the picturesque Tashi Ling that provides an astounding view of the Kanchenjunga range. The Namgyal Institute of Research and the Tsuk la Khang, a depository of a large collection of scriptures and the principal place of worship for the local Buddhists, are some of the other places that are worth visiting.
The Rumtek Monastery, which is the largest monastery of its kind in Sikkim and the Phodong Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries in the region, are also well worth visiting.
Getting to Gangtok
- By Air – The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, 120 km away from Gangtok. Bagdogra is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati and Kolkatta by air.
- By Rail - New Jalpaigur, 120 kms away is the nearest mainline railhead for Gangtok.
- By Road - 120 kms from Bagdogra, and a little over 100 kms each from Darjeeling and Kalimpong, Gangtok is well connected to the other Eastern Hill-stations.
Best Places to Stay in Gangtok
The Nor-Khill was built by the King of Sikkim in 1932 and is the oldest heritage hotel in Gangtok. The Norkhill has entertained guests like his holiness The Dalai Lama, the US Ambassador to India His Excellency John Galbraith, movie stars etc. The lobby is resplendent in the bright folk art, design motifs depicting dragons and flame symbols to thankas, the ornate bachu and chocsue and traditional jewellery. Many rooms at the Norkhill, as well as it's gardens, have wonderful views of the Kanchenjungha , the second highest Mountain peak in the World. The rooms are quiet, elegant and expansive with an air of serenity about them, reflecting a typical Sikkimese ambiance.