India became independent in the year 1947. But till 1974, Sikkim was recognized as an independent nation. In 1975, the Prime Minister of Sikkim appealed to Indian Parliament to change the status of Sikkim so that it could become the State of India. Finally, on 16 May 1975, Sikkim officially became the 22nd State of India.
Sikkim-cum-Nepal
Sikkim is the only State in India where most of the people have their origin from a different country i.e. Nepal. The other major ethnic groups in Sikkim are Lepcha and Bhutia.
International Flower Festival
Every year during the summer i.e. from March to May, International Flower Festival is held in Sikkim. In the festival, the exotic varieties of flowers, orchids, and various other plants are displayed. This tiny state is a home to about 600 types of orchids and 240 species of trees and ferns. There are also 150 varieties of gladioli and 46 species of rhododendrons. Sikkim has about one–third of the total angiosperms found in India.
A paradise to Bird Lovers
Sikkim boasts of over 552 different species of birds and about 690 species of butterflies. Amazing! Isn’t it? The unique bearded vulture with its 10 feet wing span can be found in Sikkim. Other species of birds like the Himalayan Griffon and Impeyan Pheasant are delights of Bird lovers.
Sikkim knows its fate
Bhum Chu is a special holy water ceremony which takes place in the Tashiding Monastery which is one of the most sacred monasteries of Sikkim. It is said that this ceremony forecasts the future of Sikkim. Want to know how? Well, in the Tashiding Monastery there is a sacred Urn (also known as Bhum) which consists of water. On the occasion of Bhum Chu, this urn is opened with sacred chants and hymns.
Paintings that keep away the evils
Thankas are religious scrolls which are hanged in Buddhist houses and monasteries. Thankas are believed to drive away evil spirits. So, they are considered sacred and auspicious. The drawings and paintings in Thanka are so intricate that on an average it takes about a month or two to complete one single scroll. It is a unique piece of souvenir that one can bring back from Sikkim.
Baba Harbhajan Singh temple
There are many temples which have been dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses. But rarely is any temple erected in honor of a human being. This honor has been preferred upon the Indian army soldier Major “Baba” Harbhajan Singh who is hailed as the “Hero of Nathula.” It is believed that his spirit protects all the soldiers who serve their country while serving at the inhospitable high altitude terrain of Eastern Himalayas.
Ecclesiastical Department
It is a unique department which caters to the need for the proper functioning of more than two hundred temples, monasteries, mosques, churches, and gurudwaras situated all over the state of Sikkim.
World’s third highest peak
With an elevation of 8,586m (28,169 feet), Mt. Kanchenjunga in Sikkim is the third highest mountains in the world.
Asia’s 2nd highest suspension bridge
With a length of 198 m and depth of 220 m, The Singshore Bridge in Pelling is the 2nd highest suspension bridge in Asia. The bridge offers a magnificent view of the pristine valley, overwhelming waterfalls, and the verdant hillsides.
India’s first “Mixed World Heritage Site”
In 2016, Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) was inscribed as India’s first “Mixed World Heritage Site” on UNESCO World Heritage List. It is considered one of the widest altitudinal ranges of any protected area worldwide.
India’s first Organic State
Sikkim has become the first Indian State to implement organic farming and is called India’s first Organic State.
Some of the highest lakes in the world are located in Sikkim. The famous Gurudongmar Lake which is also a destination for bikers is located at an elevation of about 5,150 meters (16,896 ft). Another famous lake Tso Lhamo is located east of Gurudongmar Lake at an elevation of about 5,100 meters (16,732 ft).
Monasteries and Temples
A high number of tourists visiting Sikkim are religious tourists. There are many well-known Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim e.g. the Char Dham Temple, the Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, and the Rumtek Monastery.
