Sikkim is a perfect place for spiritual seekers to immerse themselves. The mesmerising Himalayan scenery, the thunderous Teesta River, and the serenades of the religious groups will all entice you. Apart from offering a view of the Himalaya, Sikkim is full with interesting facts.
Here are some unique facts about Sikkim and a peek into its history!
The History of Sikkim
The history of Sikkim before to the seventeenth century is mostly unknown. The term Su his, which means “new home” in Limbu, is whence the state got its name. In the fifteenth century, the Bhutia began migrating into the region from Tibet. During the establishment of the Sikkim monarchy in 1642, Phuntsog Namgyal—the chief chogyal at the time—came from the Bhutia ethnic group. Up until 1975, the Namgyal family controlled Sikkim.
From the mid-1800s onwards, Sikkim fought a series of regional battles with both Bhutan and Nepal. Around this time, the largest-ever exodus of Nepalese people to Sikkim began. As payment for their assistance during the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–16), the British returned these areas to Sikkim in 1816; nevertheless, by 1817, Sikkim had become an officially recognised protectorate of Britain.
1835 saw the transfer of Darjeeling from Sikkim to the British East India Company. Conflicts between the British and Sikkim led to the submontane areas’ expansion in 1849 and the subsequent military destruction of Sikkim.
Sikkim saw the emergence of political meetings after India’s independence in 1947. With the signing of the Indo-Sikkimese Treaty in 1950, Sikkim became a protectorate of India, and India assumed responsibility for Sikkim’s external affairs, security, and important communications. May 16, 1975 saw Sikkim admitted as India’s 22nd province. Sikkim is a landlocked state with high mountain ranges enclosing it on three sides.
Here, roads serve as the primary means of transportation. Similar to ski lifts, ropeways have also been constructed in a number of locations. The nearest airport is located at Baghdogra, about 75 miles (120 km) away from the capital city of Gangtok, while the railhead is located in Shiliguri, about 110 km away. Both locations are in West Bengal. The state opened its first airport at Pakyong, Sikkim, not too long ago.
Resources and Authority
The state of Sikkim mines copper, lead, and zinc. The state also has reserves of other minerals, including as limestone, coal, and graphite. The Teesta River system in Sikkim has considerable hydropower potential. The energy that powers Gangtok, Rangpo, Singtam, and Mangan comes from a few large hydroelectric facilities as well as a large number of smaller ones.
Facts, Information Resources about Sikkim
A state having a variety of historical backgrounds
Sikkim is the only Indian state where a significant fraction of the general populace is of foreign descent, such as Nepal. The Lepcha and Bhutia are two of Sikkim’s other major ethnic groups.
The third-highest mountain in the world!
Standing at 8,586 metres (28,169 feet) above sea level, Mt. Kanchenjunga in Sikkim is the third-highest peak in the world.
Sikkim predicts the future of itself!
Among the most revered monasteries in Sikkim is the Tashiding Monastery, home to the unique blessed water festival known as Bhum Chu. According to some, this role determines Sikkim’s ultimate destiny.
Rich in natural spa!
The many natural hot springs in Sikkim function similarly to a typical spa. Yumthang Hot Spring, Yume Samdong Hot Spring, Taram Hot Spring, Reshi Hot Spring, Borong Hot Spring, and Ralong Hot Spring are the most well-known regular hot springs. For the greatest benefit, take a lengthy, hot bath in these springs between the months of February and March.
Beautiful and varied flowers may be found there.
The state of Sikkim hosts the International Flower Festival every year in the late spring. Vibrant displays of flowers, orchids, and other plants are on display throughout the festival. It is a small state with around 240 different kinds of trees and greenery, as well as 600 different varieties of orchids.
Additionally, there are 46 different varieties of rhododendron and 150 varieties of gladioli. Of all the angiosperms in India, Sikkim has around one-third of them.
A Temple Honouring a Person Rather Than God!
For many Gods and Goddesses, there are countless temples. Nevertheless, how often are temples constructed in homage to individuals? Major “Baba” Harbhajan Singh, an Indian army soldier who is revered as the “Saint of Nathula,” has been accorded this honour.
India’s first organic state!
Sikkim, also known as India’s first Organic State, is the only state in the country to practise natural farming.
It may surprise you to learn that Sikkim has its own traditional liquor.
Chaang is a mild, blended drink with an aged grain basis. Drinked at social occasions, it is the most famous beverage in Sikkim. Its serving method is the most interesting aspect of this drink.
Read: How to Reach Sikkim
Various bird species may be found here.
Sikkim boasts of having over 690 different species of butterflies and about 552 different species of birds. Wonderful! Can we confidently state that it isn’t? Sikkim is home to the amazing whiskery vulture, which has wings that are ten feet long. This stunning state is home to a variety of avian species, including the Impeyan Pheasant and the Himalayan Griffon.
In Sikkim lies the second-highest bridge in Asia!
The Singshore Bridge in Pelling is the second most notable bridge in Asia, measuring 198 metres in length and 220 metres in depth. The view from the scaffold is breathtaking, taking in the pristine valley, towering waterfalls, and lush hillsides.
A holy scroll to ward off evil!
Throughout the state of Sikkim, thankas—religious scrolls—hang in monasteries and Buddhist homes. We accept thanks to ward off malevolent spirits. They are considered holy and auspicious in this sense. Thanka has such exquisite graphics and artwork that it takes many months or maybe longer to complete a single parchment.
These are just a few little details about Sikkim; once you arrive, there will much more to discover and comprehend! So go out and discover this small paradise!
