Gangtok----A Lofty Hill

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim with a population of approximately 50,000 has emerged into the mainstream of the Tourism Industry, with more and more tourist visiting this little Himalayan state every year. Gangtok has developed into a cosmopolitan flavour where old-world charm and hospitality exist along with the Internet Age.Gangtok was a small hamlet until the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840 made it a pilgrimage center. It became a major stopover between Tibet and British India at the end of the 19th century. Following India's independence in 1947, Sikkim became a nation-state with Gangtok as its capital. In 1975 the monarchy was abrogated and Sikkim became India's twenty-second state.

The precise meaning of the name Gangtok is unclear, though it is generally held to mean "lofty hill". Gangtok is also a centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture and learning with numerous monasteries and religious educational institutions.

With different cultures and religion existing in perfect harmony, Gangtok has shown that "Unity in Diversity" exists in Sikkim. Sikkimese have strong bonding with their age-old traditions and customs. However, a quick survey of Gangtok shows that the bubble of modernization has burst with a bang in the town. The capital is definitely not behind the rest of the world in terms of urbanization - Broad roads, flyovers, posh markets, state-of-art hospital, educational institutes, fast food outlets, discothèques, and all other modern amenities that the heart can desire for. One imposing manmade landmark of the town is the 200 ft-high TV tower which overlooks the town and is situated near the Enchey Monastry below Ganesh Tok. A stroll along the Mahatma Gandhi Marg is shopper's delight- Hotels, restaurants, curios, footwear and almost everything is available. Be here to experience the magic.

How to Get to Gangtok:
LOCAL TRANSPORT: Private Taxis, Jeeps and Landrovers ply regularly on the Gangtok- Siliguri Highway and are available for transfer of passengers between Gangtok and Siliguri/ New Jalpaiguri Junction/ Bagdogra, and also for local sightseeing at fixed rates and may be reserved through Tourist Bureau, Govt. of West Bengal, Gangtok.
AIR CONNECTIONS: Nearest airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal( 124 kms.)
HELICOPTER SERVICE - between Gangtok - Bagdogra - Gangtok
ROAD CONNECTIONS: Gangtok is connected with all weather mettaled road with Siliguri, Kalimpong, Gangtok etc.
RAIL CONNECTIONS: New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal is the nearest railway station(148 kms.)

Where to stay:
Accommodation is easily available in Gangtok. You may take your pick from the many hotels, tourist Lodge, tourist hostel and tourist cottages in Gangtok.

Places to visit in and around Gangtok:
◘ Government Institute of Cottage Industry
◘ Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology
◘ Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa)
◘ Enchey Monastery
◘ Ridge Park & White Hall Complex
◘ Tashi View Point
◘ Hanuman Tok
◘ Ganesh Tok
◘ Himalayan Zoological Park
◘ Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre

Excursions from Gangtok:
◘ Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center
◘ Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden
◘ Water Garden
◘ Saramsa Garden
◘ Tsomgo(Changu) Lake
◘ Menmecho Lake
◘ Nathula Pass

(Very soon i will give brief details about all the excursion places and also i will keep on adding infos here as i will keep on getting them.So keep checking this place from time to time.)

Compiled By: Saurav Chakraborty
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