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Gangtok is the
capital of Sikkim, the newest and the second smallest state in India. The
city is located at an altitude of 1547 mt above the sea level. The city is
the nucleus of all activity in the state with a population of 50,000.
Gangtok is a fast developing city where quiet little curio shops exists in
harmony with shopping arcades and internet cafes.
In and around the city one can visit the Enchay Monastery situated above
Gangtok on a hill top with a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding
hills. A few kilometers away is the Namgyal institute of Tibetology, a
treasure house of rare Tibetan scriptures and artifacts. Nearby is the grand
Do-Drul Choerten, where visitors may also see giant statues of Guru
Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Sikkim and Lord Buddha.
To Reach
By Rail – The nearest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri which is 125 kms
from Gangtok. NJP is well connected with all major cities in India. At
Gangtok, railway bookings can be made at the booking counter of the Sikkim
Nationalised Transport Terminus.
By Road – Gangtok is connected with Darjeeling, Kalimpong and
Siliguri by the national highway 31A. The Sikkim Nationalised Transport
plies regular bus services between Gangtok and Siliguri, Darjeeling and
within Sikkim. private bus, taxis and jeeps are also available from Siliguri
& Bagdogra.
By Air – The closest air port is at Bagdogra, which is 124 kms from
Gangtok and connected by Air with all important Indian metros.
To see
Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms (Sales Emporium), Nam Nam View Point,
Tashi view Point (8km from Gangtok), Ganesh Tok (7km from Gangtok), Enchay
Monastery, Flower Festival (White Hall), Namgyal Research Institute of
Tibetology, Butterfly Park, Sikkim Time Corporation, So-Ngor Chorsong
Centre, Himalayan Zoological Park (8 km from Gangtok), Saramsa Garden (14km
from Gangtok), Hanuman Tok (11km from Gangtok), Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical
Garden (24 km from Gangtok), Fambong La Wild Life Sanctuary (25 km from
Gangtok), Tsomgo Lake, Nathu – La |
