Flora and Fauna
Sikkim being an ecological hotspot has a diverse range of fauna and flora. There are a wide variety of plants like tropical, temperate, alpine and tundra. There are 600 species of orchids from magnificent magnolias to over 40 varieties of rhododendrons. Amongst wildlife the most prominent are the red panda, the Himalayan black bear, several species of deer, leopard cat, flying squirrels, the blue sheep, the Tibetan wild ass, the bearded vulture and around 600 species of butterflies. Sikkim has six wildlife sanctuaries and one national park. The Kanchendzonga national park, the only park of Sikkim is considered as the highest national park in India.
Sikkim's flora varieties includes 36 rhododendron species, 515 rare orchids, figs, laurel, bananas, sal trees, 23 bamboo varieties, 11 oak varieties, chestnuts, maples, birches, alders, magnolias, juniper, pine, firs, cypresses, 60 primula species, 16 conifer species, 362 types of ferns/ferns allies, 8 tree ferns, and over 424 medicinal plants. The "Christmas Flower" which is a variant of the Poinsettia, locally known as "Christmas Flower", is found in abundance here. The official flower of the state is the Dendrobium Nobile orchid.
Sikkim has an interesting range of fauna like snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan marmot, serow, goral, barking deer, common langur, clouded leopard, marbled cat, wild dog, Tibetan wolf, hog badger, binturong, jungle cat and civet cat.
Some of the avian life found in Sikkim are impeyan pheasant, crimson horned pheasant, snow partridge, snow cock, lammergeyer and griffon vultures, golden eagles, quail, plovers, woodcock, sandpipers, pigeons, old world flycatchers, babblers and robins. There are more than 550 species of birds including endangered ones.
Interestingly out of 1438 butterfly species found in the Indian sub-continent, Sikkim has 695 which include the endangered Kaiser-i-hind, Yellow Gorgon and Bhutan Glory.
Eco Hotspot
Chungthang-
Chungthang valley is a tiny hamlet 95 km from Gangtok that lies at the confluence of Lachung Chu and Lachen Chu rivers that finally flows as the Teesta. It is rich in biodiversity.
Tashi View Point-
This viewpoint offers a great view Mt. Kanchendzonga and Mt. Siniolchu and is 8 kms from Gangtok.
Himalayan Zoological Park-
This park has another name 'Bulbuley' and is spread on an area of 205 hectares where one can spot wildlife like red panda, barking deer, bears etc.
Bakkhim-
Located at the base of Dzongri Bakkhim is famous for over 20 varieties of rhododendrons. It is very silent here as you soak in the fragrance of mountain herbs and flowering plants. It also offers fantastic views of Mt. Kanchendzonga.
Dzongri-
Dzongri is a trekker's paradise. Apart from that one can witness wildlife like red panda, black khaleej pheasant and the yellow-necked woodpecker as well as great varieties of rhododendrons. Mt. Kanchendzonga looks superb from here.
The Ipecac Garden-
This flower garden which is located 14 km from Gangtok has a wide variety of flora like orchids and medicinal plants as well as a green house.
Yumthang-
Yumthang is situated at a height of 11,800 ft and is 140 kms from Gangtok and is known for different species of rhododendrons. Locals believe that the 'Tsa-Chu' (hot spring) here on the banks of river Lachung Chu has therapeutic qualities.
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden-
This garden which is located at a short distance from Rumtek monastery houses a green house where one can see different species of orchids.
More Eco Hotspots
Other Attraction
Gangtok:
Located at a height of 5,500ft it became the capital of Sikkim in 1894. Today Gangtok acts as a centre of the state's political, commercial, religious and cultural activities. All modern amenities for tourists for their pleasure and comfort are available here. There are many moderate to luxurious hotels, swanky shopping complexes, internet cafes etc. The population of Gangtok stands at 29,162. During summers Gangtok experiences temperature from 13 degrees to 20 degrees Celsius and in winters it is between 7 degrees and 14 degrees Celsius. The highlight of this capital town which attracts tourists is the flower exhibitions that are held at the Flower Show Venue near the White Hall complex on a regular basis.
Namchi-
Namchi which is about 78 kms from Gangtok is situated at an altitude of 5500ft from where one can get fantastic views of the snow-capped mountains as well as the expanding township.
Ravangla-
Ravangla is a small township which acts as a base for Meanam hill treks. The sacred cave of 'Shar-Chok Bephu' which is one of the four holiest caves of Sikkim is here.
Pelling-
Pelling which is a small hamlet is also a rapidly growing town and is 145 kms from Gangtok. One can get magnificent views of the entire range of the Sikkim Himalayas from Pelling.
Deer Park-
Just near the Secretariat, this park has different types of deer and native animals all kept in a big open enclosure.
Shopping
The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms is the right place for souvenir hunters Weaving, woodcarving, and paintings in typical Sikkimese designs are done here by Sikkim’s master craftsmen. You can get hand-woven carpets, blankets, shawls and carved magnolia-wood tables etc.
There are also other shopping areas like Mahatma Gandhi Marg, shopping centre and
Lall market from where one can buy good souvenirs like hand-woven carpets with traditional Tibetan/ modern designs, thankas and other paintings, Lepcha-weave bags, leather ware, woodwork, Sikkimese dresses, large cardamoms, caps, scarves, jewellery, Sikkimese spirits and liqueurs.
Curio connoisseurs can get their desired stuff at Sikkim Art Emporium, Curio Craft Gallery, Sikkim Sarda and Company, and at the State Handicrafts Showroom.
.jpg)
