| Crystal clear waterways, virgin greenery, chirping | | | | fermented food and beverages in Sikkim. 'Chang' is a |
| birds and all such elements serve as the source of | | | | local drink of Sikkimese which is made from |
| inspiration for every nature lover. Incredible India | | | | fermented millet. It is served in a bamboo container |
| offers many such destinations that cater best to the | | | | with a bamboo pipe. |
| desires of such nature lovers. But in the unexplored | | | | - Local artisans in Sikkim are considered experts in |
| region of north-east India, lies a divine land where the | | | | making thangkas (paintings on cotton canvas and |
| snow capped Himalayas, dense greens, aromatic air | | | | framed with silk). Moreover, the markets can be |
| and Buddhist chantings altogether transport one to | | | | seen loaded with various wood crafts, woollen |
| some other heavenly world. Welcome to Sikkim – | | | | carpets and blankets, jewellery and much more. |
| also known as ‘Indrakil’ or the garden of | | | | - Festivities are monastery centric here. Saga Dawa, |
| Lord Indra. | | | | Losoong, Kagyed Dance Festival and Phang Lhabsol |
| Sharing its borders with Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and | | | | are some of the popular festivals in Sikkim that are |
| West Bengal – Sikkim was introduced to | | | | celebrated in holy monasteries, with some dance |
| Buddhism by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. A | | | | performances. |
| beautiful town Yuksam was the first capital of | | | | - Chaam, Chi Rimu, Gnungmala Gnunghey, Be Yu |
| Sikkim, which was later changed to Gangtok. This | | | | Mistaand Rechungma are some of the most |
| less explored region is full of exciting attractions for | | | | energetic and interesting dance patterns. Sikkim |
| all kinds of tourists. A few of them are: | | | | dances are unique because of the impressive use of |
| - Monasteries or Buddhist Gompas are the soul of | | | | colourful masks and traditional jewellery. |
| Sikkim. One can find over 200 monasteries here | | | | - This calm and peaceful state is also frequented for |
| belonging to the Nyingma and Kagyu. Even today, | | | | adventure sports. Many tourists indulge in white |
| these ancient holy places preserve the manuscripts, | | | | water rafting, yak safari, mountain biking and |
| thangkas (paintings) and Buddhist articles. Labrang, | | | | mountaineering in Sikkim and make the best of their |
| Pemayangste, Dubdi, Tsu-La-Khang, and Phodong are | | | | holidays. |
| some of the highly frequented monasteries in Sikkim. | | | | Thus, nature has fashioned itself uniquely in Sikkim. A |
| They serve as holy centres of learning as well. | | | | trip to cities like Pelling, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Geyzing, |
| - Coming to the specialty in north-east India cuisine, | | | | Mangan, Namchi and Mirik offer perfect relaxing |
| people are very fond of rice, meat, dairy products, | | | | holidays and superb views of Kanchenjunga range. |