GANGTOK INFORMATION :A TO Z TRAVELS

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.

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.A stroll along the MahatmaGandhi 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:

Foreigners visiting Gangtok must possess an Indian visa. In addition to an Indian visa, foreigners must obtain Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim. The permits can be obtained from all Indian missions, Tourism Office, New Delhi, Sikkim Tourism Office, Calcutta and Sikkim Tourism Office, Siliguri on the strength of an Indian Visa.

Getting There

By Road: Nearest airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal( 124 kms.)
Hellicopter: between Gangtok - Bagdogra - Gangtok
By Road: Gangtok is connected with all weather mettaled road with Siliguri, Kalimpong, Darjeeling etc.
By Rail: Nearest Rly stn is New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal (148 kms.)

Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa): encircled by 108 prayer wheels built by late Guru Trulsi Rimpoche in 1945-46. This is one of the most important and biggest stupas found in Sikkim.

Permanent Flower Show: White Hall, Close by the White Memorial Hall and just below the Palace Ridge park is the more recent Flower Show Hall.

Enchey Monastery: Located on a hilltop above Gangtok this monastery rebuilt in 1910 belongs to the Nyingmapa order and was once the hermitage site of Lama Drupthob Karpo renowned for his power of flying.

Tashi View Point :Tashi Namgyal, it is situated 4 km from Gangtok town from where one can have a clear view of opposite hills, besides Mt. Khangchendzonga. This site offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Mt. Khangchendzonga and surrounding hills.

Hanuman Tok: Situated about 5 km uphill from White Hall on a bifurcation
road of the Gangtok-Nathula Highway, is a temple devoted to Hanuman,
a God worshipped by the Hindus. On selected points on the road to the
temple, breathtaking views of Gangtok and the adjoining rolling hills
can be seen.

Ganesh Tok: It is a very small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh, a diety
worshipped by Hindus. The temple is so small in size that it can hardly
accommodate one person and one has to crawl to get inside it. It is located
on the hill adjoining the TV Tower. It is on a hillock on Gangtok-Nathula
Road. ....... more

Places Of Interest

Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology(SRIT):
this internationally acclaimed centre of Tibetan Studies & Research houses a vast collection of rare Buddhist books, manuscripts and over 200 Buddhist icons.
It has one of the world's largest collection of books and rare manuscripts on the subject of Mahayana Buddhism plus many religious works of art and incredibly finely executed silk embroidered thangkas.