Perched on a ridge bordering the Ranipul River, Gangtok, a picturesque hill station is a tourist’s delight.  

The largest town and the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok means 'lofty hill' and it was a very quaint sleepy village just a century ago. It shot to fame and became an important pilgrimage centre when Enchey Monastery was established in Gangtok in 1909. Blessed with picturesque greenery, mists, sprawling rivers and friendly people Gangtok is an ideal tourist destination.

History

There is very little litreture about Sikkim's ancient history. We however do know that the first inhabitants were the Lepchas or Rong (ravine folk). The Lepchas themselves migrated from Assam and Myanmar. In 1642, Phuntsog Namgyal was crowned the Chogyal or king in the year 1642 and Sikkim was then ruled by his descendants for the next 330 years.

The 1700’s however say Sikkim being subjected to continuous attacks from Nepal and Bhutan thus reneging much of its territory to them. This also led to the influx of Nepalese to Sikkim making Sikkim's population culturally very complicated by the 1800’s thus resulting in an internal conflict. Finally in 1814-1815, Sikkim regained some of its lost territory by backing the British in a successful war against Nepal.Later Sikkim became a British colony and eventually Sikkim’s independent status was eventually recognized. In 1975 Sikkim was eventually made the official  state of India and Gangtok became the state capital.

Tourism in Gangtok                                     

With urbanization, Gangtok shot to fame as an ideal tourist destination. It is called as a land of Blue Mountains.  Gangtok is rich in natural beauty, flora and fauna, wild life, and majestic mountains. The richness of the nature makes Gangtok one of the most beautiful Eco-Tourism destinations in South Asia.

Ganktok happens to be among one of the regions where sun rises first in the country. It is a heaven for people in search of tranquillity and serenity. People fed up with the humdrum and chaos of modern life, will find a good refuge in Gangtok. With natural habitat, scenic trees, and gushing streams, one is sure to experience paradise on earth in the lap of Mother Nature.

With a cosmopolitan flavour with wide roads, Internet, and several other world-class facilities Gangtok encompasses the old-world charm and the new age oomph.

Tourist Attraction

Some of the important tourist’s attractions in and around Gangtok include Himalayan Zoological Park where you can spot various species of Himalayan animals like the barking deer, snow leopard, black beer, civet cat, red pandas and the spotted deer. Nathula is an amazing mountain pass which is rich with alpine flora and fauna. However, it is open only for Indian Nationals. Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the state located at the hill top and gives a brilliant view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding hills of the region. One is sure to find tranquillity here. Khecheopalri Lake is another very important tourist destination in Gangtok. It is located at East Sikkim and considered as one of the most sacred lakes both for Hindus and Buddhists.  The special thing about this lake is that it is covered with rich forest, however it is said that birds in the region don’t let even a single leaf to keep floating in the lake.  Ganesh Tok, a temple of Hindu Lord Ganesha and is situated on a small hillock.

People of Gangtok are friendly, pleasant and kind. Even in their busy schedule. People find time to stop and talk to each other. The cordiality and the friendly atmosphere will fill your heart with warmth.