The history of Sikkim dates back to the 17th century when the first king of the Namgyal dynasty, Phuntsog Namgyal established the state in the year 1642. The state got its name from two Limbu words “su him” which means “new house”. Sikkim once used to be the part of Nepal which was annexed by the British after the Gurkha War in 1814.
Tourism in Sikkim has gained immense popularity owing to its breathtaking natural beauty. It's worth noting that until the early '90s, very few tourists would visit this landlocked state and even those who did seldom ventured beyond Gangtok, the state capital. However, the last two decades have seen a remarkable surge in tourism in Sikkim, with close to a million tourists flocking to this region every year.
Sikkim is a beautiful state with a unique culture and stunning landscapes. The Lepchas, Nepalese, and Bhutias are the major tribes that have occupied Sikkim, each with their interesting features, art forms, dances, and religious rituals. Sikkim's culture and tradition are reflected in its festivals, dances, and garments. The Sikkimese people consider nature as the most powerful God, which is why they strive to preserve the state's lush greenery, forests, mountains, and rivers.
Sikkim is a state that boasts of a diverse array of communities, cultures, religions and customs. Despite the differences, the people of Sikkim are known for their warm, simple and friendly nature, with a natural gaiety that is infectious. This state is an exemplary model of India's "Unity in Diversity" philosophy, as it has a well-established mechanism for fostering harmony between people of different communities. The three main communities in Sikkim are the Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese, and they coexist peacefully, setting an inspiring example for the rest of the country.
Sikkim, a hilly state in India, has a cuisine that blends Tibetan, Nepali, and Lepcha dishes. The food is mostly rice-based with vegetables like Fern, Wild Lily, and Bamboo-Shoot. Meat, including mutton, beef, pork, chicken, and fish, is also common. Locally fermented beverages and organic raw materials are popular. The food is generally stir-fried, boiled, or steamed with limited spices and herbs.
Air : Pakyong Airport is the only operational airport in Sikkim that connects the state with the major cities of the country. The airport is located at a distance of 124 km from the capital city of Gangtok.
Train : To date, there are no railway routes in the state and therefore tourists need to land at the nearest NJP railway station located at a distance of 118 km from the city of Gangtok. However, the state is soon going to have its first railway route that will connect Sikkim with West Bengal through a 50 km long rail route.
Road : Travelling to Sikkim by road is possibly one of the most preferred ways among tourists due to its accessibility and affordability. People can hop onto taxis or private buses from Siliguri that include 112 km of journey which includes travelling along the beautiful valleys of Sikkim.