North Sikkim- A Slice of Heaven | TTW
Sikkim is a small state in northeast India, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal. Part of the Himalayas, the area has a dramatic landscape including India’s highest mountain, 8,586m Kanchenjunga. Sikkim is also home to glaciers, alpine meadows, and thousands of varieties of wildflowers. High snow-capped mountains, flowing rivers, chilled wind, wildflowers, colorful wildlife, and beautiful people made the Himalayan state Sikkim most beautiful. The northern part of Sikkim is a very popular travel destination among tourists and is certainly the best part of Sikkim. This barren land is popular for its breathtaking views. Though many people called it ‘Small Ladakh’ but this place is beautiful to its virginity. The main attraction of North Sikkim is based on Gurudongmar Lake (the holy lake), Zero Point (the snow zone), Yumthang Valley(the valley of flowers), Lachung, and Lachen. Generally, this place is appropriate for a 2night/3 days trip but you may add more days depending on the places you would like to visit and also depends on what type of traveler you are. How to reach Sikkim: By Air: The regularly operated airport nearest to Gangtok is about 124 Kms away in Bagdogra, West Bengal. From the airport, you can hire a shared taxi or a private vehicle that will get you to Gangtok in around 3-4 hours. The Pakyong Airport is the only airport serving Sikkim which is just 27 km away from Gangtok but it’s not regularly operated. By Train: The nearest railway station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri(NJP), around 148 km away from Gangtok. From NJP you can easily get a taxi to Gangtok. It will take around 4-4.5 hrs to reach Gangtok. By Road: Tourists coming from nearby places like Siliguri, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, or any nearby place can even drive to Gangtok. Sikkim is well connected with West Bengal and the other nearby places. Know more about how to visit Sikkim here. Best Itinerary for Sikkim Trip: I would suggest a minimum of one week, but if you have more days, it’s better and you can even explore more. Day 1: Reach Gangtok by Road, Train, or Air. Day 2: Explore Gangtok and surroundings (city tour). Day 3: Explore Tsongmo Lake and return to Gangtok. Days 4-6: North Sikkim Tour: Visit Yumthang Valley and Gurudongmar Lake via Lachen & Lachung. Day 6: Road Trip and transfer back to Gangtok Day 7: Transfer to Bagdogra Airport/ NJP/ or travel back home by Road. Here’s the best time to visit Sikkim. It’s like a base itinerary that you can follow, but you can of course end up doing something quite different, often changing plans while traveling as you learn about new places and gather new experiences. Day 1(Reach Gangtok and relax): You can hire a cab for Gangtok. During the journey, ask your cab driver a lot of questions about the long journey from the airport/train station/bus stop, try to accumulate as much information as you can. The road is quite good, and you’ll enjoy the journey. However, on the way, do stop by and admire the mighty Teesta river – it’s truly a sight to behold. By the time you reach Gangtok, you will be exhausted and would just want to take some rest. So take enough rest and hydrate yourself. If you have energy in the evening, head out to the MG Marg – that’s where everyone from the city gathers to hang out and is the most vibrant place you will ever see. Enjoy your time over there. Day 2(Visit the Gangtok city): You can spend your time hopping around the local shops, eating the local foods, sightseeing and organizing onwards travel. Many of the places to visit in Gangtok can be seen on ubiquitous “three-point”, “five-point”, and “seven-point” local tours offered by travel agents, hotels, and taxi drivers. The “three-point” tours incorporate the city’s three main viewpoints (Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, and Tashi Viewpoint). Variants such as the Enchey monastery can be added for “five-point” tours. “Seven points” tours include monasteries outside Gangtok, such as Rumtek and Lindum. Enchey Monastery: Sikkim’s monasteries are among its most popular attractions. You’ll find Enchey monastery perched on a ridge above Gangtok. The name of this serene place means a solitary monastery. It was initially constructed in 1909 but had to be rebuilt after catching fire in 1947. This monastery is relatively small and noncommercial. However, it’s beautifully decorated inside, with colorful murals, statues, and a large collection of masks used in ritual dances. The founder, Lama Druptob Karpo, was a Tantric master known for his ability to levitate and fly! Enchey monastery is open from 4 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and until 1 p.m. on Sunday. Two renowned monasteries can also be seen on scenic day trips from Gangtok: Rumtek, and the newer and more eye-catching Lingdum (Ranka) with its huge golden Buddha statue. Be at Lingdum at 7.30 a.m. or 3.30 p.m. to hear the monks chanting in mesmerizing unison. Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok: From Enchey monastery, take the road northeast up to colorful Ganesh Tok with its fluttering prayer flags, for dramatic views over Gangkok. There’s a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh there, along with cafe and souvenir shops. Higher up beyond Ganesh Tok, and arguably with a better viewpoint, sits Hanuman Tok. Visitors are greeted by a towering orange statue of Lord Hanuman. The Hanuman temple there is maintained by the Indian Army, so it’s clean and peaceful. It’s surrounded by lovely sprawling gardens, walking trails, and the splendid sight of Mount Khangchendzonga on a clear day. Himalayan Zoological Park: Opposite Ganesh Tok, the Himalayan Zoological Park is one of India’s better-maintained zoos with a natural jungle setting. It’s spread across 230 hectares of hillside and houses rare animals, many of which have been rescued from traders and poachers. They include Himalayan bears, snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, and red pandas. The
9 Unexplored Treasures of Delhi That You Should Know About!
“Apparently, the city of Delhi is a ‘character’ in my novels. I would argue that it’s a … city… in my novels.” – Karan Mahajan Mr. Karan has beautifully put in words the marvelous city of Delhi. It’s like a dream, a beautiful fantasy. From spiritual to historical to political it serves each and every purpose. Not to forget about the mesmerizing monuments that hold you captive for a moment. Not to forget about the scrumptious food that gets everyone drooling. Red Fort, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, and Qutub Minar have already garnered millions of visitors from all over the world. But, Delhi is so much more than these famous monuments. It has hidden gems stored for all of us that are waiting to be explored. Reasons to travel to Delhi. The breathtaking view of Safdarjung Tomb. We all know due to this unforeseen pandemic it won’t be safe for us to travel to different states but for all the Delhitiies it will serve as a perfect opportunity to discover and visit the hidden gems that the capital has stored for us. Also due to the pandemic, you can explore all these places without a rush and hotchpotch. So, let us have a look at all the treasures and jewels that have skipped our eyes, and that deserves more of our attention. 1. Nili Masjid We all have been to Hauz Khas, it is famous for its club and well-known fort but we have surprisingly missed this marvel. Nili Masjid or the Blue Mosque is a beautiful Lodi-era mosque located near the Hauz Khas market. It is said that the mosque was built by Kausambi, a royal nurse of her time under the reign of Sikander Lodi. It is protected by The Archaeological Survey of India. It is still a live mosque and you will be able to see the blue stone decoration on the mosque due to which it got its name. The cravings on the arch and the walls are just amazing and will make you awestruck with its lively and striking architecture. The beautiful entrance of Nili Masjid. 2. Malcha Mahal Also known as Wilayat Mahal, it is a baguette located in the Chanakyapuri area of Delhi. It used to serve as a hunting lodge back in the 1920s in the Tughlak era. It was built by the famous sultanate of Delhi, Feroz Shah Tughlaq. It was later occupied by the self-proclaimed royal family of Oudh and remained out of bounds for the public gaze. But, after the death of Prince Ali Raza, the last resident of the palace in 2017 it was open to the public. It is also considered one of the most haunted places in Delhi and has also attracted many ghostbusters. The palace will soon be taken over by The Archaeological Survey of India and will become more pretty and charming. Dining table set inside the Malcha Mahal. 3. Majnu Ka Tilla Popularly known as MKT among the GenZ, it is a stunning place that most of Delhiites do not know about. The place is historically and politically important too. It is believed that an Iranian Sufi nicknamed Majnu met the Sikh Guru Devji at this place in the year 1505. Also, when you will visit the place you will be surprised to see that it is inspired by the Tibetan culture. It is due to the fact that during the 1959 Tibetan uprising, most of the residents came here and set up a refugee camp. Today, the place is loaded with quirky cafes that serve delectable and mouthwatering food. You will also find shops that offer trendy fashion at an affordable price. Not to forget about the ‘laphing’ that is served over here and trust us it is the best laphing in the city. You will also find a Buddhist temple in the center of the place. It will make you feel like a mini- Tibet. The lovely view of monastery located inside Majnu ka Tilla. 4. Champa Gali Heard about the enormous malls of Saket and its superb architecture? Of course, you must have heard about it but ever heard of this charming place names as Champa Gali? Well, you are missing out on a lot many things if you haven’t visited this charming and appealing place. It is an ideal place for all the art, food, and shopping lovers. It is a gem that everyone needs to explore. If you are a coffee or tea lover, then you should wait to check out this place. The walls are decorated with graffiti and you may find many photographers capturing the beauty of the place. The ambiance is so serene and scenic that it forces you to spend more time at this place. Moreover, many events related to culture, poetry, and literature happen here so make sure you plan a visit accordingly. Pro Tip: If you are a chai lover (tea) do not miss having the tea at Jug-Mug Thela. The flamboyant view of Champa Gali. 5. Bhardwaj Lake A lake in Delhi? Yes, we have a very beautiful lake situated in Delhi that is not known to most people. Bhardwaj Lake is one of the finest lakes located inside the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary on the Southern Delhi Ridge. The lake was formed because of the excessive mining of sandstone, lime, and Badarpur sand in the area. The lake is named after the mining contractor due to which the lake was formed. The lake is spread over an 8 km of area. You may
Pondicherry: A French Abode in India
Sitting on the shore of a charming beach, enjoying the lovely sunset away from the hustle and bustle. A beautiful dream, isn’t it? And Pondicherry is exactly a dream and fantasy which we all want to experience. Its amazingly clean beaches, radiant streets, flamboyant roads, and French city design have earned a place in everyone’s heart. A Visit to this city would make you forget that you are still in India and not in France. If you haven’t been to this charming and serene coastal city, what are you waiting for? It will surely give you a memory for a lifetime. Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, was a French colony and later on became an Indian Union Territory. “Puddu,” as the locals call it, was not a favorite tourist spot for a long time, but it started sparkling its magic over the tourists almost a decade ago. Now it enchants tourists from all over the world to experience its lovely beaches and astounding French architecture. Boats on the shore of a beach Being a French Colony, you could easily sense a french ascendancy. You would even find the street signs in the city in both Tamil and French languages. Most of the citizens speak French, and you would also find some French natives living over here. Pondicherry provides the best experience of both worlds as it is a perfect party destination and ideal for peaceful and relaxing vibes. Apart from its scenic beauty, it also has some phenomenal places and some thrilling activities that will surely strike a chord in your heart. Let’s have a look at some exciting activities and must-visit places in Pondicherry. 1) PROMENADE BEACH The lovely view of Promenade beach. It is also known as ‘Pondicherry Beach’ and undoubtedly is the most beautiful and serene beach in the city. Located in the middle of Pondicherry, it is a 1.2 km long stretch starting from War Memorial and ending towards Goubert Avenue. Having a walk at this lovely beach is going to rejuvenate you. The place looks astonishing during sunsets and sunrise. Not to forget about the variety of sea-facing restaurants that provide you with lip-smacking food and picturesque views. Moreover, vehicle entry is banned, giving you a chance to sink in the tranquil and serene atmosphere. Pro Tip: Do give a visit to Le Cafe located near this beach. The cafe transports you back to the time when Pondicherry was a French colony. It gives you a chance to savor authentic French cuisines. The cherry on the cake represents old photographs of the city Pondicherry that are placed in the cafe. 2) FRENCH WAR MEMORIAL White memorial surrounded by green bushes One of the best memorials in the country was built in the year 1971. It is a tribute to all the residents of French India who passed away during the first world war. On July 14th(French National Day), the memorial is decorated beautifully, and people from across the city come to pay their respects. It’s a unique style of architecture that has caught the eyeball of many tourists. Surrounded by lush green gardens and a tranquil atmosphere, it is a place worth seeing. Read more fun-facts about this memorial in this informative blog. 3) SERENITY BEACH Rocky path to beach with sunset Clean shore, fresh air, and appealing palm trees have made this beach a favorite spot for tourists. The radiant sand, along with the sparkling water of Bay of Bengal, makes it a sight to cherish. It’s a calm and peaceful atmosphere that has won the hearts of the tourists. You can also spot fishing boats, a flea market, and a surf school as you explore the beach. The beach is also a hub to many marvelous cafes and restaurants. 4) AUROVILLE The lovely Auroville city. Popularly known as the ‘city of dawn,’ it was founded by Mirra Alfassa in the year 1968. It is a universal town where people from all countries and caste are welcomed and live in peace and harmony. At the center of the city, you will find Matrimandir, a humongous golden sphere which stands as a symbol of divinity. Utmost silence and peace are maintained inside the premises of the temple. A visit to this temple relaxes your mind and paves a way to connect with the supreme power. Apart from this, Auroville Beach or Auro beach is another sight to behold. It is one of the finest beaches in Pondicherry. The beach is ideal for all swimming and surfing lovers. You may also be lucky to find Olive Ridley Sea Turtles on the beach. Moreover, you can also enjoy the lovely view of the lighthouse at night. In addition to that, it is one of the few beaches where you would find shacks. It is the ultimate beach to have fun and lighten up. To know more fun activities at Auroville read this lovely blog by Anna. 5) MANAKULA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE The magnificent Manakula temple. It is one of the major Hindu temples in Pondicherry dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Thousands of devotees come to this temple to offer their prayers and cleanse their minds and contemplate. The temple stands strong as a symbol of faith and divinity. Entering the vibrant halls of this place of devotion, you will notice a magnificent golden chariot made up of 7.5kg gold—the chariot was made from the donations given by the devotees. The spectacular architecture and the designs on the wall are surely going to impress you. You can also shop for souvenirs from the local shops located around the temple. 6) AAYI MANDAPAM The breathtaking view of Aayi Mandapam. It is a serene white monument built during the reign of Napoleon III, the great ruler of France. It is located in the middle of the Bharathi Park, Pondicherry. A glimpse of the monument is going to blow you
