A Quick Guide To Facts About Sikkim

Sikkim, the northeastern state of India, is also called the land of monasteries as it is home to more than 200 monasteries. It is known to share borders with Tibet and China in the northeast, Bhutan in the east, and Nepal in the west. Like all other states of the country, Sikkim is also known for its unique culture, which is formed by a mixture of traditions, beliefs, and customs of three different communities – the Lepchas, the Bhutias, and the Nepalese. 

Sikkim Map 

The map of Sikkim is known for its unique shape. When it comes to locating Sikkim on the map, it can be found in the northeastern part of India or the eastern part of the Himalayas. Sikkim has a very low population. The state shares its border with only one Indian state, that is, West Bengal. Sikkim is located between 27N to 20.5N. The state covers an area of 7,096 square km. It is substantially surrounded by mountains and has only one source of water, which is the Rangeet River. 

Facts About Sikkim

The following are some facts about Sikkim:

• Capital: Gangtok
• It is located in the northeastern part of India.
• Sikkim became part of India in 1975; before that, it was an independent country.
• Sikkim was founded by the Namgyal Dynasty.
• It is the home to the Kanchenjunga National Park, which is also a UNESCO Heritage site.
• Kanchenjunga Peak, which is the highest peak in India, is located in Sikkim.
• The languages spoken in Sikkim are Hindi, English, Sikkimese, and Nepali.
• The state has banned plastic water bottles and is known as the most environmentally conscious state.
• Sikkim is also regarded as the cleanest state after winning the “Cleanest State” title in 2016.
• In 2016, Sikkim also declared itself as a fully organic state.
• Sikkim is known for the cultivation of famous cash crops – cardamom and ginger. It is also the second-largest producer of cardamom worldwide.
• It is known for producing Dalle Khorsani, which is the hottest chilli in the world.
• It is famous for the pilgrimage spot Siddheswar Dham, which has a 108-foot tall statue of Lord Shiva, an 18-feet tall statue of Lord Shiva as a Hunter, and 12 jyotirlingas surrounding the statues.
• It is famous for the Rhubarb flower, which can grow up to two meters in height. 
• It is a house for many hot water springs, which are used for medicinal purposes to release pain and stress. Reshi, Yumthang, and Ralang are some of the famous hot water springs in the state.
• The state has more than 200 monasteries; Rumtek and Phodong are the most famous ones on the list.

Climate

The climatic condition of Sikkim varies with regions like the southern region experiencing subtropical climatic conditions, the north region experiencing Tundra-type climatic conditions, and the rest of the state experiencing temperate climatic conditions. The average yearly temperature of the state is around 18°C. During summers, the temperature ranges between 5°C and 25°C, and during winters, the temperature ranges between -5°C and 7°C. The state experiences somewhere between 1270 mm and 5080 mm rainfall all year round.

Biodiversity

The state is known for its flora and fauna, as 20% of the state is covered with forest. Some of the famous subtropical forests of the state include sal, palms, bamboos, ferns, and many more. Some of the temperate forests are oak, maple, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, and many more.

Sikkim is also known for the animals found in the forest, like the black bears, red panda, blue sheep, gorals, Tibetan antelope, and many more. The famous birds found in the state are pheasants, quail, eagles, barbets, Himalayan cuckoos, and many more.

The most famous national park in Sikkim, Kanchenjunga National Park, is known for protecting a wide range of animals. 

Wildlife Sanctuaries In Sikkim

Sikkim is home to five other wildlife sanctuaries. They are as follows:

1. Fambong Lho Sanctuary

This sanctuary is about 20 km from the capital city of Gangtok and covers an area of about 51 km. This park has many species of animals like barking deer and red pandas.

1. Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary lies on the west side of the state of Sikkim. It has good soil for agriculture and is covered by mountains.

1. Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary is located in the eastern part of Sikkim and covers an area of about 31 km.

1. Maenam Sanctuary

This famous wildlife sanctuary is renowned for its medicinal plants. It is also considered to be a popular trekking destination.

1. Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary is also present in the eastern part of Sikkim. It covers an area of 124 square km and is famous for its ecoregions and biomes, which feature pine forests and savanna.

Conclusion

Sikkim, the smallest state in India, is popular for the number of monasteries it houses. The culture of Sikkim is known for its unique mix of two religions – Hinduism and Buddhism. The state doesn’t have any official flag at present, but before it became a part of India, it was known to have a flag. At present, the state government is simply represented by the state emblem on a white background. It is interesting to know that even though it is the smallest state in the country, it is the third richest state. It is the beauty of the state that attracts a lot of tourists.