Traveling is always considered rejuvenating. Visiting a destination be it explored or unexplored will always have something wonderful to offer to all the travel aficionados out there.

But when it comes to paying a visit to a place almost renamed a 'paradise' by the locals for being extremely alluring with the best of scenic spots, snow crowned mounts, flower bedded meadows, pristine water bodies and much more, the very word 'travel' begins to sound extra fascinating.

But which place could be so very alluring that just a few words can make it 'seem' so wonderful? We are talking of the simply superb Sikkim!!

Sikkim, one of the most beautiful Indian states located in the region of the Himalayan mountains is a magical land, teeming with nature's blessings. All of lovely places worth a visit once in a life time,this wonderful state has many things unique in it to boast off.

Come, let us learn all important and interesting facts about this unexplored hilly Indian state. . .

Geography of Sikkim

Sikkim is a hilly region nestled in the Himalayan Mountains. Most places in the state of Sikkim are hilly terrains, with an elevation ranging from 280 m to 8,585 m height. The highest point of the state happens to Mount Kanchenjunga – the third highest peak on globe. Sikkim shares its border with Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west and the Tibetan plateau in the north.

The state has about 28 mountainous peaks, about 227 high altitude lakes and around 80 glaciers. What,s more, adding to the uniqueness of the state's geography are as many as a 100 rivers and rivulets and many major hot springs. The hot springs of Sikkim are considered very special for they are believed to have therapeutic powers with a natural average temperature of 50°C.

Talking furthermore about its geography helps us understand that as much as one third of Sikkim is heavily forested and there are a range of streams that are snow fed and join river Teesta – the 'lifeline of Sikkim'.

Climate

As beautiful is the state of Sikkim, so beautiful is its climate. Though Sikkim state happens to be one of those very few Indian states receiving snowfall on a regular basis each year, the residents at the place always experience a moderate and pleasant climate.

The climate here changes from the tundra in the northern area to sub tropical climate in the southern region. The northern region that experiences the tundra climate is snow clad for about four months each year when the temperature drops to as low as 0°C.

What makes the place's climactic conditions pleasant is the fact that its temperature almost never exceeds 28°C during summer and nor does it freeze at 0°C during the winter season. The monsoon season is a little unsafe though for the place receives quite heavy rains that lead to landslides.

Different names of Sikkim, its subdivisions and populace. . .

The State of Sikkim has many names. While according to the Lepchas its called Nye-mae-el which means 'paradise', people of the Limbu community called it 'Su Khim' which means 'New House'. And for the Bhutia community people, Sikkim is 'beymul Demazong' - 'the hidden valley of rice'.

The state is divided into four divisions as East, West, North and South Sikkim and their capitals are Gangtok, Gayzing, Mangan and Namchi respectively. The entire state is populated with about 607,000 people and happens to be the second smalled Indian state after Goa, apart from being the least populated Indian state.

What to see in Sikkm . . .

Visit these places and indulge in the activities mentioned below while at the lovely land of Sikkim: The tallest ever statue of Sikkim's patron saint – Guru Padmasambhava inNamchi, the lovely Rhododendron sanctuary – the sanctum with a wide variety of the state flower, mount Kanchenjunga – world's third highest peak, many sacred and vibrant Buddhist monasteries, the beautiful green valleys and rivers, the Sikkim special Hot Springs, tranquil and unexplored places suitable for village and eco tourism, a range of hills perfectly suited for adventure sports, and the list goes on . . .

Foods and Fests . . .

And not to forget, the Sikkimese cuisines and culture are two things that have also put this little beautiful state in an important position. Sikkimese people are basically rice eaters. Some of the popular traditional foods of Sikkim are the momos, chowmein, wanton, fakthu, Gya Thuk or Thukpa – a noodle based soup, phagshapa and Ningro with churpi. Alcohol based drinks too are popularly consumed among the Sikkimese.

The traditional festivals celebrated by the local Sikkimese Buddhist population include the Maghe Sankranti, Bhimsen Puja, Drupka Teshi, losar, Bumchu, Saga Dawa and Loosang to name a few. All the Hindu festivals are celebrated by the Nepali population settled in Sikkim.

With so much in the offing, no wonder this resplendent state called Sikkim has and is slowly turning out to be a major Indian tourist hot spot. Come, let us explore much more about this blessed state; holidaying at which can be an unbeatable experience!