70 Interesting Facts About Sikkim

Facts About Sikkim: Sikkim is an eastern Indian state bordering China, Nepal and Bhutan, with Gangtok as its capital. The main language is Nepali. Sikkim is the smallest state in India after Goa. The thumb-shaped state is bordered by Nepal to the west, Tibet to the north and east, and Bhutan to the southeast. A total of 11 languages are considered official languages in the state, including Nepali, Sikkimese, Hindi, Lepcha, Tamang, Limbu, Newari, Rai, Gurung, Magar, Sunwar and English. Schools are mainly taught in English language and English language is also used in government letters, documents etc.

Unbelievable Facts About Sikkim

Sikkim is very rich in many species of orchids.
Yak and musk deer are the main animals found in Sikkim.
Mask dances of Bhutias, Nepalis and Lepchas are famous.
Sikkim’s economy is dependent mainly on agriculture and tourism.
Sikkim’s economy is dependent mainly on agriculture and tourism.
Momos, Wonton and Thukpa are the most popular cuisine of the state.
Red Panda is the state animal and noble orchid is the state flower.
These hot springs are known for their medicinal & therapeutic reasons.
Some of the important hot springs are at Borang, Ralang and Yumey Samdong.
In Lebanese language, Sikkim is called as Drenjong which means valley of rice.
The Sikkim state boasts about its 5 major and numerous others hot water springs.
Ban Jhakri waterfalls which are located near Gangtok is a major tourist attraction.
Buddha park of Ravangla containing 130 feet high statue of Buddha is famous tourist spot of Sikkim.
Sikkim bagged the title of “Cleanest State” in the year 2016 as per ‘Swachh Survekshan Gramin 2016’.
Sikkim, in 2016 declared itself as a fully organic state becoming the first state in India to do so.
Sikkim became India’s first ODF State even before Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan was launched in the country.

Facts About Sikkim Culture

Sikkim is known for Gumpa dance which is performed by Buddhists during the Losar (New year) festival.
Sikkim is the first Indian state known to have implemented organic farming and is called the first organic state.
Sikkim has the largest area for Cardamom production and also it is the highest producer of large cardamom in India.
Did you know? Gurudrongmar lake and Cho lhamu lake, both of which are in Sikkim, are also the highest lakes in India.
Sikkim has third highest per capita alcohol consumption rate (just behind Punjab and Haryana) among all Indian states.
River Tista and its tributaries flow through the state from north to south. River Tista is the main waterway of Sikkim.
With a height of 8,586m (28,169 feet), Mt. Kanchenjunga in Sikkim is the third most noteworthy mountains on the planet.
Statue of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) in the south district is considered as the patron of Sikkim as per Buddhist beliefs.
Only after Darjelling, West Bengal, Sikkim has the Highest number of Gurkhas residing in the state and probably in the world.
Hinduism and Buddhism are the main religions of the state. About 61 % of the population is of Hindus and 28 % follow Buddhism.
Apart from the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, it is the only Indian state which shows the glimpses of rich Buddhism culture.
Sikkim Rhubarb (Rheum Nobile) is a huge flowering plant about 2 Mtr maximum height. It is native to Himalayas and Sikkim especially.
Eventually on 16 May 1975 the monarchy was abolished and the Sikkim was merged with Indian union and become the 22nd state of India.

Economic Facts About Sikkim

Main agriculture products of Sikkim – Maize, paddy, millet, wheat and barley. Orange, potatoes, apples and cardamom are also produced.
Khan-gchendzonga National park is one of the highest national parks in the world and includes World’s third highest mountain Kangchenjunga.
Gurudongmar lake & Tsomgo lake which are situated at a height of 5180 meters and 3700 meters respectively are sacred lakes as per Buddhist beliefs.
This is the 22nd state of Indian union. As per 2011 census it is the least populous state of India and second smallest state by area just after Goa.
This is the 22nd state of the Indian union. As per 2011 census, it is the least populous state of India and second smallest state by area just after Goa.
Sikkim has a literacy rate of 82.2% as per 2011 census. This is remarkably more than national average of 74.04%. Sikkim is 7th most literate state of India.
Total length of international border of Sikkim is 350 Km. Out of total border length, Sikkim shares 220 Km with China, 98 Km with Nepal and 32 Km with Bhutan.
In Bhutan, the Sikkim is called as Beyul Demazong which means hidden valley of rice. In ancient times Sikkim was also called as Indrakil which means garden of Lord Indra.
Shri Pawan Kumar Chamling with the term of 24.5 years, became the longest serving Chief Minister in india after Jyoti Basu of West Bengal whose term as CM was of 23 years.
More than 81 % area is forest and it has trees such as sals, figs, bananas at lower elevations. At higher altitudes, there is an abundance of chair, pine, oaks and maple trees.
After re-opening of Nathu la pass on 6th July 2006, the state’s economy has seen significant growth as it facilitated the growth of trade and business with Lhasa region of Tibet, China.

Geographical Facts About Sikkim

Mineral Resources of Sikkim – Gold, silver, copper, Zinc. Main Industries of Sikkim-most available industries are food processing, tanning, watch assembly, distilleries, breweries, flour mills etc
Sikkim has 84 glaciers in total which is the largest number as compared to any other state or union territory across India. This makes the state best in tourism sector than any other states in India.
Sikkim is the only State in India where a large portion of the general population have their origins from other nations i.e. Nepal. The other significant ethnic groups in Sikkim are Lepcha and Bhutia.
Cardamom and ginger are the cash crops of Sikkim. The state produces second largest amount of cardamom in the world only after Guatemala. This makes Sikkim the largest cardomom producer state in India.
Sikkim is home to one of the hottest Chillies in the world which is locally known as “Dalle Khorsani”. It also recently earned the GI tag from the Union department of Industry promotion and internal trade.
Sikkim is known for its rich biodiversity and is the land known for more than 500 different species of Orchids, 11 Oak species, 23 different varieties of Bamboo trees and over 400 different medicinal plants.
Kangchenjunga the world’s third highest and India’s highest peak (on actual grounds Mount K2 doesn’t come in India’s control as it lies in POK) starts from this region and is located on its border with Nepal.

Historical Facts About Sikkim

Sikkim was annexed and defeated by the Bhutanese in 1700. Later Tibetans drove out the Bhutanese and restored the crown to Chogyals. Sikkim faced raids for quite a long period of time by Nepalese and Bhutanese.
Chaang is an aged oat based mellow mixed refreshment. It is the most renowned beverage of Sikkim and is expended amid social gatherings. The most fascinating piece of this beverage is the manner by which it is served.
Bhum Chu is an uncommon blessed water festival which happens in the Tashiding Monastery which is a standout amongst the most sacred monasteries of Sikkim. It is said that this function figures the eventual fate of Sikkim.
Rumtek and Phodong monasteries are the most famous religious spots depicting Buddhist culture of Sikkim. Other famous monasteries include – Enchey monastery, Pemayangtse monastery, Phensang monastery and Tashiding monastery.
Due to expansionist policy of British, the ties between the East India Company and Sikkim gradually snapped and Sikkim was annexed by British. Although Sikkim was given sovereignty and it was given the status of princely state.
With a length of 198 m and profundity of 220 m, The Singshore Bridge in Pelling is the second most noteworthy bridge in Asia. The scaffold offers a radiant view of the immaculate valley, overpowering cascades, and the verdant slopes.
Gurkha war of 1814 is seen as backlash of attach of Nepalese on the Sikkim. British East India Company in alliance with Sikkim attacked Nepal which is called as Gurkha war. After this war, peace treaties were signed between Nepal and Sikkim.

Information About Sikkim

In Tibatese language Sikkim is called as Drenjong which means valley of rice. In Bhutan, the Sikkim is called as Beyul Demazong which means hidden valley of rice. In ancient times Sikkim was also called as Indrakil which means garden of lord Indra.
Apart from the Laddakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, it is the only Indian state which shows the glimpses of rich Buddhism culture. Hinduism and Buddhism are the main religions of the state. About 61 % of population is of Hindus and 28 % follow Buddhism.
Nathu La pass is the key geographical feature of this state. Nathu La pass is a part of the ancient Silk Route which once was an important trade route connecting India with the far reaches of Tibet. This pass was closely followed by the India China war of 1962.
Phuntsog Namgyal founded the Namgyal dynasty and established himself as the monarch ruler of Sikkim in 1642. He was called as Chogyal which means priest king. In 1670 his son Tensung Namgyal ascended to the throne. Sikkim allied itself with British India in 19th century.
GDP of the state is very poor and Sikkim comes on second last position by GDP rank of all Indian States. If an economy is measured in terms of GDP per capita then Sikkim stands at third position among all Indian states (first being Goa, second is Delhi). (as per the year 2014 GDP data).
There are numerous temples which have been devoted to different Gods and Goddesses. Be that as it may, seldom is any temple built to pay tribute to a person? This respect has been favoured upon the Indian armed force trooper Major “Baba” Harbhajan Singh” who is hailed as the “Saint of Nathula.”
In 1973 there were huge riots and thus and thus there was a consensus among the masses to get protection from India. In 1975 thus Indian Army took over the control in Gangtok and a referendum was sought. The referendum gave clear mandate to abolish the monarchy and to become a part of Union of India.
Sikkim brags of more than 552 unique types of birds and around 690 types of butterflies. Stunning! Is it safe to say that it isn’t? The extraordinary whiskery vulture with its 10 feet wing length can be found in Sikkim. Different types of flying creatures like the Himalayan Griffon and Impeyan Pheasant are found in this beautiful state.
Thankas are religious scrolls hanged in monasteries and Buddhist houses across the state of Sikkim. Thankas are accepted to keep away evil spirits. In this way, they are viewed as consecrated and propitious. The illustrations and artworks in Thanka are intricate to the point that it takes about a couple of months or two to finish one single parchment.
The various normal hot springs of Sikkim goes about as a characteristic spa. The absolute most renowned regular hot springs are Yumthang Hot Spring, Yume Samdong hot spring, Taram hot spring, Reshi hot spring, Borong hot spring and Ralong hot spring. To encounter the most extreme advantage, scrub down in these hot springs in the long periods of February and March.
It shares a border with only 1 state – West Bengal in the south. It also shares an international boundary with 3 countries i.e. Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west and China in the north which also happens to be a maximum number of international borders shared by any Indian State. Note – there is only one more state which has maximum (3 nos.) number of international borders: Arunachal Pradesh.
Consistently amid the late spring, International Flower Festival is held in the state of Sikkim. In the celebration, the colourful assortments of flowers, orchids, and different plants are shown. This modest state is a home to around 600 sorts of orchids and 240 types of trees and greeneries. There are likewise 150 assortments of gladioli and 46 types of rhododendrons. Sikkim has around one– third of the aggregate angiosperms found in India.

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