Signature to the state – It’s a place to collect blessings
As I write this blog, it’s mixed feelings about missing out on travel and coming back to reality. It’s about how I have just come back from my journey but seems long back. So either I am traveling or I stay into the latest travel moments, memories, and experiences until the next.
Gangtok in April was a bucket list tick. Pending on the bucket list since JAN 2020. Yes, so a bucket list can work slowly and can be frustrating. But once we were outside the door and onto the flight we knew it was happening and our exuberance knew no bounds.
At Bagdogra airport it didn’t seem we were anywhere near Gangtok, the Bangla chatter all around made sure we were in West Bengal. The difference between your visual and actual brings you to the reality that I am to road travel to reach the beautiful state of Sikkim.
Famous Chicken Neck with TEESTA all the way
Around four to five hours of drive, next to the milky yet free flowing Teesta River we drive through the Chicken neck of the state, connecting the east to the rest of the country, we realize how vulnerable this part of the country is.
As we enter the layered city of Gangtok, also the capital of the state of Sikkim what catches my eyes as we reach our hotel Yank Hill are the vividly painted houses on the layers of the hills. It seems as an abode in the clouds for the humans.
Always on cloud Nine
The clouds are permanent residents of the state and threaten to be nasty any time, the downpour is very much signature to Sikkim. But we do get in between breathers, though an Umbrella is a necessary accessory.
The hilly layers and ———– Forest with colorful dots of houses and cotton-like clouds makes this a most picturesque place making it a very signature landscape to the State and the hilly regions. The fluttering Flags add to its beauty in the backdrop of blue skies dotted with white clouds.
Some signature findings of the state
Surrounded by the Himalayas and the Kangchenjunga the beauty is multifold and beyond words. Waterfalls are the signature of Sikkim. From the tallest to the smallest these waterfalls are to the highest degree of beauty personified.
These free-flowing natural wonders add a positive ambiance. I found uncountable of these milky white natural wonders, getting their feed from snow-clad mountains. Each one beautiful than the other.
The climate is just right for the flowers to blossom, tiny shoots and flowers welcome the tourist with the natural carpet of pinks and purples with greens to break the monotony. The state has a lovely flora and fauna and orchids are one of them. After Singapore I got the opportunity to see and feel so many in vivid colors in Sikkim.
Orchids and variety of orchids
The sightseeing is a treat to the eyes amidst the blooming native flowers, every element complementing the other. It seems the universe has blessed the places and the colorful prayer flags keep the legacy of blessings. I am told I am in the best season i.e. April and May to see all the natural wonders performing to their best. I am delighted and highly grateful as the late bucket list seems to be ticking at the right time.
Catching hold of the blessings
It’s natural to observe all around when you are surrounded by beauty all over, the city is layered and the roads are roller coasters. But as I travel through the city and out, to and fro shuttling between sightseeing, I am in love with the people and their patience.
A rare commodity indeed! While Driving on single narrow roads each one giving way to the other and not taking way, honking seemed alien to our ears. Abusing while driving NAAH! That’s the signature of the state. What an amazing way to self-control noise pollution.
The dignity of labor
Signature to the state. Contentment is another. The abundant blessings of mother nature have made people in the capital and the regional areas very contended. I found them very naturalistic and in sync with Nature. Finding out ways to survive and sustain. The women of the state lead the baton, they are dressed immaculately and are charisma personified.
The state made us use our own water Bottles throughout, courageous isn’t that? saying No to single-use plastic is a very Signature to the state. Happy I was to follow. loved the step and found nature breathing freely without the plastics.
Organic food vendor
Going organic and taking pride …but the hard way
The State is an organic State, all veggies are grown without fertilizers … to cut a long story short … they suffered due to the high use of fertilizers and the decision after that has changed the face of the state. Known to be the Organic state and a visit to the local vendor made us feel the difference. Signature to the state.
A homestay that serves homegrown Food. Farm to table
I found the state with a Bounty of blessings, though it exists with border countries casting a heavy influence, most of the times vulnerable … they have clearly defined wants and needs. They have adopted and evolved their ways of life but kept nature as their integral part.
The days pass by and time flies and you want more always, every evening strolling, as the darkness casts its spell on the nearby mountains and otherwise noisy surrounding goes silent, it’s only the waterfalls cascading down that gives you company.
Sikkim -A peaceful destination
We explore the food and culture on the M.G. Road and the TUPKA tastes amazingly delicious in the very Famous “Taste of Tibet”. The hot Butter tea soothes the insides as with a heavy heart I bid goodbye to Gangtok. Taking in all the signature visuals of the state with me, I could cover a few but I am sure there must be many.
