If there is heaven on earth then it could be none other than Kashmir wrote one of the noted poet of India but he might have mistaken, he never visited Sikkim. Sikkim may never be as Kashmir but you need to set foot in this mystic land to discover the pleasure of a lifetime. Sikkim is a home of adventure, trekking and sight seeing. For the readers of Illumine here comes an opportunity to understand this very beautiful state

The small state of Sikkim in the Indian Union is known throughout the globe for its beautiful floras, majestic Mt Kanchenjunga and path breaking panoramic view of green lush valley. Prior to its merger with India on May 16, 1975, this state was small Himalayan kingdom ruled by the Namgyal Dynasty. The end of 300 years of monarchial system led to the move of democratic system in Sikkim with Lendup Dorji Khangserpa becoming the first Chief Minister of Sikkim. Today Sikkim is new booming travel destination for for the admirer of its beautiful landscape and the people with golden heart.

On the world map the Sikkim state speck an latitude of 27 degree 04’46” to 28 degree 07’48” N and longitude of 88 degree 00’58” to 88 degree 55’25” E. Sandwiched between the kingdoms of Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the east, the 22nd state in the Indian Union covers the area of 7,096 sq km. On its northern border towers the plateau of Tibet and China while the state of West Bengal of Indian Territory falls to it southern border.
One of the small least populated states in India, Sikkim according to 2001 Provisional Census stands at 5,40,493 (2,88,217 male and 2,52,276 female). There are four districts in Sikkim that include Gangtok, Geyzing, Namchi and Mangan in the east, west, north and south respectively.

The east districts have the largest population of 1,38,762 while the district of north scores the least with 41023. Literacy rate in Sikkim as per 2001 Census is at 69.68% i.e. 76.73 for male and 61.46 for females. The sex ratio in the state is 275 females per 1000 males.

Two major rivers of the state the Teesta and the Rangit meet at Melli where they uniform to end at Bay of Bengal.
Sikkim is rich in floras and fauna. Over 4000 varieties of plant species found in this state. Sikkim is the home of Orchids; Nobile orchid is the state flower. Here more than 600 different species are found and the two latest new orchid hybrids are named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpee and Late Kalpana Chawla.

Rhododendron is the state flower of the state where 35 different species can be seen in full bloom on seasons.
Blood Pheasant is the state bird and Red Panda the state animal. Sikkim also houses more than 400 different varieties of butterfly and moths. Parks and sanctuaries in places like Yumthang in North Sikkim and Barsey in West Sikkim are specially made for the visitors for their sightseeing green pastures.

Mt. Kanchenjunga is regarded, as the local deity and the identification of the state in international map. The Pang Lhabsol festival celebrated in Sikkim is very unique and worships the snowy peaks of the guardian deity of Sikkim, Mt. Khangchendonga. It is observed every year for the protection and to grace the land with good harvest, timely rainfall and to prevent from all types of natural calamities.

Sikkim
Sikkim formerly a sovereign kingdom became the 22nd state of India in 1975 - Sikkim, the land of Tranquility, Peace and Hidden Paradise, A beautiful region, abounding in natural and unspoilt beauty, historical sites, age old religious shrines and a melting pot of ethnic cultures and languages, Sikkim is fast becoming a hot spot for the both domestic and foreign tourists as it is the most peaceful state of the Indian Union.

The People
The predominant communities are the lepchas, Bhutias and the nepalis. In urban areas, people from other states have also settled in sikkim. marwaris, Biharis, Bengalis, South Indians and punjabis are mostly engaged in business and goverment services. All the communities speak nepali fluently through each community has its own language. Hindi and English are also spoken fluently. Nepali and English are the Official language of Sikkim.

The Lepchas
Lepcha means Ravine flok. The are the original inhabitants of Sikkim. Most of the Lepchas are settled in the Northern and central part of Sikkim. Lepcha folklore is rich with stories like they once attempting to ascent to Rum or Heaven by building the tower of earthen pots. a paralled to the biblical story of the tower of Babel.
Among the dieties of the Lepchas, Gebu Achuk is popular as he is said to have inventd the lepcha script wihich is very rich in vocabulary and onomatopaeic words. Namsoong is major festival conducted with great fanfare hearlding the begining of the new year.

The Bhutias
The bhutias are spread out throughout Sikkim, with their major inhabitancy being North Sikkim, Bhutias are followers of Buddhism. They speak both Sikkimese and Tibetan Languages. Bhutias and Lachen and Lachung have their own system of administration with the pipon being the elected head empowered with legislative, executive and judicial powers.
males and females both wear a loose full-sleeved cloak call the Bakhu with the ladies wearing a similar inner silken garment called Honju.

The Nepalis
The Nepalis are the major population in Sikkim. They constitute more than 80% of the total population of Sikkim. They have diffrent castes such as Bahun, Chettri, Newar, Rai, Limboo, Tamang, Mangar, Gurung, sunwar, Thami, Maji, Kami, Damai and Sarki. Although they have diffrent dialects, Nepali is the lingua franca of the tribes. Nepali is written in the Devnagiri script. Although mainly Hindu by faith. They have converted to other religions like Christianity, Buddhism and even Islam.