Sikkim Travel Information

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Sikkim Travel Information

Sikkim is a landlocked Indian state nestled in the Himalayas. It is the least populous state in India, and the second-smallest in area after Goa. It borders Nepal in the west, Tibet to the north, and Bhutan to the east. The Indian state of West Bengal borders Sikkim to its south. The official languages are English, Bhutia, Nepali, Lepcha, Limbu, and Hindi. The predominant religions are Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. Despite its tiny size, Sikkim is geographically diverse, owing to its location on the Himalaya. The climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine. Kangchenjunga, the world's third highest peak, is located in the northwestern part of the state on the boundary with Nepal, and can be seen from most parts of the state.

It was an independent Buddhist Kingdom, ruled by Chogyal Kings and when the British left India, Sikkim rejected offer to join the union of India. Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru agreed to a special protectorate status for Sikkim. Sikkim was to be a suzerainty of India, in which India controlled its external affairs, defense, diplomacy and communication. However Chogyal King was slowly proving to be extremely unpopular, especially with increased Nepali population. In 1975, the Kazi (Prime Minister) of Sikkim appealed to the Indian Parliament for representation and change of Sikkim's status to a state of India. Indian Army moved into Sikkim, seizing the city of Gangtok, disarming the Palace Guards. A referendum was held in which majority of the people voted to join the Indian Union. A few weeks later on May 16, 1975, Sikkim officially became the 22nd state of the Indian Union, and the monarchy was abolished. Visitors whose Indian Visa is not endorsed with Sikkim permit are required to complete a form and provide a passport size picture at the border. of the Indian state.