Where Is Sikkim Located?
Where is Sikkim located? Sikkim is an Indian state in the Himalayas. It is bordered my Nepal, Bhutan, West Bengal, and the Tibet Region of China.
The origin of the name “Sikkim” is a combination of two words from the Limbu language; “Su” meaning “new” and “Khyim” meaning “house.” This would refer to the palace that the first ruler, Phuntsog Namgyal, built.
- The Tibetans call Sikkim Denjong, meaning “valley of rice.”
- The native people, the Lepchas, called it Nye-mae-el meaning “paradise.”
- The Bhutias call it Beymul Demazong, meaning “the hidden valley of rice.”
- In Hindu texts, it is known as Indrakil, or “the garden of Indra.”
Sikkim is a country of ½ million people, which makes it the least populous state in India, and with 7300 square miles, it is the second smallest state. It contains the third highest mountain in the world, Mount Khangchendzonga. It has been a state in India since 1975. It has 11 languages, and English is taught in the schools and used in official documents. The majority of its citizens are Nepalese, and the main religions are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism.
Characteristics of Sikkim
If you want to know, “Where is Sikkim located?” you need to first find the Himalayas. Because of its location, its geographical features are varied. The terrain is mostly mountainous, and unfit for farming. However, some mountain slopes have been changed into farmland by terracing. There are many river valleys in the western and southern regions. About one third of the state is covered with forests.
Sikkim has 227 lakes, 28 mountain peaks, 80 or more glaciers, and more than 100 rivers. Connecting Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan to Sikkim are eight mountain passes. There are hot springs used for healing and physical therapy where the water averages 122 degrees F. The climate varies from the icy cold of the mountains to the tropical heat of the valleys. This great diversity in climatic regions is one reason for the large amount and variety of birds in Sikkim, which is one of the world’s most prolific regions of bird life.
Economy
If you know the answer to the question, “Where is Sikkim located?” you will have a clue as to its economy. Its economy depends on agriculture and tourism. One of the most important products to Sikkim’s economy is cardamom. They produce more than anyone else in India. Other crops include:
- Wheat
- Maize
- Barley
- Rice
- Oranges
- Tea
Industries include: tanning, watch-making, distilleries, and breweries.
Recently, the state of Sikkim has initiated gambling to help its economy. Their first casino opened in 2009, and others are sure to follow. They manage the Playwin lottery that operates all over India, and it has been very successful. They are also considering online sports gambling. Sikkim has avidly been promoting tourism and that has increased the state revenue by 14 times since the mid-1990s.
Where Is Sikkim Located?
To be such a small state, Sikkim has great beauty and diversity. Because of that, and healthy promotion, its tourism has increased dramatically. According to the official website of Sikkim Tourism, the major benefits of the state are that it:
- Is organic
- Free of pollution
- Features wildlife and eco tourism
- Offers wellness and yoga retreats
- Has plenty of wildlife to enjoy
Because of the great diversity of bird life, bird touring has become popular. There are around 600 species of birds, 4000 species of flowering plants, including 600 species of orchids. Other areas of the state offer waterfalls, hot springs, caves (some considered sacred), ancient monasteries, and adventure sports. All of this can be enjoyed without giving up modern conveniences.
Diversity also applies to Sikkim’s human inhabitants. There are many different communities, each with their own traditions and celebrations that include music, food, and dancing, that can make a vacation there memorable.